The scheme was complicated due to the need to minimise disruption to train operations and because certain parts of the old building had to be retained as they are classified as a national monument. This included the huge iron roof across the platforms which was dismantled, refurbished and erected again.

Platforms had to be rebuilt step by step. This included converting some dead-end platforms into through ones so that the station now has nine through platforms instead of five previously. The terminal platforms had offices in between from the time when border control between Germany and Austria took place. These offices have now been removed.

Salzburg main station handles 25,000 passengers and 500 trains per day.