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How to get from Innsbruck to Salzburg
ÖBB Railjet trains run from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof in about 1 h 50, typically for about €25–50. Driving takes about 2 hours, mostly via the German autobahn, and coaches are cheaper but slower.
Best option: Train. Direct Railjet trains run roughly every hour between the two main stations and are as fast as driving.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train ÖBB Railjet from Innsbruck Hbf to Salzburg Hbf (most run via the corridor through Germany) | about 1 h 50 | roughly hourly, more at peak times | about €25–50; cheaper Sparschiene fares if booked early | Seat reservations are optional; buy in the ÖBB app or at the station. |
| car A12 Inntal motorway to Kufstein, then the German A93 and A8 to Salzburg | about 2 h | Austrian motorway vignette needed; German autobahn has no toll for cars | Traffic builds at weekends in the ski season and summer holidays. | |
| bus Coaches such as FlixBus | about 2 h 15 – 3 h | a few a day | about €10–25 | Cheapest option; check pick-up points. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book Sparschiene fares on the ÖBB website a few weeks ahead for the cheapest tickets.
- Even though most trains cross Germany, an Austrian domestic ticket covers the whole trip.
- Salzburg Hbf is about 20 minutes on foot or a short bus ride from the old town.
- If driving, buy the Austrian vignette before joining the motorway.
Common questions
Why does the train go through Germany?
The fastest rail line between Innsbruck and Salzburg runs through the Inn valley to Kufstein and then crosses a short stretch of Bavaria via Rosenheim before re-entering Austria. This "Deutsches Eck" corridor is quicker than the all-Austrian route via Zell am See. Your ticket is still a normal Austrian domestic ticket, and border checks are rare but possible, so carry ID.
How much is the train from Innsbruck to Salzburg?
Standard fares are about €40–50 one way in second class, while early-booked Sparschiene tickets on the ÖBB website can start much lower. Prices depend on the date and how full the train is. A Railjet first or business class seat costs more but is quieter on busy days.
Can I do Salzburg as a day trip from Innsbruck?
Yes. With trains taking about 1 hour 50 minutes and running roughly hourly, Salzburg works well as a day trip. You can see the old town, Hohensalzburg fortress, Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s birthplace in a day. Check the last train back to Innsbruck before planning a late dinner.
Do I need a vignette to drive?
Yes, for the Austrian motorway sections, mainly the A12 between Innsbruck and Kufstein and the approach into Salzburg. Buy a digital or sticker vignette before you join the motorway; fines for driving without one are high. The German autobahn section is free for cars.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.