How to Travel from Vienna to Salzburg: Simple Comparative Transport Guide for Visitors

Planning your Austrian adventure and wondering about the best way to get from Vienna to Salzburg?

Should you take the train, rent a car, or consider one of the other transportation options?

With only 156 miles between these two iconic cities, there’s a surprising number of options available that vary significantly in cost, travel times, and budget.

After traveling this route with my mom and experiencing firsthand the realities of getting between Austria’s cultural capitals, I’ve learned exactly what works (and what doesn’t) for different types of travelers and situations.

Whether you’re budget backpackers, comfort-focused travelers, or families needing flexibility, I’ll help you choose the transportation option that aligns with your priorities so you can focus on enjoying Mozart’s birthplace instead of worrying about logistics.

If you’re wavering between visiting Vienna and Salzburg, my guide will help you decide!

Vienna to Salzburg: Distance and Travel Time Comparison

Vienna is close to Salzburg, with only 156 miles (251km) between them!

Which means, yes, you can do a day trip to Salzburg; however, I’d actually recommend at least staying overnight to really get a feel for the city made famous by the Sound of Music!

When my mother and I visited, we chose to take the train as it was fast, scenic, affordable, easy to get to (as the train station was walkable from our hotel), and didn’t require checking bags (we’d lost our bags for a few days at the beginning of the trip, so this became even more important!)

Mode of Transport	Duration	Cost	Pro
Train	2.5 hours	$19-75	Direct, fast, and affordable
Bus	11.5-15.5 hours	$18-58	Cheap
Car Rental	3.5 hours	$16-28/day + gas	Private and autonomous
Car Pooling	3.75 hours	$28	Direct route
Flying	4+ hours	$300+	No pros really, unless you’ve got a load of points to use up

🇦🇹 Looking for tips on Vienna? Check out my 2-day Vienna itinerary

Train Travel: The Balanced Choice

As I mentioned, my mom and I chose to do the train journey from Vienna to Salzburg.

Our hotel, Garner Hotel Vienna, was a mere 4-minute walk to the Vienna Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), making it incredibly easy to pack up, walk over, and board.

You can also depart from Westbahnhof, but as that would have been a 51 minute walk from our hotel, we chose the logical and easier station to leave from.

However, if your hotel is closer to that station, but all means, as they take about the same amount of time and are both direct.

The two train companies are Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Westbahn.

Which one you should take depends on which station you want to depart out of, as ÖBB only departs out of Hauptbahnhof, while Westbahn only departs out of Westbahnhof.

We found the train to be comfortable, clean, and prompt.

Since it was only a 2.5-hour trip, we ate breakfast at our hotel, boarded, and then ate lunch in Salzburg.

Money-Saving Tips for Train Travel

Book in advance: Booking in advance typically means you can find a cheaper train fare. It also means you have more seat options (if reserving is possible) and times/dates.

Travel off-peak: Traveling off-peak can also get you some savings! Off-peak just means not during busy hours/holidays/festivals.

Download Omio: I use the transport app Omio, which allows me to book and display my tickets for when the conductor comes around for checks or at turnstiles. Tickets are also often fully refundable should you need to.

Bus Travel: The Budget Option

As you’ll see above, buses aren’t really all that much more cost-effective than the train for those planning to go from Vienna to Salzburg.

If anything, they take longer, partly because buses are slower than trains, but also because you’ll have to do a transfer in another city before reaching your destination.

However, if you’re set on the bus, I highly recommend FlixBus, as that’s what my mom and I took to Slovenia and Croatia, since those trips were cheaper by bus.

The buses were comfy and clean.

FlixBus buses do have toilets onboard during long trips; however, I do recall us stopping for bathroom breaks, which is great because the condition/functionality of bus bathrooms is sometimes a bit dodgy.

There are sometimes other operators, but Flixbus is the main company doing this route.

Money-Saving Tips for Bus Travel

Book in advance: Booking in advance typically means you can find a cheaper bus fare. But do build in some buffer. I flew to Vienna and then took a bus to Bratislava, which I had booked in advance. However, a flight delay forced me to cancel my bus ticket and rebook at the last minute, which was more expensive. Advance usually also means more seat options (if reserving is possible) and times/dates.

Travel off-peak: Traveling during less busy times can save you money! Off-peak simply means outside of peak hours or holidays.

Download Omio: I use the transport app Omio, which allows me to book and display my tickets for when the driver checks. Tickets are also often fully refundable should you need to.

📲 Looking for other budget-saving apps? Check my free apps for European travel guide!

Driving: The Autonomous Choice

Before we even dive into the options, U.S. citizens are required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Austria, along with a valid U.S. driver’s license.

You can get an IDP from AAA in the U.S.

Do brush up on signage in Austria, as it may vary from your home country.

It’s also important to factor gas into your travel budget!

DiscoverCars is where I’ve rented from before in Europe, for my road trip around Germany in particular, and it was super simple to do!

The roads in Germany were super easy to navigate, so I can’t imagine Austria would be all that different since they’re neighbors.

However, do check with the rental company if the car comes with a toll pass, as if you’re planning on taking the A1 Autobahn from Vienna to Salzburg, you’ll come across some tolls.

Most major car companies will have it included or at least clarity if you need to buy one up front.

Carpooling and Ride-Sharing: For Flexible Budget Travelers

Admittedly, I’ve never used BlaBlaCar to get anywhere, but I do see it constantly when I’m in Europe and have for years.

If you’re really trying to save a few bucks, it can sometimes be a good option, as there are cost-sharing benefits, such as splitting the gas. However, you are at the mercy of the driver.

I’ve seen BlaBlaCar options on Omio as well.

Flying Across the Country: Ideal for No One

This is the option I would not recommend, as all flights I’ve seen require at least one layover in another city/country.

Unless you’re trying to burn airline points, I don’t see this as a good choice for anyone.

Seasonal Considerations and Peak Times

Avoid peak season: If you can, traveling outside of summer will likely grant you some savings as well as mean you won’t be fighting traffic or tourist crowds.

Be careful in winter: Austria is gorgeous in winter, but if you aren’t used to driving in snowy conditions, driving may not be for you, and you should consider a bus or train instead.

Festivals/holidays: While events are fun, do be aware that they can jack up the price of transport! In Salzburg, they have Mozart Week and the Salzburg Festival, to name a couple.

After Arriving in Salzburg

When we arrived in Salzburg by train, there were plenty of taxis around to take us to our hotel, which is what we did. But oops, I later learned we could have taken public transport there!

So those looking to save while in Salzburg, get the Salzburg Card, which includes public transport and saves you some dough!

Even if you aren’t taking the train, the card will likely help, as Salzburg is very well connected, so there’s likely a transport option near wherever you’re dropped off.

While I’m on about tourist passes, the Vienna Pass is also well worth it!

Final Thoughts on Vienna to Salzburg

For most types of travelers, the train is going to be the best option as it’s affordable and fast!

I would not recommend flying at all, unless you’re trying to burn airline miles for some reason.

The bus is good if you’re trying to avoid a hotel/hostel stay and can sleep on the bus.

Driving is perfect for those who want to stop along the way and set their own pace.

Carpooling/ridesharing is best for those with flexible schedules and limited budgets.

But no matter what you pick, booking in advance is recommended!

Related Austria Travel Guides

• 5-Day Austria Travel Itinerary: How to Visit Vienna and Salzburg on a Budget
• Comparing Salzburg vs. Vienna: How to Choose the Best Austrian Getaway for You
• How to Travel from Vienna to Salzburg: Simple Comparative Transport Guide for Visitors

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Header Photo by Janez Temlin