Salzburg Austria Travel Guide
This is the closest airport, approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) west of Salzburg city center. It is a regional airport handling direct flights mainly from other European cities. Its smaller size makes for quick and easy navigation upon arrival and departure.
Few direct intercontinental flights arrive at Salzburg Airport (SZG). Most long-haul travelers fly into a major European hub and then connect to Salzburg via a shorter flight or, more commonly, by efficient train or bus services.
Flight prices and availability vary significantly with seasons. High season sees higher prices.
Peak summer (June-August) for Salzburg Festival. Winter holiday season (December) for Christmas markets/ski resorts.
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer better deals. Lowest prices in November and late Jan-March.
Take S-Bahn (S1/S8) to Munich Hauptbahnhof, then direct Eurocity (EC) or Railjet (RJ) train to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (~2.5-3 hours total). Private shuttle services are also available.
Direct Railjet (RJ) services from Vienna Airport (Flughafen Wien) to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (~2.5-3 hours). Fast and comfortable option.
Booking train tickets in advance through the ÖBB website may secure cheaper fares. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.
Austria is a Schengen Area member. Border controls with neighboring Schengen countries are typically minimal or non-existent for EU citizens. Random passport checks occur. For non-Schengen citizens, passports are checked upon entry and exit.
Long-distance buses offer a cost-effective alternative. FlixBus is the main operator. Driving in Austria offers flexibility, especially for exploring regions like Salzkammergut or the Alps. Specific requirements apply.
Frequent direct connections are present to Vienna (~2.5 hours), Innsbruck (~1.5 hours), Graz (~4 hours), and Linz. Westbahn, a private operator, connects Salzburg to Linz and Vienna (Westbahnhof) with competitive pricing.
FlixBus is the main operator for intercity and international bus travel to and from Salzburg. Buses depart from the terminal adjacent to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. Connections to various cities in Austria and many European countries are present.
Salzburg is an inland city. Direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable for reaching the city as a main mode of international transport from afar.
Once in Salzburg, scenic boat cruises are present on the Salzach River. These provide an unique perspective of the city. These are tourist activities, not a means of arrival to the city from afar.
Austria does not impose specific exit fees or taxes on departing travelers. Your airline ticket price generally includes any applicable airport taxes. Departure procedures and timing recommendations apply.
For train departures, arriving 15-30 minutes before departure is typically sufficient. Platforms are usually well-marked, and trains are generally punctual. For long-distance bus departures (e.g., FlixBus), arrive at the bus terminal at least 15-20 minutes before departure.
Offers shops (duty-free), restaurants, cafes, and lounges for departing travelers. Wi-Fi is available.
Features numerous shops, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. Grab a meal or last-minute supplies before your journey. ATMs and luggage lockers are present.
If you purchased items eligible for a VAT refund (for non-EU residents), allow extra time at the airport to complete the tax refund process before security.
