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Best way to travel from Salzburg to Hallstatt

We will be traveling to Austria in late July. On one leg our plan to to arrive by plane in Salzburg, then travel immediately to Hallstatt for 1-2 nights then return to Salzburg for a couple of nights. I see there are several options for traveling to and from Hallstatt including rented car, bus, train or some combination. I would probably prioritize ease over expense. What has been your experience and suggestions?

Posted by
1875 posts

There are two routes from Salzburg to Hallstatt:

1: Salzburg to Attnang-Puchheim (express train), Attnang-Puchheim to Hallstatt (local train).
2: Salzburg to Bad Ischl (bus #150), Bad Ischl to Hallstatt (local train).

The travel time is about the same for both options. Option 2 is more scenic than option 1. If you choose option 2 and have enough time, I recommend a short visit of Bad Ischl. Walk to the famous "Zauner" café and pastry store and buy the unique "Zauner-Stollen".

The ferry from Hallstatt train station to Hallstatt town runs according to the arrival/departure times of all trains.
Alternatively there is a bus going from Bad Ischl to Hallstatt bus station (Lahn).

Posted by
175 posts

I rented a car from the train station and enjoyed the drive, stopping at Eagle’s Nest along the way. The parking deck in Hallstatt is easy to find and navigate and on the way back i stopped in Bad Ischel and another lakeside town to take in the views.

Posted by
1875 posts

stopping at Eagle’s Nest along the way.

Eagle’s Nest is not quite on the way between Salzburg and Hallstatt.

Posted by
28 posts

Ease is best by train and ferry but the drive was easy and very pretty. Driving by car which we did once was beautiful because we were able to stop a couple of times at pretty places and take our time. The parking for a car in Hallstatt however can sometimes be difficult unless you arrive in the morning on a weekday.