A Fairytale in Hallstatt: How to Reach Austria’s Most Dreamy Village on a Budget

Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don’t overthink — the spontaneous, last-minute decisions that end up becoming your favourite memories. That’s exactly how our one-day trip from Salzburg to the dreamy lakeside town of Hallstatt, Austria came to life.

The Spontaneous Plan

We were in Salzburg for two full days and were running short on time, but didn’t want to miss out on seeing the fairytale town of Hallstatt — so we thought, why not make it a quick one-day adventure? This tiny, postcard-perfect town had been calling our names since the start of our trip.

The village of Hallstatt, Austria — Hallstatt was calling us, loudly!

There were plenty of tour companies offering trips by road, but the hefty prices made our wallets cry, and their schedules didn’t match ours. So, we headed to the local tourist info centre, armed with curiosity and lots of caffeine, and crafted our own little adventure using public transport. PS: Austria truly has the best public transport system in the world!

Our mission: reach Hallstatt on a budget and make the journey part of the fun.

The Journey: Three Rides to a Dream 🌍

We got up early to the pitter-patter of raindrops, dampening our mood a little. After gulping down some hot coffee and warm cupcakes, we left our accommodation on a wing and a prayer.

We hopped on a bus, switched to a train, and finally glided across the lake on a boat — all to reach this picture-perfect slice of heaven.

First, we took a bus from Salzburg to Bad Ischl, a peaceful town tucked between green hills and misty lakes. The ride itself felt like a sneak peek into a postcard — rolling hills, cute villages, breathtaking lakes and endless greenery.

Bus journey through the Austrian countryside from Salzburg to Bad Ischl

From Bad Ischl, we jumped on a train to Hallstatt station — but here’s the twist: the train doesn’t go all the way into the town. Hallstatt sits on the opposite side of the stunning lake.

So, once we stepped off the train, we found a tiny ferry dock waiting right outside. As the boat glided across the calm water, the view of Hallstatt slowly came into sight — pastel houses, mountains hugging the town, and the church steeple standing tall like something straight out of a dream. It’s honestly one of those moments that make the whole journey totally worth it.

And the best part? The entire trip costs just a fraction of what the guided tours charge — and you get to enjoy the adventure at your own pace!

First Journey: Bus from Salzburg to Bad Ischl 🚍

Ticket Price: 0

We hopped onto Bus 150 and were off from Salzburg city centre straight to Bad Ischl, a charming spa town that’s basically the gateway to the dreamy Alpine lakes and mountains of Salzkammergut.

The buses roll out every 30 minutes, and since they’re regular local buses, the standard travel pass usually works just fine. We were cruising with a Guest Mobility Ticket we received from our hotel for no extra cost as part of guest services, which basically turned public transport into our own unlimited magic carpet ride across Salzburg.

Pro tip: Ask your hotel or Airbnb about this ticket—it’s a total game-changer for getting around.

We ran towards the bus stop—perfect timing as our bus rolled in. A quick scan of our mobility ticket, a seat snagged, and we were ready for the scenic journey. The ride takes about an hour, whisking you through rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and the postcard-perfect Austrian countryside.

The bus dropped us off at Bad Ischl’s main station, conveniently right next to the train station, making transfers a breeze.

Tip: If you do not have a Guest Mobility Ticket, you can buy tickets right at the Salzburg bus terminal or use the ÖBB app

Second transport – Train from Bad Ischl to Hallstatt 🚂

Ticket price – €14 (return)

We wandered into the Bad Ischl train station to grab tickets and were left scratching our heads—train ticketing systems in a new country can be tricky! Luckily, a friendly railway staffer swooped in and helped us book our tickets, and soon we were heading to the platform.

We booked return train tickets as we were going to take the same route back to Salzburg for our onward journey to Budapest. If you are unsure of your return journey, you can book a one-way train ticket that costs €7.

Bad Ischl’s station is tiny with just one platform, so spotting the train is a piece of cake. We waited about 10 minutes, then hopped on and snagged the best seats we could find.

My friend Pooja enjoying the scenic view from the train to Hallstatt

The train itself? Spotless, comfy, and with huge windows perfect for soaking in the scenery. About 20 minutes later, we rolled into Hallstatt station—and wow. Nothing could have prepared me for that jaw-dropping view.

Third transport: Ferry Across the Lake 🚤

Ticket price – €8 (return)

Stepping off the train at Hallstatt station felt like entering a storybook, but the village itself sits across the lake, so it was time for a little adventure.

A ferry was waiting for the passengers who deboarded at the station to take us across Lake Hallstatt to the village. The short boat ride to the village is pure magic — the kind of moment that makes you forget to blink. One could hear only the sounds of photos being clicked every second as the town drew closer.

On our way to board the ferry to Hallstatt village

As the ferry glided across the water, the colourful wooden houses and mountain backdrop came into view — and suddenly, I understood why Hallstatt is one of the most photographed towns in the world. By the time we stepped onto the village dock, we were officially in postcard paradise.

Hallstatt might be small, but it’s packed with charm—and has enough things to do to keep you happily exploring all day. Stick around, because I’ll be diving into all the must-do activities in this charming little village soon!

Total money spent on the journey: €22

Tour companies typically charge anything between €70 and €100 for a fixed departure tour.