To check train times & fares in Austria, see www.thetrainline.com (easiest) or www.oebb.at.

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This page explains how to travel by train from Salzburg to cities across Europe, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2024.

bullet pointBefore you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers all the usual questions, "Must I book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...


Salzburg to Vienna from €19.90
Salzburg to Hallstatt from €9.90
Salzburg to Innsbruck, Graz & other Austrian destinations from €9.90
A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A railjet at Vienna.  Railjets are Austria's premier train.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant car.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

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Salzburg to London

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Salzburg to Paris from €39.90

Option 1, Vienna to Paris by direct Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

A comfortline sleeping-car on a Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car.

Option 2, Salzburg to Paris in a single day via Germany - the fastest option

TGV Duplex from Paris Gare de l'Est to Stuttgart & Munich

TGV Duplex at Paris Est. These impressive 320 km/h double-deck trains link Munich & Stuttgart with Paris.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360Ί photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, club quatre on the right.  360Ί photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.

Option 3, Salzburg to Paris in a single day via Zurich - the scenic Arlberg route!

A railjet train about to leave Salzburg Hbf for Zurich

Step 1, Salzburg to Zurich by railjet via the Arlberg Pass.  Above, a railjet to Zurich boarding at Salzburg Hbf.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant car.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

View of Salzburg as the train crosses the River Salzach

Crossing the Salzach at Salzburg:  After leaving Salzburg Hbf, look to the left hand side for this view of the Fortress Hohensalzburg as you cross the Salzach.

Cutting across Germany:  From Salzburg to Kufstein the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here.  All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even they spend an hour on German territory!  Such a train is called a Korridorzug.

Kufstein station and castle   Lunch is served at your seat in first & business classes

Kufstein:  The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station.

Above right, lunch is served.  In railjet first & business class, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.

Scenery in the Tirol

Mountains near Innsbruck.  The train calls briefly at Innsbruck Hbf.

Scenery on the Arlberg route

River Inn:  Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Φtzal & Landeck.

Scenery in the Arlberg Pass

Arlberg Pass:  Above, brooding skies over the Arlberg pass.  The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.

Arlberg Tunnel:  Between St Anton am Arlberg & Bludenz the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884.  See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.

Schaan-Vaduz station   Sargans Castle

Liechtenstein:  The train cuts across Liechtenstein, passing non-stop through Schaan-Vaduz station.

 

Sargans castle:  Watch out for hilltop castles, this is the one at Sargans.

The lakes between the Austrian border and Zurich

Swiss lakes:  Between Sargans & Zurich the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Walensee and then the Zόrichsee.

A railjet train about to leave Zurich Hbf for Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna

Railjet arrived at Zurich HB.

TGV-Lyria from Zurich to Paris, at Zurich HB

Step 2, Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria, a 320km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train.  Above, a TGV-Lyria boarding at Zurich HB.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

The cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats, this is upper deck seating.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360Ί photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   A TGV-Lyria Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, club quatre on the right. Larger photo.

 

A TGV-Lyria at Paris Gare de Lyon.  You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck.

Option 4, Salzburg to Paris with overnight stop in Munich - same as option 2, but an overnight stop breaks up the trip nicely

Option 5, Salzburg to Paris with overnight stop in Zurich - same scenic route as option 3, but with an overnight stop

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Salzburg to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo

Option 1, Salzburg to Lyon, Aix, Avignon, Marseille in a day

Frankfurt to Marseille TGV

The TGV Duplex from Frankfurt & Karlsruhe to Lyon, Avignon & Marseille, at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

The cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats, this is upper deck seating.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360Ί photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   A TGV Duplex at Frankfurt

1st class seats on the upper deck, a club duo on the left, club quatre on the right. 360Ί photo.

 

The TGV to Marseille, boarding at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.  You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck.

Option 2, Salzburg to Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, Marseille using the Salzburg-Genoa sleeper - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Step 1, Salzburg to Genoa by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

  6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, Genoa to Ventimiglia by Intercity train.  Above, an Intercity at Milan Centrale.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 3, take a TER local train from Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice & Cannes.  Ventimiglia to Nice takes an hour along the coast.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Ventimiglia to Nice & Cannes.

Option 3, Salzburg to Monte Carlo or Nice with an overnight stop in Milan

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Salzburg to Brussels & Bruges from €19.90

Option 1, Salzburg to Brussels by Nightjet sleeper train, 3 times a week - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

Salzburg to Brussels by Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 2, Salzburg to Brussels using the Nightjet sleeper train to Cologne, on days when it doesn't operate to Brussels

Option 3, Salzburg to Brussels in a single chill-out day from €19.90

ICE3M to Cologne & Frankfurt, boarding at Brussels Midi

A Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3 at Brussels MidiMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Option 4, Salzburg to Brussels with an overnight stop in Cologne

Rhine Valley by train

The classic scenic route along the Rhine Valley - see the Rhine Valley page for more photos, video & tips.

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Salzburg to Amsterdam from €37.90

Option 1, Salzburg to Amsterdam using the Austria-Amsterdam Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

Wels to Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 2, Salzburg to Amsterdam in a single day - the leisurely daytime option

ICE3 at Amsterdam Centraal

A Frankfurt-Amsterdam ICE3M at Amsterdam Centraal More about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Option 3, Salzburg to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Cologne - breaks up the journey nicely

Rhine Valley by train

The classic scenic route along the Rhine Valley - see the Rhine Valley page for photos, video & tips.

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Salzburg to Luxembourg from €36.90

Option 1, Salzburg to Luxembourg by daytime trains

Option 2, Salzburg to Luxembourg using the Salzburg-Koblenz sleeper - the time-effective option

Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Step 1, Vienna to Koblenz by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Double-deck train between Koblenz, Trier & Luxembourg

Step 2, Koblenz to Luxembourg by double deck regional train.  This is a CFL double-decker at Luxembourg.

1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train   1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train

1st class on the upper deck. Larger photo.

 

2nd class on the upper deck.  Larger photo.

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg in the morning sun, the mists still clearing.  For the best river views, sit on the left hand side of the train going west from Koblenz.

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Salzburg to Zurich, Basel, Geneva & Switzerland from €29
A railjet train about to leave Salzburg Hbf for Innsbruc & Zurich

A railjet from to Zurich calls at Salzburg Hbf platform 2.  More about railjets through the Arlberg Pass.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant car.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

View of Salzburg as the train crosses the River Salzach

Crossing the Salzach at Salzburg:  After leaving Salzburg Hbf, look to the left hand side for this view of the Fortress Hohensalzburg as you cross the Salzach.

Cutting across Germany:  From Salzburg to Kufstein the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here.  All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even they spend an hour on German territory!  Such a train is called a Korridorzug.

Kufstein station and castle   Lunch is served at your seat in first & business classes

Kufstein:  The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station.

Above right, lunch is served.  In railjet first & business class, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.

Scenery in the Tirol

Mountains near Innsbruck.  The train calls briefly at Innsbruck Hbf.

Scenery on the Arlberg route

River Inn:  Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Φtzal & Landeck.

Scenery in the Arlberg Pass

Arlberg Pass:  Above, brooding skies over the Arlberg pass.  The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.

Arlberg Tunnel:  Between St Anton am Arlberg & Bludenz the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884.  See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.

Schaan-Vaduz station   Sargans Castle

Liechtenstein:  The train cuts across Liechtenstein, passing non-stop through Schaan-Vaduz station.

 

Sargans castle:  Watch out for hilltop castles, this is the one at Sargans.

The lakes between the Austrian border and Zurich

Swiss lakes:  Between Sargans & Zurich the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Walensee and then the Zόrichsee.

A railjet train about to leave Zurich Hbf for Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna

A railjet arrived at Zurich HB.

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Salzburg to Venice

Option 1, Salzburg to Venice by Nightjet sleeper train

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

The Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Sunrise as the sleeper train crosses the causeway into Venice

Sunrise as the Munich-Venice Nightjet crosses the causeway over the lagoon into Venice.  Courtesy of Andreas Wiedenhoff.

Option 2, Salzburg to Venice by daytime trains from €29.90

Scenery in the Austrian Alps between Munich & Ljubljana

Through the Austrian Alps.  Clinging to the mountainside high in the Austrian Alps, the train snakes along between snow-capped mountains, absolutely wonderful.  This is the Tauern route from Salzburg to Villach, where you pick up the railjet to Venice.

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Salzburg to Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples & Italy from €29

Option 1, Salzburg to Milan, Florence & Rome by direct Nightjet sleeper train - safe, comfortable, time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

Salzburg to Florence & Rome by Nightjet sleeper train More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 2, Salzburg to Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples by daytime trains - the scenic option via the Brenner Pass

EuroCity train to Verona about to leave Innsbruck

A EuroCity train at Innsbruck.  More about the Brenner EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

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Salzburg to Sicily
Intercity train to Sicily on board the ferry

The Intercity train from Rome to Sicily on board the train ferry across the Straits of Messina.  Courtesy Discoverbyrail.com.

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Salzburg to Barcelona & Spain from €79.80

Option 1, Salzburg to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Geneva - the most scenic route, avoids crossing Paris

Option 2, Salzburg to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Paris - fastest route & usually cheaper, if you don't mind changing stations in Paris

Option 3, Salzburg to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Munich - same as option 2, but with the overnight stop in Munich

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right of the train all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanigouMore photos of what to see on the Paris-Barcelona train journey.

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Salzburg to San Sebastian

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Salzburg to Lisbon, Porto, Faro & Portugal

Option 1, Salzburg to Lisbon via Paris, Barcelona & Madrid

Option 2, Salzburg to Faro & the Algarve using a bus from Seville

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Salzburg to Andorra
Intercite de nuit overnight train   Intercite de nuit couchette

The intercitι de nuit overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol has 1st class 4-berth & 2nd class 6-berth couchettes, each with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.

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Salzburg to Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne & Germany from €27.90

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Salzburg to Munich from €17.90
A railjet train about to leave Munich Hbf

A railjet to Vienna at Munich Hbf More about Salzburg to Munich trains.

Salzburg to Munich BRB regional train at Munich Hbf

A BRB regional train at Munich Hbf More about Salzburg to Munich trains.

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Salzburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from €25.90

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Salzburg to Passau

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Salzburg to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Gothenburg & Scandinavia

Option 1, Salzburg to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train - the time-effective option

Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Hamburg Altona   6-berth couchette on the Hamburg-Stockholm SJ night train

The inaugural Hamburg to Stockholm SJ EuroNight train in Hamburg on 1 September 2022. The author rode this first departure.  More about this train.

6-berth couchettes.

Larger photo.

Standard sleeper, set up as a double   Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Padborg

2-bed sleeper.  Larger photo.

The inaugural train from Hamburg to Stockholm calls at Padborg, just after entering Denmark.

Scenery from the Hamburg to Stockholm train

Typical Swedish scenery on the morning run into Stockholm.

Option 2, Salzburg to Copenhagen in a day from €39.90!  Salzburg to Stockholm or Gothenburg from €56.90!

Option 3, Salzburg to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm with an overnight stop in Hamburg

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Φresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

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Salzburg to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Salzburg to Oslo with an overnight stop in Copenhagen - by train all the way

Option 2, Salzburg to Oslo with overnight stop in Hamburg - by train all the way

Option 3, Salzburg to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most comfortable way to Oslo

Germany to Oslo Color Line ferry at Kiel

This photo is taken from the exit of Kiel station, so you can see how close the ferry is.  It's a 5-6 minute walk across the harbour, with a street lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal. If you have reserved one of what Color Line call their "5 star suites", check in at the desk rather than the machines and you'll be directed to a special lounge to wait with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi.  You'll also have priority boarding of the ship.  Photos courtesy of Andrew Leo.

Boarding the ferry in Kiel

Boarding the Color Line ferry to Oslo in Kiel.

Kiel to Oslo ferry, Color Class suite   Kiel to Oslo ferry, restaurant

A 5 Star Suite on the ferry.

 

More cruise liner than ferry!  The restaurant.

View from Color Line ferry to Oslo

Wake up to this...

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Salzburg to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Salzburg to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

  • Day 1, travel from Salzburg to Hamburg, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 10:00, change at Munich Hbf, arriving Hamburg Hbf 17:55.

    Times may vary, just make sure you arrive in Hamburg before 19:00.

    Fares start at €23.90 in 2nd class or €33.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Before running the enquiry, change Transfer time from normal to 30 minutes.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  • Book onward trains within Finland at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi.

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemόnde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, Salzburg to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

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Salzburg to Prague from €23.70:  See the Salzburg to Prague page

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Salzburg to Cesky Krumlov from €15
  • Several times a day, a fast Austrian railjet train with restaurant car & free WiFi runs from Salzburg Hbf to Linz in about 1h10.

    It connects with a comfortable air-conditioned Czech EuroCity train with bistro car from Linz to Ceske Budejovice taking 2h16.

    A little branch line train run by private operator GWTR runs from Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov every hour or two taking 45 minutes.

    Incidentally, Ceske Budejovice might sound more familiar by its former Germanic name, Budweis. That's right, where the name of the beer comes from! The town is worth a look around in its own right. Why not take an earlier train and have a wander into the old town?

  • How much does it cost?

    Salzburg to Cesky Krumlov costs as little as €15 if bought in advance.  Meaning days or weeks in advance, not months.

    This fare consists of a Czech Railways First Minute advance-purchase fare from Salzburg to Ceske Budejovice and a OneTicket fare to cover the private operator GWTR between Ceske Budejovice & Cesky Krumlov, bought as one easy Salzburg to Cesky Krumlov transaction.

  • You'll find  more about visiting Ceskύ Krumlov, the GWTR local train, taxis between station & old town, and how to travel from Ceskύ Krumlov on to Prague, on the Ceskύ Krumlov page.

Czech bistro car

Take a smart Austrian railjet from Salzburg to Linz to connect with a Czech EuroCity train like this from Linz to Ceske Budejovice & Prague.  Change in Ceske Budejovice for the GWTR branch line train to Cesky Krumlov.

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Salzburg to Bratislava from €29.90

Option 1, Salzburg to Bratislava by direct railjet train - once per day, the best option if the timings suit you

  • A direct Austrian railjet train leaves Salzburg Hbf every day at 18:07, direct to Bratislava Hlavna arriving 21:51.

    If the timings suit you, this is the easiest option with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €44.90 in 1st class or €59.90 in business class (premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares) and print your own ticket.

Railjet train from Bratislava to Zurich

The direct railjet at Bratislava Hlavna.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About business class.

 

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

First class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

Option 2, Salzburg to Vienna by railjet & regional express to Bratislava - hourly departures from morning to late afternoon

  • If the direct train doesn't suit you, take any of the hourly Austrian railjet trains from Salzburg to Vienna Hbf in around 2h25, then the hourly regional express train from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna (the main station, closest to the city centre) taking 1h09.

    Important:  If travelling between 4 March & 14 December 2024, see the update here.

    Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €44.90 in 1st class or €59.90 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares) and print your own ticket.

    Tip:  When using www.oebb.at, select the specific destination Bratislava hl.st. as you will then see journeys with 1 change at Vienna Hbf and arrival at Bratislava's main Hlavna station which is closer to the city centre.  if you select the generic city name BRATISLAVA as destination you may only see journeys with arrival at Bratislava Petrzalka station, which is not the main or best-located station in Bratislava.

    Tip:  If you have a 1st or business class ticket you can use the ΦBB Lounge in Vienna between trains with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.

  • You could consider taking a train from Salzburg to Vienna, then a river trip along the Danube to Bratislava.  Vienna-Bratislava fast ferries and hydrofoils runs at least once a day in winter, up to 5 times a day in summer, 80 minutes.  At least two companies operate, see www.twincityliner.com or www.lod.sk.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

The hourly regional express train from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna

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Salzburg to Poprad-Tatry & Kosice
  • Step 1, travel from Salzburg to Vienna by smart modern railjet train, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 11:11 and arriving Vienna Hbf 14:05.

    The railjet has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  1st class passengers are served at their seat.

  • Step 2, travel from Vienna to Slovakia by Intercity train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 14:42 arriving Poprad-Tatry 19:10 & Kosice 20:27.

    This comfortable Slovakian Intercity train has a restaurant car, treat yourself to dinner with wine or a beer or two.

  • Fares start at €49.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Book at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.

    To get a safe connection time in Vienna not a risky 10-minute one, wait until the search results appear, then click Set more filters and tick Comfortable connection time.

    Booking opens 60 days ahead.  In this case, tickets must be collected from a self-service machine or ticket office in Austria.

    You can also book at the Slovakian Railways website www.zssk.sk, which can be cheaper.  Switch it to English by clicking EN top right, it's a little fiddly, but it works.  You print your own ticket.  To get a safe connection time in Vienna, click More options for 1 route and select Time for change at least 30 minutes.

Intercity train from Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice, at Bratislava

Slovakian Intercity train at Bratislava Hlavna.

Bar on Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice train   2nd class open-plan seats on Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice train

Bar area at one end of the restaurant car.

 

2nd class open-plan seating.

1st class on Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice train   2nd class compartment on a train from Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice

1st class open-plan seats.

 

2nd class compartment seating.

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Salzburg to Budapest from €39.90

Option 1, Salzburg to Budapest by direct railjet train - the fastest & most frequent option

  • Smart Austrian railjet trains link Salzburg Hbf with Budapest Keleti every two hours, taking 5h11 city centre to city centre.

    Departures from Salzburg at 07:07, 09:07, 11:07, 13:07, 15:07, 16:07, 19:07.

    The railjet trains have a restaurant car, with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Food orders are taken and served at your seat in 1st & business class.  More about railjets.

  • Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class, €54.90 in 1st class or €69.90 in business class (premium 1st).

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant car.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

Between Vienna & Budapest it's largely flat, with more wind turbines than you can shake a stick at - allegedly over 200.  This photo pretty much sums up the Vienna-Budapest section!

A Railjet train at Budapest

The railjet has landed.  A railjet on platform 9 at Budapest Keleti station, built 1881-1884.

Option 2, Salzburg to Budapest by competing Westbahn train to Vienna and Regiojet train to Budapest - cheapest option, with easy online booking

  • Regiojet offers special through fares in partnership with Westbahn from €34.90.

  • Buy an e-ticket online at www.regiojet.com.

A RegioJet train to Prague at Vienna Hbf

A RegioJet train in its distinctive yellow & grey colours. More about RegioJet trains.

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Salzburg to Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest from €58

Option 1, Salzburg to Romania using the Dacia Express sleeper train from Vienna to Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest

  • Step 1, travel from Salzburg to Vienna by railjet train, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 15:07 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 17:32.

    By all means take an earlier train for some time in the Austrian capital, just don't risk any tight connections in Vienna.  The railjets have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 in 1st class, or €44.90 in business class (premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  • Step 2, travel from Vienna to Romania on the Dacia Express, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 daily and arriving next day in Simeria 07:10, Sighisoara 09:13, Braşov 12:36, Ploeşti Vest 14:28 & Bucharest Nord at 15:06.

    It has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, plus several deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  It has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and 2nd class seats.

    A Hungarian restaurant car operates between Vienna and Budapest, treat yourself to dinner.  A bar car is attached in the morning between Arad & Bucharest, serving drinks & snacks.  There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest.

    The Dacia Express also conveys a portion from Vienna to Cluj Napoca, also leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 and arriving Cluj Napoca at 10:47. This portion has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.

    Fares start at €59 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, €69 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, €79 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, €99 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper or €159 with a bed in a single-berth sleeper all to yourself.  All per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.

    Booking opens up to 90 days ahead.  In the search results, look for the direct train marked D with no changes.  You collect tickets from an ΦBB ticket machine in Vienna.

    You can also book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.

    Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead.  For Vienna type Wien, for Bucharest type Bucuresti.  It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers.  For Austria to Romania journeys you now print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  Tip:  Prices might be cheaper than on oebb.at, so check both sites!

Dacia Express sleeper at Vienna   Dacia Express 2-bed sleeper

The Dacia Express sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf.  Sleeper photo courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.  Larger photo.

Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest   Dacia Express couchette car

The Dacia Express couchette car, boarding at Vienna Hbf.  Larger photo.

Scenery in Transylvania

Transylvania:  The Dacia Express crosses rural Transylvania.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Dacia Express Carpathian mountains

The Carpathian mountains:  Almost Alpine scenery between Brasov & Bucharest.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

Option 2, Salzburg to Romania using the sleeper train Ister from Budapest to Brasov & Bucharest

  • Step 1, travel from Salzburg to Budapest by smart Austrian railjet train, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 11:07, arriving Budapest Keleti 16:19.

    The railjets have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More about railjet trains.

    Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €39.90 in 1st class or €54.90 in business class (premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  • Step 2, take the sleeper train Ister, leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:10 & arriving Brasov at 08:50 & Bucharest Gara de Nord at 11:30 next day.

    This comfortable train has 4 & 6 berth couchettes and an air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and 2nd class seats.  There's no restaurant car so take a picnic and bottle of wine, although a cafe-bar is usually attached in Romania in the morning.

    Fares start at €39 with a couchette in 6-berth, €46 with a couchette in 4-berth, €69 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €84 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €162 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.

    Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead.  For Bucharest type Bucuresti.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

    You can also book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu, see my advice on using it.

    For Bucharest type Bucuresti.  You show your ticket in the MAV app on your phone.

2-berth sleeper on the Ister   The Ister at Bucharest Nord

A 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest.  Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Couchette car on the Ister EuroNight train from Budapest to Bucharest   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest.  Couchettes convert from bunks at night to seats by day.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com .

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo.

Option 3, Salzburg to Romania by daytime trains with overnight stop in Budapest

The daytime train from Budapest to Bucharest

The daytime train from Budapest to Bucharest has modern air-conditioned Romanian carriages.  Three cars travel all the way, additional cars are attached whilst in Hungary, and additional cars and a bar car are attached between Drobeta Turnu Severin & Bucharest.

The 'Transylvania' train to Brasov about to leave Budapest   2nd class on the Budapest to Bucharest train

On the left, the daytime train to Bucharest is about to leave Budapest Keleti.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats on the Budapest to Bucharest train.  There are power outlets under the tables.  Larger photo.

Bar stools on the Budapest to Bucharest train   Bar car on the Budapest to Bucharest train

A bar car is attached between Drobeta Turnu Severin & Bucharest.  Photos courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com.

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Salzburg to Ljubljana, Zagreb, Split & Dubrovnik from €29

Option 1, Salzburg to Ljubljana & Zagreb all year round

  • Comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity trains link Salzburg with Lesce-Bled on Lake Bled, Ljubljana & Zagreb every day:

    Leave Salzburg Hbf at 10:12, make one easy cross-platform change at Villach, to Lesce-Bled, Ljubljana & Zagreb.

    Leave Salzburg Hbf at 14:12, make one easy cross-platform change at Villach, to Lesce-Bled, Ljubljana & Zagreb.

    Leave Salzburg Hbf at 16:12 change in Villach, to Lesce-Bled & Ljubljana.

    Journey time from Salzburg to Lesce-Bled is around 3h40, Salzburg to Ljubljana 4h20, Salzburg to Zagreb 6h40.

    This is a really lovely scenic journey through the mountains on the Tauern route and along the beautiful River Sava between Ljubljana & Zagreb. Have your camera ready!

  • Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas cards no problem) or Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  • Tip:  I've seen a cheap €29.90 Sparschiene fare available from Salzburg to Zagreb but only standard price €50+ available on the same date and train from Salzburg to Ljubljana.  It's perfectly legitimate to buy a €29.90 ticket from Salzburg to Zagreb and get off in Ljubljana.

  • Onwards to Split & Dubrovnik.  There are trains from Zagreb to Split, for buses to Dubrovnik, see the Trains from Zagreb page.

Scenery in the Austrian Alps between Munich & Ljubljana

Through the Austrian Alps.  Clinging to the mountainside high in the Austrian Alps, the train snakes along between snow-capped mountains between Salzburg & Villach, wonderful.

  2nd class seats on the Munich-Zagreb train

...and along the Sava river in Slovenia.  Now across the border in Slovenia, the EuroCity train runs along the pretty River Sava all the way to Ljubljana and Zagreb.

 

Comfortable seats:  The 2nd class seats in the Slovenian cars are arranged 2+1 abreast, the same as 1st class!

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

More lovely scenery along the Sava between Ljubljana & Zagreb.

The EuroCity train 'Sava' from Munich to Ljubljana & Zagreb  

The EuroCity train Sava, arrived at Zagreb.

 

More scenery along the Sava between Ljubljana & Zagreb.

Option 2, Salzburg to Split & Dubrovnik using the Vienna-Split sleeper train, runs Tuesdays & Fridays in summer

  • Step 1, take the 14:07 railjet train from Salzburg Hbf to Vienna Hbf from €19.90 booked at www.thetrainline.com.  You print your own ticket.  Make sure you allow at least an hour in Vienna between trains to be on the safe side.

  • Step 2, travel from Vienna to Split direct sleeper train leaving Vienna Hbf at 18:23 and arriving Split at 08:10 next morning.

    This runs on Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays from 3 May to 2 October 2024.

    The train has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and ordinary seats.

    Fares from €29.90 in a seat, €79.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €99.90 in a 2-bed sleeper, €149.90 in a single-bed sleeper.

    Book at either www.thetrainline.com (easy, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, international credit cards no problem) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.

    For Dubrovnik, take a bus from Split.  There are buses every hour or even every half hour, run by several companies.  Journey time between 3h45 and 4h35, fare around €13-€17.  Buy a ticket at the bus station in Split.

Option 3, Salzburg to Split & Dubrovnik using the Budapest-Split sleeper train Adria, runs 3 days a week June-September

  • Step 2, travel from Budapest to Split by sleeper train Adria, runs on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays from 9 June to 29 September 2024.

    It leaves Budapest Keleti at 18:45, arriving Split at 08:46 next morning.

    The Adria has comfortable Hungarian sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, couchette cars with 4 & 6 bunk compartments and a Hungarian restaurant car.

    The fare is around €79 with couchette or from €92 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper.

    Book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice on using itBooking opens 60 days ahead.

  • For Dubrovnik, take a bus from Split.  There are buses every hour or even every half hour, run by several companies.  Journey time between 3h45 and 4h35, fare around €13-€17.  Buy a ticket at the bus station in Split.

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Salzburg to Belgrade & Montenegro

Option 1, Salzburg to Belgrade via Zagreb

  • Day 1, travel from Salzburg to Zagreb, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 10:12 or 14:12 as explained above.  A lovely scenic ride!

  • Stay overnight in Zagreb.  The Esplanade Hotel, Palace Hotel or Central Hotel are all near the station with good reviews.

  • Day 2, travel from Zagreb to Belgrade by train, leaving Zagreb at 11:04 and arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.

    This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended in 2024.

    This train has air-conditioned Serbian carriages with comfortable 2nd class seats (no 1st class).  There's no catering, so bring along a picnic and some beer or wine.

    The fare is around €29 bought at the station or paid on the train.  It cannot be booked online, but there are always places available.

    While the train is suspended, take a bus from Zagreb to Belgrade

    It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb station to Zagreb bus station, see walking map.

    A Flixbus leaves Zagreb bus station at 09:00, arriving Belgrade bus station at 14:30.

    The fare is around €20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.

  • If you're going to Montenegro

    A daytime and overnight train link Belgrade Centar station with Podgorica and Bar over one of the most scenic lines in Europe, fare around €22 paid at the station on the day.  For train times, fares & photos see the Belgrade to Montenegro page.  Change at Podgorica for a bus to Budva or Kotor.

Option 2, Salzburg to Belgrade via Budapest - slower, but by train all the way

  • Stay overnight in Budapest.  The highly-recommended 3-star  T62 Hotel is across the road from Budapest Nyugati and a traveller's favourite.  The cheaper 3-star Star Inn Budapest Centrum is few minutes walk away.  The 4-star Radisson Blu Bιke Hotel is one block away.

  • Day 2, travel from Budapest to Belgrade as shown on the Budapest-Belgrade page.

    You leave Budapest Nyugati at 05:50, change at Szeged, Subotica & Novi Sad, arriving Belgrade Centar at 20:27.

    All direct Budapest-Belgrade mainline trains remain suspended until at least 2025 while the line is modernised for 200 km/h operation.  However, in 2024 it's possible for the determined traveller to reach Belgrade on local trains via this somewhat round-about route.  It's a long but interesting journey, with time for lunch in Subotica.

Serbian local train of the type used between Subotica and Novi Sad

Serbian local train of the type used between Szeged & Subotica and Subotica & Novi Sad.  They are air-conditioned, 2nd class only, with toilets.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com.

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Salzburg to Sofia

Option 1, Salzburg to Sofia via Bucharest

  • Day 1, travel from Salzburg to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 09:07 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 14:19.

    The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.

  • Day 1, travel from Budapest to Bucharest on the sleeper train Muntenia, leaving Budapest Keleti at 15:10 and arriving Bucharest Nord at 08:42.

    The Muntenia has 4 & 6-berth couchettes and ordinary seats.  A Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments is attached from Arad (depart 21:04) to Bucharest.  There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.

    Fares start at €40 with a couchette in 6-berth or €47 with a couchette in 4-berth.  These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares

    Book this at the Romanian Railways international website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en.  You print your own ticket.

    If you want the comfort & privacy of a proper sleeper from Arad to Bucharest, (1) book a 2nd class seat from Budapest to Arad from €17 using bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en.  You print your own ticket.  (2) Now book berths in a 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper from Arad to Bucharest Nord at the Romanian domestic website bilete.cfrcalatori.ro and print your own ticket.

  • Day 2, travel from Bucharest to Sofia by daytime train as shown on the train from Bucharest page.

    You leave Bucharest Nord at 10:55 and arrive Sofia Central at 20:10 after a pleasant day meandering across the Danube and through the river valleys of Bulgaria.  In summer it's direct, in winter you have to switch trains at Ruse.  There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.

    The fare is around €34.

    Book this at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en.  You print your own ticket.

Option 2, Salzburg to Sofia via Belgrade

  • This route is not viable, while Zagreb-Belgrade and Belgrade-Sofia trains remain suspended.

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Salzburg to Warsaw & Krakow from €39

Option 1, Salzburg to Krakow & Warsaw by sleeper train - starting 10 December 2023

  • The EuroNight sleeper train Chopin leaves Salzburg Hbf at 20:30, arriving Krakow Glowny 05:59 & Warsaw Gdanska 08:48.

    The EuroNight sleeper train Chopin has two comfortable air-conditioned Polish sleeping-cars with 1, 2 or 3 beds per compartment.  Each car also has two 1 or 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, see the photos below.  It also has ordinary seats, but no couchettes.  In the sleepers, a light breakfast with tea or coffee is included.

  • Fares start at €53.50 in a 3-bed sleeper, €68.20 in a 2-bed sleeper, or €126.70 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per bed as berths are sold individually.  Prices vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

  • Tip:  If you're getting off in Krakow, the sleeper arrives at an early hour.  Leave the station through the shopping centre and you'll find the Hotel Puro Stare Miasto on the other side of the road and to the right.  You can join their excellent breakfast buffet from 7am for around €16.  Of course, your own hotel may let you join their breakfast buffet on the morning of arrival.  Suggested hotels in Krakow.

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Munich to Krakow & Warsaw by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin, seen at Vienna Hbf.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Option 2, Salzburg to Warsaw in a day - The daytime option

  • Step 1, travel from Salzburg to Vienna by smart modern railjet train, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 10:11 arriving Vienna Hbf at 13:05.

    The railjet has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You can take the 11:07 from Salzburg arriving Vienna Hbf 13:32 if you like, but personally, I'd take the earlier train to be on the safe side.

    Tip:  If you have a 1st class onward ticket, you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.

  • Step 2, travel from Vienna to Warsaw on the EuroCity train Polonia leaving Vienna Hbf at 14:10 arriving Warsaw Centralna at 21:34.

  • How much does it cost?

    Salzburg to Warsaw starts at €39.90 in 2nd class or €49.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • How to buy tickets

    Buy a ticket at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at, but (and this is important) click the cogwheel icon at the top of the search results page and then click Comfortable connection time.  If you don't, you may end up with a risky 5-minute connection.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You collect tickets from an ΦBB ticket machine at the station.

Morning EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw

A EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw at Vienna Hbf.  On these PKP Polish Railways cars, the green stripe above the windows indicates 2nd class.  Yellow indicates first class.  Red indicates the restaurant car.  Courtesy of Jennifer Delaney.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments, although one or two cars may have open-plan saloons.  All 1st class seats are in 6-seat compartments on these trains.  Click images for larger photos.

Polish restaurant car

Restaurant car.

Option 3, Salzburg to Krakow in a day - the daytime option, starting 10 December 2023

  • Step 1, travel from Salzburg to Vienna by smart modern railjet train, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 12:11 arriving Vienna Hbf at 15:05.

    The railjet has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You can take the 13:07 from Salzburg arriving Vienna Hbf 15:32 if you like, but personally, I'd take the earlier train to be on the safe side.

    Tip:  If you have a 1st class ticket, you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.

  • Step 2, travel from Vienna to Krakow by EuroCity train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 16:10 arriving Krakow Glowny at 21:13.

    This comfortable EuroCity train has air-conditioned carriages and refreshments available.

  • How much does it cost?

    Salzburg to Krakow starts at €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • How to buy tickets

    Buy a ticket at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at, but (and this is important) click the cogwheel icon at the top of the search results page and then click Comfortable connection time.  If you don't, you may end up with a risky 5-minute connection.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You collect tickets from an ΦBB ticket machine.

Option 4, Salzburg to Krakow with an overnight stop in Prague

Option 5, Salzburg to Krakow with overnight stop in Vienna

  • Day 1, travel from Salzburg Hbf to Vienna Hbf on any train you like taking 2h25, they leave hourly through the day.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.atBooking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.

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Salzburg to Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn

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Salzburg to Kyiv, Lviv & Ukraine
  • Step 1, travel from Salzburg Hbf to Vienna Hbf using any train you like.  I'd allow an hour or two between trains in Vienna, so take a train around 12:22 to arrive in Vienna around 14:52, but by all means take an earlier train and see something of Vienna.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book at www.oebb.atBooking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.

  • Step 2, travel from Vienna to Lviv or Kyiv by direct Ukrainian sleeping-car, leaving Vienna Hbf at 16:42 every day and arriving next day (day 3) at Lviv at 09:20 & Kyiv at 16:03.

    Introduced in December 2017, this train has one or two direct Ukrainian sleeping-cars with comfortable 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, see the photos below.  At Chop on the other side of the border the through sleeping-cars are jacked up to have their wheelsets changed from European standard gauge (4'8½") to Russian gauge used in Ukraine (5').

    Book the train from Vienna to Lviv or Kyiv online at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.

    This will only book one-way or round trip starting in Vienna because tickets need to be collected from an ΦBB station in Austria.  They cannot be collected in Ukraine.  Booking this way you pay no fee or mark-up, just the official fare.

    Be warned, these direct sleeping-cars can sell out within hours of reservations opening.

    If you have any problems or want a one-way ticket starting in Ukraine, you can also book the Vienna-Kyiv train via reliable agency www.polrail.com, with tickets posted or couriered to you for a small fee.  Polrail are based in Poland so charge in zlotys, but as they have access to Ukrainian ticketing system they are good for booking this train.

    Booked through oebb.at:

    Vienna to Kyiv costs €80.50 in a 3-berth sleeper, €90.50 in a 2-berth sleeper or €152.90 in a single sleeper.

    Vienna to Lviv costs €62.10 in a 3-berth sleeper, €70.10 in a 2-berth sleeper or €119.30 in a single sleeper.

    Booked through Polrail:

    Vienna to Kyiv costs around €138 in a 3-berth sleeper €149 in a 2-berth sleeper, or €241 in a single-berth sleeper.

    Vienna to Lviv costs around €120 in a 3-berth sleeper €129 in a 2-berth sleeper, or €207 in a single-berth sleeper.

    Booked at the station in Ukraine, Kyiv to Vienna costs around €80, Lviv to Vienna around €60, in both cases with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper.

The Vienna-Kiev sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf

Boarding the Vienna to Kyiv sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf.

Sleeper to Kiev about to leave Vienna   Ukrainian sleeper corridor   1, 2 or 3 bed Ukrainian sleeper compartment

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeper about to leave Vienna Hbf. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

The sleeper corridor.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment.

The Vienna-Kiev sleeping-car at Kiev Pass

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeping-car at Kyiv Pass.  Photos courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

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Salzburg to Moscow, St Petersburg & Russia

Option 1, Salzburg to Moscow via Kyiv, avoiding Belarus

  • Step 1, travel from Salzburg to Vienna and take the sleeper to Kyiv as shown above.

  • Step 2, take one of the various Kyiv to Moscow sleeper trains, for example train 6 leaves at 19:36 arriving Moscow Kievskaya station at 10:09 the next morning (= day 3 from Salzburg).

    These trains were suspended due to Covid-19, and are now cancelled - and the lines blown up - due to the war in Ukraine

    The fare is around €92 with a bed in 4-berth kupι or €180 with a bed in a 2-berth spalny vagon.

    You can ask www.polrail.com to book this for you too, or you can book tickets from Kyiv to Moscow at the Ukrainian Railways site booking.uz.gov.ua/en/ booking from Kyiv to Moskva Kievskaya.  You collect tickets at the station in Kyiv.  Feedback appreciated!

Option 2, Salzburg to Moscow via Warsaw.  This goes via Belarus, remember you'll need a Belarus transit visa.

  • Step 1, travel from Salzburg to Warsaw as shown above.

  • Step 2, a Russian Railways train with sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 4 bed compartments with washbasin links Warsaw with Moscow every day, see the Warsaw to Moscow section for details.  Book as shown in that section.

    This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended due to sanctions & the war in Ukraine

A modern Russian sleeping-car of the sort used on the Polonez   A 2-berth or 4-berth compartment in daytime mode

These modern sleeping-cars run from Warsaw to Moscow.

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Salzburg to Athens, Corfu & Greece

Option 1, Salzburg to Athens via ferry from Italy - the leisurely option with an Adriatic cruise thrown in

  • Day 2, sail overnight from Bari to Patras in Greece with Superfast Ferries.

    The ferry sails from Bari at 19:30 on Mondays-Saturdays, arriving Patras at 13:00 next day (Day 3).

    On Sundays the ship sails at 13:30, too early to make connections from Milan.

    You can check sailing times & dates at using the Direct Ferries website or at www.superfast.com or www.ferriesingreece.com.

    You should check in at the Superfast desk on the ground floor of the cruise terminal (Terminal Crociere) at Bari port with passport & booking number to get your boarding pass, ideally 3 hours before departure in summer, although in practice 2 hours or even 1½ hours is normally fine.

    You then walk 500m from check-in to the ferry, board the ferry via the foot passenger gangway at the stern and head up the escalator to the main lounge and reception desk to get your cabin key.

    The ship is comfortable, with self-service restaurant, lounge, bar and sun deck.  You can book a deck place (a good & cheap option in summer if you have your own sleeping bag), a reclining seat or various types of cabin, all with private shower & toilet.  Strolling the decks in the morning sun as the ship cruises past the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca is the nicest part of the trip, and it's a wonderful way to arrive in Greece.

    In Patras, the ferry arrives at the new South ferry terminal a few km from the town centre.  Bus 18 links the port with the Patras bus station every hour on the hour, fare €1.20 or you can hop in a taxi for around €9, journey time 15-20 minutes.

  • Day 3, travel from Patras to Athens by Greek Railways bus/train combo.

    Hellenic Train (Greek Railways) operate an integrated bus/train service from Patras to Athens every hour or two, total journey time 3h02, fare around €18.  No prior reservation is necessary, just buy a ticket to Athens at Patras railway station ticket office.

    For example, at the time I write this, buses leave from outside Patras railway station at 14:15, 15:15, 16:00, 17:15 & 18:15, taking 90 minutes to reach Kiato railway station near Corinthos.  At Kiato they connect with a modern air-conditioned regional train taking 78 minutes to Athens Larissa Station in downtown Athens.  You can check Patra to Athens bus/train times using the journey planner at www.hellenictrain.gr.

Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Boarding the ferry from Italy to Greece   Lounge and reception desk on the ferry to Greece

The passenger gangway, onto the ferry.

 

Reception desk & lounge on the ferry.

Lounge & bar on the ferry from Italy to Greece   Self-service restaurant on the ferry from Italy to Greece

Lounge and bar on the Superfast II.

 

Self-service restaurant.

En suite toilet & shower on ferry to Greece   Cabin on ferry from Italy to Greece

Private cabin with en suite toilet & shower.

Scenic views from the ferry from Italy to Greece

The ferry passes Cephalonia & Ithaca then approaches mainland Greece.  This is what travel to Greece should be like!

The ferry from Bari arrives at Patras

The ferry approaches the new port of Patras.

Option 2, Salzburg to Athens overland by train via Munich & Belgrade - not currently viable

  • There are currently no international trains to or from Greece.

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Salzburg to Istanbul & Turkey

Option 1, Vienna to Istanbul via Budapest & Bucharest - 3 nights, 2 days, currently the most viable route

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Hotels in Salzburg

For a stay of a few days I'd choose a hotel in the old town near all the sights.  For a brief one or two night stay, especially if you were leaving on an early train, I'd go for a hotel near the station, so you can walk across the road and leave your bags, there's no time wasted in taxis and it's an easy stroll across the road to the station when it's time to leave.  Salzburg isn't huge, so it'll still be an easy walk to the old town and all the sights.

Hotels near the station

Hotels in or near the old town

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.


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