Fastest ~2h20 by train
| 🚆 Train | ~2h20–2h30 | ÖBB Railjet, twice hourly, Hauptbahnhof to Hauptbahnhof |
| 🚆 Train | ~2h40–2h50 | Westbahn private operator from Westbahnhof |
| 🚌 Bus | ~3.5–4.5h | FlixBus from Erdberg, not always much cheaper |
| 🚗 Car | ~2.5–3h | A1 Westautobahn, 295km, vignette required |
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Vienna to Salzburg is one of Austria's most travelled corridors, connecting the imperial capital to the city of Mozart across about 300 kilometres of Alpine foothills and lake country. The train is exceptional on this route — fast, comfortable and frequent — and has made flying entirely redundant. Here is how the options stack up.
The best option: the ÖBB Railjet
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operates Railjet trains between Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna's main station) and Salzburg Hauptbahnhof approximately twice an hour throughout the day, taking around 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. It is fast, smooth, comfortable and gives you a reliable timetable without airport hassle. Some services continue beyond Salzburg to Munich, making this a natural onward connection into Bavaria.
The Railjet is a premium train with first and second class. First class is spacious and includes a bistro car. Advance fares under the ÖBB "Sparschiene" scheme can be significantly cheaper than walk-up tickets, so booking ahead pays off — especially at weekends, when Salzburg is popular with day-trippers from Vienna. Reservations are included with your ticket but are not separately compulsory; Interrail and Eurail pass holders should check whether a reservation supplement applies to the service they are travelling on.
Westbahn: the competing rail option
Westbahn is a private Austrian rail operator running on the same route, with departures from Wien Westbahnhof (a second Vienna station, on the U3 and U6 metro lines) and a journey time of around 2 hours 40 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes. Westbahn tends to be well-priced — particularly with advance booking — and the trains are modern and comfortable. It is a genuine alternative to ÖBB, worth comparing fares for your specific date.
Note that Westbahn departs from Westbahnhof rather than Hauptbahnhof — so check which Vienna station suits your starting point.
Long-distance coach
FlixBus connects Vienna and Salzburg in approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, with departures from Vienna's Busbahnhof (bus terminal) at Erdberg. Fares are typically the lowest available and make the most sense if you are on a very tight budget — but given how competitive ÖBB advance fares can be, the gap between train and bus is smaller than on many European routes. The coach is worth comparing on price rather than assuming it will be dramatically cheaper.
See the FlixBus guide for tips on using the network effectively across Austria and Central Europe.
Driving: the Westautobahn
The road between Vienna and Salzburg follows the A1 Westautobahn for almost the entire route — about 295 km, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours under normal conditions. This is one of Austria's main motorways and it runs through pleasant scenery past Linz and the Salzkammergut lakes region. Austria requires a motorway vignette (a windscreen sticker valid for set periods) for all vehicles on the Autobahn network — you can buy one at petrol stations near the border or at Austrian service areas.
The drive is most worthwhile if you plan to stop along the way. Linz has excellent museums; the Salzkammergut lakes — particularly the Wolfgangsee and Attersee — are just off the motorway and stunning. For those continuing beyond Salzburg into Bavaria or the Tyrol, having a car can also give useful flexibility.
Flying: not applicable
There is no domestic flight between Vienna and Salzburg that makes any practical sense, given the short distance and fast rail connection. Even if a flight existed, the combined airport transfer times on both sides would make the total journey longer than the train. Save flying for longer international legs.
Which should you choose?
The ÖBB Railjet (or Westbahn as an alternative) is the right choice for almost every traveller. Under 2.5 hours, no vignette, no parking, no airport faff — it is an excellent train journey. Choose the car if you want to stop at lakes or sights along the route, or need a vehicle in Salzburg. The coach is an option if you find it meaningfully cheaper on your date.
Nightjet from Vienna: If you are travelling through Vienna from further afield — say from Germany or Eastern Europe — note that ÖBB Nightjet night trains use Vienna Hauptbahnhof as a hub. The night train network connecting Vienna onwards is one of the best in Europe.
Getting around Salzburg
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof is about 20 minutes on foot from the Altstadt (old town) or a short bus ride. The city is best explored on foot — the historic centre is compact, mostly pedestrianised and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Getreidegasse shopping street, Mozart's birthplace and the cathedral quarter are all within easy walking distance of each other. Salzburg is also an excellent base for a day trip into the Salzkammergut lakes or across the border into Bavaria.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Vienna to Salzburg take?
ÖBB Railjet trains take approximately 2 hours 20 to 2 hours 30 minutes. Westbahn services take around 2 hours 40 to 2 hours 50 minutes, departing from Wien Westbahnhof.
How often do trains run between Vienna and Salzburg?
ÖBB Railjet trains run roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day, making it one of the most frequent intercity connections in Austria.
Do I need to book the Vienna–Salzburg train in advance?
Reservations are included in ÖBB tickets but are not compulsory to buy separately. However, buying an advance "Sparschiene" fare saves money — especially at weekends. Walk-up fares are significantly higher.
Can I use an Interrail or Eurail pass from Vienna to Salzburg?
Yes — Austria is fully covered. A reservation supplement may apply on Railjet services; check when booking your pass journey.