Getting Around: Salzburg

Public Transportation

Salzburg's public transport is managed by Salzburg AG (Salzburg Verkehr). The system mainly uses electric trolleybuses (Obus) and regular buses. Unlike larger cities, Salzburg does not have a metro or tram system in the city center. The network is well-developed, serving the entire city and connecting to nearby suburbs. Buses are modern, comfortable, and generally run on time.

Route maps are available at major bus stops, inside buses, and online on the Salzburg Verkehr website. Google Maps also offers accurate public transport routing for Salzburg.

Hubs & Stops

Main Hub: Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is central for most bus and trolleybus lines.
City Center Stops: Mirabellplatz, Makartplatz, Rathaus, and Mozartsteg provide access to major attractions.
Maps: Available at stops, on buses, online, and via Google Maps for planning.
The "ÖBB Scotty" app is excellent for train and bus schedules across Austria.

Ticketing Options

Single tickets are from driver or machines. Multi-day tickets (24/48/72-hour) offer unlimited travel. The Salzburg Card holds unlimited public transport.

Hours & Frequency

Buses generally run from early morning (~5 AM) to late evening (~midnight, later on weekends). High frequencies (10-15 mins) during peak hours.

Accessibility

Most modern buses and trolleybuses are low-floor and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making public transport a viable option.

Navigation Tips

Efficiency & Savings

Google Maps offers real-time bus tracking and route planning.
Calculate if the Salzburg Card value outweighs individual tickets for your itinerary.
The "SalzburgMobil" app facilitates convenient mobile ticketing.

Ticket Validation & Cash

Validate tickets from machines on board immediately after boarding.
Small bills/coins are useful if buying tickets directly from the driver.
Tickets purchased from the driver are usually timestamped.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Identification

Cream-colored vehicles with "Taxi" sign on roof, visible meter inside.

Hailing

Hailing on street, designated taxi stands (Hauptbahnhof, major hotels), or phone booking.

Fares & Payment

Metered fares (~€5-€7 base, then €1.50-€2.50/km). Most accept cash/cards.

Ride-Sharing

Uber operates. Bolt may also operate. Prices are competitive.

Rental Options

Car rental offers flexibility for exploring areas outside the city. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are limited. Salzburg is a bike-friendly city with good infrastructure, especially along the Salzach River.

Car Rental

Minimum Age: Usually 21, some companies require 25 (young driver surcharge may apply).
Driver's License: Valid home country license. International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended/required for non-EU/EEA.
Credit Card: Major credit card in main driver's name for security deposit.
Companies: Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise at SZG and city locations.

Bicycle Rentals

Citybike Salzburg: Public bike-sharing system with many stations.
Requires online registration and a credit card for Citybike.
Private Rentals: Several shops offer hourly, daily, weekly rentals near train station or Salzach River.
Options include standard city bikes, e-bikes, and mountain bikes.

Driving Laws & Conditions

Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day.

Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h open roads, 130 km/h motorways.
Roads are generally in excellent condition.
Parking in Altstadt is difficult/expensive. Use garages or "Park & Ride".

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Altstadt is largely pedestrianized. Its narrow streets and squares invite leisurely exploration. Most major attractions are within walking distance.

Walking Tours

Guided tours focus on history, Mozart, Sound of Music. Self-guided routes are available online or in brochures. A good Guide book aids itineraries.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Good network of dedicated cycling paths, especially along the Salzach River. The Tauern Cycle Path passes through Salzburg.

Specialized Transportation

Salzburg offers unique transport methods. These double as attractions, yielding special views and experiences.

Tour Buses & Boat Taxis

Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services from Mirabellplatz.
Audio guides in multiple languages are often included.
Salzburg Panorama Boat offers scenic cruises on the Salzach River.
Unique perspectives of the Altstadt, fortress, and landscape from the river.

Accessibility Services

Many public buses are low-floor and equipped with ramps.
Most major attractions have some degree of accessibility (ramps, lifts).
Historic Altstadt may have cobblestones, narrow passages, steps.
Check individual attraction websites or Tourist Information for specific details.

Unique Local Transport

Festungsbahn Funicular

Connects city center (Festungsgasse) directly to Hohensalzburg Fortress. Quickest and easiest way to reach. Views are present during ascent.

Included with Salzburg Card.

Mönchsbergaufzug Lift

An elevator to Mönchsberg hill. Easy access to Museum der Moderne. Panoramic Altstadt views are present from the top.

Elevator to panoramic views.

Untersbergbahn Cable Car

Just outside the city. Takes you to Untersberg mountain summit (~1,800m). Breathtaking alpine views are present. Seeing across Salzburg region and into Germany is possible.