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Thinking about taking the train from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf? We’ve got you covered.
It usually takes around 6 hours 30 minutes to travel the 212 miles (341 km) from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf by train, although you can get there in as little as 5 hours 23 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 22 trains per day running on this route. You won’t need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available. You can travel on this route with either ÖBB and SBB trains. Both train companies run modern comfortable services with plenty of room for luggage.
Train tickets from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf start from £30.48 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Salzburg Hbf? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
First train | 00:17 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 23:07 | |
Departure station | Zürich | |
Arrival station | Salzburg Hbf | |
Journey time | From 5h 23m | |
Distance | 212 miles (341 km) | |
Frequency | 22 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From £30.48 | |
Train and bus operators |
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
The Economy Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains is perfect if you’re looking for spacious seats and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
There are plenty of amenities in First Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains, including adjustable seats, additional legroom and at-seat catering service.
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power sockets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, at-seat dining and plenty of space for your luggage.
You can take your luggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.
The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm. These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re travelling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.
A restaurant carriage is available on most ÖBB Eurocity trains and offers a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are available too. If you upgrade to First Class, your meal of choice will be served straight to your seat.
Unfortunately, ÖBB Eurocity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.
If you’re travelling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Children aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.
Many ÖBB Eurocity trains offer special compartments for children in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.
You can travel with your bike for free on all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it can be folded and is not larger than 90 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm. You won’t need to book a space for your bike.
If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike where it is clearly visible for the ticket inspector.
Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.
ÖBB Eurocity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of coach, several wheelchair bays including one seat for an accompanying person can be booked free of charge.
On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the at-seat meal service on offer there.
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.
You can take your bike onboard SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when travelling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time by train between Zürich and Salzburg Hbf is 6 hours and 30 minutes, with around 22 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf is 5 hours and 23 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf can start from as little as £30.48 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf without having to change trains. There are 7 direct trains from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf leaves at 00:17. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf leaves at 23:07. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Zürich to Salzburg Hbf cover a distance of around 212 miles (341 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Salzburg Hbf to Zürich.