- Must visit
Mozart's Birthplace
Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, displaying family items, instruments, and context on his early Salzburg years.
Cheapest price
€40
Average price
€119
Fastest journey
7 h 23 m
Average duration
7 h 39 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
595 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Salzburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Salzburg will cost around €119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Salzburg without transferring at least once.
ICE 919 · EC 213
ICE 721+
79041
ICE 629 · IC 406
26717 · ICE 589 · RJ 1293
ICE 109 · ICE 2589+
79041
ICE 919 · EC 213
ICE 629 · IC 406
ICE 109 · ICE 2589+
79041
ICE 103 · ICE 593+
79023
ICE 721+
79041Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Salzburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €36, and a flight costs an average of €76.
Distance: 369 miles (595 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€115 Average price | €188 Average price | €51 Average price Cheapest | €43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 2m Average total duration 7h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 8m Average total duration 12h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.8 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Salzburg:
A bus is €64 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Salzburg costing on average €115.
A bus is €136 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Salzburg costing on average €188.
Other travel options to Salzburg take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 32m.
Bus takes on average 12h 38m.
You'll arrive about 40m sooner (7h 32m by train vs 8h 12m by car). Tickets start at around €115 compared to roughly €43 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Salzburg trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 · ICE 593+ 79023 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 7h46 | 3:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593+ 967 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 9h21 | 5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IC 2040 · ICE 515+ 79025 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 8h46 | 4:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IC 2040 · ICE 515+ 967 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 9h21 | 5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 915+ 967 | On time 8:36 AM Essen Hbf | 8h45 | 5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 621+ 967 | On time 8:53 AM Essen Hbf | 8h28 | 5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 621+ 79025 | On time 8:53 AM Essen Hbf | 7h53 | 4:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26711 · ICE 787 · S5 · ICE 211 | On time 9:13 AM Essen Hbf | 8h46 | 5:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
26711 · ICE 787+ 79077+ ICE 211 | On time 9:13 AM Essen Hbf | 8h46 | 5:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
10208 · 28511 · ICE 2013 · ICE 517 | 9:20 AM Essen Hbf | 9h26 | 6:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 4 transfers | |
26717 · ICE 589 · RJ 1293 | On time 12:13 PM Essen Hbf | 8h48 | 9:01 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 919 · EC 213 | On time 12:36 PM Essen Hbf | 7h23 | 7:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 629 · IC 406 | On time 12:53 PM Essen Hbf | 7h33 | 8:26 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 721+ 79041 | On time 1:53 PM Essen Hbf | 7h49 | 9:42 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 · ICE 2589+ 79041 | On time 2:00 PM Essen Hbf | 7h42 | 9:42 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Essen to Salzburg run on average 9 times per day, taking around 7h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:20. The fastest train covers the 369 miles (595 km) distance in 7h 6m.
Distance 369 miles (595 km) |
Average train duration 7h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price €31 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 7h 6m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Salzburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salzburg trip today.
Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, displaying family items, instruments, and context on his early Salzburg years.
Science center with interactive exhibits on physics, biology, and technology; excellent for families and curious adults.
Historic residence rooms and state apartments illustrating the power and taste of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops.
Salzburg’s famous old shopping lane with wrought-iron guild signs, historic houses, and direct links to Mozart’s birthplace.
Formal gardens and walking area by Mirabell Palace, admired for baroque design, statues, and fortress views.
Tree-lined viewpoint hill with forest paths, old fortifications, and sweeping vistas over the Old Town and fortress.
Salzburg’s famous soufflé-like dessert of sweetened egg whites, baked and torn into pieces, then dusted with sugar. A classic from Hotel Sacher traditions.
A rustic farmer’s breakfast of pan-fried potatoes, onions, and meat, usually topped with a fried egg. Popular in Alpine inns across Salzburg state.
Thin slices of boiled beef in broth, usually served with horseradish, root vegetables, and potatoes. A classic Austrian dish common in Salzburg taverns.
Well-known fine dining restaurant focused on modern Austrian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and polished service in an intimate setting.
Historic beer hall and monastery brewery known for Märzen beer, simple Austrian dishes, and lively communal tables in a classic Salzburg setting.
Traditional tavern near the old town serving schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and regional classics in elegant historic rooms with a refined local feel.
Moderate for Western Europe; hotels rise in peak season, dining is mid-priced, and public transport is reasonable for tourists.
Service is often included, but rounding up is customary. Tip restaurants about 5-10%, round up in cafes, and round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Salzburg by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Salzburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Salzburg trains use the Essen Hbf to Salzburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt. Use this guide to compare Essen and Salzburg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Essen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Essen-Kupferdreh is 8 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Kupferdreh has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Lukas, Im Fass, Pizzeria Spuntino Dario, Contilla EisCafe
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Kupferdreh. ATMs are available at Essen-Kupferdreh.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Kupferdreh. Information desks are available at Essen-Kupferdreh.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Kupferdreh. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Kupferdreh: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Kupferdreh: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Kupferdreh.
Salzburg Hbf is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Imlauer, Stieglitz
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Salzburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Salzburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Hbf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Europa Salzburg, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre, H+ Hotel Salzburg.
Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt.
Available at Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Hotel Villa Carlton, Hotel & Villa Auersperg.
Salzburg Aiglhof is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Aiglhof has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
ATMs are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
Available at Salzburg Aiglhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salzburg Aiglhof: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
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