Salzburg

Private car transfer
from Munich to Salzburg

Door-to-door
in 1 h 40 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Munich.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 40 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Salzburg.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 144 km
  • 1 h 40 min

Overview: car trip from Munich to Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and "The Sound of Music City" is well known for its musical heritage, decadently delicious Austrian food, beautiful white-washed buildings, cozy cafes, magnificent fortresses, and picturesque walkways that inspire many a picture. A car trip from Munich to Salzburg is the best way to get yourself to this city of charming medieval and baroque buildings backed by views of the Eastern Alps and divided by the Salzach River.

There's no denying that Salzberg is an exciting place to visit, but let's not forget the scenic drive from Munich to Salzburg. A ride with Daytrip will allow you to see some of the greatest attractions and landmarks along the way. Stop at Kufstein with its imposing castles, or Schonau am Konigssee, nestled amongst the spectacular soaring Alps and settled beside an inviting lake.

During the drive, you can chat with your English-speaking driver about local culture or things to do when you get to Salzburg. Finally, as your trip comes to an end, you'll be dropped off at your accommodation in Salzburg ready to dive into its charms and culture.

About Salzburg

Salzburg is one of the most unique cities in the world. The world-famous City of Mozart harmoniously blends creature comforts with exciting adventure thanks to its magnificent architecture, scrumptious local food, natural surroundings, and enticing art and culture.

From humble beginnings, Salzburg has grown into a must-visit destination. The town began making a name for itself during the 18th century when it saw an uptick in its economy thanks to local salt and gold mines. These mines were along a popular trade route, leading to Salzburg becoming one of the wealthiest cities of the 18th century.

Intertwined with its wealth was the influence of the ruler's Prince-Archbishops. The Prince-Archbishops incited a cultural explosion within the region, leading to the stylish Baroque architecture seen today. Little did they know then that in the 21st century, this culture coupled with the architectural wonders, would lead to Salzburg becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most attractive European cities.

Although Salzburg might be a small, charming town, it has played a pivotal role in history. Before it became a popular travel destination by car, train, or flight, Salzburg was the American base during World War I. Its strategic position along the Salzach River, less than four miles northeast of the German border, made it a crucial headquarters for the U.S. Army during the war. Every mile you drive from Munich to Salzburg will help you visualize this importance.

Salzburg's mountainous terrain created a robust natural defense system, and the river was a key player in transporting goods. Before the war, Salzburg was also a sought-after holding for empires from the Romans to the Habsburgs because of its location near European powerhouses.

The unique combination of architectural richness, scenic Alpine landscape, and lush historical and cultural relevance fuels Saltzburg's reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world---and that's after much of its medieval architecture was destroyed under archbishop rule and the great fire of 1818.

The episcopal buildings and the burghers' houses beautifully display Italian Renaissance and Baroque influences that in the past earned Salzburg the title "The German-Rome." Among the newer landmarks is the Holy Trinity Church, built in 1694 and designed by famous architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, and St. Sebastian's Church, home to the graves of Mozart's wife and father.

From Munich to Salzburg: travel tips

With its picture-perfect scenery, gorgeous attractions, and landmarks, the drive from Munich to Salzburg is one of the most wondrous you could ever experience. However, to ensure your journey is everything you expect it to be, you need to keep a few travel tips in mind.

Have a translation app

Although most people in Munich and Salzburg and in the towns along the way speak some measure of English, it's still a good idea to download a translation app on your phone. A translation app will help with everything from reading menus to concert schedules in Salzburg or ordering strudel in small alpine villages. Of course, when you ride with Daytrip, your private driver can help with any translating you need en route, give you local insights, or teach you a few key phrases.

Leave early

The biggest mistake you can make is starting your trip to Salzburg from Munich late. Both Munich and Salzburg are incredibly popular travel destinations, and as such, the roads between the two places can get congested, slowing down your journey.

This could cause you to miss out on sightseeing during the drive and cause frustration when you arrive in Salzburg later than expected. To avoid these situations, you use a private car service like Daytrip to pick you up and drop you off promptly at your Salzburg accommodation

With Daytrip, you can set your own departure time, so you can speed off in the early morning hours to avoid traffic and still take in the sights leisurely without feeling pressured.

Stop for sightseeing

You might never encounter a more beautiful car trip than when driving from Munich to Salzburg. With Daytrip, you can do more than just watch the scenery pass by your window. Add enriching sightseeing stops at charming alpine towns, or in the summer, the Eagle's Nest, Hitler's “summit of power”.

How to get from Munich to Salzburg

Getting from Munich to Salzburg isn't as challenging as you might believe since three convenient travel options are available. Look below to learn more about how to travel between these cities and discover which option best suits your preferences.

Munich to Salzburg by train

For many people, the most convenient way to travel from Munich to Salzburg is via direct, high-speed trains. The train trip is scenic, offering alpine views and a glimpse of the Hohensalzburg Fortress as you cross the river into Salzburg. Tickets can be as low as 20 euros, but make sure you're getting a direct train ride, which will get you to Salzburg in about 1.5 hours.

The train is more comfortable than the bus, so it's usually worth the extra cost. With a Bayern ticket, prices can be under 14 euros if you're traveling with a group. However, only a few trains traveling to Salzburg accept the Bayern ticket, so check the schedules in advance.

Whether you use a Bayern ticket or not, you'll leave from the Munich Hauptbahnhof to the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof train station. The train trip takes less than two hours, and multiple trains travel to Salzburg daily from Munich. You'll be able to purchase train tickets online or at one of the ticket stations at the train station.

Munich to Salzburg by private car transfer

If you want the most comfortable, convenient, and enriching way to get from Munich to Salzburg, you want a private car transfer with Daytrip. You'll be picked up at your accommodation in Munich by a friendly, English-speaking driver and brought to Salzburg in as little as an hour and a half.

Along the way, your driver will tell you much about Salzburg and the journey and can recommend a few stops and places to visit. Part of the trip takes you on the Autobahn, so if you've ever wanted to see what life without speed limits is like, you can ask your professional driver to let loose. And even better, with Daytrip, you can stop for sightseeing along the way! Enrich your trip by visiting charming towns and historic sites that you'd miss if you took the bus or train.

When you use a private car transfer service, you won't need to put up with being wedged between people you don't know in a fully booked space. Instead, you can sit back and relax while taking in the spectacular sights and enjoying the thrill of traveling between gorgeous European cities. You won't need to worry about your luggage either, as the Daytrip driver will handle it.

Munich to Salzburg by bus

Often, one of the most inexpensive ways to travel in Europe is via the bus. A bus ticket from Munich to Salzburg can cost less than ten euros, but you are trading cost for comfort. You'll have to contend with traffic, which you'll not encounter when taking the train or a private car if you leave early enough. And considering you're not guaranteed a window seat, you might miss the scenery of the journey between Munich and Salzburg.

Only one bus line – Flixbus – is operating between these two European cities. Buses leave from the Munich Central Bus Station or the 1 S-Bahn stop from the Munich Hauptbahnhof. You should buy tickets in advance online to guarantee a seat. It's worth noting that there are five departures daily, and the bus takes about two hours to get to Salzburg.

Things to do when you get to Salzburg

Salzburg was named the best city to visit at the turn of the decade by Lonely Planet. With its spectacular alpine vistas and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, it's not much of a challenge to see why that's the case. But before you take a driving tour from Munch to Salzburg, let's uncover the best things to do when you get there!

Venture up to Hohensalzburg Fortress

The not-so-hidden gem of Saltzburg is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, built in 1077. The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest ancient forts in Europe, and with its towering presence, memorable design, and location on Festungsberg Mountain overlooking Salzburg, it's literally unmissable.

Explore the castle's beautifully decorated interior with its lavishly decorated walls, historical relics, and armory that help you experience what it might have been like to walk within its walls centuries ago. Even if you don't go inside, it's worth heading up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for unrivaled views of the city below.

Visit Mirabell Palace

Would you go to Paris without visiting the Palace of Versailles? Unlikely. So why visit Salzburg without visiting the Mirabell Palace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? This palace has one of the grandest gardens in all of Europe, making it an architectural wonder and urban oasis.

You won't even need to travel very far to visit the Mirabell Palace since it's near the busy streets of Salzburg. But when you walk within its walls, don't be surprised if time gets away from you and you spend hours marveling at its manicured splendor. If you're a music enthusiast, you might want to visit at night to enjoy one of the year-round concerts.

Enjoy a Sound of Music Tour

If it's not already the reason you're visiting, Salzburg was the home of the real-life von Trapps and the filming location for the classic movie "The Sound of Music". Unsurprisingly, the town is proud of this and, in recognition, hosts guided tours showcasing the various filming locations throughout the city and sprawling countryside.

The tour brings you to key filming locations like Mirabell Gardens and the Lake District while the passionate guide shares facts about the film and its real-life story.

Best time to visit Salzburg

Salzburg is an all-season destination, so it doesn't matter when you choose to visit, as there is always something to see and do.

However, if you're traveling from Munich to Salzburg, the best time of year to visit is usually during the summer. Not only is the town picturesque during this time of year, but there are also numerous musical, cultural, and historical events you can indulge in alone or with friends and family.

If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, visit Salzburg during the spring or fall. Along with having more space, you'll also get lower hotel and transportation fares.

And if you love Christmas, visit Salzburg (and Munich) in the winter. Every European town and city turns into a winter wonderland with Christmas markets and a festive atmosphere. But Munich and Salzburg both boast two of the very best Christmas Markets in Europe and are worth planning a trip for.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Munich to Salzburg

Salzburg is definitely worth a day trip from Munich. The city is steeped in historical and cultural significance and has some of Europe's best food. A Bayern ticket makes a day trip easy and affordable, but since there is so much to do in Salzburg, it might be better to plan a two to three-day trip to see all the major attractions and catch a few concerts.
The distance between Munich and Salzburg is about 71 miles (144 km), which takes under 2 hours to drive.
On the weekends, there is often traffic along the roads leading from Munich to Salzburg, with the Autobahn being repeatedly backed up for hours. That's why it's best to travel by train or ensure you leave via car early in the morning or during non-peak times.
Typically, the best way to travel the distance from Munich to Salzburg is by train or private car with Daytrip. Both the train and private car will take one and a half to two hours to get to Salzburg. However, although the train offers a scenic route, you won't be able to make stops along the way like you can with Daytrip. Daytrip's drivers can take you to sightsee and know the roads and how best to get to Salzburg without incident or frustration.

Visit these sights on the way

Dachau Memorial

Dachau Memorial

In its ravenous twelve year existence, Germany's first concentration camp swallowed over 200,000 people from all over Europe. The Model for Nazi Concentration Camps 

Kufstein

Kufstein

Explore quaint streets and dark castle passageways, and listen to the dulcet tones of the world's largest outdoor pipe organ in this charming Tyrolean town. The Titan of Tyrol 

Herrenchiemsee

Herrenchiemsee

A short ferry ride is all it takes to be transported to a world of luxury at Ludwig II’s Versailles-inspired island palace. King Ludwig’s Version of Versailles 

Schonau am Konigssee

Schonau am Konigssee

Nestled among the soaring alps, this charming lakeside village has been called “the most beautiful place in Germany”. A place like no other 

Berchtesgaden – Eagles Nest

Berchtesgaden – Eagles Nest

Eagles Nest was the name given to Hitler’s ‘teahouse’ by the American soldiers who occupied Bavaria in 1945. *Closed November-May An artful symbol of madness 

Hallein

Hallein

This picturesque town owes its charms to its “white gold” salt mines, which were once the source of Salzburg’s wealth. Built from the Ground Up 

Why travelers love this route

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 17 reviews for this route
  • 4,163 travelers took this route with us
May 24, 2023

Drive from Munich to Salzburg

Hi team , It was a fantastic ride from Munich airport to Salzburg. The car was spacious and very comfortable. Driver Aleš was extremely kind , helpful and a very safe driver. Overall we were extremely satisfied. Keep up the good service .

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Freedom600992
Review author image

Freedom600992

May 24, 2023
Jun 16, 2022

Very professional and convenient service and reasonably priced too!

Daytrip picked us up at our hotel in Munich and drove us to our hotel in Salzburg. It couldn't have been more convenient. The price was the same as the 6 of us paying for the train. The car was comfortable and the car arrived early. We were texted when he arrived. I was surprised about how easy it was to get a quote. I was very impressed by this company. I considered using them during other parts of our journey. I always considered them in the equation when trying to figure out about the best way between point a and point b.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler jacksonframingham
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jacksonframingham

Jun 16, 2022
Dec 13, 2019

Trip from Munich to Salzburg to Prague to Slovakia to Budapest with side trips

Depending on the city, 9-10 of us (all Americans from various states) traveled exclusively using mydaytrip. What a wonderful experience!! We started with pick up at Munich Airport, then transport with side trips to Salzburg, Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest. The drivers were prompt, spoke fluent English, were knowledgeable and extremely personable. The cars/vans were clean and safe. I plan to use this service for every European trip going forward.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler ran1959
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ran1959

Dec 13, 2019
Dec 6, 2019

I love daytrip.com

I recently used daytrip twice. Once from Munich to Salzburg with stops at Kufstein and Hallein, and another from Salzburg to Vienna. I think daytrip is a great idea. It saves me from all the trouble of planning, and the hassles of travelling via other mode of transports (Train/fly) across Europe.. The drive was punctual, the car is clean, and the whole drive was smooth. If only! It can be a bit cheaper.😆

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler MChanE
Review author image

MChanE

Dec 6, 2019

Vehicle options for this trip

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sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
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  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
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luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
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  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
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mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
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  • 4
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
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  • 5-7
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The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Munich to Salzburg
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Munich to Salzburg

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

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