Salzburg Airport is only 4 km from the old town, which keeps transfer costs low compared to most European airports. Here is what each option costs in 2026.
Bus
Bus line 2 from the airport to the city center costs approximately EUR 2.50 for a single ticket. A 24-hour ticket, which covers unlimited travel on all Salzburg buses, costs around EUR 6 and may be worth it if you plan to use public transport during your stay. Tickets can be bought from the driver (exact change helps) or from ticket machines at the stop.
Taxi
A metered taxi from SZG to the city center runs EUR 15-20. The fare depends on your exact destination within Salzburg and traffic conditions. There are no significant airport surcharges. Expect to pay at the higher end during evening hours or weekends.
Pre-booked Private Transfer
A sedan transfer to the city center costs EUR 35-55. For a larger vehicle or van, expect EUR 50-80. The price is fixed at booking, so there are no meter surprises. This option is most cost-effective when shared between two or more travelers.
Ski Resort Transfers
This is where costs vary significantly. Salzburg Airport serves as a gateway to dozens of Austrian and German ski resorts, and the distances are considerable.
| Destination | Distance | Taxi (approx.) | Private Transfer | |------------|----------|----------------|------------------| | Zell am See | 85 km | EUR 100-140 | EUR 90-130 | | Kitzbuhel | 80 km | EUR 140-200 | EUR 130-180 | | Saalbach | 90 km | EUR 130-180 | EUR 120-160 | | St. Johann | 60 km | EUR 90-130 | EUR 80-120 | | Bad Gastein | 100 km | EUR 150-200 | EUR 130-170 |
For resort transfers, private services often beat taxi fares because the price is agreed in advance and does not depend on traffic, road conditions, or detours. During ski season, roads can be slow due to weather, and a metered taxi fare adds up quickly on a mountain road.
What Affects the Price
For city transfers, the cost difference between options is modest. The bus saves money, but the taxi is only EUR 15-20 for a much faster door-to-door ride. Where costs diverge dramatically is for resort transfers, where pre-booking protects you from variable metered fares on long mountain routes.
Groups heading to ski resorts should calculate the per-person cost of a private van. A EUR 150 transfer split four ways is EUR 37.50 each, which is competitive with any alternative and far more comfortable after a flight.