Day Trip from Vienna to Salzburg by Train – Guided Sightseeing Tour

Austria stretches approximately 660 kilometers from west to east, with Vienna on the country's eastern edge and Salzburg located in the north-central region. The distance between the two cities is about 300 kilometers (190 miles), with travel time of roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes by train or 3.5 hours by car. As Austria's cultural, historical, and business center, Vienna is the most popular destination for visitors and serves as the country’s central transportation hub.

Looking to travel from Vienna to Salzburg? The fastest and most convenient option is by train. Austria has two rail providers: ÖBB (the state-owned railway) and Westbahn (a private company). The ÖBB Railjet departs from Vienna's central station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, with modern red carriages available in first and second class. Passengers can enjoy a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a family carriage featuring cartoons and free board games for children. Traveling at speeds of 200-230 km/h, the train journey to Salzburg typically takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes.

You can purchase tickets in advance on oebb.at, at train station ticket offices, or via ticket machines. While tickets are also available for purchase onboard, they come at a higher price.

ÖBB offers a Sparschiene discount, which can save you up to 50% on your ticket. However, these discounted tickets are non-refundable and valid only for a specific train and departure time. If you buy a regular ticket, you have the flexibility to take any train on the same day. Booking early increases your chances of securing a Sparschiene discount.

Ticket prices for the Vienna–Salzburg route range from €40 to €130, depending on the train type, class, and available discounts. Seat reservations cost an additional €8. Trains depart from Vienna Airport (Schwechat), stopping at Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) before continuing directly to Salzburg.

The Westbahn (Western Railways) departs from Wien Westbahnhof station. The trains feature a distinctive white, blue, and green color scheme, offering clean, comfortable carriages. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and USB connectors, ensuring a convenient journey.

Online Tickets: A one-way ticket from Vienna to Salzburg costs €61 when purchased on the official website, westbahn.at (prices as of 2025). Tickets bought directly from the conductor cost €65. Seat Reservations are available for an extra €8. Tickets can be purchased online, from ticket machines, or at the Westbahn ticket office at Vienna Westbahnhof. The journey from Vienna to Salzburg takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Many tourists visit Salzburg from Vienna for just one day, leaving little time to fully explore the city. To help you make the most of your short stay, I offer exciting sightseeing tours that start directly from Salzburg Central Station. We can meet at the entrance to the SPAR grocery store in the main hall.

Here are some options for a memorable day in Salzburg:

Classic Walking Tour (2–2.5 hours)
A light and informative tour covering the highlights of Salzburg, perfect for first-time visitors.
Extended City Tour (3.5–4 hours)
For those seeking a deeper dive, this extended tour includes visits to Mozart's Birthplace and Fortress Hohensalzburg, providing a thorough exploration of Salzburg's rich history.
Car & Walking Tour (3.5–4 hours)
Start with a scenic drive around Salzburg's historic sites, including Hellbrunn Palace, Leopoldskron Palace, and Hangar-7 (home to the Flying Bulls aircraft exhibition). Then, we’ll explore the old town on foot, with plenty of fascinating facts about the city. Fans of The Sound of Music will enjoy highlights from the movie.
Salzburg & Salzkammergut Lake District Tour (Full Day)
A full-day tour, including a scenic trip to Hallstatt and other stunning lake locations in the Salzkammergut region. This tour ends at the nearest train station on your way back to Vienna.

Whether you're here for a short visit or a more immersive experience, I’ll ensure you discover the very best of Salzburg!

The cost of each tour varies depending on the program, duration, and number of participants. Please feel free to send me your request, and I will provide you with a detailed description and a personalized price proposal as soon as possible.

Tags: Sightseeing transfers SALZBURG - VIENNA, Munich - Salzburg by train to the sightseeing tour,

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Please, include in your inquiry the following details: 1. Preferred tour date. 2. Tour name. 3. Number of participants. 4. Meeting location. 5. Available time. 6. Contact phone number (including WhatsApp, if available).

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FAQ

How can I book your tour?

Please send your inquiry by email or through the contact form, including the tour date, tour name, number of participants, and preferred meeting point. I’ll get back to you promptly with accurate details and pricing.

How much does your service cost?

Estimated prices are as follows: Salzburg walking tours: €200–€300 | Half-day tours (Salzburg and nearby areas by minibus): €350–€450 | Full-day tours: €700–€950 | Final rates vary based on distance, itinerary, and tour customization.

How many people can fit in your minivan? Can our baby sit on our lap?

My minivan comfortably seats up to eight passengers. For safety reasons, children must have their own seats; lap-sitting is not permitted. Child booster seats are available free of charge upon request.

What does your service cover?

Qualified guide service in Salzburg (Professional Austria Guide since 2006). Customized tour planning based on your preferences. Travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 minivan with room for up to eight passengers. There are no additional charges for tolls or parking.

What is not included in your service?

Entrance fees, accommodations, meals and drinks.

What are the payment methods?

I accept payments via bank transfer, PayPal (subject to a processing fee), credit card, and cash. Please note that credit card payments incur an additional surcharge. Let me know your preferred method, and I’ll provide the necessary details.

Can we hire you to be just a driver for us?

Yes, that’s possible; however, it wouldn’t change the price. As a licensed tour guide with extensive knowledge and high qualifications, my time is valued differently than that of a regular taxi driver.

We’ll be driving our own car. Can we hire you just as a guide?

Yes, you can, but I wouldn’t really recommend it. When I’m driving my van, I know exactly where to go, when to slow down, and where to stop, which lets me focus fully on explaining and sharing insights without worrying about navigation. Plus, my van is spacious and offers much better visibility compared to a sedan. The price difference is minimal, so it’s usually worth it to let me handle the driving.

Can you give us a tour in a smaller car for a lower price?

No, I can only provide tours in a van.

There are more than eight of us. Could you assist with booking a larger bus?

Please note that arranging a large coach can be time-consuming because bus companies require detailed information to calculate costs and secure a deposit. For this reason, I usually prefer not to handle tourist bus bookings directly. However, I’m happy to provide contact details for transportation companies or help organize an additional minivan with a professional guide if needed.

Can we hire you for a few days?

I also offer multi-day itineraries tailored to your needs.

Can you give us a tour of just the town of Hallstatt?

I don’t offer tours just of Hallstatt. However, I provide full-day itineraries from Salzburg that cover the Lake District, including Hallstatt, or full-day tours focused specifically on the Hallstatt region.

Can you give us a half-day tour from Salzburg to Hallstatt?

Yes, I can. However, please keep in mind that a half-day usually means about 4 hours. The round trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt takes around 3 hours by car. That would leave you with only about 1 hour to explore Hallstatt itself. Hallstatt is indeed one of the most picturesque towns in the Salzkammergut Lake District, but it’s just one gem among many. Instead of focusing solely on Hallstatt, I’d recommend visiting a few other beautiful towns and lakes nearby. This way, you’ll get to experience the authentic charm of Austria beyond the usual tourist spots.

Is it possible for us to join a group tour with you?

I don’t organize group tours. As a one-person company, my services are focused on private or customized tours only.

Would you be able to take photos for us during the tour we've booked with you?

I really enjoy photography! I’d be happy to snap some photos of you using your own device at no extra cost. However, if you're looking for high-quality, professionally edited images, I can use my Nikon camera and provide expert post-processing. This premium photography service is available for an additional €100.

Can I book a tour by calling you?

You're very welcome to get in touch! However, I kindly ask that you send me a message first with some basic information about your preferred tour, date and group size. Once we've exchanged the essentials, we can gladly arrange a phone call if needed. Looking forward to hearing from you!