Click here, opens an external URL in a new window for important information about driving (insurance, parking, registering your car) and transportation in Linz.
Public Transportation
Linz boasts a well connected public transportation system, opens an external URL in a new window (German only) and the city trams and busses can often take you where you want to go without walking a long way. The JKU is located just 15 minutes from the city center using tram lines 1 or 2.
There various types of tickets and fares, opens an external URL in a new window (German only). If you reside in Linz, you may want to look into purchasing an inexpensive student pass.
Bicycles
In Linz, you can cover longer distances easily by bike, opens an external URL in a new window (German only). The city is working constantly to improve the infrastructure and ensure that an increasing number of areas can be reached via bike paths. At various locations in Linz you can also borrow City Bikes, opens an external URL in a new window.
Cars - Driver's Licenses - Parking
Linz boasts a good, efficient public transportation system and purchasing a car is not necessary. However, if you do decide to purchase a car - or import your car from abroad to Austria, opens an external URL in a new window (German only) - there are quite a few things to consider. You should also find out if your driver's license is valid in Austria, opens an external URL in a new window and whether or not your license needs to be switched out for an Austrian license. Don't forget to register, opens an external URL in a new window your car and purchase insurance, opens an external URL in a new window (German only).
If your new place of residence is in the center of Linz and does not include a parking space, under certain conditions you can apply for a residence parking permit, opens an external URL in a new window (German only) and park your car in designated short-term parking zones in Linz.
The JKU has parking on campus. If you drive to campus regularly, you may want to look into purchasing a semester parking permit for students.
If you want to borrow a car for individual trips, car sharing, opens an external URL in a new window is a good option. There is also a location on the JKU campus.
Heading out of the City
The surrounding areas outside of Linz, including smaller towns and villages, can be reached easily by bus, opens an external URL in a new window or train. When it comes to train travel, comparing fares can be worthwhile as they can vary greatly depending on the provider. The ÖBB, opens an external URL in a new window has a nationwide rail network while the Westbahn, opens an external URL in a new window s cheaper and only covers the route between Vienna-Innsbruck/Munich via Linz. To purchase discount ÖBB tickets, you can apply for a Vorteilscard , opens an external URL in a new window(= advantage card). It can pay for itself even just after purchasing a few train tickets.
If you travel regularly in Austria, the Klimaticket, opens an external URL in a new window could be a good option for you. With this ticket you can use all public transport in Austria for one year. There is the KlimaTicket OÖ, opens an external URL in a new window (German only) for Upper Austria as well.