Salzburg is one of Austria’s most enticing cities, looking much like it did when Mozart lived there 250 years ago. It is not a cheap destination but there is one way you may be able to save money in Salzburg.
Its city pass gives you free entry to many of the top attractions and activities. But is the Salzburg Card worth it?
In my view, it would be difficult not to save money using the Salzburg Card. It is worth it even if you only visit two or three attractions in a day. Choosing higher-priced attractions such as the Untersberg cable car will maximise these savings.
Get the lowdown in my Salzburg Card review. Discover what is included, how much it costs and where to buy it.
All information and prices are taken from the Salzburg Card official website and are correct as of December 2024.
The Salzburg Card provides free access to the city’s top attractions and free use of public transport
Types of pass: 24, 48 or 72 hours
Cost: From €28 – 46 (pricing is seasonal)
How I Saved Money with the Salzburg Card
I spent two days in Salzburg as part of an Interrail itinerary between Feldkirch and Brno in Czechia.
I bought the 48-hour Salzburg Card to visit Mozart’s Birthplace, the Mozart Residence, Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter’s Abbey, the DomQuartier and Hohensalzburg Fortress. This saved me around €15.
Riding the Untersberg cable car and visiting Hellbrun would have resulted in further savings but I had been to these places on a previous city break to Salzburg.
How it Works
Similar to the London Pass, the Salzburg Card works as a sightseeing pass.
It gives you free access to the city’s top attractions. Some of these include fast-track admission, meaning you can enter without queuing. The pass also offers free public transport (except S-railways / S-Bahn) plus discounts on cultural events, concerts and excursions.
You choose the duration of your city pass – 24, 48 or 72 hours – and then download this to your smartphone. For the duration of your pass’s validity, you can visit as many of the included attractions as you can fit in.
Alternatively, you can choose a physical credit card-size card.
What is Included in the Salzburg Card?
Even to my critical eye, the Salzburg Card is pretty comprehensive. A notable exclusion is the ever-popular Sound of Music tour
At the last count, around 30 attractions and tours were included in the Salzburg Card. Here are some of the most popular museums and attractions that you can see for free:
The pass includes discounts on the wonderfully kitsch Mozart Dinner Concert and Salzburg Cathedral.
You can check the full list of attractions and activities that are free with the Salzburg Card on the official website.
City buses are included in the Salzburg Card. However, this is of limited value. Salzburg is a walkable city and you are only likely to need a bus if you are heading out to the Untersberg cable car and Hellbrunn Palace.
The Salzburg Card is not valid on S-railways (S-Bahn).
Do You Have to Use It on Consecutive Days?
The Salzburg Card has to be used on consecutive days. For example, if you have a 72-hour pass and start using it at 3 pm on a Thursday, it will be valid for that day, Friday and Saturday until 2:59 pm.
Prices in 2025
The cost of your Salzburg Card is determined by the duration you select and the time of year you visit.
It comes in three flavours: 24, 48 or 72 hours. The longer the duration, the cheaper it is on a Euro per day basis.
Adult prices apply to those aged 16 and over. Child prices are for those aged 6 to 15.
January 1 – April 30; November 1 – December 31
24 hour pass – Adult €28 | Child €14
48 hour pass – Adult €36 | Child €18
72 hour pass – Adult €41 | Child €20.50
May 1 – October 31
24 hour pass – Adult €31| Child €15.5
48 hour pass – Adult €40 | Child €20
72 hour pass – Adult €46 | Child €23
You can buy your Salzburg Card online here, or pick one up at your hotel reception, at tourist information offices in and around the city, at ticket bureaus or the airport.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Salzburg Card
1. Plan your itinerary
A little research can go a long way. Identify which attractions you would like to visit and whether they are included in the pass. This will help you decide if the Salzburg Card is worth it for you.
2. Consider transit times
Don’t just look at a list of Salzburg attractions in isolation. If you are short on time, consider how long it will take to travel between the places on your draft Salzburg itinerary, clustering them by locality if possible.
3. Don’t try to squeeze too much in
This is the biggest danger of city cards. By trying to visit as many of the included attractions as possible, you risk becoming completely frazzled.
4. Prioritise high-value attractions
You get the most bang for your buck by using your Salzburg Card for entry into the more expensive Salzburg attractions. Using the pass for attractions like Salzburg’s Mozart sites or the Untersberg cable car will help you maximise its benefits.
5. Check opening hours in advance
Some Salzburg attractions are closed on certain days of the week.
Is the Salzburg Card Worth it?
The Salzburg Card will save most travellers money. That said, there are some types of travellers for whom this Salzburg city pass will be better than others.
Who is the pass good for?
If you want to see as much of Salzburg as possible – Then the Salzburg Card is for you. The more you use it, the more money you will save.
If you are spending longer in Salzburg – Although you are likely to save money using a Salzburg Card if you are in town for a day, these savings will be magnified if you stay longer.
If you want to set your budget in advance – No one likes a nasty shock when they check their credit card statement at the end of a holiday. This Salzburg city pass allows you to control a chunk of your vacation budget.
If you are looking for convenience – There’s a lot to be said for not having to purchase individual tickets and fast-track entry.
Who should skip the pass?
If you are on a budget – It can be challenging to stretch your travel budget to paid-for attractions.
If you have already visited the big-ticket items – Perhaps you have already taken the Unterberg cable car or visited the DomQuartier? The more expensive Salzburg Card attractions generate the biggest savings.
If you are looking for a relaxed itinerary – The Salzburg Card is most cost-effective if you squeeze as much into your sightseeing day as possible.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.