The Werfen ice caves ‘Eisriesenwelt’ in Austria is the largest ice caves in the world. Located 55 km south of Salzburg, the ice caves can be easily reached by public transportation.
The Werfen ice caves are open only during summer ~ May to October. So check the official website Eisriesenwelt before visiting Werfen Caves.
If you are planning for a day trip to visit Werfen ice caves, read my blog. It includes shuttle bus timings, train timings from Salzburg and travel costs.
Blog Contents
How to reach Werfen ice caves by public transport?
Salzburg is the closest city to Werfen. There are many private tours to Werfen that costs hundreds of euros and I would say that it’s just a rip-off as you can reach Werfen by train in less than an hour from Salzburg.
1. Train: Salzburg main train station —> Werfen train station
There are direct trains from Salzburg to Werfen train station. You have two options
- S-bahn (S3) in the direction Schwarzach-St.Veit Bahnhof, duration is ~ 55 minutes.
- REX3 in the direction Wörgl Hbf, duration is ~38 minutes.
Both the trains have toilets. The trains go along the Salzach river through the mountains. The views are breathtaking. Grab a set on your right in the direction of the train travel to get a perfect view of the Austrian mountains.
Ticket price
If you are traveling as a group (2 or more), the Einfach Raus ticket (day ticket) is the best as the ticket allows you to use unlimited public transport inside the whole of Austria for one day. The price starts from 35€ for 2 people up to 47€ for 5 people.
Travel tip: The einfach raus ticket allows you to use trains such as S-bahn, REX but not high speed trains such as IC, RJ, RJX. Additionally the ticket allows you to use any public transport buses, trams and U-bahns in the whole country.
2. Shuttle bus: Werfen train station —> Werfen ice caves entrance (ticket counter)
As soon you exit the Werfen train station, generally, there will be an Ice cave shuttle bus ‘Eisriesenwelt’ waiting for you. The time schedule of these buses is synchronized with the train timings.
The journey takes about 15 minutes from the Werfen train station to the ice cave entrance. The shuttle buses run every one hour with the last bus from Werfen station at 2.18 pm.
Sometimes, the shuttle buses don’t wait for your near the Werfen train station instead you have to walk to the shuttle bus stop (Gries Parkplatz). I have indicated the location on maps. It only takes 5 minutes walk as you cross the Salzach river and then turn right.
Ticket price by public transport
The shuttle bus one way —> 4.5€ and round trip —> 8.5€.
The shuttle bus journey to the top is enjoyable with breathtaking views of the mountains. You realize how quickly (~15 minutes) one has covered such a high altitude and reached the top.
Travel tip: During your return, ask the driver to drop you at Hohenwerfen castle if you like for a photo stop. From there you can walk back to the Werfen train station (~2km)
The last bus for your descent is at 3.32 pm. If necessary (in case of peak season), they also arrange one at 5.32 pm. These timings should be sufficient for you to reach back to the Werfen station and board the return train.
Time of my visit: July 2022
Overall experience: 
