Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart (SZG/LOWS): The Premier Gateway to the Austrian Alps
Salzburg Airport, officially known as Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart (SZG/LOWS), is Austria’s second-largest international airport. Named after the city’s most famous resident, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the airport serves as a vital aviation hub, particularly renowned as the primary gateway to the extensive ski resorts of the Austrian Alps during the winter season.
Strategically located just 3.1 km (2 miles) west-south-west of the Salzburg city center and only 2 km from the German border, SZG offers excellent accessibility. In 2024, the airport successfully handled approximately 1.78 million passengers, underscoring its importance for both Austrian tourism and business travel. Notably, the airport features a substantial 2,750-meter runway, equipped to handle large aircraft types, including the Boeing 747-400.
Terminals, Modern Facilities, and Essential Services
Salzburg Airport operates with two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. While Terminal 1 handles the majority of year-round traffic, Terminal 2 is primarily utilized during the busy winter season to manage the high volume of charter flights dedicated to ski tourism.
Key Services and Passenger Experience:
- Operating Hours: The airport is typically open for passengers from 04:00 to 23:00 (local time), with commercial flight operations running from 06:00 to 23:00.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal buildings.
- Check-in Technology: Passengers can utilize the modern Self-Bag-Drop-Off (SBD) machines located in Terminal 1’s Check-in Hall for faster processing.
- Information Center: Located in the arrivals hall, the Info Center assists with general inquiries, lost property claims, and the purchase of local tourist cards like the Salzburg Card and Fast Track vouchers.
- Dining and Shopping: A variety of restaurants, cafés, and duty-free shops offer options for pre-flight relaxation and last-minute purchases.
- Accessibility: Comprehensive facilities, including specialized elevators and restrooms, are available for travelers with reduced mobility.
Getting There: Transportation and Parking Guide
Salzburg Airport offers a highly efficient range of transport options connecting travelers to the city center, the main railway station, and surrounding regions.
| Transport Mode | Route / Details | Estimated Duration & Cost | SEO Keywords |
| Public Bus | Trolleybus Lines 2 and 10 run at regular 10-minute intervals, connecting the airport directly to the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Main Station). | Approx. 20–25 minutes. Low fare (typically around €2.50–€3.00). | Public Transport, Bus Salzburg City Center, Affordable Transfer |
| Taxi | Taxi stands are located directly in front of the terminal exit. Pre-booked transfer services are also available. | Approx. 10–15 minutes to the city center. Cost: €15–€20. | Salzburg Airport Taxi, Private Transfer Service |
| Car Rental | Major international car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz, have service desks on the ground level of the airport, providing easy access for travelers planning self-drive tours of the Alps. | N/A | Car Rental SZG, Rent a Car Salzburg Airport |
Parking at SZG
The airport provides ample short- and long-term parking spaces, all within a 5-minute walk of the departure hall. Parking guidance systems clearly mark short-term parking in RED and long-term parking in GREEN. For the best rates, travelers are advised to book their parking space in advance online, with rates for two weeks often starting from approximately €50. The first 30 minutes of parking are typically free of charge.
Airlines and Direct Flight Destinations
Salzburg Airport is a major strategic hub, boasting connectivity to over 30 destinations globally, with a significant increase in routes during the high ski season (Winter Timetable).
Key Carriers and Transfer Hubs:
SZG is served by major flag carriers and low-cost airlines, providing essential routes for both tourism and business:
- Lufthansa: Offers multiple daily flights to Frankfurt (FRA), establishing SZG as an effective international transfer hub, providing access to over 200 worldwide destinations via the Star Alliance network.
- Turkish Airlines: Maintains reliable connections to Istanbul (IST), serving as another major transfer point to Asia and the Middle East.
- Eurowings Europe: Has a hub operation at SZG and offers numerous direct connections to German and European cities.
- Other Key Airlines: Include Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Ryanair, and Flydubai (offering a direct connection to Dubai (DXB)).
Popular Direct Routes:
The airport primarily links Salzburg to major European cities, with the most popular routes including:
- London (various airports)
- Frankfurt
- Istanbul
- Berlin
- Düsseldorf
- Dubai