Private car transfer from Salzburg to Hallstatt

When driving out of Salzburg, the vibrancy of the old-world city gives way to vivid lakes and mountainous backdrops. The distance to Hallstatt weaves through striking mountainscapes, with the final kilometers of the drive winding you around Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt) and bringing into sight the romantic, steepled town center.

Aside from its impossibly beautiful town center on the shores of an alpine lake, Hallstatt is known for salt mining and the historic mine, Salzwelten, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These tunnels are thought to be the oldest salt mine in the world, dating back to prehistoric times. Strolling around the town provides a cozy fairytale backdrop of 16th-century alpine houses and a plethora of welcoming cafes offering rest to those who have taken the trip to nearby hiking trails.

Pack a jacket

The alps get chilly and can have surprise rain (or hail, sleet, or snow). Keep a waterproof jacket in your travel bag, and maybe an insulator as well. Aside from inclement weather, you’ll be happy to have some added warmth when you tour Hallstatt’s famous salt mine or ice caves, where the temperatures are perpetually freezing.

Stop for sightseeing

Driving can cut your travel time between the two cities almost in half, though it is certainly worth taking your time and stopping along the way to explore villages such as St Gilgen on the banks of Lake Mozart or Bad Ischl for its spas and history of early photography. The best way to take in as much of the scenery as possible is to go by car and turn your travel day into a sightseeing adventure, avoiding the inflexibility of public transport timetables.

Private car from Salzburg to Hallstatt

The only direct way to get from Salzburg to Hallstatt is with a private car service such as Daytrip. The drive takes less than 1.5 hours and costs as little as €39 per passenger.

Unlike public transportation, where you have extra time, expense, and hassle getting to and from the station, Daytrip offers door-to-door service with a friendly local driver who can provide you with valuable insight into the area.

Along with the seamless travel experience, you will also have the opportunity to stop along the way to make the most of your transfer by touring the beautiful Austrian countryside!

Taxi or shuttle from Salzburg to Hallstatt

It is possible to take a taxi from Salzburg to Hallstatt in around the same time, but the cost is much higher at around €150-180 on average. There are also shared shuttle services between the cities, with prices starting around €50 and varying greatly across seasons. The benefit of opting for a private car service over a taxi is that you’re guaranteed a high level of service from an English-speaking driver who will go above and beyond to ensure your safe and comfortable transfer, including help with your luggage and guidance about your destinations along the way.

Train from Salzburg to Hallstatt

There is a train between Salzburg and Hallstatt, but it's not direct. Instead, you have to take the train to Attnang-Puchheim, and then change to another train to Hallstatt. Even with the change, the trip usually takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, and tickets cost an average of €30-52.

Bus from Salzburg to Hallstatt

The bus from Salzburg to Hallstatt is the slowest option and takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours since it requires 2 changes; typically in both Bad Ischl Bahnhof and Hallstatt Gosaumühle (don't be confused by the name---you're going to Hallstatt Noble). The tickets cost €20-27 and are best booked in advance.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost and time comparisons:

• Private car transfer: 1.5 hours | from €39 per person
• Taxi: 1.5 hours | €150-180
• Train: 2 hours 45 mins | €30-52
• Bus: 2 to 4 hours | €20-27

Take the funicular train to Salzwelten

Given that Hallstatt has made its name in salt mining, your visit should include taking the funicular train to participate in one of the tours of the mine, Salzwelten. While no longer active, this is an unmissable opportunity to explore a staggeringly impressive testament to a centuries-old trade.

Hike to the glacier garden in Echern Valley

After you’ve made the journey to the salt mines, consider tackling the trail to Echern Valley to view a remarkable natural monument to the last Ice Age. Here, melting glaciers have carved out a vast stone garden and created a surreal network of pools and waterfalls.

Walk the Skywalk

High on the list of priorities for many who visit Hallstatt is this breathtaking Skywalk culminating in a platform offering panoramic views of the mountains and the vibrant scenery below. Here, you can also continue your hike into the Mühlbach Gorge and come face to face with a thundering waterfall.