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Salzburg Transportation Guide: 3 most important transport options for our incoming students

You come to Salzburg for the first time and immediately wish to explore the city and visit places that interest you. All of a sudden you ask yourself “How do I get there? How do the buses work? Do I have to take a train, or an Uber? Would that cost too much?” Well, don’t worry! We got you covered! With this Salzburg Transportation guide; from the categories of transportation to the prices, you won’t miss out on anything! So grab your popcorn, sit and relax while we help you navigate!

So, to start off, there are 3 most easiest and most accessible categories of public transport in Salzburg:

  • Buses (regional, city and oBuses)
  • S-Bahn (most important for students specifically)
  • Taxi’s and Uber’s

The Salzburg bus transportation system is a well-developed, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transport network. Operated primarily by Salzburger Verkehrsbund (SVV) and the Salzburg AG, it plays a vital role in connecting the city of Salzburg and its surrounding areas. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Salzburg Transportation: Option: Trolleybuses (oBus)

Salzburg’s trolleybus system is among the largest and most modern in Europe. Powered by electricity, the trolleybuses are eco-friendly and contribute to the city’s sustainability goals. The network covers major routes within Salzburg, including the city center, residential areas, and key attractions like Mirabell Palace, the Salzburg Fortress, and the main train station (Salzburg Hauptbahnhof).

2. Salzburg Transportation Option: Regional Buses

These buses connect Salzburg with suburban and rural areas in the surrounding state of Salzburg and neighboring regions like Bavaria (Germany) and Upper Austria. Regional routes are marked with specific numbers, distinguishing them from city services.

3. Salzburg Transportation Option: Night Buses

Night services operate on weekends and public holidays, allowing late-night connectivity within the city and surrounding areas.

All of these buses operate in circle and are accessible every 10 to 15 minutes! So don’t be afraid of not getting to your desired destination on time. Now you may be wondering, “But how do I buy a ticket and what are the costs?” To answer that question, here is a list of tickets that Salzburg is offering for students and their price range:

KlimaTicket for Salzburg Transport

This ticket is specifically designed for students and offers unlimited travel within the Salzburg region during the academic semester. The price for the KlimaTicket Semester is approximately €125 for a six-month period. Students must provide proof of enrollment at a recognized educational institution to be eligible​. (Salzburg Verkehrsbund GmbH, 2024) Here is an example how the ticket looks like:

Personal Salzburg Transportation ticket - worth for 1 year
And of course, instead of my name plastered on the ticket, you will have your name on it!

(SUPER) s’COOL-CARD

For younger students (up to 24 years old), the s’COOL-CARD provides affordable access to public transport. Prices start at €69 per semester or €137 annually. This card is valid for regional travel, making it ideal for school commutes and general mobility​. (Salzburger Verkehrsbund GmbH)

myRegio Weekly and Monthly Passes

Students who prefer shorter-term options can use the myRegio passes:

  • Monthly Pass for Salzburg City Region: €68.
  • Weekly Pass for Salzburg City Region: Approximately €20. These passes allow unlimited travel in specific zones and can be purchased as needed​. (Salzburger Verkehrsbund GmbH)

How to Purchase

These tickets are available via:

All of these tickets are also included into the Salzburg Train Services, so there won’t be any need to buy separate ticket for the train! Now let’s dive deep into the most important line for you, as a student!

Reaching the S-Bahn

The S-Bahn is accessible from various stations across Salzburg, with the central hub being Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main station). Many stations, such as Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt, Salzburg Aiglhof, and Salzburg Liefering, are strategically located near university campuses, shopping centers, and residential areas. The most important line for students is: S3!

S3: Bad Reichenhall – Schwarzach-St. Veit; runs every hour, with 30-minute intervals between Freilassing and Golling-Abtenau on workdays.

Salzburg-Train-Station-1024x683
Navigate Salzburg with Ease: Your Public Transport Guide

There is also an app for all the additional information on how to check for the time of the lines and your travel journey. The app is called ÖBB and it is also free to download! Woohoo!

Taxi Services in Salzburg for Students

Taxis in Salzburg are widely available and offer a reliable means of transportation, especially for short trips or late-night travel. Here’s what you should know:

  • Taxi’s can be hailed in the major spots such as Salzburg Hauptbahnhof and F.Hanusch-Platz (city centre). They are also available to call through a phone number provided on their website.
  • Fares are regulated and calculated by meters. Expect a base fare of approximately €3.80 to €4.00, with additional charges of around €1.50 per kilometer. Night and weekend rates may be slightly higher due to higher demand.
  • Additional charges apply for extra luggage or waiting times.

Uber and Similar Ride-Hailing Services

Uber operates in Salzburg, though its availability may be more limited compared to larger cities.

  • Download the Uber app, register, and request a ride. Payments are made via the app, and you can estimate fares beforehand.
  • Uber services are typically less expensive than taxis, with fares starting at €5-7 for short trips.
  • There are advantages for students with many discounts, sharing the fee with other passengers travelling the same route and it’s easier cashless payment.

To put it more simply, as a student myself, I can definitely defend the fact that UBER is less expensive if you wish to go from A to B within the city in a short and efficient time frame. For example, once in every 2 or 3 booked rides with UBER, you will get a promo where you pay less then the expected price for the trip. Sound pretty cool, doesn’t it?

Tips for students:

  1. Carpooling Options: Many taxi services in Salzburg allow group bookings, which can significantly reduce costs for students traveling together.
  2. Late-Night Travel: Taxis and Uber are great alternatives to buses and trains when public transportation is unavailable.
  3. Student Discounts: Always ask the driver or check with the company for potential student discounts.

For more detailed information on which lines of transportation to use to navigate either to the University or any popular destination in the city, please visit this blog post by our dear colleague Nico!

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