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,