Getting around

Getting Around Salzburg: Complete Transportation Guide for North American Travelers

Updated Thu, Aug 14, 2025

Salzburg's compact size makes walking ideal, while buses connect outer areas. Cars aren't needed downtown but work for regional trips.

Getting Around Salzburg: Complete Transportation Guide for North American Travelers

Overview

Ease of getting around

Salzburg offers exceptional transportation options for visitors from the US and Canada. The compact historic center is highly walkable, with most attractions within 30 minutes on foot. The city's bus system provides reliable connections to outlying areas and tourist sites. Biking is increasingly popular with dedicated lanes and rental stations. While rental cars work for day trips to surrounding regions, they're unnecessary within the city due to limited parking and pedestrian zones. The efficient public transport network, walkable distances, and bike-friendly infrastructure make Salzburg remarkably easy to navigate without a car.

Public transit

Salzburg's bus network operates efficiently from 5 AM to midnight with frequent service to major attractions. Single tickets cost around 2.50 euros, while day passes offer better value at 5.70 euros. Buses connect the airport, train station, and key sites like Hellbrunn Palace. The Salzburg Card includes unlimited public transport plus attraction discounts. Visit salzburg-verkehr.at for routes and schedules.

Driving

Major rental agencies operate at Salzburg Airport and downtown locations including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. Daily rates start around 35-50 euros for compact cars. Parking in the historic center costs 2-3 euros per hour with limited spaces. Cars prove valuable for exploring the Salzkammergut lakes region or Hallstatt day trips. Book through comparison sites like Kayak or directly with agencies.

Walking

Salzburg's Old Town spans just 2 square kilometers, making walking the preferred transport method. Most major attractions lie within 20 minutes of each other on foot. Cobblestone streets require comfortable walking shoes. The city center is largely pedestrianized with clear signage to key sites. River paths and park walkways provide scenic routes between attractions.

Biking

Salzburg features expanding bike infrastructure with dedicated lanes along the Salzach River and throughout the city. Nextbike stations offer 24/7 rentals starting at 1 euro per 30 minutes. Many hotels provide complimentary bikes for guests. Flat terrain and bike-friendly traffic signals make cycling pleasant. The Tauern Cycle Path connects to regional destinations for longer rides.

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