Your guide from Vienna to Hallstatt - clearly compared, neatly planned
From big city flair to mountain idyll
One of the most beautiful routes in Austria leads from Vienna to Hallstatt – from the imperial capital through the foothills of the Alps to the heart of the Salzkammergut.
There are around 300 kilometers between the two places, but there are many ways to get there: by train through the countryside, by car along panoramic routes, by bus or in the comfort of a private vehicle with a driver. Which option is right for you depends on your schedule, budget and comfort requirements.
What you can expect in this guide
In this article, you will find a clear comparison of all realistic routes from Vienna to Hallstatt – with real times, prices and 💡 practical tips so that you know exactly what to expect along the way. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple or with your family: here you can find out which route is worthwhile for you and how to make the most of your day.
The aim is simple – arrive stress-free, stay flexible and enjoy more time in Hallstatt itself.
Why the choice counts
With the train you travel in comfort, but have to change trains. Lake Bus is inexpensive, but significantly slower. With the Car you gain freedom, but often lose time looking for a parking space. And one private tour combines the best of all worlds: no transfers, free time management and plenty of opportunities for stops along the lakes and historic sites along the way.
If you plan cleverly, you can quickly save one to two hours – valuable time that is better spent in Hallstatt am See than at transfer stations.
Our recommendation in 30 seconds
For most travelers, the private day trip from Vienna is the most convenient and efficient solution: door-to-door service, flexible start time, no timetable commitments – and only here can stopovers in Melk, Gmunden or St. Wolfgang to make sense. This would be theoretically possible by train or bus, but practically impossible to do in one day.
What awaits you in the further course
You will find here:
A realistic route check with times & guide prices
Recommendations per travel type (solo, couple, family, group)
Practice details on changing trains, buffer times & parking options
A example route for the Private Daytrip including short stops in the Salzkammergut
Read on and discover the easiest, most beautiful and relaxing way to get from Vienna to Hallstatt.
Route comparison: time - effort - costs
There are several ways to get from Vienna to Hallstatt – but comfort, time and experience value differ greatly. Whether train, car, bus or private tour: here you will find all realistic options with real times, prices and 💡 practical tips.
1) Train – comfortable & scenic
The train ride is one of the most popular options for travelers who value tranquillity and panoramic views.
Time: 3:15 – 4:00 h each way
Effort: 1-2 changes (mostly in Attnang-Puchheim or Salzburg)
Cost (p. p.): from € 19 (savings rail) – up to € 55 (regular price)
How to get there:
Departure at Vienna Central Station with Railjet or Westbahn direction Attnang-Puchheim or Salzburgthen continue by regional train to Hallstatt station. Then the Ferry (10-15 minutes) directly to the center.
When to vote? Ideal for solo travelers or couples who want to travel comfortably and sustainably.
💡 Our Tip: Secure seats on the left – best view of lakes and mountains. An early start = more time in Hallstatt.
2) Car – flexible, but with parking search
Travel independently by car and stop wherever you like along the way – from Gmunden to St. Wolfgang.
Time: 3:00 – 3:30 h each way
Distance: approx. 290 km
Costs (vehicle/day):
Fuel ~ € 35 – 45 – Parking ~ € 18 → Total ~ € 55 – 65 (+ vignette)
Recommended route:
Vienna → A1 towards Salzburg → Regau exit → B145 via Gmunden, Bad Ischl and Bad Goisern → Hallstatt.
When to vote? Perfect for families and small groups who want to remain flexible.
💡 Our tip: Leave early (07:00 – 08:00) – less traffic, free parking spaces.
3) Public bus – cheap but slow
If you want to save money, you can travel by bus – albeit with several changes and a long journey time.
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 h each way
Costs (p. p.): from € 20 – 35
How to get there:
Departure by long-distance bus (e.g. FlixBus) from Vienna Erdberg to Salzburgfrom there take bus 150 to Bad Ischl and then bus 542 / 543 to Hallstatt Lahn.
When to vote? If you have time and are looking for the cheapest option.
💡 Our tip: Plan changeover times generously – especially in Salzburg.
4) Bus tour (group) – organized & stress-free
Guided bus tours from Vienna to Hallstatt are the easiest way to experience the Salzkammergut without planning and timetable stress. They usually include hotel pick-up, a guide and short stops along the way.
Time: 12 – 13 h (round day)
Effort: 0 changes – fixed times
Cost (p. p.): from € 139
What you can expect:
Round trip in a comfortable coach, stops at viewpoints, guided tour of Hallstatt and often an optional boat trip on the lake.
When to vote? If you want to travel relaxed and don’t want to worry about routes or tickets yourself.
💡 Our Tip:
Pay attention to the group size – smaller groups (max. 20 participants) are more comfortable. Check in advance whether the tour is guided in English or German.
5) Private day trip – our recommendation
The Private Daytrip from Vienna is the most comfortable and efficient way to experience Hallstatt in one day. No waiting, no transfers, no stress – you are picked up directly at your accommodation, travel relaxed through the foothills of the Alps and enjoy the most beautiful stops in the Salzkammergut along the way.
Time: 10 – 11 h (round day)
Effort: 0 changes – door-to-door – flexible start time
Cost: from € 990 per vehicle (2 – 7 persons)
On selected dates single seats can be booked – ideal for single travelers or couples who want to share the comfort of a private tour.
Why it’s worth it:
You travel independently of timetables, can stop at any time and combine highlights such as Melk Abbey, Lake Traunsee (Gmunden) and St. Wolfgang.
In Hallstatt there is plenty of time for walks, photos or the view from the skywalk over the lake.
Example route (10 – 11 h):
Vienna → Melk (30 min.) → Gmunden (30 min.) → St. Wolfgang (40 min.) → Hallstatt (2 – 2.5 h) → Return to Vienna.
When to vote?
If you value comfort, efficiency and flexible scheduling. Ideal for couples, families or small groups who want to travel for a whole day without transfers and time pressure.
💡 Our Tip:
Book early (May – September = peak season). For 6 – 7 participants, the guideline is around € 140 – 160 per person – for a stress-free, individual experience that no bus tour can offer.
Conclusion - The way to Hallstatt is part of the experience
Whether you take the train along the lakes, glide through the Salzkammergut by car or sit back and relax in a private vehicle – the route from Vienna to Hallstatt is more than just a connection. It is the beginning of the experience.
Each route tells its own story: the tranquil Danube valley, the green valleys of Lake Traunsee, the sparkling waters of Lake Wolfgangsee. If you start early and choose your route wisely, you will already feel on the way why Hallstatt has fascinated travelers for centuries.
If you value comfort and time in equal measure, there is no way around the Private day trip from Vienna over. Without changing trains, without stress, but with space for what makes a journey special – spontaneous stops, clear mountain air and quiet moments by the lake.
You can spend the morning at Melk Abbey through Gmunden or stroll around Wolfgangsee before you arrive in Hallstatt – refreshed, not exhausted.
And no matter which option you choose: Hallstatt always rewards you in the end. With glistening water, narrow alleyways, honest tranquillity – and a view over the lake that you won’t forget.
💡 Our tip: Private day trip from Vienna
Experience Hallstatt stress-free – with a personal driver, flexible start time and the most beautiful stopovers in the Salzkammergut. Ideal for couples, families or small groups who want to organize their day as they wish.
Duration: 10-13 hours
Various stops: Melk – Gmunden – St. Wolfgang – Hallstatt
Price: from € 990 per vehicle