Private car transfer
from Vienna to Salzburg

The flatlands of northeast Austria allow you to witness roads spanning as far as the eye can see, sandwiched between lush meadows and rustic farms. However, the longer you cruise along the highway, the more you'll notice a shift in the regional landscape. Roads that once flowed over plains are now bending left and right to avoid the hilly terrain. The growing cluster of thick woodlands stands as a reminder that you're quickly approaching the foothills of the Austrian Alps.

After passing by the bustling lanes of Linz, the jagged terrain begins to unfold. In the winter, a coating of bright snow covers the peaks of soaring mountain tops. And in the summer, the vibrant shades from the blooming wildflowers bring natural wonders to life. But no matter what time of the year you're traveling from Vienna to Salzburg, the traditional villages dotted along pristine waterways will leave you in wonder and awe until Fortress Hohensalzburg rises above Salzburg’s old town, marking the finish line of this beautiful Austrian road trip.

The last thing we want is for you to have negative recollections of such a memorable venture. So, we created this comprehensive travel guide to ensure you discover everything about traveling from Vienna to Salzburg in 2024!

History of Salzburg

Although a Celtic tribe founded the first permanent settlement in Salzburg, scientists have discovered human remains dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period. The discovery of tools, pottery, and weapons shows that Salzburg was a sought-after home from the beginning of mankind.

When the Roman Empire began its crusade through Europe, it reached the Celtic settlement in 15 BC. Like most of Europe, they effortlessly conquered the city and renamed it Juvavum. After its surprising collapse in 476 AD, the city fell into the hands of German tribes and the Habsburg monarchy for centuries.

Salzburg's position along trade routes and becoming the seat of the Archbishopric brought much financial wealth through the Middle Ages. However, it didn't see significant success until the 18th century. In 1756, the city's most famous resident rose to power: Mozart.

His presence turned the area into a melting pot of culture and attracted wealthy bureaucrats. Their money went towards the construction of significant monuments, including the Salzburg Opera House, and transforming the cityscape into beautifully decorated Baroque-style houses.

Salzburg during the World Wars

From France's Atlantic coast in the west to Russia's Ural Mountains in the east, Europe suffered a turbulent number of years during the 20th century. Salzburg and Austria were no exceptions. In fact, the Hungarian empire was the key reason that sparked the unfortunate events of WWI.

In 1914, Serbian extremists, hoping to disrupt the empire's influence in the Balkan region, assassinated the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Although the city didn't suffer much damage, local life was challenging. Due to food shortages and conscription to the army, it was one of the worst-affected cities during this period.

Unfortunately, Salzburg's fortunes got worse. The empire had collapsed, and the nation had joined forces with Nazi Germany to fight against the Allies. Since it was bordering the German frontier, it became a crucial hub for the Nazis to transport weapons, goods, and artwork via train. Therefore, it became one of the primary targets for Allied air raids, destroying much of its historical buildings before being rebuilt after the end of the war in 1945.

Modern Salzburg

Today, people know Salzburg for its gorgeous alpine hills encircling its enchanting old town. The entire neighborhood is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by pastel-colored buildings and uneven cobbled lanes. The old-fashioned signs hanging from stores like that from a 19th-century novel and family-owned shops in cozy settings all combine to create a unique city charm.

Even with streets that encourage you to slow down and appreciate the moment, Salzburg is anything but bland. Its arsenal of cultural museums, trendy cafes, and 18,000 students create a lively atmosphere during the day. When the sun sets, you can savor delicious local delicacies such as schnitzel or strudel before heading to Gstättengasse Street for pubs, clubs, and late-night bars!

• Language: German
• Currency: Euro
• Time Zone: GMT+1
• Climate: humid continental
• Plug types: C and F
• Peak tourist season: July–August

Go sightseeing

Vienna and Salzburg are extraordinary cities on every traveler's bucket list. Therefore, exploring the sights on the car journey between the two towns can go to the back of your mind.

Whether you're a history buff, a culture vulture, or something in between, there's an attraction waiting for you to uncover. Mauthausen, a grade 3 Nazi Concentration Camp, gives an insight into the nation's darkest chapter, and the majestic Kreuzenstein Castle highlights its bright past with gothic architecture and captivating views.

Research Salzburg

Due to Austria's location and previous rulers, every region has unique qualities.

Despite being the 5th largest city, Salzburg is like a different world from Vienna's busy, crowded avenues. The walkways are lively but much smaller and quieter. You'll go from sprawling department stores to snug boutiques and a cosmopolitan atmosphere to nature at your front door.

The food is arguably the most significant difference. Vienna's diet consists of heavy, hearty meals, whereas Salzburg has alpine influences with cheese dumplings and sweet souffle. Be sure to research the differences, including the tipping cultures, in a guidebook or with a local driver so the city matches your expectations.

Enjoy the scenery

Most tourists travel along the A1 highway from Vienna to Salzburg. You'll still admire sensational views here, but on a magical voyage, why not cut through the rustic backroads and get "lost" in the unspoiled wilderness?

If you opt for Daytrip's private door-to-door service, you'll weave through the dense foliage and discover traditional towns still trapped in a time warp. Sankt Gilgen and Hallstatt are the finest examples of authentic Austrian beauty.

Remember to charge your camera to snap up some well-deserved likes on Instagram!

Train from Vienna to Salzburg

The train is unquestionably the most popular way for locals and tourists to travel from Vienna to Salzburg. The journey is quick, reliable, and functional, offering all the modern conveniences, such as restrooms and an onboard cafe.

It's also a cheap way to travel between the cities. So, it's often packed with backpackers and Interrail users during the tourist season. So it's best to reserve your ticket at least 30 days before departure for the lowest rates and to guarantee a seat at your desired time.

You can purchase tickets online at OBB, the national rail service operating on this route. But remember to check your departure station before handing over your cash. Trains depart from Vienna Meidling and the most centrally located Wien Westbahnhof.

Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the train to take advantage of the best views!

• Fastest train journey: 2 hours, 15 minutes
• Average train journey: 2 hours, 35 minutes
• Lowest ticket price: $15 (€14)
• Average ticket price: $27 (€25)
• First train: 12:35 AM
• Last train: 11:35 PM

Flight from Vienna to Salzburg

A flight from Vienna to Salzburg is also not a favored mode of transportation. The travel time can take 3 hours without including airport transfers and arriving at the terminal 90 minutes before you depart for security checks.

Another issue is that no direct flight runs from Vienna to Salzburg. Instead, you must book a flight to Innsbruck Airport or Munich International Airport and transfer to a train towards Salzburg Central Station. The flight takes under an hour, but public transportation will take an extra 1.5 hours.

If you're traveling with large luggage, you must consider if the additional charges and dragging bags between carriages are worth the effort.

• One-way ticket: $110-$165 (€100-€150)
• Number of daily services: 5–8
• Overall journey time: 3-6 hours
• Plane operators: Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines

Daytrip private car transfer from Vienna to Salzburg

Daytrip is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel from Vienna to Salzburg. Our private door-to-door service will whisk you away from your address in Vienna and drop you off directly at your new one in Salzburg in only 3 hours. So there's no need to worry about getting to a train station for a dreadful 6 AM departure or booking a taxi to your hotel once you reach your destination.

After helping with any luggage, we offer you the chance to discover more of Austria's breathing heritage en route. You can stop in the UNESCO-listed town of Hallstatt to stretch your legs through the charming lanes and continue along the shores of this astonishing lake. Or, you can turn off the tourist map and explore the picture-perfect yet overlooked city of Melk!

• Seats from: $75 (€69)
• English-speaking driver
• Sanitized vehicles
• Flexible schedule
• Equipped for kids or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before your departure!

Climb up Hohensalzburg Fortress

The sheer size of the Hohensalzburg Fortress will instantly grab your attention. It's the most expansively preserved castle in central Europe!

Two ways can get you to the top: by foot or funicular. The latter is ideal if you wish to remain in a laid-back, stress-free vacation spirit. An adult ticket costs €12, and its 360 glass windows allow you to admire the stunning scenery. However, the vistas aren't as beautiful as a 15-20-minute hike through the leafy walkways and lush aromas of blooming wildflowers.

Once you arrive at the top, you can take a guided tour and witness ancient artifacts while learning about the intense history of the castle. But you can also enjoy one of the action-packed events, like a live concert or table football tournament!

Visit Salzburg Hellbrunn Zoo

If you're traveling as a family from Vienna to Salzburg, put the zoo at the top of your itinerary!

This wildlife park, dedicated to helping animals, is one of Europe's top-rated zoos. The environment houses around 150 species and over 1,600 animals, from parma wallabies to red pandas. You're free to wander the outdoor space, or you can join one of the events, such as the summer evening tours, or watch feeding sessions to get up close and personal with your favorite creatures!

The setting is conveniently located beside another must-see attraction, Hellbrunn Palace. So there's no reason not to visit!

Explore Hellbrunn Palace

After touring Salzburg's Hellbrunn Zoo, hop, skip, and jump to Hellbrunn to experience one of Europe's most elegant palaces. It's hard to believe that Markus Sittikus von Hohenems built this perfectly decorated structure in 1612!

They state that all good things come in threes, and they couldn't be more correct. For a €15 adult ticket, you get an audio tour of the trick fountains, the Palace Exhibition, and entry to the folklore museum. The 2.5 tours will be one of the most thrilling lectures you've ever attended!

Admire Mirabell Palace

Mirabell Palace is everything you imagine when you close your eyes and think of Salzburg. Its pale exterior, coated in a chic design, oozes cultural wealth, and its vibrant garden, as colorful as a rainbow, showcases its warm personality.

The space is also one of the most sought-after destinations for wedding photos and was one of the locations for the famous "The Sound of Music" musical. You can relax on a bench and soak up the tranquility surrounding the palace, or search for the famous "Angel Staircase" on the ground!

Drink Through Stiegl-Brauwelt

Locals recognize Stiegl as one of Austria's oldest and most renowned breweries, dating back to 1412. The Stiegl-Brauwelt is a brewery, but it's also a museum and a place where you can experience the history and craft of beer-making.

When you visit, you'll learn about the brewing process, the ingredients used, and the history of Stiegl beer. Their guided tours are where you can see the facilities, learn about the various types of beer they produce, and even taste some of their specialties!

Salzburg in the summer

If sunshine and ice-cold drinks are your priorities, summer is the best time to travel from Vienna to Salzburg. August is the hottest month when temperatures reach a balmy 76°F. And because Austria has a humid continental climate, the heat isn't overpowering.

The longer nights and warm weather also bring an abundance of outdoor festivities. The 2024 Salzburg Festival alone covers 44 days of opera, drama, concerts, and more!

Salzburg in the fall

Temperatures start to drop in the fall but are still warm enough to spend the day outside. The city is at its most beautiful, as leafy walkways burst into its fall pallet collections. The surrounding hills turn into an array of subtle yellows and burnt oranges.

But the significant discounts are the primary advantage of visiting between September and November. Many hotels and tour operators slash their costs to attract customers before they close or slow down for the winter season.

Salzburg in the winter

There's no denying it. Salzburg is like a fairy tale in the winter. The enchanting old town is concealed under a blanket of white snow, and locals fill the surrounding hills, partaking in beloved winter activities, turning the area into a winter wonderland.

The most notable feature from December to February is one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. The bright decorations, smells of roasting chestnuts, mulled wine on your lips, and the crunching sensation of snow beneath your feet all add to this mystical experience!