Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Salzburg

Picture swapping the tour bus for two wheels and a free afternoon: that's what a motorcycle gives you in Salzburg. One morning you're winding up Gaisbergstraße for a panorama over the old town and the Alps beyond, and by the next you're skimming the lakeshore roads of the Salzkammergut toward Hallstatt, the kind of postcard village that's worth reaching under your own steam rather than on someone else's schedule.

Salzburg's old town rewards walking, but it's really a launchpad — the city sits at the edge of a region built for riding. Roads like Gaisberg and the border-hopping run to Berchtesgaden are smooth, well-surfaced and made for cornering, and once you're clear of the centre there's almost no traffic to slow you down. A car feels clumsy on these switchbacks and buses simply don't go where you want; a **scooter or motorcycle rental in Salzburg** turns the whole Salzkammergut and a stretch of Bavaria into a day's riding rather than a logistics problem.

Top 10 things to see in Salzburg by motorcycle

1. Gaisberg (Gaisbergstraße) — a classic winding climb right from the city, with wide views over Salzburg and the Alps from the top.
2. Festung Hohensalzburg via Mönchsberg — ride around the base of the fortress hill for postcard shots of the skyline.
3. Hallstatt — the UNESCO lakeside village about an hour southeast, and easily the most popular day-ride destination from Salzburg.
4. Grossglockner High Alpine Road — hairpins, glacier views and bragging rights; a longer day trip, but a bucket-list one.
5. Wolfgangsee — lakeside roads through Sankt Gilgen and Sankt Wolfgang, deep in the Salzkammergut.
6. Fuschlsee — a small emerald lake just outside the city, perfect for a short afternoon loop.
7. Berchtesgaden and Königssee — across the German border, an alpine lake worth the short detour.
8. Rossfeld Panoramastraße — Germany's highest panoramic road, near Berchtesgaden, beloved by riders for its sweeping views.
9. Mirabell Palace and Gardens — a natural spot to start or end a ride before continuing on foot through the old town.
10. Untersberg — a dramatic mountain straddling the Austria-Germany border, with a scenic approach road up to the cable car.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Salzburg?

The licence you need depends on the machine: an A1 licence covers bikes up to 125cc, A2 covers restricted mid-power models, and a full A licence is required for anything unrestricted. EU licences are accepted as they are; if yours isn't in Latin script, carry an International Driving Permit alongside it, since some rental desks ask for one regardless. Most companies also set their own minimum age and require the licence to have been held for a minimum period, on top of the legal minimums. Expect to leave a deposit, usually as a hold on your credit card, plus photo ID in your own name.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Salzburg?

Budget around EUR 25-35 per day in low season, rising to EUR 45-65 in high season, with premium touring or sport models running EUR 70-120 per day.

• Prices climb steadily from spring, peaking in July and August when the passes are busiest.
• They fall away again from November through March, once the mountain roads close for winter.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Salzburg?

July and August are high season and the most expensive months, so book several weeks ahead if you're travelling then. For quieter roads and friendlier prices, aim for May, June or September, when the Alpine passes are open but the crowds haven't arrived. November to March is low season, but many mountain routes are closed by snow, so it's a poor stretch for riding regardless of price.

Local traffic rules in Salzburg

Austria drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for every rider and passenger on a scooter or motorcycle, and motorcycles must run with dipped headlights on at all times, day or night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 130 km/h on motorways, with lower limits posted through Alpine and tunnel sections. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, dropping to a near-zero 0.01% for novice licence holders. Motorways also require a valid vignette, so factor that in if your route includes one.

Most of our motorcycle rentals in Salzburg come from operators with years of local experience, handing over a well-maintained machine, a helmet, insurance and genuinely friendly service. If you're ready to **rent a motorcycle in Salzburg**, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!