The 3 Closest Airports to zell am see austria
The 3 Closest Airports to Zell am See, Austria
Zell am See, nestled beautifully between mountains and its namesake lake, is a year-round paradise in the Austrian Alps. Whether you’re coming for skiing in winter or hiking and swimming in summer, reaching this picturesque town usually involves flying into one of the nearby airports. Choosing the right airport depends on factors like flight availability, cost, and onward travel time.
Here’s a look at the three airports most commonly used to access Zell am See:
1. Salzburg Airport (SZG) – W. A. Mozart
Salzburg Airport is the second-largest airport in Austria and the closest major airport to Zell am See. Its proximity makes it the most convenient option for many travellers, offering a relatively short and straightforward transfer. It serves a good mix of European destinations, including connections through major hubs, and sees increased charter traffic during the winter ski season.
- Distance to Zell am See: Approximately 80 km (50 miles) / ~1 hour 15 minutes drive.
- Address: Innsbrucker Bundesstraße 95, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
- Pros: Closest airport, relatively quick transfer, good selection of European flights (especially seasonal). Cons: Fewer intercontinental flights compared to Munich, can be busy during peak season. Airlines: Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Eurowings, EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2.com, British Airways (seasonal), Transavia, and various charter airlines. Car Rental: Yes, major companies (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Budget, etc.) available.
- Official Website: https://www.salzburg-airport.com/en/
- Phone: +43 662 85800
- Rating: Generally well-regarded, efficient for its size.
2. Munich Airport (MUC) – Franz Josef Strauss
Located in Germany, Munich Airport is a major international hub and one of Europe’s busiest airports. While significantly further away than Salzburg, it offers the widest selection of flights globally, including many direct intercontinental routes. If you’re travelling from outside Europe or seeking more flight options and potentially lower fares, Munich is often the best choice, despite the longer transfer time.
- Distance to Zell am See: Approximately 210 km (130 miles) / ~2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours drive (can vary with traffic and border crossing).
- Address: Nordallee 25, 85356 Freising, Germany.
- Pros: Extensive international and intercontinental flight options, major hub operations, competitive fares possible. Cons: Longest transfer time, involves crossing into Germany (check rental car permissions), potentially higher transfer costs. Airlines: Lufthansa (major hub), United, Delta, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, KLM, British Airways, EasyJet, Condor, and virtually all major global airlines. Car Rental: Yes, extensive options from all major international providers.
- Official Website: https://www.munich-airport.com/
- Phone: +49 89 97500
- Rating: Highly rated, frequently awarded as one of Europe’s best airports.
3. Innsbruck Airport (INN)
Innsbruck Airport, nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, offers stunning mountain scenery upon arrival. It’s closer than Munich but further than Salzburg. While primarily serving the Tyrol region, it can be a viable option for Zell am See, especially during the winter ski season when charter flights increase. However, it generally has fewer scheduled flight options compared to Salzburg and Munich.
- Distance to Zell am See: Approximately 150 km (93 miles) / ~2 hours drive.
- Address: Fürstenweg 180, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
- Pros: Scenic location, closer than Munich, good access point particularly for western Austria. Cons: Fewer year-round scheduled flights than SZG or MUC, heavily reliant on seasonal/charter traffic, transfers can be affected by mountain weather conditions. Airlines: Austrian Airlines, EasyJet, British Airways (seasonal), Transavia, Jet2.com (seasonal), various charter airlines. Car Rental: Yes, major companies available.
- Official Website: https://www.innsbruck-airport.com/en
- Phone: +43 512 225250
- Rating: Good regional airport, noted for its scenic approach.
Conclusion
The closest airport to Zell am See is Salzburg Airport (SZG), offering the shortest transfer time. However, the closest major international hub with the widest range of global flight connections is Munich Airport (MUC), despite being a longer drive away. Innsbruck (INN) serves as a secondary, often seasonal, alternative. Your best choice will depend on your origin, airline preferences, budget, and tolerance for transfer time.