Vienna to Salzburg by Train
From the imperial capital to Mozart's city at the foot of the Alps, an easy and frequent run across Upper Austria.
The journey, stop by stop
Leaving Wien Hauptbahnhof, the Railjet runs west through St Pölten and Linz along the Danube corridor, the Alps rising ahead as you reach Salzburg Hauptbahnhof.
How long does it take?
The fastest direct trains cover the route in around 2h 30m, with several departures a day. Exact times shift by service and season, so check the live schedule for your date before you lock in plans.
Who runs the route?
The route is served by ÖBB Railjet (and WESTbahn). Comparing the day's departures in one search is the easiest way to find the best time and fare.
Vienna to Salzburg train price (2026)
ÖBB tickets start from around €14 (Sparschiene) booked ahead. Standard fares are typically €30–50.
| Operator | From | Journey time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ÖBB Railjet / ICE | ~€14 | 2h 30m | Every 30 min |
Prices are indicative advance fares. Check live availability for your exact date.
How to get the best fare
- Book early. The cheapest saver fares sell out first — booking ahead can be dramatically cheaper than buying on the day.
- Travel off-peak. Mid-morning and mid-week departures tend to be quieter and cheaper.
- Consider first class — on many routes the upgrade is modest and very comfortable.
- Compare in one place to see every departure at a glance.
Why take the train instead of flying?
With two operators and trains every half hour or so, the train is the quick, central choice between the two cities.
Ready to go? Check live Vienna → Salzburg times and fares and book your seat on Trainline — secure checkout, mobile tickets, every operator in one search.
Prefer to compare every rail operator? Check schedules & book →
Opens in a new tab — come back here anytime.
