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How to get from Munich to Salzburg
The train is the fastest option: direct Railjet and EC trains from München Hbf reach Salzburg Hbf in about 1 h 30. FlixBus coaches are often the cheapest, at about 2 h, and driving takes roughly 1 h 30 to 2 h depending on traffic at the border.
Best option: Train. Frequent direct trains run centre to centre in about 1 h 30, with no parking or vignette to think about.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Direct ÖBB Railjet / EC trains from München Hbf to Salzburg Hbf; slower Meridian regional trains also run the line | about 1 h 30 (Railjet), about 1 h 50 to 2 h (regional) | roughly hourly or more often through the day | about €20–45 on long-distance trains; regional trains are covered by the Bayern-Ticket day pass | The Bayern-Ticket is valid on regional trains as far as Salzburg Hbf, which makes it good value for groups. Check current DB/ÖBB timetables. |
| bus FlixBus coaches from Munich (central bus station/ZOB area) to Salzburg | about 1 h 45 to 2 h | several a day | about €8–20 when booked ahead | Prices rise close to departure; traffic on the A8 can add time on summer weekends. |
| car A8 motorway east to the Walserberg border, then the A1 into Salzburg | about 1 h 30 to 2 h (about 145 km) | fuel; German motorways are toll-free, Austrian motorways need a vignette | A short section of the A1 near the border into Salzburg has been vignette-free, but check the current rules before you drive. Parking in Salzburg old town is limited; use park-and-ride or the Altstadt garages. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- For two to five people the Bayern-Ticket on regional trains is usually cheaper than individual long-distance tickets.
- Salzburg Hbf is about 15–20 minutes on foot or a short bus ride from the old town.
- Long-distance trains can be full on Friday and Sunday afternoons; seat reservations are cheap.
- If driving, check the current Austrian vignette rules and buy a digital vignette in advance if needed.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Munich to Salzburg?
Yes. Direct long-distance trains (mostly ÖBB Railjet and EC) run from München Hbf to Salzburg Hbf in about 1 h 30, roughly hourly or more often. Regional Meridian trains also run direct but take closer to 2 hours and stop more often. No change is needed on either type. Check the current DB or ÖBB timetable for exact times.
Can I do Salzburg as a day trip from Munich?
Yes, it is one of the easiest day trips from Munich. With about 1 h 30 each way by train you can leave in the morning, walk the old town, visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Gardens, and be back in Munich for the evening. Trains run until late evening, but check the last departure before you go.
What is the cheapest way from Munich to Salzburg?
A FlixBus booked in advance is often the cheapest single ticket, sometimes under €10. For groups, the Bayern-Ticket on regional trains is usually better value, because one day pass covers several people as far as Salzburg Hbf. Long-distance train saver fares booked early can also be cheap. Prices change, so compare on the day you book.
Do I need a vignette to drive from Munich to Salzburg?
German motorways have no toll, but Austrian motorways require a vignette. A short stretch of the A1 from the border into Salzburg has been exempt in recent years, so many drivers going only to Salzburg do not need one. Rules can change, so check the official ASFINAG information before driving, and buy a digital vignette online if your route needs it.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.