Travelling on a budget from London to Saalbach
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey from London to Saalbach, Austria, is an exciting adventure that combines meticulous planning with the thrill of exploring the Austrian Alps without breaking the bank. By carefully selecting your travel dates, transportation, accommodation, and activities, you can enjoy a memorable trip that balances cost and comfort.
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Top tip: Add 25% extra to your planned budget for "surprise expenses"
How to truly plan your trip to the very last detail
The real money saving comes from paying attention to all your travel needs when making a realistic travel budget. We have made an extensive list for all the specifics of a trip from London to Saalbach.
1. Choose the right vacation period
When is the best time to travel to the Austrian Alps?
Selecting the optimal time for your trip is crucial for both budget considerations and overall experience.
What to consider
- Ideal Travel Seasons: Saalbach is renowned for its skiing during the winter months (December to March) and hiking/biking in the summer (June to September). Traveling during the shoulder seasons—late January to early February or September—can offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and potentially lower prices.
- Avoiding Peak Periods: Be mindful of school holidays and public holidays in both the UK and Austria, as these times often see an influx of tourists and higher prices. For instance, UK half-term breaks in mid-February and Austrian holidays can lead to crowded slopes and increased accommodation rates.
- Periods when airlines offer major discounts to flights
- Most important: Choose a time frame that works for you and that you are comfortable with. Don't forget that travelling is as stressful as it is exciting.
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Life is a lot more exciting when you get to enjoy the things you love
2. Airline Options and Flight Research
Why is it important to carefully select your flight?
Efficiently managing your flights is a significant aspect of budget travel.
The closest major airport to Saalbach is Salzburg Airport (SZG), approximately 90 km away. Alternatively, Munich Airport (MUC) is about 220 km from Saalbach.
Best initial assessment starts with Google Flights.
Cheap flights from London to Salzburg: Ryanair
- Low-cost airline: Ryanair. Start by checking out their Fare Finder.
- From your home to the airport, explore your options. Ryanair operates their flights to Saalbach from Stansted Airport. Go to CheckMyBus to explore which transport company offers the cheapest fare for your dates and times. Trip duration by bus: 50 minutes.
- There is also the option to take a train, it is considered to be the fastest way to reach Stanstead Airport from Central London, check out Stansted Express to plan your trip.
- How much luggage will you need? Winter clothes are voluminous. Ryanair offers only a small backpack in their basic fare. Will you need extra bags? Check the table below.

Planning your packing strategy can help avoid unexpected costs
Cheap flights from London to Salzburg: easyJet
- Low-cost airline: easyJet. Start by checking out their Fare Finder.
- From your home to the airport, explore your options. easyJet operates their flights to Salzburg from Luton Airport and from Gatwick Airport.
- How much luggage will you need? Winter clothes are voluminous. easyJet offers only a small backpack in their basic fare. Will you need extra bags? Probably, that will be approx. £50 extra per person, per flight. Check the table below.

£100 extra for the round trip with luggage
- Go to CheckMyBus to explore which transport company offers the cheapest fare for your dates and times if you choose Luton Airport.
- If you choose Gatwick airport, the fastest way there is the Gatwick Express. Anytime Return tickets usually go for £40.80. Even though the train airport transfer is more expensive than a bus trip, it certainly comes with the added benefit of comfort and is also much faster. The Gatwick Express takes only around 30 minutes from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport.
3. Transfer Fares: Salzburg Airport to Saalbach
Fastest and Cheapest way to Saalbach?
Once you've landed, economical transfer options are available to reach Saalbach.
Public Transportation: Train and Bus Combination
- Route: From Salzburg Airport, take the No. 2 bus to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station). From there, board a train to Zell am See. Upon arrival in Zell am See, transfer to the Postbus line 680, which will take you directly to Saalbach.
- Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on connections.
- Cost: Total costs range between €13 and €20.
- Trains to Zell am See: Operated by ÖBB, with services every two hours. Journey time is approximately 2 hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station.
- Postbus Line 680: Connects Zell am See to Saalbach. Check the Postbus website for current timetables and fares.
Shuttle Services
- Saalbach Airport Shuttle: Offers direct transfers from Salzburg Airport to your accommodation in Saalbach Hinterglemm. Reservations can be made through Austria Transfer. Prices start at €120 for two persons.
- Alps2Alps: Provides private transfers from Salzburg Airport to Saalbach. Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Transfers start from €40 per person. Check out Alps2Alps.
- Holiday Shuttle: Operates several times a day between Salzburg Airport and Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Approximately €100 for a round trip per person.
- Taxi Services: Available at Salzburg Airport for direct transfers to Saalbach. Fares vary; it's advisable to confirm the price before departure.
- By considering these options and planning ahead, you can choose the transfer method that best fits your budget and schedule, ensuring a smooth journey from Salzburg Airport to Saalbach.
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4. Best Value Accommodation in Saalbach
There is no one size fits all when it comes to accommodation
Traveling on a tight budget or with a generous one, your priorities might differ from those of your neighbours, and articles like this serve only as a guide to provide realistic cost expectations.
Saalbach offers a variety of budget-friendly lodging options. Booking in advance and considering accommodations slightly outside the town center can yield better rates.
What are your priorities?
- Proximity to the ski lifts?
- Luxury amenities? Rooftop panoramic restaurant, Indoor swimming pool, SPA center, etc.
- Breakfast included?
- Unobstructed mountain views from your room?
- Proximity to public transport
- Private room or hostel?
- In the heart of Saalbach or slightly outside the center
- Property with lots of solid reviews?
Hostels and Guesthouses: Dorm beds in hostels or rooms in guesthouses can range from €30 to €60 per night.
Budget Hotels: Affordable hotels may charge between €70 and €100 per night.
Apartments: Renting an apartment can be cost-effective, especially for groups, with prices varying based on location and amenities.
5. Food in Saalbach
With a bit of online menu checking before dinner, you can enjoy yourself even on a budget
Managing daily expenses is key to staying within your budget.
Self-Catering: Many accommodations offer kitchen facilities. Purchasing groceries and preparing your meals can significantly reduce costs.
Local Dining: Explore local eateries and cafés for reasonably priced meals. Traditional Austrian dishes are often hearty and affordable.
6. Skiing in Saalbach
How much is a ski pass in Saalbach?
The cost of a 3-day ski pass during the peak season (December 21, 2024, to March 30, 2025) is €222 for adults.
Check out the official website for online tickets.
Top off your amazing vacation with a Time Capsule Postcard
Now that you have your vacation costs to Saalbach down to the T, it's time for a souvenir from your holiday!
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Get your time capsule started and preserve your memories with the only souvenir you'll ever need. Enjoy!