Salzburg Layover Guide (SZG)

What are you looking for in SZG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Salzburg Airport (SZG) is an international airport located in Salzburg, Austria. It’s situated about 4 km (2.5 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1926. Salzburg is Austria’s fourth-largest city and is famous for its baroque architecture and musical heritage. It’s also the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for *The Sound of Music*. The city offers a charming mix of history, culture, and stunning Alpine scenery.

Can you leave Salzburg Airport (SZG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may exit Salzburg Airport during a layover if your boarding pass for onward travel and sufficient transfer time permit. Austria lies within the Schengen Area: nationals of many countries benefit from visa-free entry under the 90/180-day rule. Others must secure a valid Schengen visa beforehand. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Hohensalzburg Fortress Perched atop Festungsberg hill, this iconic medieval castle offers panoramic city and Alpine views, exhibits and historical insights through guided tours, cafés, and museum displays immersing visitors in Salzburg’s heritage. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Take Bus 2 to Mirabellplatz, then 10-minute uphill walk; taxi approx 15 minutes.)
• Mirabell Palace & Gardens Luxuriant Baroque gardens framed by the Salzach River, featuring floral parterres, mythological statues, and the famous Pegasus Fountain, ideal for leisurely strolls, photography, and glimpses of fortress against manicured greenery. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 2 to Mirabellplatz; 2-minute walk; taxi approx 15 minutes.)
• Mozart’s Birthplace An authentic, well-preserved 18th-century townhouse where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born, housing period furnishings, original manuscripts, and interactive exhibits illustrating his prodigious early life and musical legacy through curated memorabilia. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 2 to Staatsbrücke; 5-minute walk; taxi approx 15 minutes.)
• Salzburg Cathedral Majestic early Baroque cathedral with imposing twin towers, ornate frescoes, and a glittering dome, hosting organ concerts, religious ceremonies, and offering moments of serene reflection within its luminous marble-lined interior. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Bus 2 to Staatsbrücke; 3-minute walk; taxi approx 15 minutes.)
• Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains Playful Renaissance palace renowned for water-powered trick fountains, whimsical grottoes, and baroque gardens where unexpected jets surprise visitors, complemented by guided tours in a moat environment showcasing Salzburg’s inventive amusements. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 2 to Hauptbahnhof, change to Bus 25 to Hellbrunn; taxi approx 20 minutes.)
• Getreidegasse Shopping Street Charming medieval lane lined with wrought-iron guild signs, boutique shops, and traditional cafés, inviting exploration of Salzburg’s culinary delights, artisanal crafts, and iconic Mozart-themed souvenirs amid a bustling pedestrian ambiance. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Bus 2 to Staatsbrücke; 3-minute walk; taxi approx 15 minutes.)
• St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery Historic monastic complex featuring the world’s oldest café, catacombs hewn into the rock, and a hauntingly beautiful cemetery with ornate tombstones, offering immersive glimpses into Salzburg’s ecclesiastical and social history. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 2 to Staatsbrücke; 4-minute walk; taxi approx 15 minutes.)
• Hallein Salt Mine Descend into ancient underground salt tunnels at Dürrnberg Mountain, enjoying guided train rides, illuminated chambers, and a wooden slide, while learning about the region’s ‘white gold’ heritage through multimedia exhibits. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 2 to Hauptbahnhof, train to Hallein, then bus; taxi approx 30 minutes.)

Things to Do in Salzburg Airport (SZG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Salzburg Airport offers two premium lounges: the Business Lounge (80 m², 25 seats, free Wi-Fi, computer desks) serves coffee, soft drinks, beer, wine, snacks and digital newspapers 05:00–19:00/20:00/21:00. Das Wolfgang Panorama Lounge and open-air rooftop terrace feature international dishes, cocktails and tarmac views for a relaxed atmosphere with comfort and privacy. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Numerous nearby hotels partner with Salzburg Airport, including Airporthotel Salzburg (five-minute walk), Leonardo Hotel Salzburg Airport, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center and Crowne Plaza The Pitter. These 4- and 5-star properties feature air-conditioned rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site restaurants, breakfast buffets, fitness centres and convenient airport shuttle services for seamless arrivals and departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Salzburg Airport does not offer dedicated sleeping pods or quiet rest zones. Passengers may unwind on padded seating in departure lounges, the visitors’ terrace benches or at select café tables. For overnight stays, travellers should book nearby airport hotels, as terminal seating lacks recliners and 24-hour airport access is limited.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout Salzburg Airport. Simply select the “SalzburgAirport_FreeWiFi” network, accept the terms and begin surfing immediately—no registration or passwords required. High-speed connectivity covers all public areas including check-in halls, lounges, boarding gates and the visitors’ terrace. Signal strength is generally strong for smooth browsing and streaming.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards are available at Salzburg Airport’s Heinemann Duty Free and travel agency kiosks, offering Austrian providers like A1, Magenta and Drei. Tourist packages include prepaid calls, data bundles and eSIM codes. Activation is instant, and top-ups can be purchased online or at nearby convenience stores. Prices are competitive. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Salzburg Airport (SZG) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Permitted taxi operators pick up passengers at the arrivals hall; vehicles are modern, metered and accept credit cards. Metered fares apply with typical journeys to central Salzburg taking about 15 minutes. Pre-booked transfer services and ride-hailing apps also operate from the airport for added convenience.

Train: (more info) Salzburg Airport has no on-site train station; the closest is Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, 4 km away. Frequent S-Bahn and regional trains depart the main station to national and international destinations. Reach the station by trolleybus line 2 or 10 in 25 minutes; tickets and schedules at ÖBB’s website.

Bus: (more info) Salzburg Airport is served by two Salzburg trolleybus routes: No. 2 to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof runs every 15–20 minutes (23 min journey); No. 10 to the city centre (Altstadt) departs every 15 minutes (15 min journey). Buses board outside arrivals; tickets cost just around €2 and are sold at machines or on board.

Shuttle: Affordable reliable pre-booked shuttle services operate from Salzburg Airport’s Transfer Desk in arrivals. Options include Saalbach Airport Shuttle to Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Taxi Huber transfers to ski resorts (Flachau, Wagrain), and private Ski-Transfer Salzburg vehicles for up to eight passengers. English-speaking drivers, child seats and door-to-door luggage transport are available on request.

Car rentals: Car rental counters are on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park opposite the terminal, accessible via a covered walkway. Major providers including Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt operate here. Vehicles range from compact to SUVs; online bookings, flexible pick-up/drop-off times and insurance are offered at competitive rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Salzburg Airport provides 2,700 parking spaces across five lots: P1 (short-term, next to terminal), P2–P4 (long-term, covered), and P5 (economy, shuttle link). Rates start from €2/hour or €12/day with online bookings offering discounts. EV charging and barrierless entry/exit ensure convenience and security. All lots are monitored 24/7 and barrier-controlled.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Secure baggage storage is located in Terminal 1 at the “Bulky Items” desk within the Info Center. Fees are €9 per item per day; ski storage costs €11 per pair per day. Payment is due at drop-off. Inquiries can be made by phone (+43 662 8580-7911) or by email efficiently. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Salzburg Airport (SZG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks