Vienna, Austria → Salzburg, Austria · ✈ 49 min · 🚗 4h 5min
136 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: west
The distance from Vienna to Salzburg is 251 km (156 miles). The fastest way to travel is by train or car. A high-speed train covers the distance in approximately 54 min.
The straight-line distance from Vienna, Austria to Salzburg, Austria is approximately 251 kilometers (156 miles or 136 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Salzburg is located west of Vienna. Vienna is in Europe, in the Vienna region of Austria, while Salzburg is in Europe, in Salzburg, Austria. Both cities are in Europe.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 251 km | ~49 min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~326 km | ~4h 5min | Convenient and flexible |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~289 km | ~54 min | Often faster than flying (no airport time) |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~301 km | ~2h 31min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: train or car is typically the best way to travel from Vienna to Salzburg. High-speed rail is often faster door-to-door than flying for distances under 300 km, when you factor in airport check-in and security.
Based on an estimated road distance of 326 km, fuel costs for driving from Vienna to Salzburg are approximately $26–$49 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Vienna sits at 48.2082°N, 16.3738°E, while Salzburg is located at 47.8095°N, 13.0550°E. The initial compass bearing from Vienna to Salzburg is 261° (W), so a great-circle flight path leaves Vienna heading roughly W. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 0.40° and the longitude difference is 3.32°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Vienna and Salzburg is approximately 48.0208°N, 14.7080°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 126 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Vienna and Salzburg share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Vienna is a major city in Austria with a population of approximately 1,911,191. Located in the Vienna region, it is an important hub in Europe. Vienna is a significant metropolitan area in Austria with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Vienna
Salzburg is a notable city in Austria with a population of approximately 155,021. Situated in the Salzburg region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Salzburg is a popular destination in the Salzburg region of Austria, known for its unique character and attractions.
251 km is roughly the distance of a short regional flight or a 3-4 hour drive. For comparison, it's about the distance from London to Paris (344 km). At this range, ground transport often competes with flying when you factor in airport time.
The distance from Vienna to Salzburg (251 km) is roughly equivalent to 6 marathon distances laid end to end.
At just 251 km within Austria, the Vienna–Salzburg corridor is well-suited for a day trip or weekend getaway. Consider driving for flexibility, or check regional rail connections for a hassle-free journey.
The straight-line distance from Vienna to Salzburg is approximately 251 kilometers (156 miles, 136 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 49 min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 4h 5min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Salzburg is approximately Same timezone compared to Vienna.
The estimated road distance is approximately 326 km, which is about 30% longer than the 251 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.