1. overview of the means of transportation
The urban network is based on trolleybuses and bus lines; there is no subway or streetcar. For tourist destinations, funiculars and cable cars as well as seasonal boat trips are also relevant.
- Trolleybus & city bus: dense route network throughout the city, central development.
- S-Bahn/regional trains: primarily for trips to the surrounding area; less necessary within the city.
- Tourist transportation: Festungsbahn, Mönchsberg elevator, Untersberg cable car; Salzach boat trip (seasonal).
2. tickets & prices
For visitors, season tickets and City Passes are the most practical options. The following overview summarizes the most important options.
Best options for tourists
Depending on the length of stay, Salzburg Card, 24-hour cards or weekly cards are available. A guest card issued by the accommodation can also include mobility services.
- Salzburg Card: free travel on city buses/buses in the city area as well as one-off admissions; valid 24/48/72 hours; digital or physical.
- Season tickets: 24-hour ticket or weekly ticket for unlimited travel within the city zone.
- Guest card with mobility (depending on accommodation): free use of public transport in the province; entrance fees not included.
Purchase options
Tickets are available in advance, digitally or at points of sale. In-car purchases are only available to a limited extent and are often more expensive.
- Vending machines at central stops; service centers; tobacconists.
- Salzburg Verkehr/SalzburgMobil" app for information and mobile tickets.
- Purchase from the bus driver: limited and usually at extra cost.
Digital payment & ticket validation
Contactless payments are widespread, mobile tickets are shown on the device. Paper tickets require prompt validation.
- Payment by card/contactless at the machine or in-app.
- Validate paper tickets when boarding; mobile tickets are time-stamped.
- Random checks; increased fare without a valid ticket.
3. important routes
The connection to the airport and the routes to the main sights are covered by direct lines. Central hubs facilitate transfers.
Airport ↔ Center
There are two main lines from the terminal to the city center and the main train station. Travel times are between around 15 and 25 minutes, depending on the destination.
- Line 10: Airport - Altstadt/Hanuschplatz, approx. 15 minutes.
- Line 2: Airport - Central Station, approx. 20-25 minutes.
- Validity: normal fare city zone; included with Salzburg Card in the city area.
Routes to the main sights
Several lines connect the station, center and attractions. Mountain railroads and funiculars provide direct access to certain destinations.
- Hohensalzburg Fortress: Fortress cable car from the Old Town; included with the Salzburg Card.
- Hellbrunn Palace & Zoo: Bus 25 from Mirabellplatz/Mozartsteg; seasonal trick fountains; admission included with Salzburg Card.
- Untersberg: Bus 25 to the Untersberg cable car valley station; cable car included in the Salzburg Card.
- Hangar-7: Lines 2/10 to Karolingerstraße/Hangar-7.
Central transfer points & hub stations
Transfers are mainly made at the main station and at city center hubs. From here there are dense connections to all parts of the city.
- Salzburg main station (train and bus junction).
- Mirabellplatz and Hanuschplatz (city center junction).
- Further hubs: Mozartsteg/Town Hall, Theatergasse.
4. information and tips
Real-time data and network maps are available digitally and at stops. Special instructions apply for late trips and excursions.
Official traffic apps & maps
The Verbund app combines route planning, live data and ticket purchasing. ÖBB information and common map services can also be used.
- "Salzburg Verkehr/SalzburgMobil" app: routes, real time, tickets.
- ÖBB information and Google Maps with integrated connections.
- Line network maps on display/download and in tourist information offices.
Line network & timetable information (incl. real time)
Digital displays at major stops provide information about departures. Codes on the boards link to live data in the app.
- Electronic departure displays at junctions.
- QR/NFC at stops for live departures.
- Note evening and off-peak times with reduced frequency.
Other tips
Night-time services are limited; selected lines run at weekends. The city center is easily accessible on foot and there are plenty of cycle paths.
- Night services: night services from Hanuschplatz at weekends; limited during the week.
- City center mainly on foot; bicycle as an option for longer distances.
- Regional transport only briefly: outside the city area, check separate tickets or guest card.