Travel Vienna to Salzburg: 4 Ways to Get across Austria
Austria’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and amazing architecture make it one of my favorites. You get to admire awe-inspiring palaces and churches surrounded by mountains and lakes. Two of the must visit cities in Austria are Vienna and Salzburg and traveling between them perfectly captures the country’s beauty.
Get ready to go from the coffee houses and imperial palaces of Vienna to Salzburg’s world-famous music scene and baroque architecture. Fortunately, the 185-mile (~300 km) trip from Vienna to Salzburg is straightforward, and you have several travel options to choose from. We’re taking planes, trains, and automobiles! It’s easy to find a route that fits your budget, schedule, and travel style.
In this guide, we’ll explore each of these options, helping you decide the best way to travel between these iconic Austrian destinations. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler, short on time, or simply prefer the flexibility of a road trip, let’s discover the easiest and most efficient ways to get from Vienna to Salzburg.
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1. Train Vienna to Salzburg: The Most Popular Option
Traveling by train is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to get from Vienna to Salzburg. It’s also one of the most scenic options. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes on a direct train, which offers frequent departures throughout the day.
Austria’s national railway service, ÖBB, operates the Railjet, a high-speed train offering a comfortable travel experience with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard food services. Alternatively, the private Westbahn railway also runs high-speed trains between the two cities, often at a lower price point. Their tickets also offer more flexibility since you can board any train on the day of travel.
Ticket prices generally range from €20 to €60, depending on how early you book and the class of service you select. Tickets can be purchased online through the ÖBB website or the Westbahn website, or you can see both options on Trainline. Book ahead to secure the best fares. Otherwise, you can book in person at the train station.
Ultimately, this is the route I used to travel from Salzburg to Vienna with a stop in Linz along the way. I only spent a few hours exploring Linz and honestly, it was my among my least favorite cities I have visited in Austria. Because of this – I recommend taking the train from Vienna to Salzburg directly or vice versa. It is a cost-effective and efficient way to travel between Vienna and Salzburg.
2. Bus from Vienna to Salzburg: The Budget-Friendly Option
For budget travelers looking for the cheapest way to travel from Vienna to Salzburg, taking a bus is an excellent choice. While the trip takes longer than the train, typically around 3 hours and 30 minutes, it’s often the most affordable option, with tickets ranging from €10 to €30.
FlixBus is a popular bus service in Europe and offers multiple daily departures between Vienna and Salzburg. Their buses provide comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Honestly, the journey is fairly enjoyable. I’ve taken their buses across many parts of Europe when trains were unavailable or too expensive.
To book tickets, you can go directly to the FlixBus website or you can search all buses and trains on Busbud. Similarly to the train, you’ll often find lower prices if booked in advance. It’s a perfect option for those who have more time and less money to work with. To make the journey more enjoyable, pack some snacks, water, and entertainment for the ride.
3. Car Rental: The Scenic Road Trip Option
If you want flexibility and freedom to explore the Austrian countryside at your own pace, rent a car. Driving from Vienna to Salzburg takes approximately 3 hours, with the most direct route following the A1 motorway. This drive offers stunning views of rolling hills, tiny villages, and sprawling landscapes. It’s perfect for those who have the time to enjoy sightseeing along the way.
Car rentals in Vienna are available from major companies like Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt, with daily rates typically ranging from €60 to €100, depending on the type of car you choose and the length of your rental. Be sure to factor in additional costs like fuel and tolls.
You’ll also need to purchase a vignette (road tax sticker) for driving on Austria’s motorways, which can be bought at most gas stations. Parking in Salzburg can be tricky and expensive, so it’s worth researching parking garages or considering public transport in the city.
If you want to rent a car, check out Discover Cars. It helps search and compare car rentals from over 500 suppliers to find the best rates for your trip. Best of all there’s no hidden costs, 24/7 support, and free cancellation.
Where to Stop between Vienna and Salzburg: Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re going to drive from Vienna to Salzburg or Salzburg to Vienna, you should really take advantage of it and get off the beaten path. There are tons of things to explore in the Austrian countryside, and you’ll get to do so without the crowds that flock to places like Vienna and Salzburg.
Here are some of your top stops between Salzburg and Vienna, Austria.
1. Melk Abbey
Located about an hour from Vienna, Melk Abbey is a stunning Benedictine monastery perched high above the Danube River. Known for its impressive Baroque architecture, the abbey features beautiful frescoes, a library with medieval manuscripts, and a church with intricate gilded details. The gardens are also lovely, especially in the warmer months.
2. Wachau Valley
Just beyond Melk, the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its vineyards, villages, and the Danube River winding through it. Consider taking a short detour through this scenic area and stopping in the towns of Dürnstein and Krems. Dürnstein is particularly famous for the blue tower of its abbey and the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive.
3. St. Florian Monastery
Located near the town of Linz, the St. Florian Monastery is another remarkable Baroque structure with a history dating back to the 4th century. Known for its grand organ, which composer Anton Bruckner once played, the monastery also has beautiful courtyards, an ornate basilica, and impressive library rooms.
4. Linz
Roughly halfway between Vienna and Salzburg, Linz is Austria’s third-largest city and an ideal spot to explore for a couple of hours. Known for its contemporary art scene, the city is home to the Ars Electronica Center, an interactive museum dedicated to technology and media. The historic Main Square (Hauptplatz) is a great spot for a coffee break, and a short stroll will take you to the beautiful Old Cathedral. Linz also has a burgeoning food scene, so it’s a perfect place to stop for lunch.
5. Traunsee and Gmunden
Continuing west, consider a detour to Traunsee, one of Austria’s alpine lakes and the picturesque lakeside town of Gmunden. Known for its ceramic industry, Gmunden has tons of shops and offers wonderful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The Seeschloss Ort, a castle on an island in Traunsee, is also a photogenic stop. If you have time, take a quick walk along the lake or visit the historic town center with its pastel-colored buildings.
6. Hallstatt
If you have more time to spare, a detour to the world-famous village of Hallstatt is highly recommended. Located about an hour south of the A1 motorway, Hallstatt is known for its location on the shores of Lake Hallstatt and its pastel-colored houses. You can explore the salt mines, walk along the lakeside, or even take a boat ride on the lake. While this stop will add time to your road trip, the breathtaking scenery and idyllic village make it well worth the visit.
Alternatively, you can visit Hallstatt as a day trip from Vienna or a half day trip from Salzburg.
7. Mondsee
Closer to Salzburg, Mondsee is a beautiful lake town in the Salzkammergut region. Known for its blue lake and the St. Michael’s Basilica, which was featured in The Sound of Music, Mondsee offers both natural beauty and culture.
4. Flights to Salzburg from Vienna: The Fastest Option
If speed is your top priority, flying from Vienna to Salzburg is the quickest way to travel between the two cities. The flight itself takes just about 1 hour. This makes it seem like the ideal option for those pressed for time. However, when factoring in the additional time required for airport transfers, security checks, and boarding, the total travel time can easily stretch to around 3 hours, similar to that of the train.
Austrian Airlines is the main carrier operating flights between Vienna International Airport and Salzburg Airport. It offers affordable ticket prices generally ranging from €50 to €150 depending on the time of booking. Flights can be booked directly through the airline’s website or on flight comparison platforms like Expedia.
Although flying Salzburg to Vienna is a fast option, it’s less convenient than taking the train since both airports are located outside the city centers. If your itinerary involves other flights or you’re already at the airport, flying may still be the best choice. Otherwise, the ease and speed of train travel often make it a better option.
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Comparing Transportation Options to Salzburg from Vienna
Want a bird’s eye view of these four modes of transportation? Take a look at this table of the many ways to get from Vienna to Salzburg.
| Mode of Transport | Duration | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | ~2.5 hours | €20 – €60 | Quick, scenic, comfortable |
| Bus | ~3.5 hours | €10 – €30 | Budget-friendly |
| Car Rental | ~3 hours | €60 – €100 | Scenic stops, flexibility |
| Flight | ~1 hour (plus time for transfers) | €50 – €150 | Speed (if airport is convenient) |
Explore More of Austria
Now that you know how to travel from Vienna to Salzburg, I know you have an epic journey ahead. After all, Austria is one of my favorite European countries offering endless things to do. Make the most of your trip by exploring these additional posts on Austria:
- How to Spend 1 Day in Vienna: Itinerary for First Time Visitors
- Visiting Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna: Highlights & Tips for Your Trip
- How to Travel from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg + Best Stops In-between
- How to Spend One Day in Innsbruck: Itinerary for First Time Visitors
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