Hallstatt Ferry: Everything You Need To Know

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a photo of a boat sitting on Lake Hallstatt with the words "taking the ferry in hallstatt"

One of my favorite parts of visiting Hallstatt was riding the Hallstatt ferry across the lake. Not only is it practical, but it also gives you one of the best views of the town as you approach the mountains and waterfront.

The Hallstatt ferry takes passengers between Hallstatt train station and town, making train travel to Hallstatt simple and easy. Since the train station sits across Lake Hallstatt, nearly everyone arriving by train will take the ferry.

Keep reading to learn more about the Hallstatt ferry, including how it works, when it runs, and how much it costs.

Last updated: May 15, 2026

Published: December 16, 2023

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✈️ Ready to travel to Hallstatt?

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🏨 Top Hotels in Hallstatt

  1. Budget-Friendly: Bräugasthof Hallstatt — This historic 15th-century guesthouse sits right on the shores of Lake Hallstatt in the car-free heart of the village of Hallstatt, offering charming traditional rooms and delightful views of the lake and mountains.
  2. Best Value: Seewirt Zauner – contactless check in — A family-run hotel in the heart of Hallstatt’s car-free market square, offering contactless check-in and modern amenities in a traditional setting..
  3. Luxury: Heritage Hotel Hallstatt — Heritage Hotel Hallstatt is located in the historic center of Hallstatt and features a bar, café, lakeside terrace, restaurant with traditional Austrian cuisine, and wellness facilities including a sauna and infrared cabin..

🎟️ Best Tours & Activities

  1. From Vienna: Full Day Trip to Hallstatt and Salzkammergut
  2. From Vienna: Hallstatt, Mountains & Alpine Lakes Day Trip
  3. Or explore more tours in Hallstatt.

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Hallstatt Ferry Overview

  • Where it goes: Hallstatt train station ↔ Hallstatt town center
  • Trip time: Around 5–10 minutes
  • Runs: Alongside train arrivals and departures
  • Current ticket cost: Around €4 one way (check for updates before your trip)
  • Payment: Cash recommended
  • Town ferry stop: ATO Hallstatt Market Boat Station
  • Best tip: Stand outside during the ride for one of the best views in Hallstatt

The Hallstatt ferry is part of the experience and not just transportation. I still remember getting my first full view of Hallstatt from the water as the boat approached town. If possible, stand outside during the short ride across the lake for some of the best views.

What Is The Hallstatt Ferry?

a photo of the hallstatt ferry with the lake and mountains in the background

The Hallstatt ferry connects Hallstatt train station with the town center and takes passengers across Lake Hallstatt throughout the day.

Taking a train is one of the easiest ways to get to Hallstatt, Austria. Since the train station sits across the lake from town, most travelers arriving by train will need to take the ferry into Hallstatt.

You can also take the ferry back to the train station when leaving town. The ferry schedule is timed around train arrivals and departures, making it easy to connect between the station and town without much planning.

How Often Is The Hallstatt Ferry?

The Hallstatt ferry runs alongside the train schedule, making it easy to connect between the station and town.

Whenever trains arrive or depart from Hallstatt train station, ferries are scheduled to bring passengers across the lake. When you get off the train, simply follow the path toward the water and the next ferry should arrive shortly after.

If you are leaving Hallstatt by train, you can catch the ferry from town back to the station before departure.

The ferry schedule is designed around train connections, but I still recommend arriving at the dock a little early just in case. You do not want to be sprinting to the boat with luggage, or miss the ferry completely.

Where Do You Catch The Ferry To Hallstatt?

inside the boat - a few benches and lifesavers

Catching the ferry to Hallstatt is easy if you arrive by train. Once you get off at Hallstatt train station, follow the path down toward the water to the left of the station. The ferry dock is just a short walk away and easy to find.

When you are ready to head back to the train station, you will catch the ferry from the same dock in town where you arrived earlier.

The Hallstatt ferry pickup spot from the town is next to the Evangelische Pfarrkirche Hallstatt, aka the Lutheran church. 

Here is the official name and address of the ferry dock in town:

ATO Hallstatt Market Boat Station: 4830 Hallstatt, Austria

If you need help finding the ferry, ask any locals to help; they will point you in the right direction. 

How To Get From Hallstatt Station To Hallstatt?

To get from Hallstatt station to town, you will need to take the ferry across Lake Hallstatt. Since the train station sits on the opposite side of the lake, the ferry is the main connection between the station and town.

The ferry runs alongside train arrivals and departures, so when your train arrives, the next boat into town should leave shortly after. Just follow the path from the station toward the water and you will find the dock.

How Much Is The Hallstatt Ferry?

a photo of me, a mid-20s female, on the boat with the mountains and lake in the background

Now that you know how easy the Hallstatt ferry is to use, you are probably wondering how much it costs.

You can buy your ticket when boarding the ferry and choose either a one-way or roundtrip ticket. If you already know you will be taking the train out of Hallstatt later, buying roundtrip can save time.

At the time of the last update, a one-way Hallstatt ferry ticket costs around €4 per person, though prices can change, so check current pricing before your trip.

You will buy the ticket when you board the ferry and must pay in CASH. I found that many places in Hallstatt only take cash, including my hotel in Hallstatt, so make sure you hit an ATM before arriving in town. 

You can also pay in USD and Pounds, but you will pay a little more for the ticket, and no change will be given. 

Need A Hotel In Hallstatt?

I highly recommend staying in Hallstatt for at least one night if you can. One of my favorite parts of visiting was getting to explore in the evening and early morning before the day-trippers arrived.

Hallstatt gets very busy during the day, but staying overnight gives you a chance to experience a much quieter side of town.

Here are my favorite hotels and home rentals in Hallstatt:

Frequently Asked Questions About The Hallstatt Ferry

Do you need to take the Hallstatt ferry?

If you arrive by train, yes. Hallstatt train station sits across Lake Hallstatt from the town center, so the ferry is the main way to reach town.

How long is the Hallstatt ferry ride?

The ferry ride across Lake Hallstatt usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes.

Can you walk from Hallstatt station to town?

No. Hallstatt train station is located across the lake from town, so you will need to take the ferry to reach Hallstatt.

Does the Hallstatt ferry take cards?

Payment methods can change, but I recommend bringing cash just in case. During my visit, several places in Hallstatt preferred cash.

Is the Hallstatt ferry included with train tickets?

No, the ferry ticket is separate from your train ticket and is purchased directly at the ferry.

Enjoy Hallstatt!

a sign reading "ship to hallstatt, willkommen, welcome"

The Hallstatt ferry is very easy to take since it runs alongside the train schedule and connects directly with the town. Just make sure you bring cash and arrive at the dock a little early before your train.

One of my favorite parts of visiting Hallstatt was arriving by boat and seeing the town from the water for the first time. Taking the train into Hallstatt is simple from many places in Austria, and I hope you end up loving the town just as much as I did.

Are you traveling to Austria soon? Use some of my favorite resources to plan your trip. 

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