Major city · Austria
Linz
Give Linz one full day and one night as a rail stop between Vienna and Salzburg: old town, Lentos and Ars Electronica, then move on.
Linz is Austria's third-largest city and a Danube steel town that rebuilt itself as a media-art city. The baroque Hauptplatz, the Lentos glass facade and the Ars Electronica Center sit within a 20-minute walk, and the Pöstlingbergbahn climbs to the city's landmark church. Trains to Vienna and Salzburg run hourly, so most travellers use it as a one-night stop rather than a base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep, Dec (Christmas markets)
- avoid Nov (grey and wet), late Jul–Aug heat spells
- Airports
- LNZ · VIE · MUC
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Austria ↗Austria is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Austria ↗Motorways and expressways need a vignette (digital or sticker); driving on them without one brings on-the-spot fines.
- Austria ↗Winter tyres or chains are required in winter conditions; hire cars from outside Austria may not have them fitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Linz133 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Linz, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Austria-wide
- SIM or eSIMA1, Magenta and Drei are the networks; prepaid SIMs from shops and supermarkets (registration with ID).Austria-wide
- Tap waterTap water is excellent.Austria-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10%, told to the server when paying.Austria-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Austria-wide
- SafetyLinz is a safe, low-crime city by Austrian standards.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets in cities cost €0.50 (≈ under US$1); cafés and museums have free ones for guests.Austria-wide
- Emergency numbers133 police · 144 ambulance · 122 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close on Sundays and holidays; Saturday afternoon closures in small towns.Austria-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckLNZ Blue Danube Airport (Hörsching) (Bus to Linz about 20 min, around €3 (≈ US$4); taxi €25–30 (≈ US$30–35); train to Hörsching €1.80 (≈ US$3) plus free shuttle (check)).
- Getting aroundTrams and buses cover the centre and the station; buy tickets from machines at stops or at tobacco and newspaper shops.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee in a café€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealMain course in a mid restaurant€14–22 (≈ US$17–30)
- Beer0.5 l draught€4–5.50 (≈ US$5–7)
- Metro or bus rideTram or bus single ride€2.40–3 (≈ US$3–4) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Lentos, Ars Electronica, Schlossmuseum)€6.50–8 (≈ US$8–10)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€28 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €105 (≈ US$130) · High €190 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LNZ Blue Danube Airport (Hörsching) (Bus to Linz about 20 min, around €3; taxi €25–30; train to Hörsching €1.80 plus free shuttle (check)) · VIE Vienna International (Direct Railjet from the airport terminal to Linz, about 1 h 40 min) · MUC Munich Airport (S-Bahn to Munich Hbf, then long-distance train to Linz, about 3 h 45 min total)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Mar
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Care*
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Care
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
Best
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep, Dec. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Avoid: Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Jun (12 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Linz: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Feb
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
12 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Dec
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Trams and buses cover the centre and the station; buy tickets from machines at stops or at tobacco and newspaper shops. A one-day ticket is €6 (€3 under 14), a 4-stop mini-ticket €1.50. The Pöstlingbergbahn (tram 50) climbs from Hauptplatz to the basilica. Most of the old town is walkable in 20 minutes end to end.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Steyr
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train from Linz Hbf, about 40 min
Small historic centre at the confluence of two rivers; half a day is enough.
Wels
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Train from Linz Hbf, about 20 min
Quick rail hop, but the centre is small; go only if you have a reason.
Freistadt
goDoor to door: About 1–1.25 h
Train to Summerau or bus from Linz, about 1 h
Walled medieval town in the Mühlviertel; a full half-day.
Schärding
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Train from Linz Hbf toward Passau, about 1 h 15 min
Baroque square on the Inn river; combine with a Passau run if you have time.
Hallstatt
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5–3 h
Train to Attnang-Puchheim, change to Hallstatt station, then ferry
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep one night in the Salzkammergut.
Vöcklabruck
skipDoor to door: About 1 h
Train from Linz Hbf, about 45 min
Ordinary small town; only worth it if you are already heading that way.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old town / Hauptplatz
Everything walkable: Hauptplatz, Landstraße, Lentos and the castle. Quietest after dark, fewest beds.
Hauptbahnhof area
Best for one-night rail stops: lockers, Spar grocery, tourist info and trams into the centre in about 10 min.
Urfahr (north bank)
Across the Danube bridge; cheaper rooms and the Pöstlingbergbahn base at Landgutstraße.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €160 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 1 night × €120 | €120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €105 | €210 |
| Airport bus, both ways2 × €6 · check | €12 |
| One-day tram and bus ticket2 × €6 | €12 |
| Linz Card, 1 day2 × €16 | €32 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €42 |
| Trip total≈ €229 per person per day, bed included | €458≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in euro; long-distance rail and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee in a café | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Main course in a mid restaurant | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer, 0.5 l draught | €4–5.50 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Linzer torte slice | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Tram or bus single ride | €2.40–3 (≈ US$3–4) (check) |
| Museum entry (Lentos, Ars Electronica, Schlossmuseum) | €6.50–8 (≈ US$8–10) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Nearly all shops close on Sundays except small shops at the main station.
- The Linz Card (1-day €16 (≈ US$19), 3-day €35 (≈ US$45)) only pays off if you use three or more museums plus transport in a day.
- Pöstlingbergbahn return is €8.50 (≈ US$10), or €12.80 (≈ US$15) with a one-day city ticket; buy the combined ticket if you also ride trams.
- Check current opening hours for the New Cathedral and Old Cathedral before you go; both keep short daytime windows.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 133
- Ambulance
- 144
- Fire
- 122
- European emergency
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
LinzLinz
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Zu dieser Adresse, bitteTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police133
- Ambulance144
- Fire122
- European emergency112
Embassy
Austria has no US or UK embassy in Linz; embassies are in Vienna. US consular services for Upper Austria are handled from Vienna (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport bus LNZ → Linz centre: about €3 (≈ US$4), about 20 min (check)
- Taxi LNZ → Linz centre: €25–30 (≈ US$30–35) (check)
- Pöstlingbergbahn return: €8.50 (≈ US$10), or €12.80 (≈ US$15) with a one-day city ticket
- Train Linz → Vienna: about €30–60 (≈ US$35–70), about 1 h 20 min (check)
Say or show
- Grüß Gott — Hello (gruess got)
- Danke — Thank you (dahn-kuh)
- Bitte — Please (bit-tuh)
- Die Rechnung, bitte — The bill, please (dee rekh-noong, bit-tuh)
- Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? — Can I pay by card? (kahn ikh mit kar-tuh tsah-len)
- Wo ist die Haltestelle? — Where is the tram stop? (voh ist dee hahl-tuh-shtel-luh)
Tipping: round up or add about 10%, said to the server.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Linz. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep, Dec (Christmas markets) · avoid Nov (grey and wet), late Jul–Aug heat spells · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LNZ: bus and taxi fares field-checked, last connections, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Hauptplatz and Landstraße, castle and Schlossmuseum, Lentos and Ars Electronica, Pöstlingberg.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (New Cathedral, Old Cathedral, Lentos, Ars Electronica, Schlossmuseum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Sunday and Christmas-market fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialLinz Tourism
- officialCity of Linz
- officialLinz AG (trams, buses, Pöstlingbergbahn)
- officialBlue Danube Airport Linz
- officialÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Linz, revision 5336256 (CC BY-SA 4.0)