Private car transfer
from Salzburg to Venice

Venice is known for its more than four hundred bridges connecting all the tiny islands and gondolas that slowly swing in the channels that serve as roads in this floating city. It is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, and your car trip from Salzburg to Venice won’t be any less charming.

As you cross Austria and move closer to Venice, each mile will greet you with some of the most scenic views of the majestic Austrian Alps, rolling hills, and lush forests. The best way to not miss out on any of this beauty is by securing a private car service, such as Daytrip, that will take you on the journey of your dreams by making personalized stops along the way. Some of the must-see stops that will make your trip unforgettable are Sankt Gilgen village, Hohenwerfen Castle, Werfen Ice Caves, and Basilica di Aquileia.

Venice is sinking by 0.5 to 1 mm each year due to various factors. One of the main causes is the city's construction of soft mud and clay, which is being weighed down by the buildings. Additionally, the rising sea levels caused by climate change are contributing to the sinking of Venice. To prevent this, the Italian government has implemented measures such as the MOSE Project. This project involves underwater gates or barriers that can be raised once the sea level gets too high.

Despite all the challenges, life in Venice continues, and this charming city remains a highly visited destination for many reasons! Venice is renowned for its distinctive Venetian Gothic architecture, which is a blend of Byzantine, Moorish, and Arab styles. The city is also well-known for its annual carnival and the iconic Venetian masks donned during the event. Venice is a place worth visiting, and the fact that it has been a UNESCO Site since 1987, only emphasizes the city’s cultural and historical significance.

Book in advance

As Venice is a popular destination but with limited space, finding accommodation can be difficult. If you don’t want to break the bank, book your hotel as far in advance as possible. Another great way to avoid high prices is by traveling in shoulder season or by booking a hotel in Mestre which is just a couple of minutes away by train.

Learn the local rules to not get fined

One of the main rules you should keep in mind is that you cannot sit on the ground and consume food or drinks. You can get fined up to $215 (€200) for this! There is also an unwritten rule that you must walk on the right side of the street. Standing on the bridges is not permitted, so even if you need to tie your shoelaces, you must first cross the bridge.

From Salzburg to Venice by bus

While several bus companies operate from Salzburg to Venice, Flixbus stands out as one of the most convenient and cost-effective. The cheapest tickets start from approximately $22 (€21), and you will reach Venice in around 6 hours and 50 minutes.

From Salzburg to Venice by train

You can also reach Venice by train. A direct overnight train service is provided by ÖBB with the tickets starting from $59 (€55) or even $37 (€35) if bought a few months in advance. The journey takes 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Or if you don’t want to miss out on the breathtaking views that unfold as you travel from Salzburg to Venice, you can opt for a scenic train journey with a transfer to Villach Central Station (Austria), provided by ÖBB. If you buy in advance, you can purchase tickets for as low as $22 (€21).

Make sure you check the schedule on the official website. The night trains usually depart around 2:00 AM. ÖBB trains are generally comfortable and equipped with amenities like restrooms and WiFi.

From Salzburg to Venice by plane

There are no direct flights from Salzburg to Venice, so if you plan to travel by plane, you will have to opt for a flight with a layover (usually in Frankfurt). Flights from Salzburg to Venice usually take around 3.5 to 4 hours, but keep in mind that you have to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure, and also have to get to and from the airport, wait for your luggage, and there might be possible delays. In general, flying doesn't save any time and is more hassle.

From Salzburg to Venice by private car service

If you want the fastest, most convenient, comfortable, and enriching way to get from Salzburg to Venice, you want a private car transfer with Daytrip. You will be greeted by a local, English-speaking driver who will ensure a comfortable and personalized journey (which will only take 4 hours and 40 minutes). Your driver will be happy to not only handle your luggage and take you to Venice as the car traverses the scenic route but also offer some local insights and recommendations to make your trip unforgettable.

The best part of Daytrip is that it offers the unique opportunity to explore along the way, something not possible with any other mode of transportation. Be sure to add any stops to your trip and make it your own! If you love history, definitely don't miss the UNESCO-listed Basilica di Aquileia to see its 4th-century mosaic floor!

Take a gondola ride

Although it might sound cliche and obvious, you have to have a gondola ride at least once. A 30-minute ride costs around $86 (€80), and while it might not be cheap, when else will you have the chance to weave through the charming canals of Venice, as you pass under the historic bridges and admire the Venetian architecture? A gondola ride promises unforgettable views of Venice from a completely different perspective, so take your chance!

Climb St. Mark's Campanile

Make sure to take in the breathtaking beauty of Venice from above by climbing St. Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco) for the most stunning panoramic views of the city! This bell tower is the tallest point in Venice, and entry costs $10.75 (€10), but the incredible view is absolutely worth it.

Explore Venice’s historical and architectural heritage

You cannot go to Venice without visiting two of its main sites: St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. Located in the heart of Venice, St. Mark's Basilica is a mixture of Gothic and Byzantine architecture. It is also known as the Church of Gold, as visitors can admire 8,000 square meters of gold mosaics on the ceiling.

Then head to Doge’s Palace to indulge in the decadent art and history of Venice before walking across the infamous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to its prison.

Learn about Venice through its cuisine

Of course, Italy’s cuisine is not only about pizza, pasta, and gelato, and Venice has its own local culinary delights you must try during your stay, especially if you are a seafood lover. Here are some of the dishes you should try:

• Bigoli in salsa: we promise this is the only option on this list that features pasta, as Venice is the origin of just one traditional pasta-based dish. What makes Bigoli in salsa special is the salted anchovies.
• Risotto al nero di seppia: risotto with squid ink, a classic Venetian dish. While at first the black color of the dish might not seem appealing, we assure you will not regret trying it!
• Risi e bisi: if you are not a fan of seafood, try this dish which translates to "rice and peas". It's a true local specialty, only available in spring, and has to be requested!

You also can’t go wrong by visiting Venice in the fall (September to October). While the tourist crowds will still be around, there will be way less buzz, and the temperatures are quite pleasant, ranging from 52 to 79°F (11 to 26°C).

What about summer in Venice? It's hot and crowded, and accommodation and activities are at their highest prices. You can look forward to bottlenecks and "traffic jams" on the walkways, and crowds and queues at the top attractions. For these reasons, and to not contribute to overtourism, avoid visiting in summer if you can help it.