How to Get from Vienna to Salzburg: My Personal Experience & Top Picks (2025)

Salzburg is hands-down one of my favorite spots in Austria. It’s this charming fairytale-like town that I keep finding excuses to go back to. The first time I visited was during a three-week winter trip with my family, where we started in Vienna and trained our way all the way to London. Out of all the stops, Salzburg was one of the best.

If you’re heading to Austria, you’ve probably wondered how to get from Vienna to Salzburg without wasting a whole day figuring it out. After making the trip more than once, I’ve decided to put all your options in one place.

In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly how to get there, whether you want the ease of the train, the fun of a tour, or the flexibility of driving. Every option has its pros and con’s and my goal is that by the end of this, you’ll know which one is the best for you! 

How to Get From Vienna to Salzburg: A Quick Guide & My Experience

The first time I visited Salzburg was on a whirlwind two-day stop during a big Europe trip with my family, and it was awesome. Since we were starting in Vienna and ending in London, we just trained between all the cities on our list. It worked perfectly. There are tons of departures throughout the day, so we grabbed a 2 p.m. train out of Vienna, rolled into Salzburg in time to check into our hotel, grab dinner at a local restaurant, and hit up a few Christmas markets

The second time was a completely different vibe. I had scored a six-week cat sit in the summer (free accommodation, thank you, trusted housesitters), which meant I could really slow down and enjoy the city. A couple of my friends from Vienna came to visit, and while I didn’t drive myself, they did, and it was honestly so easy. Just a straight shot on the A1, and having the car meant we could take day trips to the lakes, Hallstatt, and little spots I probably wouldn’t have reached otherwise.

That said, as an American who never learned to drive stick, I still lean toward the train for ease and comfort. But whether you’re after speed, scenery, or flexibility, there’s an option that’ll work for you, so let’s break down the best way to get to Salzburg from Vienna.

Option 1: Take the Train from Vienna to Salzburg

Departure: Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Hbf): Google Maps Location Here!
Arrival: Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Salzburg Main Train Station): Google Maps Location Here!
Travel Time: About 2.5 hours (no stops on our train!)
Best For: Convenience, comfort, and skipping traffic stress

Book Train Tickets Here! 

How to Take the Train from Vienna to Salzburg

You’ll catch the train at Vienna Hauptbahnhof, it’s super easy to get to by subway or taxi. The main operators are ÖBB Railjet (Austria’s national rail) and Westbahn (private company). Both are comfy and reliable.

Tickets usually cost between 15 and 50 euros, depending on how early you book and the train type. 

Pro tip: Book online in advance to snag the best prices and reserve an available seat in specific travel classes because these trains can fill up, especially on weekends and holidays. I recommend looking on Omio to compare prices and time tables.

What We Did & Why I Recommend It:

Our train ride took just 2 hours and 30 minutes with zero stops, making it so smooth and easy. I’d recommend this option to anyone doing a bigger trip who isn’t heading back to Vienna afterward. Once you get to Salzburg, you really don’t want to drive, as most of the cool stuff is in Old Town and totally walkable. If you’re not planning day trips, the train journey is definitely your best bet.

What to Do in Salzburg When You Arrive:

Salzburg’s main station is just about a 20-minute walk from Old Town, so it’s super easy to get there on foot. If you’d rather skip the walk, there’s a bus you can catch, too. Once you’re in Old Town, some of the best things to check out are:

• The Fortress (Hohensalzburg): Iconic, and the views from the top are seriously next level. I recommend grabbing the Salzburg card, it includes entrance and the Furnicular ride as well as all public transportation services.
  
• Mirabell Gardens: Perfect for a stroll, especially if you want that classic Salzburg vibe with flowers and fountains.
  
• Mozart’s Birthplace: If you’re into history or music, this spot is a must. Its a bright yellow building, you really can’t miss it!
  
• Get lost in the cobbled streets, pop into some cozy cafés, and just soak up that fairytale town energy.

If you aren’t sure how to spend your days, check out my 2 day itinerary that includes all the hot spots and best tours! 

Option 2: Take a Day Tour from Vienna to Salzburg

Best For: Travelers who prefer a guided experience with transportation included, or those who want to explore multiple destinations in one day. This is perfect if you’re only visiting Vienna, flying out of Vienna, or just don’t have a lot of time.

Why I Recommend a Vienna to Salzburg Day Tour:

When I was planning my trips, I found that day tours offered a stress-free way to see Salzburg, especially if I didn’t want to deal with train schedules or navigating on my own.

This tour includes transportation, a guide, and visits to key spots, making it a great option for first-timers or those short on time.

What to Expect During the Day Trip:

• Departure: Tour leaves Vienna in the morning with hotel pickup included.
  
• Transportation: Comfortable buses or vans with Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
  
• Guided Experience: Friendly guides share stories and facts about Salzburg’s history, culture, and landmarks.
  
• Itinerary Highlights: Stops include the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s Birthplace, Sound of Music filming locations and more.
  
• Duration: Expect a 12 to 14-hour day trip; it’s long, but worth it!

Personal Tip:

Oliver and I did a day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg, and it was pure magic. We rented a little boat, munched on freshly baked pastries, and soaked in the stunning scenery.

This tour lets you see both Salzburg and Hallstatt from Vienna in one go. It’s a long day, but if you’re short on time, it’s one of the best ways to pack in a ton of amazing sights!

Option 3: Drive from Vienna to Salzburg

Best For: People who want freedom to explore beyond the main cities and have a bit more time to wander.

Why I Recommend Driving from Vienna to Salzburg

I didn’t drive myself, but some friends who came to visit me drove their car from Vienna to Salzburg, and we made a whole adventure out of it. We visited Hallstatt (which is absolutely stunning and worth the hype) and spent a day chilling at Fuschlsee, a gorgeous lake about 30 minutes from Salzburg. Having a car made it way easier to hit those off-the-beaten-path spots that you just can’t reach as easily by train or tour.

The Drive to Salzburg:

The drive is pretty straightforward as it’s just a straight shot on the A1 highway. It takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic, and honestly, the scenery along the way is a bonus. If you’re not in a rush, it’s a lovely way to ease into the Austrian countryside.

Renting a Car in Vienna:

If you’re not comfortable driving a manual, you can also rent an automatic; it costs a bit more but saves a lot of stress. Booking ahead, you can find rentals as low as €17 per day if you pick up and drop off in Vienna. Expect to pay around €22-25 on average, and if you drop off in a different location (like Salzburg), it could add about €100 extra.

Book your rental car here! 

Perks of Driving to Salzburg from Vienna:

Total freedom. You set your own schedule, stop whenever you want, and discover little towns or nature spots that aren’t on the typical tourist map. If you’re like me and my friends who wanted to explore the lakes and countryside beyond Salzburg, driving is the way to go.

How Many Days in Salzburg Do I Need?

Now that you know your options for getting from Vienna to Salzburg, let’s talk about how much time you really need in Salzburg. The town itself is tiny, like, you could totally hit all the main sights in one day if you’re in a rush. But honestly, that feels way too fast. You’d miss out on chilling at a beer garden, really soaking in the vibes, or just wandering without a schedule. 

So yeah, one day is doable, but personally, I think the best option is 2 days in Salzburg. You get to relax, enjoy some legit Austrian food, maybe catch a Mozart concert, or even do the Sound of Music tour without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

If you’re taking the train and don’t have a tight schedule, I’d personally recommend three days. Spend two days sightseeing around town, then take a third-day trip out to the lakes and Hallstatt. You can join a guided tour (which I highly recommend) or rent a car and head out early. 

Oliver and I went the car route, and it was amazing. We got to Hallstatt before the crowds, arrived around 8:30 am when the fresh bread was just out of the oven, and the streets were still quiet. That gave us plenty of time to explore and then chill by the lake in the afternoon before heading back to Salzburg.

Is Salzburg Worth Visiting as a Day Trip from Vienna?

Salzburg is easily one of my favorite cities in Europe, but if you visit at the wrong time, it can feel a bit overhyped. While Vienna has stunning architecture and cool city energy, Salzburg really feels like a fairytale town with the river winding through, the fortress high above, and mountains surrounding you, and you don’t need that much time to fully explore. But it’s small, so it gets busy and crowded during peak season, which can take away some of the magic.

That said, in my opinion, it’s 100% worth a visit. If you’re still on the fence, check out my full “Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?” Guide where I break down the seasons, weather, pros and cons, giving you the full scoop so you can decide for yourself.

FAQ: Vienna to Salzburg by Train

Is there a high-speed train from Vienna to Salzburg?

Yeah, totally! The ÖBB Railjet is the high-speed train running between Vienna and Salzburg. I took it on my first trip and loved how smooth and fast it was. But honestly, all of the train lines get you to Salzburg pretty quickly unless you have a stop over somewhere. I highly recommend avoiding that.

What’s the Vienna to Salzburg train time?

It usually takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes nonstop. When I did my journey to Salzburg the trains were on time and everything ran very smoothly. If you’re going back, the Salzburg to Vienna train takes roughly the same amount of time.

What’s the best Vienna to Salzburg day trip?

Hands down, I recommend this guided tour that hits both Salzburg and Hallstatt in one day. It’s super well organized, and you get to see those gorgeous spots without stressing about transportation. Plus, the guide shares cool local insights that make it more than just sightseeing. You can book your day trip here: Vienna Hallstatt Salzburg Day Trip.

How far is Salzburg from Vienna?

It’s about 300 kilometers (around 186 miles). When you’re on the train, it feels like the perfect chunk of time to chill, read, or just watch the Austrian countryside fly by.

How much does a train ticket cost from Vienna to Salzburg?

If you book early, a Vienna to Salzburg train ticket can be as low as 13-20 euros one way, but they can get as high as 100 euros. I always try to book ahead because prices can go up closer to the travel date. Also, reserving your seat is a smart move to guarantee a comfy spot. Book your ticket here!

Final Thoughts on How to Get From Vienna to Salzburg

With all that said, taking the Vienna Salzburg train is definitely the easiest and quickest way to get to Salzburg. But if you only have one day to spare, I’d recommend the day tour, it takes all the hassle out of planning. 

Either way, I hope this article has convinced you that it’s a must-see destination on your Austria itinerary! And if it’s convinced you to stay a little longer, check out the best area to stay in Salzburg to ensure you have the absolute best time!

Check Out My Other Salzburg Guides

Where to Stay in Salzburg Austria: My Top Hotels and Areas

Is Salzburg Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Salzburg: My Weather Guide to Salzburg Austria

2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary: How I Spent 48 Hours in Salzburg

Restaurants in Salzburg: My Top Places to Eat in Salzburg

Cafes in Salzburg: My Favorite Coffee Spots

How Many Days in Salzburg: My Tips for Your Next Salzburg Trip

Salzburg Christmas Markets: My Top Christmas Markets in Salzburg

Is Hallstatt Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Salzburg to Hallstatt Day Trip: 3 Ways to Visiting Hallstatt

Things to Do in Salzburg: My Top Activities in Salzburg