Your driver will meet you at your address in Prague.
You’ll travel in comfort for 4 h 20 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Salzburg.
Over 150,000 friendly locals are waiting to welcome you to Salzburg, Austria's prized gem. The whitewashed building houses cozy cafes, the Fortress Hohensalzburg overlooks the stunning old town, and the leafy walkways transport you to a fairytale. So it's only fitting that the car trip from Prague to Salzburg is equally as exciting!
Winding your way through the breathtaking Austrian Alps before reaching your final destination in the rolling hills of Bavaria seems too good to be true. But an adventure through this magical setting is possible, and it promises to be even more exhilarating than it sounds.
If you're ready to discover how long it takes and how to embark on this bucket list journey, keep reading our ultimate guide on everything you need to know about traveling from Prague to Salzburg!
Salzburg's picture-perfect surroundings are the key to its historical significance. The city sits in northeastern Austria, along the Salzach River, less than four miles from the German border. You'll begin to feel its importance each mile you move from Prague to Salzburg.
The mountainous terrain supplied a robust defense system, and the river provided a means for transporting goods. Also, the proximity to other European powerhouses made it a sought-after region for the Romans and the Habsburg Empire in the Middle Ages.
In the 18th century, the area's economy began to flourish. Local salt and gold mines based along a popular trade route created one of the wealthiest cities of its time. The rule of the Prince-Archbishops gave the region its cultural peak and paved the way for the stylish Baroque architecture you'll see today. The other reason Salzburg’s culture peaked in the 18th century was the birth of its most notable native son: Mozart.
In the 21st century, Salzburg became an international destination, thanks in no small part to “The Sound of Music”. Each year, the population expanded over ten times as 1.7 million visitors came to explore its lanes. The UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, historical relics, and classical music scene will continue to attract many more for years to come.
Why suffer on one of the best European road trips from Prague to Salzburg? The venture is a unique experience that should be brimming with unforgettable memories.
To ensure you have the journey of a lifetime, we assembled the best travel tips from our travel experts!
The route from Prague to Salzburg is studded with scenic trains, natural gems, and hidden treasures. After all, you are driving through the heart of the world's most iconic mountain range.
To prepare, ensure you have a full window seat if traveling by public transport. Don't let any bars, curtains, or walls connecting the windows get in your way. And, most importantly, don't forget to charge your camera!
The last thing you want on a postcard journey through the Alps is the feeling of frustration from getting stuck in a traffic jam.
Salzburg and Prague are popular destinations, and millions of residents are along the way. To avoid getting caught up in a gridlock, travel in the morning to avoid peak traffic but retain the sunlight to admire the scenery.
Salzburg is the most expensive city in Austria. When you travel from the budget-friendly Czech Republic, you may be shocked.
By booking your transportation in advance, you can save up to 50% on the same ticket as on the day. This will save you hard-earned cash to put towards your time in Salzburg.
The driving distance from Prague to Salzburg is 240 miles. So, getting between the two cities isn't as easy as buying a ticket and hopping on the Prague metro.
Below, we explain how to get from Prague by road, bus, or night train between the two cities and which best suits your needs.
The train is for you if you're traveling from Prague to Salzburg on a budget. You can purchase a Sparschiene ticket for €24 at least 30 days before your departure date. These are the cheapest ÖBB train tickets and sell out quickly, so reserving your spot is essential.
The average cost rises to €39 if you wait until seven days in advance and up to €50 if you buy on the day. The most vital element when considering the train is that no direct lines are available. Although it's still a beautiful 5-7-hour journey, you must transfer to Linz or Vienna, even if you travel by night train.
The bus is the most popular way to travel from Prague to Salzburg. Like the train, the bus is a budget-friendly choice, where the average seat will cost €25. Additionally, Flixbus, Leo Express, and Infobus have direct services that connect the cities in 6-7 hours with wifi, air conditioning, and charging points.
The downside of opting for the bus is the risk of stress and confusion. Many passengers are left frustrated as Prague has three departure stations and many arrivals stop at Salzburg South Station, 4.5 miles from downtown Salzburg.
Daytrip's private door-to-door car service will transport you from Prague to Salzburg in as little as five hours. But not before you weave through rugged terrain, cities off the beaten path, and snow-capped peaks that are guaranteed to put a smile on Scrooge himself.
Vacations are about exploring and learning new ways of life but, most importantly, relaxing. So, to ensure you're in the getaway spirit, we provide a relaxing atmosphere with all the modern conveniences. You don't need to worry about carrying luggage, swapping carriages, or sitting in a fully booked space with noisy passengers day or night.
Along the way, enrich your trip by chatting with your driver about local culture. Admire wedding-cake Hluboka castle, compare the historic charms of UNESCO-listed Cesky Krumlov and Hallstatt, or sober up on 20th-century history at Mauthausen.
There are no direct flights from Prague to Salzburg, so the quickest you'll get there is in 3.5 hours after a layover in Frankfurt. However, remember you'll also spend about 30 minutes getting to and from each airport and 2 hours for check-in and security, bringing the total travel time to over 6 hours. As such, flying is not advised.
At the turn of the decade, Lonely Planet named Salzburg the best city to visit. With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and stunning alpine vistas, it's easy to see why. So before you speed from Prague to Salzburg, uncover the best things to do so you don't miss a thing!
Being one of the largest ancient forts in Europe, it's difficult to miss. This historic landmark, dating back to 1077, sits upon Festungsberg Mountain, towering over the city below.
As you walk through the castle, you'll be reminded of the city's past. Lavishly decorated walls and spacious rooms explain how the wealthy rulers of the land lived. The armory and historical relics paint a vivid picture of the determination of the local armies and the hard-fought battles they had to overcome.
You wouldn't go to Paris without seeing the Palace of Versailles. So don't end your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Salzburg without visiting the Mirabell Palace!
The grand gardens and the extraordinary building are an urban oasis. Just a stone's throw from the bustling walkways of Salzburg is a slice of heaven where you could spend hours marveling at the man-made wonder.
If you're a music enthusiast, visit at night for a live, year-round concert!
Salzburg is famous as the setting for the beloved film The Sound of Music. You can enjoy guided tours that visit filming locations throughout the city and the picturesque countryside.
You'll follow in the footsteps of the von Trapp family as you visit landmarks such as Mirabell Gardens and the Lake District. You will also learn everything about the making of the film and the real-life story behind it.
Salzburg Zoo is an ideal place for friends and family. Those of all ages will enjoy the experience!
The zoo is one of the best in the country, home to 150 species and around 1,500 animals. From wallabies to rhinos and sloths to birds, you can discover wildlife from all walks of life here.
Around 400,000 tourists and locals pass through the gates annually. So if you want the space to yourself, visit in the morning.
The best time to travel from Prague to Salzburg depends on your preferences. Usually, spring is the best time to travel in Europe, as there are few crowds but still pleasant temperatures.
Summer is the peak season, with high temperatures and higher prices. But it's also the best time to indulge in the city's many cultural, musical, and historical events.
Like spring, fall has cooler temperatures, fewer people, and often, deals with hotels and transportation. Winter is best if you love Christmas markets, a festive atmosphere, and (usually) fewer tourists.
There're no shortages of 'fairy-tale' castles in the Czech Republic, but this beauty has a more beastly backstory. The Doomed Nobleman's Chateau
Google “Most Beautiful Castle in the Czech Republic” and this thirteenth-century gem that lies close to the town of České Budějovice is certain to appear Windsor Castle in South Bohemia
Hugging a horseshoe bend on the Vltava river, this historic village is one of the prettiest in Central Europe. The Jewel of South Bohemia
A forced labour camp for intellectuals, artists, aristocrats and political enemies of the Nazi Regime, Mauthausen is the Concentration Camp you won't have read about in history books. Austria's Secret Nazi Death Camp
The town of Hallstatt lies in a sensational mountain setting, nestled among the lakes of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. Medieval UNESCO alpine village
When every view feels like it should be on a postcard, it can sometimes be hard to believe that what you see is real. A village of nature and music
“We really enjoyed our ride from Prague to Salzburg in late November. Our driver, David, arrived early to pick us up. His vehicle was the perfect size for our trip and very clean. David was very professional and a pleasure to talk to during the drive. During our drive we experienced traffic issues and a snowstorm, but David did a fantastic job handling both.”
Z1490MPjerrys
Dec 5, 2023“Great service. Good Communion with driver, clean car. It was our first time using this service so we were kind of unsure what to expect but it turned out great. Driver was nice and friendly, clean car. Took the car from Salzburg to Prague with a stop in Chesky Krumlov (HIGHLY RECOMMEND). Would recommend the service to others”
rossb140
Oct 5, 2022“Everything about the daytrip experience was excellent. Jan S. was the perfect driver/guide for our trip from Salzburg to Prague. We were picked up at our hotel in Salzburg and delivered to our hotel in Prague. The conversation was pleasant and informative as we drove through the countryside. He made our two hour stopover in Cesky Krumlov extra special. We would certainly reccommend this service and Jan S as a driver.”
JLLSMS
Jun 29, 2022“So far we have had two journeys, Prague to Salzburg and Zell am See to Lucerne. Both trips have been luxury cars and the journeys have been fantastic. The convenience of door to door service is brilliant. No trudging baggage to the train, bus or airport and not having to check in, load baggage find seat etc. For those that travel by train and go first class with flexibility, the luxury class using mydaytrips have been about the same price. Great service and will always use them. 😊”
Tullyleaseduo
Dec 8, 2019All 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.
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.
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 are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
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).
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.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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