I found Salzburg to be one of the easiest cities to navigate. Being a relatively small and compact city, walking around the Old Town was an absolute joy, and I felt like I could explore all the charming corners without getting lost. However, I understand that walking might not be ideal for everyone, especially if you’re short on time or want to visit attractions outside the city centre. Luckily, Salzburg offers plenty of public transportation options, from buses to taxis, making it convenient to get around. Whether you’re visiting for a day or longer, here’s everything you need to know about getting around Salzburg.
⏰ Short on time?
👉 Must see sights!
– Mirabell Palace & Gardens
– Hohensalzburg Fortress
– Mozart’s Birthplace
👉 Where to Stay
– Budget: Hotel Zum Hirschen Salzburg
– Mid-Range: Motel One Salzburg-Mirabell
– Luxury: Hotel Sacher Salzburg
👉 Activities we recommend
– Salzburg City Tour
– Apple Strudel & Salzburger Nockerl Class
– Original Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
How to Get Into Salzburg
The most convenient way to reach Salzburg is by train, especially if you’re coming from Vienna, Munich, or other nearby cities. Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is well connected to major European cities, making it super efficient.
- Travel Time: About 2.5 hours from Vienna and 1.5 hours from Munich
- Tickets: Available online or at the train station
If you’re travelling on a budget, buses are a great way to get to Salzburg. They connect the city with other Austrian and German cities and are often cheaper than trains.
- Bus Stations: Most buses arrive at the main Salzburg Hauptbahnhof station.
- Popular Companies: FlixBus, PostBus, and Eurolines
For international travellers, Salzburg Airport (W. A. Mozart Airport) is generally the easiest way to fly directly into the city. The airport is only a 20-minute drive from the city centre, and you can take a bus, taxi, or airport transfer to reach your accommodation.
- Bus 2: Connects the airport to the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof train station
- Taxi: Easily available outside the airport
- Cost: Around €15-20 for a taxi ride to the city centre
How to Get Around Salzburg
Absolutely! Salzburg is one of the most walkable cities I’ve visited. Most of the main attractions, including the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Garden, and Salzburg Cathedral, are within walking distance of each other. I loved wandering around the Old Town, taking in the sights, and stumbling upon hidden gems.
- Walking is the best way to explore Salzburg, especially if you’re staying in the Old Town or near the city centre.
If you plan to explore Salzburg in depth, I highly recommend getting the Salzburg Card. It gives you unlimited access to public transport, including buses, and free entry to many attractions, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, DomQuartier Salzburg, Salzburg Museum, and the Mirabell Garden. I found it super convenient as it allowed me to hop on and off buses without worrying about buying individual tickets.
- Cost: €27 for 24 hours, €36 for 48 hours, €42 for 72 hours
- Where to Buy: Available at hotels, tourist information centres, and online
Where I Stayed in Salzburg
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Zum Hirschen in Salzburg!
Where to Stay in Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 rating
Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 rating
Hotel Stein ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.0 rating
Buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Salzburg and are a fantastic option if you want to visit attractions that are further out, like Hellbrunn Palace. The bus network is extensive, and buses run frequently throughout the city and to nearby towns.
- Popular Bus Lines: Bus lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 25 are the most useful for tourists, covering the main attractions and the city centre.
- Tickets: You can buy tickets at kiosks, at ticket machines, or directly from the bus driver (note that it’s cash only if buying from the driver).
- Cost: A single ticket costs €2.90, but it’s cheaper if you buy a day pass or use the Salzburg Card.
Taxis are available throughout Salzburg, especially around the Old Town, train stations, and Salzburg Airport. While they are more expensive than other forms of transport, they can be convenient if you’re travelling with heavy luggage or want to get somewhere quickly.
- Taxi Stands: Located throughout the city centre and major tourist spots.
- Cost: A trip within the city centre usually costs between €10-20.
Salzburg is a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and rental stations. If you enjoy cycling, renting a bike is a great way to explore the city and surrounding areas, like the Hellbrunn Palace or the Salzach River.
- Where to Rent: Many bike rental shops are available, or you can rent bikes via the Nextbike app.
- Cost: Around €1 per 30 minutes or €12 for a full day
👉 Read Next: Sound of Music Salzburg Locations (With Map)
👉One of my favourite day trip from Salzburg!
If you plan to take day trips from Salzburg to places like Hallstatt or Berchtesgaden, renting a car might be a good option. It gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, but parking in the city centre can be challenging and expensive. We had a rental car in Salzburg and ended up leaving it at the hotel and walking everywhere.
- Rental Companies: Available at Salzburg Airport and the Hauptbahnhof.
- Cost: Average cost from €50 per day, plus parking fees
If you don’t have the Salzburg Card, you can still easily buy tickets for public transport in Salzburg. Tickets are available at kiosks, ticket machines at bus stops, or directly from the bus driver (cash only). You can purchase single tickets, day passes, or multi-day passes.
- Single Ticket: €2.90
- 24-hour Ticket: €6.50
Day trips we recommend from Salzburg
🦅 Step back in time at the Eagle’s Nest! Salzburg to Eagle’s Nest & Berchtesgaden Tour
🏞️ Uncover the magic of Hallstatt! Half-Day Tour from Salzburg to Hallstatt
🎶 Follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapp family! Original Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg
FAQ
The best way to get around Salzburg is by foot, especially if you’re staying in or near the Old Town. For longer distances, buses are the most convenient and affordable option.
Yes, Salzburg is extremely walkable, and most major attractions are within walking distance of each other. I loved exploring the Old Town on foot.
A single bus ticket costs €2.90, but it’s more economical to buy a 24-hour ticket or use the Salzburg Card if you plan on taking multiple trips.
The Salzburg Card offers unlimited use of public transport, free admission to many attractions, including the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and discounts at others.
Yes, you can walk to most attractions in Salzburg, especially in the Old Town and city centre.
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