Private car transfer
from Salzburg to Vienna

Daytrip's private car service is the easiest way to travel, especially for groups and families. You don't need to be concerned about exceeding restrictions on the number of bags per passenger, which is common in bus and train travel. Your professional driver will meet you at your accommodation and load up your luggage, saving you the hassle of maneuvering suitcases and strollers over cobblestone streets.

Hiring a private driver with Daytrip elevates the comfort and convenience of your trip to the next level. Our local drivers possess intimate knowledge of the area, enabling them to navigate the best shortcuts and swiftly adjust the route in case of road closures or accidents, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

With Daytrip, you can incorporate fascinating sightseeing stops into your travel plan, including Hallstatt, a postcard-perfect alpine town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout your journey, your knowledgeable driver will enrich your experience with local insights and anecdotes until you reach your destination in Vienna.

The Habsburgs claim Vienna as the center of culture

The Habsburgs were one of Europe's most influential royal families. They reigned for centuries as rulers of the Holy Roman Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Much of Vienna’s status as a center of culture can be attributed to it being the capital of the Habsburg Empire during the 17th century. Vienna became a hotspot for artists, political visionaries, religious leaders, traders, artisans, and other visiting royals. Anyone who was anyone had to be in Vienna!

The Danube River is a major vein for travel and commerce throughout Europe, and the ports in Vienna saw many centuries of trade, which added to the city’s wealth and influence. Today, it makes for a lovely picnic spot, or take a boat tour!

Vienna and WWII

Throughout WWII, Vienna faced serious civilian and infrastructure losses. 20% of the housing was lost to the more than 52 bombing raids. Austria became a free republic after WWII, and restoration was an intense effort that took about 30 years.

Mauthausen was the last labor camp to be liberated at the end of WWII and is halfway between Salzburg and Vienna. It is one of the stops you can add to your Daytrip tour. The memorial is free of charge, but you should join the 2-hour tour to learn about this dark part of Austrian history.

Modern Vienna

Vienna has made great strides in the 20th century to restore its former glory. Today it is a city that blends modern office buildings and apartments with the intricate detailed palaces and state buildings found in the inner city. With its wealth of culture, history, and a myriad of activities for all ages to enjoy, it's no surprise that Vienna consistently ranks high as a great place to visit and an even greater place to live. Come see and experience Vienna for yourself!

Depart early

Leave earlier in the day from Salzburg to make the most of the daylight, especially if you are traveling in fall or winter. It is not a very long drive if you plan on going nonstop, but surely you will want to make some stops along the way. Having the whole day ahead of you takes the pressure off of you to finish the drive before the sun sets. We advise you not to arrive in a new city after dark, especially if you still need to find and check into your accommodation.

Choose a reliable car service

If you want the best experience possible, ride with Daytrip. We guarantee comfortable, modern vehicles and professional, experienced drivers fluent in English and knowledgeable about the local area. Most importantly, you’ll get a seamless, hassle-free journey. Our customer service is available 24/7 for you on your trip.

Add stops along the way

You have an entire swath of Austria to see between Salzburg and Vienna. With Daytrip, you can customize your trip with sightseeing stops to experience more of Austria. Stretch your legs at one of the many preserved medieval towns or historic castles.

One great addition is Hallstatt. Sitting on an alpine lake, this UNESCO-listed town is so beautiful that a replica was made in China! It also has the oldest salt mine in the world. Book your two-hour tour of the mines and our Daytrip driver will get you right where you need to go to enjoy the tour.

If you still haven’t had enough time underground after your salt mine tour, consider going to the Dachstein Ice Caves just twenty minutes away to see natural formations of underground ice and stone. They offer another two-hour tour, so make sure you leave plenty of time to look around.

Make dinner reservations

Once you’ve made it to Vienna, you are going to be hungry. After your driver takes you to your accommodation and helps you with your luggage, you’ll want to get dinner. Viennese restaurants fill quickly, especially during the summer. So if you have a restaurant you are dying to try, you should definitely book your dinner reservations ahead of time. It makes for a perfect end to a day of traveling from Salzburg.

Salzburg to Vienna by private car with Daytrip

A door-to-door private car service is exactly what you need when going from Salzburg to Vienna if you have a lot of luggage, need to wrangle young kids, or want to make stops along the way. Your private driver will meet you at your accommodation in Salzburg and load your luggage into the car. After that, you won't have to worry about a thing. Daytrip drivers know the local driving customs and can expertly re-route in case of traffic or road closures.

Maybe even better than the comfort and convenience, Daytrip will help you see hidden parts of Austria. Add stops along your route to turn your travel day into a customized adventure. For military history buffs, Kreuzenstein castle has a unique collection of weapons, and medieval and gothic relics. Meanwhile in Hallstatt, you can walk around the lakeside town before touring the world's oldest salt mine. These would be much harder to access by public transit, but with Daytrip, visiting is a breeze.

Salzburg to Vienna by bus

Several bus companies operate direct routes between Salzburg and Vienna, and tickets start at $32. The journey by bus usually takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and any other scheduled stops. Bus stations in Salzburg and Vienna are well-connected and centrally located, making it relatively easy to get a bus or taxi from the station to your accommodation. If you have extra luggage, make sure you declare it while booking to avoid any hassle or delays.

Salzburg to Vienna by train

Traveling by train is a popular and cost-efficient way to get from Salzburg to Vienna. Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) offers regular services to Vienna's Wien Hauptbahnhof. The journey by train typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and tickets start at $22, depending on the type of train and any transfers. ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) operates trains between the two cities, including high-speed Railjet services. Be sure to check the train schedule and book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times.

Flights from Salzburg to Vienna

There are no direct flights between Salzburg and Vienna due to the short distance. You could take connecting flights, but the total travel time, including layovers, would be longer than just taking ground transportation. Best to skip the airport this time!

Salzburg to Vienna by rental car

Unless you rented a car in Vienna and drove it to Salzburg this option isn't recommended. The distance between Salzburg and Vienna is approximately 185 miles (300 kilometers) and follows the A1 highway the entire way, so it's an easy drive. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on how heavy the traffic will be.

The drawbacks of a rental car come from the logistics. You need to make sure you have the proper vignette on your windshield to pay for the highways, and if you're driving one way, that you get a car you can return in Vienna (which usually comes with a hefty additional fee). If you're not returning the car right when you get to Vienna, you also have to figure out parking if it's not provided by your accommodation. And since Vienna has excellent public transit systems, you likely won't be using your rental in the city.

Vienna’s art museums

The Albertina Museum is the largest museum in Central Europe for modern art. Delve into an extensive collection of art spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary periods. Highlights include works by Dürer, Michelangelo, Monet, Picasso, and Warhol, displayed within a stunning Baroque palace. For even more art, walk just a few minutes to the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History). It has an extensive collection of European art, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Raphael, and Caravaggio.

Schönbrunn Palace

A trip to Vienna is not complete without a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Schönbrunn Palace is basically the Austrian Versailles and the amount of wealth and influence displayed in the opulent rooms and vast gardens is staggering. The Gloriette has panoramic views of the Vienna skyline, so don’t miss it!

Make an entire day of your palace visit by heading to Schönbrunn Zoo. Aside from being the oldest zoo in the world, it's also one of the best in Europe and one of only a handful with giant pandas!

Vienna’s Hundertwasserhaus

Have you had enough of the Baroque, Renaissance, and Medieval architecture? Have no fear, Vienna even has more abstract buildings for all tastes. Admire the whimsical architecture of the Hundertwasser House, designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

This colorful, unconventional building has uneven floors, uneven windows, and a lush rooftop garden. The bottom floor is open to visitors so you can have an ice cream and try not to get dizzy as you walk on the sloping floors and see the quirky painted walls!

Vienna’s Naschmarkt

Hungry yet? Explore over 100 stalls offering fresh produce, spices, cheeses, and international delicacies at the Naschmarkt, Vienna's largest and most popular open-air market.

Take a short trip to the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)

If you’ve had enough of the city, take a short day trip outside of Vienna to immerse yourself in nature at the Vienna Woods. This picturesque forested reserve has trails for hiking, cycling, picnicking, and visiting charming villages and wine taverns in the region.

Christmas markets in Vienna

It's worth planning a trip to Vienna (and Salzburg) just for the Christmas markets. Renowned worldwide for their enchanting atmosphere, traditional charm, and festive delights, these markets can be found all over Central Europe and typically begin in mid-November and continue until Christmas Eve.

One of the most famous Christmas markets in Vienna is the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, located in front of the majestic Vienna City Hall (Rathaus). Here, you can wander through rows of festively decorated stalls selling a wide array of goods. Pick out handmade artisan crafts, Christmas decorations, traditional toys, and gifts for your loved ones.

The market is illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, creating a whimsical setting for you to enjoy mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted chestnuts, and other seasonal treats. You can also enjoy live music performances and cultural events in this elegant setting. Just remember to bundle up!

Spring in Vienna

Spring, from March to May, is a delightful time to visit Vienna as the city awakens from the winter chill. Temperatures gradually rise, with averages ranging from 50 to 68°F (10 to 20°C), making it pleasant for exploring the city's outdoor attractions. The famous gardens, such as the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens and the Volksgarten, burst into bloom, creating gorgeous backdrops to sip your Viennese coffee on a park bench.

Summer in Vienna

From June to August is peak tourist season in Vienna, with warm temperatures reaching 86°F (30°C). The city comes alive with outdoor concerts, festivals, and open-air markets. You can relax in the many parks and gardens or enjoy alfresco dining at one of the charming sidewalk cafes. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher hotel costs during this time.

Autumn in Vienna

From September to November is another excellent time to visit Vienna if you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds. The autumn foliage transforms Vienna's parks and boulevards into a picturesque landscape of reds, oranges, and golds, providing stunning backdrops for sightseeing and photography. Cultural events continue into the fall, with highlights including the Vienna Design Week and the Vienna International Film Festival. Additionally, wine enthusiasts can indulge in the Heuriger season, where local vineyards open their doors to visitors for wine tastings and traditional Austrian cuisine.

Winter in Vienna

Winter might be cold, but the famous Christmas markets, like the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, create a cozy atmosphere with twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts. You can escape the cold by attending classical concerts, opera performances, and theater productions.