Last updated on April 27th, 2024
Many transportation options are available to get to Hallstatt from Salzburg. The train is a better option as it is more comfortable compared with buses.
Hallstatt is an idyllic charming small town located in the center of Austria. Just about 90km distance away from Salzburg, many travelers are getting to Hallstatt from Salzburg for a one or two day trip.
A Day Trip At Postcard-Perfect Hallstatt can be really a headache for the transportation arrangement. Getting to Hallstatt from Salzburg by train or by bus is doable but both required at least one-time change. Continue to read our guide for step-by-step transportation from Salzburg to Hallstatt by train.
From Salzburg to Hallstatt by Train
A Complete Step-By-Step Guide Traveling from Salzburg to Hallstatt by Train:
- Step 1: Get your Train Ticket
- Step 2: Arrive at Salzburg Train Station and Check The Right Platform
- Step 3: Get On The Right Train To Attnang-Puchheim
- Step 4: Get Off At Attnang-Puchheim And Change To Hallstatt Bahnhof
- Step 5: Get off at the Hallstatt Bahnhof and follow the paved walkway to Schiffstation
- Step 6: Get Your Ferry Ticket At The Ticket Window
- Step 7: Board The Ferry And Enjoy The View
- Step 8: Get off From Ferry At Hallstatt Markt
Step 1: Get your Train Ticket
From Salzburg to Hallstatt, no direct train is available and it requires at least one change at Attnang-Puchheim.
Purchase your train ticket online or directly from the ÖBB ticket kiosk and ticket counter. If your travel date is confirmed, try to get your train ticket online earlier as ÖBB has a Sparschiene ticket, which is an early bird ticket. You can save more than 80% of the fare but no further change on the date, time, and traveler. The fare is ranging from the cheapest of €9 to €29 for one way. Else, buy your ticket at the kiosk with Hallstatt Bahnhof as your final destination.
This ticket will be valid for the whole journey from Salzburg to Hallstatt.
Step 2: Arrive at Salzburg Train Station And Check The Right Platform
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof is a clean and modern building. Train arrivals and departures are well displayed and accurate. Check your right platform which is normally at platform#6. Do double confirm in case of any changes before boarding.
There are SPAR supermarkets and a few cafes at the Salzburg Hbf for you to grab some food before boarding.
Step 3: Get On The Right Train To Attnang-Puchheim
The first train journey is from Salzburg Hbf to Attnang-Puchheim, which goes to the Wien direction.
The journey takes around 45 minutes.
Step 4: Get Off At Attnang-Puchheim And Change To Hallstatt Bahnhof
Get off at Attnang-Puchheim and look for the next platform for boarding. Normally, you will have 10-20 minutes of transit time.
The second train is going to Hallstatt Bahnhof by REX / Regional train with destination Stainach-Irdning or Obertraun Bahnhof. Make sure you board the correct train for the Sparschiene ticket.
The second train journey takes around 1.5 hours.
Step 5: Get off at the Hallstatt Bahnhof and follow the paved walkway to Schiffstation
Hallstatt Bahnhof is a small station, but an announcement will remind travelers of their destination. Once you get off from the train station, there will be a big signboard showing the pavement walkway to Schiffstation for the ferry ride.
No need to worry about the ferry schedule as it matches up the arrival and departure time of the train from a different location.
Step 6: Get Your Ferry Ticket At The Ticket Window
You can buy a single trip of €3 or round-trip directly for the ferry ride. No cheaper price for getting a round trip but you can board the ferry first if you got the ticket when you return.
Try to ride on the uncovered part of the ferry, where normally many people already standing at once get to the ferry.
Step 7: Board The Ferry And Enjoy The View
The best part of the travel journey from Salzburg to Hallstatt is the ferry ride.
The ferry ride will across the Hallstätter See with a breathtaking view of Hallstatt getting closer and closer together with chilly breezes. The journey is only 10 minutes.
Step 8: Get off From Ferry At Hallstatt Markt
The ferry will cross the lake to Hallstatt Markt which is near the market square. You basically can start to explore Hallstatt once you get off from the ferry.
This is just as simple as what the above step explained. You will only need to do the same thing in the reverse matter when you are getting to Salzburg from Hallstatt after your trip.
Be sure to check on the train boarding time and ferry schedule for the last ride.
Common Question: How To Get To Hallstatt From Salzburg
Three common ways of getting the train ticket: online official ÖBB website or APP, at the ticket counter, or from a ticket kiosk. It is now easy to navigate to get the train ticket from the ÖBB website directly.
It really very much depends on you. In my opinion, the train is a better option as it is clean, comfortable and punctual.
By taking the train, normally it takes around 2.5 hours to reach Hallstatt Bahnhof and an additional 10 to 20 minutes for the ferry ride. You might need to add some of the buffer time for the ferry as it will take a longer time depending on how many people board the ferry.
Normally, the train will be more expensive than the bus. A standard bus fare of €14.6 to get to Hallstatt Lahn from Salzburg. For train, the ticket fare varies from €9 to €29 depending on the ticket type, traveling date, and time. Added, you will need the additional €3 for the ferry ride. However, I manage to grab the €9 Sparschiene ticket during my last visit which is cheaper than a bus ticket. But you need to follow some of the terms and conditions for the Sparschiene ticket.
Depend on your Hallstatt itinerary. Hallstatt is a lovely small town and you basically can finish visiting the town is probably a few hours. But Hallstatt is really worth of slow down your pace to enjoy the beauty of a European small town, especially in the early morning when no visitors are around. Some people choose to stay at Hallstatt for two or three nights to visit nearby attractions like Five Finger, Ice Caves, Salzwelten Hallstatt Salt mines, and Gosausee.
Perfect Hallstatt Itinerary
Hope this simple guide will help you plan your trip to Hallstatt. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or ask me in the comments form. Happy travels to Hallstatt!
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