How to get to Villach

Picturesque Villach, located in the south of Austria, is a place where Alpine grandeur harmoniously intertwines with Mediterranean ease. The city spreads across the banks of the Drava River, surrounded by sparkling lakes and mountain peaks, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday. Walks through the cosy Old Town, with its historical architecture and lively squares, allow you to fully experience the famous Carinthian hospitality.

Here, everyone will find an activity to their liking: from a relaxing break on the shores of Lake Ossiach (Ossiacher See) and Lake Faak (Faaker See) to active hikes in the Dobratsch Nature Park. Villach enchants with its atmosphere at any time of the year, whether it is during vibrant summer festivals or amidst a winter fairytale. At the same time, the city remains a convenient point on the European map that is easy to reach, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and comfort of this region.

Although Villach does not have its own airport, getting here by air is quite simple thanks to its favourable proximity to major transport hubs. The nearest arrival point is Klagenfurt (KLU), located just 36 kilometres away: this compact aviation hub receives flights from many European cities and ensures the quickest possible access to the resort.

For a wider choice of airlines and routes, travellers often use international airports in neighbouring countries. Slovenian Ljubljana (LJU) is located 79 kilometres away, and Italian Trieste (TRS) is 107 kilometres away, with both options offering convenient and well-established connections to the Austrian region.

Thanks to its status as an important transport hub in the south of the country, Villach boasts excellent railway connections. It is easy to reach here via direct services from many European cities: comfortable trains arrive regularly from Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich, as well as from Zurich, Venice, and Ljubljana, making the trip as convenient and fast as possible.

The Main Station (Villach Hauptbahnhof) is located within walking distance of the historical centre, so travellers will not have to spend much time transferring to their hotel. Furthermore, the train journey itself will be a distinct pleasure: the railway lines run through picturesque Alpine valleys, revealing breathtaking views of mountains and lakes to passengers while still en route.

Bus connections turn the journey to Villach into a small excursion with panoramic views of the Alpine foothills. A short transfer from neighbouring Klagenfurt will take no more than 50 minutes: covering a distance of about 40 kilometres, you can comfortably enjoy the landscapes of Carinthia without being distracted by driving.

International routes open up convenient access to the resort from southern neighbours. The journey from the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, lasts approximately one and a half hours (100 km), while the road from the Italian coast from Trieste will take about 2.5–3 hours (180 km). Modern buses run regularly, ensuring a reliable and scenic link between the Alpine region and the Mediterranean.

Travelling by car to this region is a true pleasure thanks to high-quality European highways. The fastest route leads from Klagenfurt: the distance of 40 kilometres along the A2 autobahn can be covered in just half an hour, and a taxi will cost approximately 60–80 Euros. The journey from Slovenian Ljubljana will take about one and a half hours (100 km), passing through the scenic Karawanken Tunnel which connects the two countries.

If you are making your way from the Italian coast, the road from Trieste will take about two hours, covering 180 kilometres of changing landscapes. Do not forget to purchase a vignette for driving on Austrian roads in advance to avoid fines. This mode of transport gives you the freedom to stop at the most beautiful points along the route, turning a standard transfer into a full-fledged part of your Alpine adventure.

Preparing for your trip to Villach will help avoid minor inconveniences and allow you to focus completely on your holiday. We have gathered useful recommendations for you that will make your stay in this cosy corner of Austria as comfortable and carefree as possible.

1. Clothing and Items. The weather in the Carinthia region can be changeable. Even in summer, it is recommended to carry a light jacket and an umbrella in case of sudden rain, and for a winter trip, warm windproof clothing is mandatory. Since Villach is perfect for walking, bring comfortable flat shoes for the cobblestones in the centre and trainers for nature trails.
2. Transport. The historical city centre is compact, and it is most pleasant to explore on foot. For trips to Lake Ossiach or Lake Faak, it is convenient to use the well-developed network of buses or S-Bahn trains. Additionally, Villach is a very "bicycle-friendly" city, so renting a bike is an excellent way to get around.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, however, it is always worth having some cash with you. Banknotes and coins will be needed in small souvenir shops, at farmers' markets, and especially in mountain huts (Hütte), where payment terminals are rarely found.
4. Health and Safety. The city is distinguished by a high level of safety; you can walk calmly here at any time of day. Tap water comes from the purest Alpine springs and is safe for drinking, so buying bottled water is not necessary. Pharmacies are marked with a red letter "A" (Apotheke).
5. Communication. The main language is German, but in the tourism sector (hotels, restaurants, museums), staff speak English well. Locals are very welcoming and will appreciate it if you learn a couple of basic phrases in German.
6. Local Etiquette. When entering a shop, café, or lift, it is customary to greet others with the universal phrase "Grüß Gott". Service charges are not automatically included in restaurant bills; it is considered good manners to round up the amount or leave 5–10% of the bill for quality service.
7. What to Avoid. Do not plan extensive shopping for Sunday — in Austria, this is a day of rest, and almost all shops, including supermarkets, are closed. Also, be attentive and do not walk on designated bicycle paths: cycling traffic here is intense, and this may cause dissatisfaction among locals.
8. Extra Tip. If you plan an active programme with visits to museums, cable cars, and boat trips on the lakes, consider purchasing the "Kärnten Card". It is valid during the season (from spring to autumn) and allows you to save significantly on entrance tickets.

Following these simple rules will help you adapt quickly and feel at home in this hospitable city. Enjoy the Alpine landscapes and the unique atmosphere of Villach without any unnecessary worries!