Vienna to Salzburg Train Times: 2h25, from €15

Vienna to Salzburg takes about 2 hours 25 minutes on the fastest OBB Railjet Xpress, direct city centre to city centre, with regular Railjet services a little slower at about 2h30 to 2h40 over the 309 km route. Two Railjets run every hour throughout the day. Westbahn, the private open-access operator, runs the same route for less with its own frequent direct departures. Here is how the times and fares compare.

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Fastest	Railjet Xpress (about 2h25)
Frequency	2 Railjets an hour, plus Westbahn departures
Cheapest	Advance Westbahn fares
Distance	About 309 km, Vienna Hbf to Salzburg Hbf

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Train	OBB Railjet Xpress (direct, via St Polten and Linz) The fastest direct service, Vienna Hbf to Salzburg Hbf, with 2 Railjets an hour and a restaurant car.	about 2h25	approx €20 to €60	No	Check on 12Go →
Train	OBB Railjet (direct, standard stops) Direct with slightly more stops than the Xpress; the bulk of the hourly service.	about 2h30 to 2h40	approx €20 to €55	No	Check on 12Go →
Train	Westbahn (direct, open-access operator) Private direct alternative to OBB on the same route, often cheaper on advance fares.	about 2h30	approx €15 to €40	No	Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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How long is the train from Vienna to Salzburg?

About 2 hours 25 minutes on the fastest direct Railjet Xpress, or roughly 2h30 to 2h40 on the regular direct Railjet and Westbahn services.

Is there a direct train from Vienna to Salzburg?

Yes. OBB Railjet trains run direct, Vienna Hbf to Salzburg Hbf, 2 an hour, and Westbahn runs its own direct departures on the same route.

Is Westbahn cheaper than the Railjet?

Often, yes, especially on advance fares. Westbahn is a private open-access operator running the same Vienna to Salzburg route with its own pricing.

How far is Salzburg from Vienna?

About 309 km by rail, covered in around 2 hours 25 minutes on the fastest direct Railjet Xpress service.

Can you day trip to Salzburg from Vienna?

It is possible at under 2h30 each way with 2 trains an hour, but most travelers prefer at least one night to see the old town and a Sound of Music site without rushing back.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.