Getting To Hallstatt From Salzburg

There are multiple ways to get to Hallstatt from Salzburg. The fastest is an all rail connection via Bad Ischl. That takes a little over 2 hours, up to 2½ hours, and the fare if you use an IC to Attnang-Puchheim is €22,50/p. If there is more than one of you (up to 5), you can use an Einfach-Raus ticket for €28, for everyone. That takes longer, 2h46min and doesn't leave Salzburg until 10:39, so you can't get to Hallstatt before early afternoon. You can also go by bus to Bad Ischl and train to Hallstatt in just over 2 hours. The train fare from Bad Ischl to Hallstatt is €3,60. The bus fare is additional (€9,40 per Salzburger Verkehrsverbund). So, yes, you can do it in a day. If you take the tour, they probably go more directly, so you get there sooner, but you basically have to go where they take you and leave when they do. Going on you own will probably get you there a little later, but you can go where you want to and stay longer.