Charging and refueling in Austria

Refueling and charging an electric car: Austria is a popular travel destination that, in addition to its breathtaking landscapes, also stands out thanks to its well-developed infrastructure. A certain amount of preparation is still valuable in order to ensure a smooth journey. That’s why in this article you will find everything you need to know about charging and refueling in Austria.

The most important information

• Refueling in Austria is easy: There is an extensive network of gas stations that covers both cities and rural areas well.
• Charging an electric car? Austria already offers many charging points and is continuously expanding the network. This makes charging EVs increasingly hassle-free.
• Fuel prices in Austria vary depending on the region and provider, with petrol and diesel often being cheaper than in Germany.
• Charging stations in Austria offer different payment methods. In most cases, you pay with credit cards or with special charging cards.
• Also remember that in Austria – regardless of the type of car – you need a vignette for many roads. You can buy it directly from us.

Overview of the fuel and charging network in Austria

Refueling in Austria is very well organized: The country has a dense network of gas stations that allows travelers to refuel at any time without difficulty. Charging electric cars is also becoming easier and easier: Especially in urban areas and along main transport routes, there is a large number of charging stations. The infrastructure is constantly being expanded and optimized.

The combination of traditional gas stations and modern EV charging stations in Austria ensures that both combustion-engine vehicles and electric vehicles are well supplied. With a bit of planning and an overview, you can travel through Austria completely worry-free and don’t have to worry about running out of fuel or battery power.

Refueling in Austria

Refueling in Austria is completely straightforward thanks to the nationwide supply of gas stations. You will find numerous options for refueling your vehicle both in cities and in rural areas. Especially along motorways, the supply is very good, so even long journeys can be planned stress-free.

Coverage of gas stations

The gas station network in Austria is very well developed, with a high density of stations in metropolitan areas and along main transport routes. The most common gas station operators include OMV, BP, Shell, Jet, Eni, and Avanti. These providers are well represented both in urban areas and in rural regions. In remote areas, the density may be lower. However, along the most important connecting routes there is usually always a gas station within reach.

How expensive is fuel?

Fuel prices in Austria are generally slightly lower (compared to other European countries). However, they can vary significantly depending on region, provider, and time of day. Cheap refueling in Austria is often possible at discounters such as Hofer or providers such as Avanti or Turmöl. These gas stations are among the cheaper providers, while brands such as OMV, BP, and Shell tend to be somewhat more expensive.

In general, refueling in Austria is often cheaper early in the morning or late in the evening. The same applies when refueling in rural areas or near supermarkets and shopping centers. Along motorways and in tourist regions, fuel prices in Austria are often slightly higher.

Payment methods at gas stations

At most gas stations in Austria, you can pay both in cash and by credit card. Some gas stations also offer mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet. For international travelers, it is still advisable to always carry some cash in euros: Especially in remote regions, not all cards may be accepted.

Charging an electric car in Austria

Austria is continuously investing in expanding charging points for electric cars. The goal is to promote the switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles. Charging electric cars in Austria is therefore now almost as easy as refueling.

Plan your route in advance to ensure you always have a charging point within reach. You can also use special apps, for example Electromaps, PlugShare or Chargemap. These help you find charging stations and check their availability in real time. Also make sure your electric car is charged during longer breaks or overnight. This will save you valuable time during your trip.

Charging stations

Charging stations in Austria are available in large numbers. This applies especially in urban areas and along motorways. This means you can usually charge your vehicle without any problems.

You can find the most charging points in Austria in:

• Vienna
• Zell am See
• Sankt Johann im Pongau
• Innsbruck
• Schwaz
• Salzburg
• Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
• Kufstein

Charging points: providers and charging cards

There are several major charging station providers in Austria, including in particular:

• BEÖ (Austrian Federal Association for Electromobility)
• TIWAG
• Wels Strom
• SMATRICS
• ÖAMTC
• Shell Recharge

These providers operate a dense network of EV charging stations spread across the entire country.

To access charging points or EV charging stations in Austria, you often need a charging card or a corresponding app. Some of the best-known include the charging cards from SMATRICS and Plugsurfing. These are accepted at many stations.

Charging an electric car: how it works!

Charging an electric car in Austria is very simple: At charging stations, your vehicle is connected either via a Type 2 plug or a CCS plug. Depending on the station, the charging power varies, meaning your vehicle is charged either faster (at fast-charging stations) or more slowly. Most charging points in Austria offer intuitive operation via touchscreen or app.

Charging an electric car: costs

There are now many charging stations in Austria. Prices for use depend on various factors: charging speed, the type of charging station, and the provider. Typically, billing is per kWh; however, at some stations it is billed by charging time or via a flat rate. In general, prices for charging stations in Austria can vary widely, with charging at fast-charging stations tending to be more expensive than at slower charging points.

Special features and tips for travelers

Charging electric cars and refueling in Austria is generally uncomplicated. Still, there are some special aspects you should keep in mind:

Refueling and charging in rural areas

In remote regions, the density of gas stations and charging stations may be lower. Plan refueling and charging breaks accordingly in advance to avoid unnecessary detours. Especially in popular tourist hotspots, you should take care of finding a suitable charging spot in good time.

Refueling and charging in tourist areas

In popular tourist regions such as the Alps or around Lake Neusiedl, there are numerous gas stations and charging points. However, these can be very busy during peak season. Also keep in mind that prices in these areas are often higher than in the rest of the country.

Using apps for route planning and price comparison

Use apps such as PACE Drive, Waze, or dedicated charging station apps like Chargemap to find the nearest gas station or charging point. These apps also offer price comparisons, making it easier for you to refuel cheaply in Austria.

With the help of these apps, you can plan your refueling and charging breaks in advance. This helps you avoid unnecessary stress and allows you to enjoy your trip through Austria in a relaxed way.

Pay attention to gas station opening hours

Not all gas stations in Austria are open 24/7. Especially in rural regions, you should keep an eye on opening hours so you don’t end up at a closed fuel pump.

Weather-related considerations for electric cars

In winter, cold temperatures can affect the range of electric cars. Plan your charging stops more frequently and make sure your vehicle is pre-heated to protect the battery.

Don’t forget the vignette!

Please note that you need a digital vignette for motorways and expressways in Austria, regardless of whether you drive a conventional car or an electric car. You can easily and conveniently buy it in our shop.

The Europa team wishes you a pleasant journey

Charging electric cars and refueling in Austria is absolutely straightforward thanks to the well-developed infrastructure in this popular Alpine country. Whether on motorways, in cities, or in rural areas: you can find a suitable gas station or charging point almost everywhere. Charging points in Austria are particularly common in urban areas as well as along major transport routes. Gas stations are available throughout Austria. Make sure to refuel at the cheaper times and use a charging card to charge your electric car quickly and easily.

We wish you a safe trip to Austria and are happy to assist you with any questions regarding toll regulations. Detailed information about the toll system in Austria can be found in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your journey perfectly and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please feel free to contact us via email. With a bit of planning and the right vignette , nothing will stand in the way of a smooth trip through Austria.

FAQ about your trip

Which charging cards do you need in Austria?

In Austria, charging cards and apps from providers such as SMATRICS or Plugsurfing are widely used. With these, you have access to most charging stations in the country.

Where can you charge for free in Austria?

Some charging stations offer free charging, especially at large supermarkets or shopping centers. Some hotels and restaurants also provide this service for their guests.

Is refueling cheaper in Austria?

Yes, as a rule, fuel prices in Austria for petrol and diesel are slightly lower than in Germany. However, prices can fluctuate a lot, and there is no guarantee that you will actually save money when refueling in Austria.