Landmarks
Melk Abbey
A magnificent Baroque Benedictine abbey perched on a cliff above the Danube at the entrance to the Wachau Valley.
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Road trip route · Austria
Vienna to Salzburg drive time, distance, costs & the best stops
- Drive time
- 3 hr 10 min
- Distance
- 296 km
- Fuel (est.)
- €34
- Tolls (est.)
- None
The Vienna to Salzburg drive
The drive from Vienna to Salzburg covers 184 miles (296 km) and takes about 3 hr 10 min without stops. That makes it a comfortable one-day drive. Leave in the morning and you'll arrive with the day ahead of you.
Expect fuel for a typical petrol car (~40 mpg) to cost around €34 one-way with no significant motorway tolls on the way. Austria requires a motorway vignette (~€12.4 sticker (10-day/weekly)). Prices shift monthly, so treat these as ballpark figures.
Best stops between Vienna and Salzburg
Within ~30 km of the driving route, worth the detour.
Natural Wonders
Königssee
A pristine emerald-green lake nestled between steep mountain walls, famous for its echo and the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä.
Scenic Viewpoints
Wachau Valley
A UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube between Melk and Krems, lined with terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, and medieval castles.
Scenic Viewpoints
Danube Valley (Donautal)
The scenic Austrian stretch of the Danube from Passau to Vienna, passing Baroque abbeys, ruined castles, and the Wachau wine region.
Photo Spots
St. Wolfgang & Schafbergbahn
Lakefront pilgrimage village on the Wolfgangsee from which Austria's steepest steam cog railway, running since 1893, grinds up the Schafberg to a summit view over five Salzkammergut lakes.
Photo Spots
Ramsau Church St. Sebastian
The 1512 parish church above the Ramsauer Ache with the Reiter Alpe behind is Bavaria's most-painted postcard; the classic angle is from the small wooden Malerwinkel footbridge a minute from the road.
Vienna to Salzburg FAQs
How long is the drive from Vienna to Salzburg?
Driving from Vienna to Salzburg takes about 3 hr 10 min nonstop, covering 184 miles (296 km). Add time for breaks: most drivers stop every 2 hours.
How much does it cost to drive from Vienna to Salzburg?
Fuel for a typical petrol car (~40 mpg) costs roughly €34 one-way. There are no significant motorway tolls on this route. Austria requires a motorway vignette (~€12.4 sticker (10-day/weekly)). Estimates are indicative: prices change monthly.
Can I drive from Vienna to Salzburg in one day?
Yes, at about 3 hr 10 min of driving, Vienna to Salzburg is a comfortable one-day drive with a couple of breaks.
What are the best stops between Vienna and Salzburg?
Top-rated stops in the drive corridor include Melk Abbey, Königssee, Wachau Valley: see the full list of 6 stops on this page.
More drives from Vienna & Salzburg
Planning a bigger trip? Try the free Austria road trip planner, or read the driving in Austria guide.