Best Postal and Shipping Services in Austria (2026)
Updated: July 2026| Found helpful by 1 other
Updated July 2026. Österreichische Post (Post AG) is the state-linked national provider, operating 400+ branches and delivering roughly 95 percent of standard letters next business day within Austria. DHL Austria is the premium international option for time-critical and global shipments. DPD Austria and GLS Austria typically offer the cheapest B2C parcel rates within Austria and across the EU. A standard domestic letter (Brief S) costs EUR 1.00, a Päckchen M up to 2 kg costs EUR 4.65, and a full domestic Paket runs EUR 6.32 to EUR 20.78 by weight (Österreichische Post, 2026). For EU-wide shipping, Post AG's International Plus Parcel runs EUR 17.96 to EUR 420.46 by zone, insured to EUR 510.
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1. Österreichische Post (Post AG)
Austria's state-linked national postal service and universal service provider. Post AG operates 400+ full branches, 1,800+ Post Partner shops, and delivers to every address in the country. Letters, parcels, registered mail, banking at PostFinance, and digital postage all under one roof.
Why we recommend it: Legally mandated universal service provider with 400+ full branches, 1,800+ Post Partner shops, and 95 percent next-day letter delivery nationwide.
Best for: Anyone sending letters, registered mail, or small parcels domestically, plus anyone who wants universal pickup and delivery coverage
Pros
- Legally required to deliver to every Austrian address
- 400+ full branches and 1,800+ Post Partner shops nationwide
- Next-business-day letter delivery 95 percent of the time
- Integrated digital postage, parcel lockers, and app-based tracking
Cons
- Parcel rates above 2 kg are often beaten by DPD or GLS
- Branch opening hours are limited to weekdays mostly
- International express service is pricier than DHL or UPS
2. DHL Austria
The premium global express courier in Austria. DHL handles international shipments to 220+ countries with time-definite delivery, customs clearance, and end-to-end tracking. DHL Paket also competes in domestic and EU B2C parcel delivery.
Why we recommend it: Strongest brand for reliable international tracking with global express network, 24/7 Packstations, and specialized customs clearance services.
Best for: Time-critical international shipments, business-to-business logistics, and anyone needing reliable tracking to non-EU destinations
Pros
- Global express network reaching 220+ countries
- Strongest brand for reliable international tracking
- DHL Packstations available 24/7 in most Austrian cities
- Specialized customs clearance and import services
Cons
- More expensive than DPD or GLS for EU parcels
- Residential Saturday delivery is not standard
- Pricing tiers are complex for occasional senders
3. DPD Austria
A large European parcel network with strong coverage and competitive B2C rates in Austria. DPD operates an extensive Pickup point network and is a preferred partner for many Austrian e-commerce retailers.
Why we recommend it: Competitive 2-10kg domestic and EU rates, extensive Pickup point network, and one-hour delivery time windows for private and business senders.
Best for: Private senders and small businesses shipping medium parcels domestically and across the EU
Pros
- Competitive rates on 2 to 10 kg domestic and EU parcels
- Pickup points at supermarkets, kiosks, and petrol stations
- One-hour delivery time windows on the day of delivery
- Easy online booking and label printing
Cons
- Fewer branches than Post AG for walk-in service
- Saturday delivery is optional only
- Less brand recognition outside Europe
4. GLS Austria
A pan-European parcel delivery network with strong Austrian coverage and business-friendly pricing. GLS is especially popular with online sellers and B2B logistics thanks to its predictable delivery windows and EU-wide service.
Why we recommend it: Reliable next-business-day EU delivery with predictable time windows, ParcelShop network, and competitive B2B pricing with volume discounts.
Best for: Business shippers and online sellers looking for consistent EU delivery windows and competitive rates
Pros
- Reliable next-business-day delivery in Austria and neighbouring EU states
- Predictable delivery time windows with text-message updates
- ParcelShop network across Austria for pickup and drop-off
- Competitive B2B pricing with volume discounts
Cons
- Less suited to one-off private senders without an account
- Fewer retail touchpoints than Post AG
- No global express service, EU-focused only
5. UPS Austria
Premium global express courier with particularly strong performance on transatlantic routes. UPS Austria specializes in business logistics, air freight, and time-definite delivery for corporate shippers.
Why we recommend it: Strongest performance on Austria-to-North America routes with time-definite delivery, robust customs brokerage, and B2B air freight options.
Best for: Businesses shipping time-critical documents and parcels to North America or globally
Pros
- Strongest performance on Austria to US and Austria to Canada routes
- Time-definite delivery with end-to-end tracking
- Robust customs clearance and brokerage services
- Comprehensive B2B air freight and logistics options
Cons
- Domestic Austrian coverage is smaller than Post AG or DPD
- Premium pricing, not suited for casual senders
- Fewer drop-off points than competitors
6. FedEx Austria
Global express carrier serving Austria with competitive international air service. FedEx is best known for transatlantic overnight delivery and cross-border B2B logistics, with service tiers from economy to priority overnight.
Why we recommend it: Global express network with strong North American routes, multiple service tiers, reliable customs clearance, and integrated ecommerce shipping tools.
Best for: Businesses with global shipping needs and time-definite international delivery requirements
Pros
- Global express network with strong North American routes
- Multiple service tiers from economy to priority overnight
- Reliable customs clearance and tracking
- Integrated ecommerce shipping tools
Cons
- Smaller domestic Austrian footprint than DHL or Post AG
- Premium pricing across all service tiers
- Limited retail drop-off network in Austria
7. Hermes Austria
A parcel delivery service specializing in e-commerce, particularly returns and low-cost B2C shipments. Hermes is the preferred returns partner for many German and Austrian fashion retailers and operates an extensive ParcelShop network across the country.
Why we recommend it: E-commerce returns specialist with retailer integrations, low-cost B2C parcel service, ParcelShop drop-off in most Austrian towns.
Best for: Consumers returning online orders and small sellers looking for low-cost B2C parcel service
Pros
- Specialist in e-commerce returns with retailer integrations
- Low-cost B2C parcel service for small items
- ParcelShop drop-off network in most Austrian towns
- Easy label generation via retailer portals
Cons
- Slower delivery times than DHL, DPD, or GLS
- Customer service is often criticized in reviews
- Limited suitability for heavy or high-value shipments
Based on coverage, reliability, pricing, and service quality for both consumers and businesses, here are the top 7 postal and shipping providers in Austria in 2026.
Top 5 Ways to Send a Parcel or Letter in Austria at a Glance (2026)
| Option (Provider) | Price from | What it's for | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brief (letter), Österreichische Post | EUR 1.00 (Brief S) | Documents and letters | 1 working day (Prio) |
| Päckchen (small parcel), Österreichische Post | EUR 3.10 (S, up to 2 kg) | Small light items | 1 to 2 days |
| Paket (parcel), Österreichische Post | EUR 6.32 (up to 1 kg), incl. tracking + EUR 510 insurance | Standard parcels | 1 to 2 days |
| Einschreiben (registered mail), Österreichische Post | EUR 2.50 surcharge (Einfach) | Proof of delivery and official mail | 1 to 2 days |
| Courier (DPD, GLS, DHL), private carrier | from ~EUR 5 | Faster, heavier, or express | Often next-day |
Sources: Österreichische Post, 2026; GLS and DPD Austria rate cards, 2026 (courier prices vary by weight, size, and route).
The five main ways to send mail from Austria are a Brief (letter) from EUR 1.00, a Päckchen (small parcel) from EUR 3.10, a Paket (parcel) from EUR 6.32, an Einschreiben (registered mail) surcharge from EUR 2.50, and a private courier from ~EUR 5. For small light items the cheapest option is Österreichische Post's Päckchen S at EUR 3.10; a plain letter is cheapest at EUR 1.00 (Österreichische Post, 2026).
This is the quick view. For the full breakdown see all Post letter and parcel rates, the cheapest courier by weight, and how to ship across the EU, plus our postal price research and provider comparison.
How Does the Austrian Postal System Work?
Austria's postal system is anchored by Post AG, with private couriers filling in around e-commerce, B2B, and international express. Here is the structure:
- 1
Post AG runs the universal service
Österreichische Post is the designated universal service provider, legally required to deliver letters and parcels to every address in Austria. It operates 400+ full branches (Postfilialen) and 1,800+ Post Partner shops.
- 2
Private couriers focus on parcels
DHL, DPD, GLS, UPS, FedEx, and Hermes all operate in Austria for parcel delivery, especially for e-commerce and business shipments. Price and service varies significantly, so quotes are worth comparing on anything over 2 kg.
- 3
Parcel lockers are widespread
Post AG Empfangsboxen, DHL Packstations, and DPD Pickup lockers are available 24/7 at supermarkets, train stations, and petrol stations. These make pickup easy if you work full-time or travel frequently.
- 4
Registration determines your address
Your official delivery address is tied to your Meldezettel. If you move, update your Vienna registration within 3 business days to keep mail routing correctly.
- 5
Business hours are limited
Most Postfilialen open 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and some 08:00 to 12:00 on Saturday. Post Partner shops inside supermarkets typically have longer hours that match the store.
How Do Austrian Postal Codes, Postboxes, and Mail Redirection Work?
Everyday mail in Austria runs on four building blocks: the postal code (Postleitzahl, PLZ), the yellow postbox (Postkasten), the mail redirection order (Nachsendeauftrag), and the optional PO box (Postfach). All four are handled by Österreichische Post. You can confirm the current details for any of them on post.at.
Austrian postal codes are four digits. The first digit marks the state region, so every Vienna code starts with 1, and the second and third digits give the district. For example, 1040 is Wieden, Vienna's 4th district. Writing the correct PLZ before the town name is what keeps a letter routing to the right sorting centre.
Postboxes (Postkasten) are bright yellow and wall-mounted, found outside post offices and on many street corners. Collection is usually around 16:00 on weekdays, with none on weekends or public holidays. As of 2026, the exact collection times are printed on each box, so confirm the pickup on your local box rather than assuming a fixed time.
When you move, a mail redirection order (Nachsendeauftrag) forwards mail from your old address to the new one, typically for 3 to 12 months, set up through Österreichische Post. Separately, a PO box (Postfach) is a fixed address at a post office for receiving mail without using your home address, which is useful for businesses. As of 2026, confirm current durations and fees on post.at.
How Much Does Österreichische Post Charge for Letters and Parcels?
Within Austria, a Brief S letter up to 20 g costs EUR 1.00 and a Brief M up to 75 g costs EUR 1.55 (Österreichische Post, 2026). A Päckchen M up to 2 kg costs EUR 4.65, while a full Paket runs from EUR 6.32 up to 1 kg to EUR 20.78 up to 31.5 kg. Every parcel includes tracking and EUR 510 insurance liability. These rates are valid from 01.01.2026.
Letter Tiers Within Austria
- Brief S (up to 20 g): EUR 1.00 (Österreichische Post, 2026).
- Brief M (up to 75 g): EUR 1.55 (Österreichische Post, 2026).
- Prio (Premium) surcharge: exactly EUR 0.30 per letter, with at least 95 percent next-business-day delivery (Österreichische Post, 2026).
Domestic Paket Rates by Weight
Österreichische Post Paket, maximum 100×60×60 cm, valid from 01.01.2026. Every parcel includes tracking and EUR 510 insurance liability.
| Weight (up to) | Price within Austria |
|---|---|
| 1 kg | EUR 6.32 |
| 2 kg | EUR 7.65 |
| 4 kg | EUR 8.96 |
| 10 kg | EUR 12.92 |
| 31.5 kg | EUR 20.78 |
Source: Österreichische Post, 2026.
International Letter Rates
Österreichische Post international letters, valid from 01.01.2026. Economy is the standard tier; priority speeds delivery.
| Destination & size | Economy | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| EU / Europe S | EUR 1.25 | EUR 1.45 |
| EU / Europe M | EUR 2.00 | EUR 2.40 |
| World S | EUR 2.00 | EUR 2.20 |
| World M | EUR 2.80 | EUR 3.00 |
Source: Österreichische Post, 2026.
For international parcels, Post AG's International Plus Parcel runs from EUR 17.96 to EUR 420.46 depending on the destination zone, and includes EUR 510 insurance liability (Österreichische Post, 2026).
Add-On Surcharges
- Cash-on-delivery (Nachnahme): EUR 4.50 (Österreichische Post, 2026).
- Value declaration: from EUR 5.45 (Österreichische Post, 2026).
- Fragile marking: EUR 4.00 (Österreichische Post, 2026).
- Personal delivery (Eigenhändig): EUR 3.38 (Österreichische Post, 2026).
- Return shipment: EUR 6.33 (Österreichische Post, 2026).
Further price adjustment from 1 August 2026
Which Courier Is Cheapest in Austria?
The cheapest courier depends on parcel weight, destination, and whether you are shipping as a consumer or business. Here is a rough guide:
- Under 2 kg, domestic: Post AG Päckchen S EUR 3.10, Päckchen M EUR 4.65 (Österreichische Post, 2026). Usually unbeatable for small items.
- 2 to 10 kg, domestic: DPD or GLS often come in at EUR 5.50 to EUR 8.50, below Post AG's parcel rates.
- E-commerce returns: Hermes Austria specializes in returns and is used by most fashion retailers; rates are negotiated by the retailer.
- EU parcels up to 5 kg: Post AG EU-Paket from EUR 16.50, DPD and GLS competitive for business accounts.
- International express: DHL Express, UPS, and FedEx are priced similarly. DHL often wins on EU-wide overnight, UPS on transatlantic.
Compare rates before every non-trivial shipment
How Do You Ship from Austria to Other EU Countries?
Shipping from Austria to other EU countries is straightforward thanks to the customs union. Here is the process:
- No customs declaration needed for EU destinations: Goods move freely within the customs union, so you only need sender and recipient details.
- Pick a service tier: Post AG offers EU-Paket (economy) and EU-Paket Prio (priority). DPD, GLS, DHL all have similar tiers.
- Measure and weigh accurately: All carriers re-weigh parcels and will invoice the difference if yours is heavier than declared.
- Delivery times: 2 to 5 business days to neighbouring EU countries (DE, IT, CZ, SK, HU, SI), 3 to 8 business days further afield.
- Tracking: Included with every EU parcel from Post AG, DHL, DPD, GLS, UPS, and FedEx.
Key Terms to Know
- Brief: Letter, up to 2 cm thick and 1 kg. Standard letter costs EUR 1.00 within Austria.
- Päckchen: Small parcel up to 2 kg. Domestic rates are EUR 3.10 (Päckchen S) and EUR 4.65 (Päckchen M) (Österreichische Post, 2026).
- Paket: Standard parcel up to 31.5 kg. Rates vary by size and service tier.
- Einschreiben: Registered mail. Einschreiben Einfach adds EUR 2.50; the full Einschreiben with signature on delivery adds EUR 3.50 (Österreichische Post, 2026).
- Nachnahme: Cash-on-delivery service, used mainly for B2B shipments.
Entity References
Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Austrian Post take within Austria?
Österreichische Post delivers standard letters (Brief) next business day within Austria in roughly 95 percent of cases. Standard parcels (Paket) arrive within 1 to 2 business days nationwide. Economy parcels (Päckchen) can take up to 3 business days. For guaranteed next-day delivery, use the Prio (Premium) service, which adds exactly EUR 0.30 per letter and guarantees at least 95 percent next-business-day delivery (Österreichische Post, 2026).
What is the cheapest way to send a parcel from Austria?
For small items within Austria, Post AG's Päckchen S costs EUR 3.10 and Päckchen M EUR 4.65 up to 2 kg (Österreichische Post, 2026). A full domestic Paket runs from EUR 6.32 up to 1 kg to EUR 20.78 up to 31.5 kg, always including tracking and EUR 510 insurance liability. DPD Austria and GLS Austria typically undercut Post AG on B2C parcel rates above 2 kg, starting around EUR 5.50 for up to 5 kg within Austria.
Can you pick up packages at Post AG branches?
Yes. If you are not home for delivery, Post AG leaves a notification slip (Benachrichtigungskarte) and holds the parcel at the nearest Postfiliale or Post Partner for 10 working days. You need the notification slip and a valid photo ID to collect it. You can also divert deliveries to a Post AG pickup station (Abholstation) or to a neighbour via the Post AG app. See our Vienna registration guide for how your address is set up officially.
Are there postage machines in Austria?
Yes. Self-service postage machines (Briefmarken-Automaten) are available at most Postfilialen and many train stations. They accept cash and card, dispense stamps in every denomination, and also print customized postage labels for parcels. The Post AG app additionally generates digital postage codes (Digitale Briefmarke) that you can write directly onto your envelope.
Does DHL deliver on Saturdays in Austria?
DHL Austria offers Saturday delivery as an optional premium service for business customers and select residential parcels, mainly in Vienna and other major metropolitan areas. Standard DHL residential shipments are delivered Monday to Friday only. Post AG also offers Saturday delivery for Prio letters and some parcel products, and most parcel lockers are accessible 24/7 including weekends.
How do I spot fake Österreichische Post parcel scam texts?
Phishing scams impersonating Österreichische Post are rising. Fraudsters send fake SMS and emails claiming a parcel is held for a small unpaid parcel fee, a customs charge, or a failed redelivery, with a link to a lookalike Post payment page. The real Österreichische Post never asks for card details, PINs, or passwords by SMS or email. Do not pay through a link in a message, check the sender address and the URL, and track parcels only in the official Post App or on post.at. Report suspicious messages to Watchlist Internet.
Official Sources
Related Guides
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Cost of Living in Austria
How postage and shipping fit into your monthly household budget