Getting To Hallstatt From Salzburg Without a Car

To best access Hallstatt from any major city, it is recommended to go through Salzburg. Although Hallstatt might seem like a short detour on the road from Vienna to Salzburg, it is not advised as the journey will take approximately 7 hours in total. Instead, allocate a full day to visit Hallstatt as a day trip from Salzburg. While renting a car is highly recommended to fully experience Austria, there are plenty of getting to Hallstatt from Salzburg without a car.

From Salzburg to Hallstatt by Train

Taking the train from Salzburg to Hallstatt is a straightforward and easy process. First, hop on the Austrian National ÖBB train from Salzburg to Attnang-Puchheim, where you have a brief 10-minute layover, and then transfer to the REX train for the final leg of the trip to Hallstatt Bahnhof. Note that Hallstatt Bahnhof is located on the opposite side of the lake from Hallstatt village, requiring a 10-minute boat trip (costing €3.50) to cross the lake. The total travel time from Salzburg to Hallstatt by train is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including the lake crossing.

Tickets generally range between €15 and €30 for a one-way trip, depending on the time of travel. However, booking your ticket online in advance, ideally a month before, can save up to 80% on the ticket cost. These discounted tickets, known as Sparschiene fares, can reduce the ticket price to around €10 for a one-way trip.

Visit the Austrian National ÖBB website for more information on the train.

1. Salzburg to Attnang-Puchheim: The train journey takes about 50 minutes, with trains departing hourly from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Südtiroler Platz), the first one at around 5:12 am.
   
   
2. Attnang-Puchheim to Hallstatt Bahnhof: After switching to the local REX train at Attnang-Puchheim, the train ride to Hallstatt Bahnhof takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Upon arrival, the Stefanie ferry will be there to meet incoming trains.
   
   
3. Hallstatt Bahnhof to Hallstatt Village: The Stefanie Ferry operates year-round and meets all incoming trains at Hallstatt Bahnhof, so reservations are not necessary. The journey across the lake to Hallstatt Village takes about 10 minutes and costs €3.50. Remember, they do not accept credit cards (typical Austria) so make sure to bring cash.

From Salzburg to Hallstatt by Bus

Taking the bus to Hallstatt is quicker and more affordable than the train (if you do not make use of a Sparschiene fare), and it drops you off on the correct side of the lake.

Unfortunately, there are no direct buses from Salzburg to Hallstatt (somebody should start this business?!). The bus journey involves a quick transfer at Bad Ischl. The local public transportation website defaults to providing a bus plus train options; therefore, use their special travel planner to select only the bus option (see here).

Expect the entire journey to last around 2 hours and 20 minutes and to cost about €15 per person, one way. Buses (with connections) depart hourly from Salzburg, starting at 7:45 am. This schedule allows you to reach Hallstatt at around 10:05 am. The last return bus departs at about 6:19 pm, getting you back to Salzburg by around 8:45 pm.

1. Salzburg to Bad Ischl (bus): Start your journey at Südtiroler Platz in Salzburg, taking bus 150 to Bad Ischl. Tickets can be purchased either directly from the bus driver or at the bus station. The journey, which lasts around 1.5 hours, traverses the scenic Salzkammergut region, making the bus trip quite enjoyable.
   
   
   2.
   Bad Ischl to Hallstatt (bus): Once in Bad Ischl, transfer to bus 542 heading to Gosau/Hallstatt. This transfer is seamless as bus 150 parks next to bus 542, making for an easy switch. This leg takes about 30 minutes. Roughly 20 minutes in, the bus stops for passengers to transfer to bus 543 for the final stretch. Everyone disembarks here, so you won’t miss it. In about 10 minutes, you will arrive at your destination, Hallstatt Lahn bus station. Note: Continuing on bus 543 takes you to the terminal at Obertraun Seilbahn, the gateway to the Dachstein Ice Caves.

My Recommendation

I recommend choosing the bus over the train to reach Hallstatt since it is not only faster but also delivers you to the correct side of the lake, removing the boat transfer from the equation. Furthermore, the bus stops at Bad Ischl en route to and from Hallstatt, a picturesque small town that allows you to visit both locations in a single day if you’re keen on hitting two birds with one stone.