Jump to Show
Taking the train from Salzburg to Hallstatt is a scenic and affordable way to explore Austria’s Alps. Here’s a quick overview of the journey:
- Duration: ~3 hours total (2h 35m train + 15m ferry).
- Cost: Starting at €12.90 (advance tickets).
- Route: Salzburg → Attnang-Puchheim (transfer) → Hallstatt Bahnhof → Ferry to Hallstatt town.
- Best Views: Sit on the left side for mountain and lake scenery.
Trains run hourly, starting at 5:12 AM, and tickets can be booked online via ÖBB or third-party platforms. The ferry connects you from Hallstatt Bahnhof to the town center. Perfect for budget travelers and nature lovers, this trip offers stunning landscapes and a relaxed travel experience.
Trains and Times
Train Services
Traveling from Salzburg to Hallstatt is made easy by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and Westbahn. Here’s a breakdown of the journey:
| Segment | Operator | Train Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salzburg – Attnang-Puchheim | ÖBB or Westbahn | Railjet / Double-deck | 47 min |
| Attnang-Puchheim – Hallstatt | ÖBB | Regional / Regional Express | 1h 16m – 1h 39m |
You’ll need to switch trains at Attnang-Puchheim to continue toward Hallstatt.
Schedule Information
Trains run every hour [1], starting as early as 5:12 AM from Salzburg, with the last train leaving at 6:32 PM [2]. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Total travel time: Roughly 2 hours and 35 minutes, including the transfer at Attnang-Puchheim.
- Ferry connection: The Stefanie ferry meets arriving trains at Hallstatt Bahnhof to take you directly into the town [1].
Travel Time and Views
This route offers stunning views of Austria’s Salzkammergut region. Once you leave Attnang-Puchheim, the train tracks follow the Traun River, passing through scenic spots like Bad Ischl [4].
For the best views:
- Sit on the left side to catch the Traunsee’s western shore.
- Switch to the right side during the last 10 minutes to see Lake Obersee.
- Enjoy breathtaking mountain landscapes throughout the journey [4][3].
How To Get To Hallstatt From Salzburg – Best Way By Train, Ferry, or Bus 150
Buying Tickets
Making sure you have the right ticket is essential for a hassle-free trip.
Ticket Purchase Options
You can buy your tickets through several convenient options:
- ÖBB Official Channels: Tickets are available via the ÖBB app, the official website (oebb.at), ticket machines at stations, or ÖBB travel centers [5].
- Third-Party Platforms: Websites like Thetrainline.com offer a straightforward booking process and accept international credit cards [1].
- DB Navigator App: This app is handy for checking schedules and exploring travel options before booking [1].
For ÖBB’s local transport services (REX, R, CJX, S-Bahn), make sure to purchase a valid ticket before boarding [5].
Costs and Savings
Ticket prices depend on when and how you book. Here’s a quick breakdown of fare options:
| Ticket Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sparschiene (Advance) | From €9.90 | Book early for the best price [1] |
| ÖBB Standardpreis | €30.80 | Flexible fare [1] |
| Westbahn + ÖBB | €23.00 | Combined service fare [1] |
| Einfach-Raus-Ticket | €33 – €45 | Group ticket for 2–5 people [7] |
- Book Sparschiene tickets as early as possible to snag the lowest fares [6].
- Traveling with a group? The Einfach-Raus-Ticket is a budget-friendly option for 2–5 travelers [7].
- Avoid buying tickets onboard, as there’s an extra €3 surcharge [5].
If you’re considering a rail pass, here’s what you need to know.
Interrail Pass Guide
Interrail and Eurail passes are valid for this route, but keep these tips in mind:
- Verify if seat reservations are required before your trip.
- Confirm that the pass includes the regional trains you’ll be using.
- Compare the cost of the pass to regular tickets, especially for shorter trips.
For expert advice on using rail passes or planning connections between Salzburg and Hallstatt, check out the Raildude forum.
Travel Instructions
With your tickets secured and itinerary in hand, here’s how to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Starting at Salzburg Station
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) is straightforward to navigate. Once inside the main station, head to the large hall where you’ll find yellow departure boards or TV screens showing platform numbers. Use the ground-level passageway under the tracks to reach your platform. Elevators and escalators are available for easy access. Look for signs pointing to Attnang-Puchheim – this is your first stop. Clear signage throughout the station will help guide you to the right platform. Once aboard, you’ll head to Attnang-Puchheim for your next connection.
Train Changes
At Attnang-Puchheim, you’ll need to switch to a regional train. You’ll have about 12 minutes to make this transfer, so check the digital displays for your platform. After boarding your connecting train, you’ll be on your way to Hallstatt.
Reaching Hallstatt
Hallstatt Bahnhof is located on the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt, while the town itself is on the western shore. Once you arrive at Hallstatt Bahnhof, follow the signs to the ferry dock. Take the Stefanie ferry (ticket: €5 roundtrip, about 15 minutes). The ferry’s last departure is at 6:15 PM, so plan accordingly. The ferry will drop you at Hallstatt’s central dock, from where it’s just a short walk into town.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the journey:
| Service | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Salzburg–Hallstatt) | 2h 35m | €15–28 |
| Ferry Transfer | 15m | €5 roundtrip |
| Total Journey | ~3h | €20–33 |
Travel Tips
Baggage Guide
Managing your luggage effectively is crucial, especially during train transfers. At Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, you’ll find over 100 lockers with the following rates:
| Locker Size | 24-Hour Rate |
|---|---|
| Small | €2.00 |
| Medium | €2.50 |
| Large | €3.50 |
| Jumbo | €4.50 |
If you’re passing through Attnang-Puchheim station, there are 15 lockers available: 2 large (90×35×85 cm), 9 medium (60×35×85 cm), and 4 small (45×35×85 cm). Prices range from €2 to €4 for 24 hours. However, keep in mind that Hallstatt doesn’t offer luggage storage facilities.
For added convenience, ÖBB’s Haus-Haus-Gepäck service provides door-to-door luggage delivery within Austria for €20 per bag on weekdays. If Hallstatt is your destination, plan your luggage strategy in advance.
Weather and Timing
Seasonal weather can shape your travel experience, so it’s good to know what to expect:
- Spring (April–June): Temperatures range from 50–70°F (10–20°C), making it perfect for enjoying blooming landscapes.
- Summer (July–September): With temperatures between 70–85°F (20–30°C), this is the busiest tourist season.
- Fall (October–November): Cooler weather at 40–60°F (5–15°C) often means shorter attraction hours.
- Winter (December–March): Expect freezing temperatures and snow-covered views. Be sure to pack warm clothes. Fun fact: Despite local myths, Lake Hallstatt doesn’t freeze over [2].
Train Facilities
Your trip will likely include a mix of ÖBB Railjet and regional trains, each offering different amenities:
- ÖBB Railjet: Enjoy modern seating with at-seat power outlets, first and business class options, a dining car, and accessible restrooms.
- Regional Trains: These provide six-seat compartments, fold-out tables, charging sockets, and basic restrooms.
For maximum comfort, consider booking Railjet first class. While the regional train leg is simpler, it still offers a reliable and consistent experience. This helps you plan your seating preferences for a more enjoyable journey.
Summary
Main Points
The train journey from Salzburg to Hallstatt combines smooth travel with stunning Alpine scenery. The entire trip takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes [1].
Here’s a breakdown of the journey:
| Segment | Duration | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salzburg to Attnang-Puchheim | 47 min | ÖBB Railjet/Westbahn | From €9.90 |
| Attnang-Puchheim to Hallstatt | 1h 16m | Regional Train | – |
| Ferry to Hallstatt Town | 15 min | Stefanie Ferry | €3.00 |
To get the best prices, consider booking Sparschiene tickets through ÖBB’s website, starting at €9.90 [1]. Standard tickets are also available: €30.80 via ÖBB or €23.00 for combined Westbahn-ÖBB services [1].
