- Must visit
Gutenberg Museum
World-renowned museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, printing history, and rare books, including historic Bible displays.
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
5 h 15 m
Average duration
5 h 44 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
425 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salzburg to Mainz is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salzburg to Mainz will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 2 trains that leave Salzburg for Mainz on Wed, May 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 425 km distance in an average of 5 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 6 h 12 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salzburg to Mainz among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $174.
Distance: 264 miles (425 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$122 Average price | $361 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 27m Average total duration 13h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Salzburg to Mainz:
A bus is $62 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salzburg to Mainz costing on average $122 (€99).
A bus is $300 (€242) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salzburg to Mainz costing on average $361 (€291).
Other travel options to Mainz take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 8m.
Bus takes on average 13h 57m.
You'll arrive about 17m sooner (6h 8m by train vs 6h 25m by car). Tickets start at around $122 (€99) compared to roughly $28 (€23) 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 ÖBB | Nightjet.
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 Salzburg to Mainz trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:00 AM Salzburg | 5h15 | 2:15 PM Mainz | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Salzburg | 5h15 | 3:15 PM Mainz | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:00 PM Salzburg | 6h18 | 9:18 PM Mainz | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Salzburg to Mainz run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $38 (€30) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 264 miles (425 km) distance in 5h 15m.
Distance 264 miles (425 km) |
Average train duration 6h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 15m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Mainz — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mainz trip today.
World-renowned museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, printing history, and rare books, including historic Bible displays.
Major regional museum with archaeology, medieval art, paintings, and changing exhibitions; one of Mainz’s most important cultural institutions.
Specialized museum presenting Roman river navigation and ancient ships found in Mainz, with strong local historical relevance.
Mainz’s old town is the essential walking area for historic lanes, churches, squares, shops, and classic city atmosphere.
Central market square beside the cathedral, lively and highly photogenic, especially during market days and festive seasons.
One of the best-known old town streets, lined with historic buildings and a classic route for strolling through Mainz.
A Rheinhessen specialty of creamy fresh cheese mixed with paprika and onions, usually served with pretzels. It is a classic wine-tavern snack in Mainz.
A beloved Mainz combination of bread roll, sausage and local wine. It captures the simple, social food culture of the city’s wine taverns.
A pungent sour-milk cheese marinated with onions, vinegar and oil. Popular across the Rhine-Main area, it is a traditional tavern dish often enjoyed with bread.
Well-known fine dining restaurant with a long-standing reputation for refined cuisine and polished service. Suitable for a higher-end meal in Mainz.
Traditional Mainz wine tavern serving Rheinhessen classics in a cozy, established setting. A good place to try local wine and regional comfort food.
Historic restaurant in a former church-like hospital hall near the old town. Known for regional dishes, wine and a striking atmospheric interior.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Budget eats are easy to find, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares and tip small amounts for hotel help.
Official public transport app
Mainz Hbf, Mainz -> Schillerplatz, Mainz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salzburg to Mainz 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 Mainz, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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