Getting Around Salzburg: A Comprehensive Guide
No visit to Austria is complete without a stop in beautiful Salzburg.
Located just across the border from Germany, Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and famed for the setting of The Sound of Music. This fourth-largest city in Austria boasts a quaint charm, making it more like a friendly town than a bustling city. Although the historic core is walkable, areas outside it can be easily accessed using a network of buses and trolleybuses. Moreover, cycling is an appealing mode of transport, alongside the charming horse-drawn carriages that are hard to resist.
Regardless of how you choose to explore, here’s everything you need to know about getting around in Salzburg.
Embrace the Excellent Bus and Trolleybus Network
Punctual, clean, and equipped with dedicated lanes, Salzburg’s buses and trolleybuses provide an efficient way to navigate the city. They are particularly beneficial for reaching attractions like Schloss Hellbrunn and Salzburg Zoo, located to the south of the town.
Additionally, services run until 1am on weekdays and 3am on weekends, making them an excellent option for heading home after dinner or drinks without needing a taxi. Bus stops are conveniently scattered across the city, and fares start from €2 (US$2). Free travel is available with a Salzburg Card.
Lines 1 and 4 circle the old town, and tickets are available at tabac stands and ticket machines. Remember to validate your ticket once aboard, or you can buy directly from the bus driver for a slightly higher fare. The Hauptbahnhopf (train station) serves as the main bus stop in the city.
Bike Like the Locals
With more than 180km (112 miles) of bike lanes, Salzburg is increasingly recognized for eco-friendly travel options. Locking up your bike is easy, with most routes winding through parks and safe areas, making cycling enjoyable for beginners.
The compact layout allows for effortless navigation on two wheels. One popular cycling route follows the river Salzach to Schloss Hellbrunn. For a more adventurous experience, trails in the nearby mountainous areas, like those at Gaisberg, are available.
Many hotels rent bikes at reasonable rates, with some offering free rentals for guests. Additionally, platforms like ListNRide enable travelers to rent bikes from locals for as little as €7 ($7.50) per day, providing a fantastic way to explore the scenic trails and parks in Salzburg, especially in summer.
Reliable Taxi Services
Travelers with heavy luggage may find taxis convenient, which are located near tourist hotspots and shopping areas. However, hailing rides can be challenging as they cannot stop in certain areas like in front of shops or bus stops. The popular passenger app 8111 can be used for easier access.
While Salzburg also offers Uber, local taxis and public transport are more frequently used due to their reliability. Payment options include cash or card, with fares starting at €3.50 ($3.70) for pre-booked taxis. Night fares increase slightly.
Since the city center is largely pedestrianized, taxis typically drop off passengers at designated areas, requiring a short walk to reach various destinations, such as Mozart’s birthplace.
Experience the Charm of a Fiaker
For a unique experience, consider hopping into a fiaker, a horse-drawn carriage, to explore the old town. These carriages are a popular way for tourists to see the city’s sights. They can be rented from Residenzplatz starting at 10am with short tours available for €52 ($55) and longer ones for €104 (US$110). Although this is a splurge, it’s an enchanting way to take in the city, especially for first-time visitors.
No reservations are required, and the knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with historical insights. Fiakers operate year-round, although open-top carriage rides in inclement weather are not recommended.
Save Money with the Salzburg Card
For unlimited access to public transport, consider acquiring a Salzburg Card. Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, this card grants admission to various major attractions, including Schloss Hellbrunn, which normally charges €13.50 ($14.30) for adults. With prices beginning at €27 (US$28) in winter and €30 ($31) in summer, the card can provide substantial savings for those planning to visit a number of museums.
This card also covers the cost of public transport throughout the city, making it an attractive option for visitors aiming to experience the delights of Salzburg without overspending.
Why Walking is the Best Way to Explore Salzburg
Exploring Salzburg on foot allows for a thorough immersion in the city’s charm. The fresh Alpine air makes summer strolls a delight, while winter visits reveal festive holiday spirit despite the chill.
Connecting bridges allow easy access between the old town and the new town, both filled with sights within a short walking distance. Attractions like Mozart’s birthplace, St Peter’s Abbey, and Hohensalzburg Fortress are all walkable, amidst a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning architecture.
Accessible Transportation in Salzburg
Thanks to its compactness, Salzburg is relatively accessible for those with mobility issues. The city’s flat terrain, even cobblestones, and absence of cars in the old town area make navigation manageable. Many walking tours cater to mobility considerations, ensuring popular sights are accessible.
Public transport is equipped to accommodate wheelchair users, featuring low-entry doors and ramps. Moreover, downloading the Salzburgermobil app is recommended for planning journeys, including accessible transport options. Discounts are also available for those requiring extra assistance.
Traveling to Salzburg from Vienna
From Vienna, hourly ÖBB high-speed trains connect the cities in two and a half hours, with fares starting as low as €20 ($21.50). The Austrian rail network is among the most reliable in Europe.
Buses from Vienna to Salzburg operate multiple times a day, also taking around two and a half hours. Tickets can be found online beginning at €42 ($45) with direct routes available.
While there are no direct flights to Vienna, Salzburg Airport is just 4km/2.5 miles outside the city and offers numerous connections to various European destinations. Frequent, inexpensive buses from the airport to the city center make it easy for travelers to reach their accommodations.
