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tips on Austria to Germany flights vs train

We would like to fly into Salzburg and stay a few days then move up into northern Germany where we will stay with friends for a week. It's seems to be difficult to get to Salzburg. Do you have any other recommendations? We are travelling with 2 teenagers so would like to keep the cost down if possible but want them to experience 2 distinct countries. Any ideas are welcome.

Posted by
8889 posts

You don't say where you are coming from. Salzburg airport only has flights to European destinations. If you are coming from outside Europe, I would fly into Munich and get the train to Salzburg.

You don't say where in northern Germany you are going to, but the following routes to northern Germany exist from Salzburg:

  • Air Berlin to Berlin-Tegel, Düsseldorf, Hamburg
  • easyJet to Berlin-Schönefeld, Hamburg
  • Germanwings to Cologne/Bonn
  • Lufthansa to Frankfurt
Posted by
4684 posts

Yes, Munich to Salzburg is an easy train trip, and Munich has a much wider range of flight options.

Posted by
32353 posts

lc,

I agree with the others that Munich would be the best airport to use in this case. Where in northern Germany will you be going after Salzburg?

With more specific information, the group on the Forum will be able to provide you with more detailed train information. Munich to Salzburg is actually a very easy trip.

Posted by
19274 posts

You didn't specify a destination in northern Germany, so I chose Hamburg as an example. I found advance purchase fares on the Bahn for Salzburg to Hamburg 2 months out for as low as 273€ for four adults. The trip by EC to Munich and direct ICE from there takes just under 8 hours.

If you go to Munich and fly from there, it will take you 2H20M by regional trains and S-Bahn to get to the airport with a 38€ Bayern-Ticket. Figure two hours at the airport before flying to Hamburg (1H15M), and you will have spent 5½ hours before you get off the plane in Hamburg. Once you get off and to the S-Bahn station, it's going to take another 25 minutes into town.

I can't find many non-refundable air fares less than 100€/person, so you will be spending 150-200€ to save less than 2 hours. If your objective is to keep the cost down, I'd go by train.