Salzburg is about 345 km south of Prague. There is no direct train, so the choice is between a private car that takes you from your hotel door to your Salzburg address in roughly 3.5 hours, and a train or bus journey of 5 to 6 hours with at least one change. This guide compares the three and shows what a private transfer costs in September 2026.
The quick answer
For two or more people, or for anyone with luggage, a private transfer from Prague to Salzburg is the fastest and simplest option: around 3.5 hours door to door, one fixed price for the whole car, and the possibility to stop in Český Krumlov on the way. The train is the budget choice for solo travellers who do not mind changing in Linz.
Prague to Salzburg by private transfer
- Time: about 3.5 hours, hotel to hotel. The route runs south via České Budějovice, crosses into Austria near Linz and follows the A1 motorway to Salzburg.
- Price: from 10 671 CZK (about 436 €) for a sedan for up to 4 passengers, or 13 025 CZK for a minivan for up to 7 passengers. Live quote from the booking calculator on this site; the price is per car, not per person, and includes luggage, tolls and the driver.
- What is included: an English-speaking driver, a Mercedes E-Class sedan or V-Class minivan, pick-up at any address in Prague, drop-off at any address in Salzburg. No surcharge if your flight or plans run late.
- Stops on the way: Český Krumlov (UNESCO old town and castle, about 1.5 hours from Prague), Hluboká Castle, or Linz. A stop of 1 to 2 hours is arranged when you book.
The per-person maths matters: a sedan with 4 passengers works out at a quarter of the sedan price per person, with no station transfers at either end.
Prague to Salzburg by train
There is no direct train. The usual connection is a Railjet from Prague main station to Linz (about 4 hours), then a regional or Railjet train from Linz to Salzburg (about 1 hour 15 minutes). Count 5.5 to 6 hours in total including the change. Tickets bought weeks ahead are cheap; tickets bought on the day are not. You will also need a taxi or public transport at both ends.
Prague to Salzburg by bus
Direct coaches run a few times a day and take around 5 hours when traffic is good. Fares are the lowest of the three options. Legroom, luggage limits and the fixed timetable are the trade-offs, and the bus stations in both cities are outside the historic centres.
Comparison
| Option | Time | Price (live quote) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | about 3.5 h door to door | from 10 671 CZK (about 436 €) per car (sedan), 13 025 CZK (minivan) | 2+ people, luggage, families, a stop in Český Krumlov |
| Train (change in Linz) | 5.5–6 h plus transfers | varies by booking date | solo travellers on a budget |
| Bus | about 5 h | lowest | tight budgets, light luggage |
Making a day of it: Prague to Salzburg via Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov sits almost exactly on the way. Leaving Prague at 9:00, you can walk the old town and see the castle courtyards between about 10:30 and 12:30, have lunch by the river, and still be in Salzburg before 16:00. The train cannot do this; a private car does it without any extra planning.
Salzburg to Prague
The same transfer runs in the other direction at the same price, with pick-up at your Salzburg hotel or at Salzburg Airport. Vienna, Munich and Hallstatt can be combined into a multi-day itinerary with one driver.
Get an instant fixed price in the booking form — the quote you see is the price you pay, for the whole car.