Travel arrangements

local
national
international

Trams and Buses

The Graz public transportation system consists of both buses and trams. Bus and tram stops are designated by round green and yellow signs with a large "H" in the center. "H" stands for "Haltestelle" (bus and tram stop). Signs displaying the routes and the time schedules of the individual lines are placed underneath the signs. Tickets are valid for both trams and buses. The hub of all the Graz transport is called 'Jakominiplatz' where all the trams and most of the buses go through. It is very central and a good point of reference for exploring the city or a meeting place downtown.

Tickets cost € 1.90 per ride (valid for one hour) when purchased aboard the vehicle. You may transfer as many times as necessary in order to reach your destination within an hour after having validated your ticket. The driver also can sell you a map of the Graz transportation system including all bus and tram lines.

An overview of the prices for public transportation in Graz can be found here.

Once you have bought your ticket you need to validate it at the beginning of your journey. You will find little boxes spaced throughout buses or street-cars, insert your pass into the slot and the ticket will be validated. If you are caught travelling without a ticket ("Schwarzfahren") you will have to pay a fine plus the cost for the ride itself.

Bicycles

At this point we would like to mention that most people in the city walk or ride their bicycles, it's the cheap and healthy option that gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility.

Taxis

There are several taxi companies in Graz. You may either catch a taxi at one of the taxi stands (Hauptplatz, Bahnhof, Universität, Geidorfplatz, Schillerplatz, and many more) or phone for a cab to pick you up. The basic fare for all taxi companies in Graz is € 4. A trip from HAUPTBAHNHOF (main train station) to the University averages € 5 - € 6 depending on the time of day and the traffic; a trip from the AIRPORT to the University will cost around € 17. The telephone numbers of some major taxi companies are: 878, 889, 222, 444, 555 or 2801.

Trains

The ÖSTERREICHISCHE BUNDESBAHNEN (Federal Railway - website) provide an efficient means of transportation with which you can reach most parts of the country. From Graz, connections to Vienna, Klagenfurt, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck are well-developed.

Train schedules providing arrival and departure times are available at the HAUPTBAHNHOF, where you may also inquire at the information booth. If you are not in the vicinity of the train station, simply call the train information, phone: 05/1717. The STEIERMÄRKISCHE LANDESREISEBÜRO on Hauptplatz will also provide train- and other information.

If you are under 26, you can byu the VORTEILSCARD <26 , with which you will be granted a reduction of up to 50% on all train fares within Austria. You can get the railway pass at the main train station (“Schlafwagen- und Sitzplatzreservierungen”) by filling in a form and presenting an ID and a photograph. The pass costs € 19,90 and is valid for one year.

Buses

Both the ÖSTERREICHISCHEN BUNDESBAHNEN and the ÖSTERREICHISCHE POST offer bus services to many of the smaller towns and villages not, or not efficiently, serviced by trains. The "Postbusse" (usually yellow buses) leave from Andreas-Hofer-Platz, the Bahnbusse (red) leave from Hauptbahnhof. There are no fare reductions offered. Postbus information telephone: +43-316-811818.

Trains

Reduced international tickets (EURODOMINO, SparSchiene) can be purchased at the main train station, at the STEIERMÄRKISCHE LANDESREISEBÜRO on Hauptplatz or in the travel agency ÖKISTA (Raubergasse 20, Tel. 826262, email). ÖKISTA can also help you to identify and book accommodation in major European cities.

If you are under 26 years old, you may buy an INTERRAIL ticket, which is valid in most European and some North-African countries and which entitles you to unlimited train travel within a given period. You can find more information at INTERRAIL.

Air Travel

Air travel within Europe is relatively expensive and, given the excellent train connections, usually not necessary. Cheaper rates (not only for young people) are offered by ÖKISTA. AUSTRIAN AIRLINES will also grant a reduction on fares on all Austrian Airlines international flights (for details check with their office in Herrengasse). Trips to London Stansted are best booked with Ryan Air. Another airline within Europe with reasonable prices is Welcome Air

Buses

There are very few international bus lines, most of them seasonal, going to Italy, Hungary and some republics of the former Yugoslavia. There is a regular bus transfer to Zagreb.