Growing Number of Car-Free Residents in Austrian Cities | VCÖ Data

One-Third of Austrians Rarely Drive, With Vienna Showing Highest Rate

Vienna/Austria – A significant portion of the Austrian population is opting out of regular car use, with one-third of residents aged 16 and over either never driving or driving only rarely, according to a recent analysis by the Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ). The trend is particularly pronounced in urban areas, with Vienna leading the way at 63 percent.

The VCÖ analysis, based on data from Statistics Austria, reveals a notable disparity between urban and rural driving habits. While 34 percent of all Austrians over the age of 16 rarely get behind the wheel, that figure jumps to 63 percent within the city of Vienna. Outside of Vienna, driving rates vary by region, with lower rates observed in the western federal states compared to those in the east.

Approximately 1.8 million people in Austria aged 16 and over do not drive at all, with an additional 810,000 driving infrequently. The VCÖ data further breaks down these figures by age group, showing that younger generations are less likely to drive. 70 percent of 16- to 19-year-olds rarely or never drive, compared to 41 percent of those aged 20 to 30, 30 percent of those aged 30 to 40 and 25 percent of those aged 40 to 50. Even among those over 70, 44 percent rarely or never drive.

Regional differences are also apparent. While 34 percent of residents in Vorarlberg and 33 percent in both Tyrol and Salzburg rarely or never drive, the rate is significantly lower in Lower Austria, at just 22 percent. The VCÖ notes that the three western federal states – Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and Salzburg – also exhibit the highest rates of public transport and bicycle usage outside of Vienna.

“If the population can cover many everyday routes on foot, by bicycle or by public transport, they are significantly more cost-effectively mobile,” explained VCÖ expert Michael Schwendinger. “And less car traffic means less exhaust fumes, less noise, less congestion and improved air quality and quality of life for residents.”

The findings come as Austria continues to debate strategies for reducing car traffic in city centers. In Vienna, plans are underway to create a “car-free inner city,” although a complete ban on private vehicles is not the intention. Instead, access will be restricted to vehicles with special permits, with a list of sixteen exceptions currently under consideration.

The VCÖ’s research highlights the influence of mobility options and settlement patterns on driving behavior. More compact urban areas facilitate car-free lifestyles, while sprawling developments tend to increase reliance on automobiles. The analysis suggests that investing in sustainable mobility infrastructure – including public transport, cycling networks, and pedestrian-friendly zones – is crucial for reducing car dependency and improving the quality of life in Austrian cities.