Fast facts about hiring a car from Salzburg Airport

Major and local rental companies offer car hire at Salzburg Airport (SZG), including Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Sixt. The drive to Salzburg city centre should take around 15 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Driving to Salzburg from the airport is relatively simple via the A1, which you can join by heading south-east on Christian-Doppler-Platz. Take exit 288/Salzburg towards the city.

You'll find Salzburg Airport's car hire offices on the ground floor of the car park, opposite the airport terminal, and connected to it by a covered walkway.

As of 2019, car rental companies at Salzburg Airport include:

• Avis (Tel: +43 662 877278)
• Europcar (Tel: +43 1 8661650)
• Hertz (Tel: 43 662 852086)
• Sixt (Tel: +43 810 977424)
• Megadrive (Tel: +43 501 054160)

Hiring a car in Salzburg city centre

Salzburg's pretty, culture-packed city centre has plenty to keep you occupied for a few days, so it can be worth exploring it without a car and then picking one up in town. You’ll find Hertz and Avis opposite the Salzburg Central Train Station, on Ferdinand Porsche Strasse 7. Sixt is located near the Gnigl S-Bahn station, on Robinigstrasse 10.

Driving in Salzburg city centre

Traffic in Salzburg city centre can be busy but drivers tend to uphold road rules. However, do stay alert for unpredictable behaviour. Avoid driving in Salzburg’s Old City, as certain areas are restricted, and narrow streets can be confusing to navigate. Outside of that, the city is easy to navigate, with routes 1, 150 and 155 creating clear arterial roads through and out of the centre.

Salzburg offers excellent connections to motorways, so it's a good starting point for car journeys throughout Austria. Roads in the area are generally well maintained, but signposting is a little lacklustre away from main tourist areas – a sat-nav or GPS-enabled phone will help, but bring your own to avoid hire company fees.

In terms of parking, Salzburg city centre's car parks are all paid, with time limits enforced. If you're coming from outside Salzburg, you can find park and ride services on route 150 (P+R Salzburg South), at the Messezentrum conference centre and at the airport.

Recommended day trips from Salzburg

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Driving time: Three hours

This famous alpine road leads you into the heart of the majestic peaks and glaciers of Hohe Tauern National Park. Each twist and turn rewards you with views of blossoming meadows, forests and dramatic cliffs. Simply enjoy the scenic drive or stop for views of Pasterze glacier, hiking paths and historical insights at information centres along the way.

Innsbruck

Driving time: Two hours

If you’re a skier, you’ll be happy to know the winter sports haven of Innsbruck is an easy drive from Salzburg along fast motorways. Whether you’re skiing in winter or hiking in summer, a ride on the Nordkettenbahnen cable railway lets you explore the Nordkette mountain range. In the Old Town, visit the Imperial Palace, the City Museum and the Golden Roof.

Werfen Ice Caves

Driving time: One hour

A quick drive from Salzburg along the A1 and A10 brings you to the world’s biggest ice cave. The Eisriesenwelt cave system stretches more than 42km (26 miles) into the mountain. The first kilometre is open to the public and features dazzling ice formations, winding passageways and frozen waterfalls. You can hike to the caves or take a ride on the steepest gondola lift in Austria. The caves are only open from May to the end of October.