How to Travel from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg + Best Stops

Are you planning a trip from Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic to Salzburg, Austria? You’re in luck, there are a few key ways to get between these cities. Choose from cheap, fast, and flexible options. If you have more time, you can also make some key stops between Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg. Let’s get started!

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Table of Contents

How to Get from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg

Traveling from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg can be a simple journey or you can make stops along the way. To determine how you want to structure your adventure, you’ll need to understand your options, so let’s take a look at the best ways to get from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg.

Book a Bus from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg

The cheapest way to get from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg is to take the bus. It also happens to be one of the fastest ways as you can take FlixBus directly from one city to the next in just 3 hours.

An alternative to Flixbus is to take the Bean Shuttle. It is a bit more expensive than FlixBus, but it also takes just 3 hours and runs more frequently.

Take a Train from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure with a few stops along the way, try taking the train to Salzburg from Cesky Krumlov. It will take about 5 hours and cost a bit more from the bus, but you’ll be able to (read that as HAVE to) stop in both Ceske Budejuvice and Linz.

That’s right, taking the train will require switching trains a twice along the way, but the trains run multiple times per day, and it can make for a great day trip as you city hop on your way to Salzburg.

Drive from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg

If you have a car at your disposal, you can drive to Salzburg from Cesky Krumlov. This will take just over 2 hours, and you can choose to stop along the way or drive straight through. Driving of course offers you the greatest flexibility and you can set off on a whim without following anyone else’s schedule.

Prime view of a circluar city surrounding by a river — Cesky Krumlov

Best Stops between Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg

Sitting between Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg are two vibrant European towns that are worth a stop if you’re traveling by train or car: Ceske Budejovice and Linz. Let’s take a look at how to get from place to place and what to do while you’re there.

Stop 1: Cesky Krumlov > Ceske Budejovice

Taking the train from Cesky Krumlov to Ceske Budejovice will take just about 50 minutes. Upon arrival, spend at least a couple of hours exploring the city. It is the capital city of the South Bohemian Region and is best known for its internationally famous beer: Budweiser.

Key sights in Ceske Budejovice are mostly located in the city center, including:

The main square, Namesti Premysla Otakara II, which is also home to the Samson fountain.
Black Tower – an iconic tower from the 1500s
Budweiser Budvar Museum to learn more about the internationally recognized beer, Budweiser
Church/Temple of the Sacrifice of the Virgin and Dom St. Nikolaus Cathedral
Dominican monastery that functions as a convent and monastery

My Experience in Ceske Budejovice (Personal Story Time)

My early morning arrival in Ceske Budejovice made for an interesting wake up call as the streets were fairly empty other than what I assumed to be dozens of high school students dressed in costumes ranging from rag dolls to V for Vandetta to Borat. There were all shaking tins. (I assume collecting money.) They were also writing on pedestrians in marker and spraying them with some kind of liquid in spray bottles.

Despite passing many of these groups I was fortunate enough to only have one awkward encounter when a kid dressed in the V for Vendetta mask approached my face with a marker. I seemed to have startled him by speaking in English as he turned around said something to his friends in Czech and retreated. Never a dull moment!

Stay Overnight in Ceske Budejovice

If you’d like to continue exploring Ceske Budejovice, book a room for the night. As a bonus, hotels in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic are a bit cheaper here than in neighboring Austria. Have a wonderful budget-friendly stay at Residence U Cerne Veze Ceske Budejovice or spend a little more to stay in luxury at Boutique Hotel U Solne Brany.

The main square of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic

Stop 2: Ceske Budejovice > Linz

After enjoying Ceske Budejovice, continue on to Linz. It’s about a 2 hour train ride before you arrive into Linz. Make sure to hike up the hill by the river to the castle. It’s secluded and provides great views of both sides of the river.

Stay Overnight in Linz

Want more time in Linz? Plan to spend the night. There are a lot of great centralized hotels. For budget stays, try Motel One LInz-Hauptplatz. Or, if you’re looking for a bit more luxury, try out Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger – Hauptplatz. It’s a well-priced mid-range hotel that is located in a historic building right in the center of the city.

Stop 3: Linz > Salzburg

The last leg of the journey, taking the train from Linz to Salzburg is just over an hour. This will put you into Salzburg most likely in the early evening if you opt to do it all in one day.

Salzburg, Austria is one of the gems of Europe. It is the birthplace of Mozart, the setting of the movie “The Sound of Music”, and the home of the annual Salzburg Festival. Plan to spend at minimum two to three days in this gorgeous town to truly absorb its rich culture and gorgeous views.

Stay Overnight in Salzburg

With a few days in Salzburg, you’ll want to carefully pick your hotel. If you want to stay on a strict budget, check out the numa I Mozart Hotel or Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg. For mid-range hotels, try Boutique Hotel Auersperg or Hotel Wolf. If you’re looking to splurge on your hotel in Salzburg, stay at the Hotel Goldener Hirsch or Hotel Sacher Salzburg.

Search all hotels in Salzburg:

Booking.com

Skyline of Salzburg, Austria — Salzburg, Austria Skyline

Plan More of Your Trip to Central Europe

Now that you know how to get from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg, it’s time to continue your trip planning for Central Europe. Here are some posts to help get you started.

How to Travel from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg + Best Stops In-between

How to Get from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg

Book a Bus from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg