Driving advice in Austria

Hiya,

I%26#39;m hoping to hire a car on Saturday from Salzburg airport and drive to Zell am See. I am confused about whether I need both winter tyres and snow chains or can just hire snow chains.

Car hire companies are offering so many variations on a theme I%26#39;m getting very confused (and it doesnt take much!)

thanks in advance....M

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I%26#39;m sure your hire company will advise you on the tyres required on the day you pick up the car. We%26#39;ve always found the hire companies extremely helpful and efficient. It%26#39;s a nice, scenic drive down to Zell whether you go on the autobahn or the smaller roads. We%26#39;ve done both.

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Unless you plan to do a lot of backroad driving once you are in Zell, the roads from Salzburg airport to Zell am See are well maintained and you won%26#39;t need snow tires (sorry about the Yank spelling!). Chains in the trunk for peace of mind will suffice.

Because the use of the Austrian autobahns require a toll decal for your car, unless your car comes with one from a previous renter, here is how you can avoid the autobahn: Leaving the airport, turn left, and stay on this road, it will eventually take you to Bad Reichenhall. Take nthe B.R. by-pass, following the signs to Lofer. Just before Lofer turn left to Saalfelden and Zell am See.

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Regarding the toll for autobahns. The hire cars are already equipped with the documentation when you pick them up.

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I picked a car up in Linz and drove to Filzmoos in near blizard conditions and the hire company had the car ready and kitted unless your goiing up passes and not just sticking to the main routes winter tyres will be fine

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