How to get to Salzburg

The majestic city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a baroque gem, is cosily nestled at the foot of the Alps in western Austria. Combining old-world charm with the rhythm of modern life, this city is open to travellers year-round, offering convenient logistics for guests from anywhere in the world. When planning how to get to Salzburg, you can choose any option that suits you: from a direct flight to a scenic journey by train or car through mountain passes.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the city of music is by air. Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart (SZG) receives flights from many European capitals and boasts excellent connections to the city centre, allowing tourists to start their holiday almost immediately after landing.

If direct flights are unavailable, travellers often choose to fly into neighbouring transport hubs. Convenient alternatives include airports in nearby cities: the German city of Rosenheim, located 70 km away, or the Austrian city of Linz, which is approximately 108 km from the destination.

Travelling by rail is not only eco-friendly but also an incredibly scenic way to get to Salzburg. The city's main rail gateway, Salzburg Hbf Railway Station, serves dozens of international and regional trains daily, ensuring high levels of comfort and schedule punctuality.

The railway network perfectly connects the region with its neighbours: regular trains arrive from the German city of Rosenheim and the Austrian cultural centre of Linz. Thanks to the panoramic windows of modern carriages, the journey turns into a sightseeing tour with views of alpine meadows and mountain ranges.

For those who prefer economical travel or wish to enjoy the journey without transfers, bus services are an excellent choice. Comfortable coaches run regularly on popular routes; for example, the trip from the city of Rosenheim takes just about 1.4 hours, covering a distance of 91 km.

Another popular route is from the city of Linz: the bus covers the 131 km journey in approximately 1.8 hours. This allows travellers to plan their schedule flexibly and save on tickets without compromising on convenience.

Travelling by car offers complete freedom and the opportunity to stop at the most beautiful places on the way to this alpine fairytale. The roads in this region are of excellent quality: the drive from the city of Rosenheim (about 87 km) will take you just 1.2 hours of relaxed driving.

If you are heading from the city of Linz, expect to spend about 1.6 hours behind the wheel to cover the distance of 134 km. Travelling by taxi or a rented vehicle allows you to enjoy the views and arrive right at the door of your hotel.

Preparing for a trip to this elegant Austrian city will make your journey as comfortable as possible and save you from unnecessary hassle. Here are a few practical recommendations to help you feel confident.

1. Clothing and Weather. The climate here is temperate but changeable. Even in summer, be sure to bring an umbrella or raincoat and a light jacket: the famous local drizzle (Schnürlregen) can start suddenly. For walking on the cobblestones of the old town, choose comfortable flat shoes.
2. Transport. The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. For trips to the outskirts, trolleybuses and buses are ideal. It is recommended to purchase the Salzburg Card, which entitles you to free transport and entry to many museums.
3. Finance. The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is better to carry some cash for small souvenir shops or street food stalls.
4. Communication. The official language is German (with a local dialect). English is widely spoken in the tourism sector, and hotel and restaurant staff usually speak it well.
5. Etiquette. When entering a shop or café, it is customary to greet people with the phrase "Grüß Gott". This polite greeting, characteristic of Austria and Bavaria, will immediately endear you to the locals.
6. Water and Health. Tap water in the city is of excellent quality; it comes from mountain springs, so it is safe to drink. This allows you to save on purchasing bottled water.
7. Shopping. Shops are generally closed on Sundays and public holidays. If you need to buy groceries or souvenirs, plan your shopping for weekdays or Saturday (until the evening).

By following these simple tips, you can fully focus on the architectural beauty and the magical atmosphere of the city without being distracted by minor details.