Getting Around

Getting Around Trains and Driving in Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland

One of the most pleasant, relaxing and convenient ways to experience the Alps is to take the train. You can lean back and watch the beautiful landscape go by while enjoying a cup of coffee in the restaurant car or talking to other travelers about their experiences. A Railpass or Eurailpass offers the best value for train rides within or between all of the five countries.

Another great way to travel is to rent a car, which allows you to discover magnificent scenery off the beaten track and gives you the freedom to explore the Alps without adhering to schedules and timetables. Rental agencies can be found at every airport and in major cities. Before you make your car rental arrangements we suggest to check out driving regulations of the specific countries. Be sure to know toll regulations and speed limits. Driving regulations are similar to those in the US, except for some important considerations: All countries have laws that make seatbelts mandatory for all passengers, prohibit right turns on red and passing on the right on expressways and highways. The use of cell phones behind the wheel is prohibited unless you can call hands free. US and Canadian driving licenses are valid but, except for Switzerland, the license must be accompanied by a translation or an international license.

Austria: Speed Limits are clearly marked and do not exceed 130 km/hr on major highways. It is mandatory to carry a high visibility vest in your vehicle at all times and to wear it should you have to have to get out of the car on a highway. Vehicles have to carry a toll sticker, the so-called Vignette, on Austria's highways and expressways (also city motorways). The vignette is available at automobile clubs (e.g. ÖAMTC, ARBÖ), in post offices and tobacco shops as well as at some gas stations.
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France: Outside of the town, the maximum speed limit is 130 km/h on the highway, 110 km/h on divided two-lane roads and 90 km/h on main roads. In town, the speed limit is 50 km/h. Road signs will mark any areas of exception.
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Germany: On the famous German 'Autobahn', generally no speed limit applies to passenger cars, but a speed of 130 km/hr is recommended.
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Italy: Speed limits are fixed at 50 km/hr in urban areas, 90 km/hr on secondary and local roads, 110 km/hr on main roads outside urban areas and 130 km/hr on highways.
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Switzerland: Speed limits are: divided freeways 120 km/h, undivided freeways 100 km/h, highways 80 km/h and in cities and towns 50 km/h. The speed limits are always indicated in kilometers. An annual road toll, called "Vignette" (in sticker form) of CHF 40 is levied on all cars and motorcycles using the freeways. Vignettes are available at border crossings as well as at all Swiss post offices and gas stations.
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