Essential Guide to Salzburg Parking: Tips from a Local Expert (2026)

If you're driving into Salzburg, I want to make sure your arrival is as smooth as possible. I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on local parking and regulations to help you navigate like a local. But remember, the best way to see the city is without the stress of a steering wheel! Why worry about parking when you could be taking in the views? Book a private tour with me today, and I'll handle all the driving while you enjoy the best of Austria.

Cars

Street Parking in Salzburg: Rates & Time Limits.

On weekdays during business hours, street parking in Salzburg is generally limited to three hours. The rate is €2.20 per hour, totaling €6.60 for the maximum stay. Ticket machines are conveniently spaced about every 100 meters; once you've paid, ensure your ticket is clearly displayed on the dashboard for inspection.

Street parking is free weekdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 AM, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. 

Free Parking Zones (Kurzparkzone)

Both paid and free parking zones have a three-hour limit. Free zones are typically located further from the city center and require you to display a parking disc (clock) on your dashboard to show your arrival time. These can be purchased at petrol stations or tobacconists; alternatively, you can simply write your arrival time clearly on a piece of paper and place it on your windshield.

On the map, the light blue area represents the free three-hour parking zone, while the purple area denotes the paid three-hour parking zone.

Important Parking Reminder:
Watch for road signs carefully: Zones 1 and 2 are for residents only. Parking fines vary between €30 and €80. To avoid being towed, do not block driveways or park in 'no-parking' areas. If towed, expect a €200 recovery fee in addition to the standard fine.

Be Cautious When Parking Near Office Buildings or at Supermarkets

When parking in office complexes or supermarket lots, stay vigilant and read all signage carefully, including the fine print. Always display a parking disc (parking clock) showing your arrival time. Be particularly cautious in commercial areas on weekends or holidays when shops are closed.

Some property owners or tenants hire individuals to photograph vehicles the moment the driver leaves, even for a minute. These photos are forwarded to law firms, which may send you a demand for payment weeks later. These fees can reach €450 in legal costs plus an €80 'photography fee.' While it feels like a scam, these claims are notoriously difficult to dispute.

Salzburg Old Town Traffic Regulations

Salzburg’s Old Town is a strictly regulated pedestrian zone protected by retractable bollards. While delivery vehicles may access the area until 11:00 a.m. on weekdays, specific entry permits are still required. After 11:00 a.m., the barriers remain raised, restricted exclusively to residents and taxis. 

If your hotel is located within the pedestrian zone, please obtain an access code from reception to operate the retractable bollards.

Important: Never attempt to 'tailgate' or follow another vehicle through the barrier. The sensors are timed for a single vehicle; the bollards rise quickly and will cause severe damage to your car. Be aware that drivers are held strictly liable for bollard repair costs, which can amount to several thousand euros.

Salzburg's city center offers a variety of convenient parking garages and surface lots. All rates are current as of 2026

During peak tourist season (July-August), it can be challenging to find parking in the center of Salzburg, so it is recommended to park at the entrance to the city:

• Park & Ride Parking Lot - Salzburg Süd, 5020 Salzburg 
• Park & Ride Am Messezentrum 1, 5020 Salzburg

The € 15 parking fee includes a P&R Combo Ticket, valid for 24 hours and for up to 5 people on all public buses. Buses 3, 8, and 1 run every 15 minutes and take 20-25 minutes to reach the city centre. The P&R Combo Ticket must be purchased at the parking machine before boarding the public bus. Read more about public transport in Salzburg.

Caravan Parking in Salzburg
Caravans are only allowed to park in the city center during the day. Overnight, they must be parked at designated caravan sites located on the outskirts of the city.

Tourist buses

Salzburg has two official tourist bus terminals where groups can be dropped off and picked up. These stops are: 

• Bus Terminal Nonntal is located at Erzabt-Klotz Street 5 
• Bus Terminal Paris-Lodron Street 5

To access the official tourist bus terminals, the bus company must book a time slot for 90 euros on the Salzburg Tourist Department's website. A 45-minute window for arrival and departure times is tolerated. This fee includes drop-off, pick-up, and free bus parking 15 minutes away from the terminal.

Important Notice for Bus Drivers:

• Arriving at the terminal without a reservation: a fine of 90 euros
• Picking up the group without a reservation: a fine of 90 euros
• Releasing a group in an improper area: a fine of 150 euros

Bus drivers should be aware that streets along the Salzach River, including Imbergstrasse, Rudolfskai, Franz-Josef-Kai, and the central bridge Staatsbrücke, are prohibited for tourist buses from 8:00 to 18:00. Any violation of this restriction will result in a 150-euro fine directly imposed on the bus driver.

As a Salzburg resident, I know several life hacks to help you find cheaper or even free parking in the city. I’d be happy to share these valuable tips with my clients to make your visit even easier and more affordable.

Tags: Public transportation in Salzburg, Driving and walking tour of Salzburg, Tourist Card - SALZBURG CARD, Transfer Service in Salzburg