How To Get To Innsbruck
How To Get To Innsbruck By Plane
Flying is a terrific choice if you like to get Innsbruck fast and easily. Via year-round scheduled flights, Innsbruck’s international airport (Kranebitten) to the west of the city links to many major European cities including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Berlin, and Vienna. Additionally available are seasonal and charter flights to additional locations as Moscow, Dublin, or Reykjavik. The airport is a major economic player since it hosts more than 50 airlines, including British Airways, and employs around 1300 people in about 30 companies spread around there. In 2010, for the first time the passenger count reached one million.
By bus, taxi, or automobile, the airport—which is just 4 km from the city center—is readily reachable. Running every fifteen minutes between the airport and the main station, the bus line F costs 2.90 euros for one ticket. A taxi trip takes roughly ten minutes and will cost about fifteen euros. Should you choose to drive, you can rent a car at the airport or make use of one of the accessible parking lots.
Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport
Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport, German: Flughafen Innsbruck, IATA: INN, is the nearest and most handy airport to Innsbruck. Only 4 km from the city core, it is the biggest airport in Tyrol. Regular scheduled flights from a number of European locations, including:
- Vienna (Austrian Airlines)
- London-Gatwick (EasyJet, Thomson Airways)
- Frankfurt and Berlin-Tegel (Lufthansa)
- Amsterdam (Transavia)
Apart from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Kiev, and Moscow, depending on the season you can also find flights from other places such the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Greece, and Scandinavia. There there are charter flights to several German cities, particularly in the winter.
On weekdays, bus line F runs every 15 minutes from the airport to the city center; on Sundays, it runs every 30 minutes. The travel takes roughly fifteen minutes and the bus stop is straight outside the terminal. A single ticket costs 2.90€; a day ticket costs 5.20€.
You might alternatively pay a taxi, which runs roughly 15€ and takes ten minutes. Either pre book one or find taxis at the taxi stand before the terminal.
Munich International Airport
Flying 200km from Innsbruck into Munich International Airport (IATA: MUC), the second busiest airport in Germany, is another choice. From practically anywhere in the globe—including North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—you can find flights.
There are various ways you might go from Munich to Innsbruck:
- A van service like Four Seasons Travel will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at your hotel in or close by Innsbruck. The trip runs around two and a half hours and costs forty-nine euros per person. You may reserve online or over the phone, then pay with cash or credit card.
- You could schedule a private airport transfer to get a nice and unique journey to Innsbruck. Many businesses provide this service; among them are Holiday Taxi Innsbruck, Resorthoppa.
- Airport Private Transfer, LimoLo, etc.. The trip takes roughly two hours, and the cost depends on the car and the passenger count. For instance, a transfer with a Sedan is between 290-300€, whereas a Minibus transfer runs between 330-350€.
- The least expensive but also slowest choice is a train. From the airport to Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station), you will have to ride the S-Bahn (suburban train) then switch to a regional or high-speed train to Innsbruck. A one-way ticket runs roughly forty euros and the trip takes three hours. Tickets are purchase online or at the station.
Other Nearby Airports
If you are seeking further options, you can also fly into one of these airports, which are rather close to Innsbruck:
- Memmingen Airport (IATA: FMM), which is 174 km away and has flights from several low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Pobeda.
- Salzburg Airport (IATA: SZG), which is 183 km away and has flights from several European destinations, such as London, Paris, Brussels, and Berlin.
- St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (IATA: ACH), which is 190 km away and has flights from Vienna and Friedrichshafen.
- Friedrichshafen Airport (IATA: FDH), which is 217 km away and has flights from London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Düsseldorf.
Getting from these airports to Innsbruck will necessitate combining buses, trains, or taxis—which can be costly and time-consuming. These airports are hence not advised unless you have a particular reason to select them.
How To Get To Innsbruck By Train
Train is another rather popular and picturesque means of reaching Innsbruck. Major Austrian railway hub Innsbruck connects to several domestic and foreign locations. Thanks to the building of several railway lines, including the Lower Inn Valley Railway, the Brenner Railway, the Arlberg Railway, and the Mittenwald Railway, the city boasts a long and proud railway history from the 19th century, when it became a significant traffic crossroads on the north-south and east-west axes. All of these points converge in the main station in Innsbruck, which is situated in the city center and provides a spectrum of amenities for visitors.
Direct trains to Innsbruck run from Munich, Salzburg, Zurich, Vienna, or Venice; alternatively, use one of the several regional trains stopping at smaller towns and villages along the route. As you can appreciate the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys and unwind in the roomy and contemporary coaches, the train ride is pleasant and fun. The distance, the kind of train, and the booking time affect the train costs; yet, if you book online and ahead of time you may find some excellent savings.
The major train station in Innsbruck
The main railway station of the city is the Innnsbruck Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). From Südtiroler Platz east of the city center, one can readily reach the city center and old town by foot, bus, or tram. Modern in design, the station boasts a large hall with a glass ceiling. It provides several conveniences including ticket offices, baggage lockers, stores, dining restaurants, and a tourist information center.
The city area also include the Westbahnhof (West Station), the suburban station Hötting, the goods station Allerheiligenhöfe, and the small station Kranebitten close to the airport. Still, most trains stop at the Hauptbahnhof, the principal hub for regional and international travel.
International rail connections
Innsbruck has rail connections to numerous European locations. Innsbruck is just reachable from:
- Zürich: There are numerous trains daily and the trip takes roughly 3.5 hours. The path winds along the picturesque Arlberg Pass, providing breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains. You might also pause at the well-known ski area St. Anton.
- Munich: Trains run every two hours on the roughly two-hour trip. The path meanders the Inn River across the German-Austrian border. Stop also at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a charming town at the base of the highest peak in Germany, the Zugspitze.
- Vienna: Trains run every two hours on the about 4.5 hour journey. Two of the most lovely and historic cities in Austria, Linz and Salzburg, are on the path. One of the most photographed sites worldwide, Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site you could possibly stop at.
- Verona / Bozen: Trains run every three hours and the travel takes roughly three hours. The route passes across the lowest and most significant pass in the Alps, the Brenner Pass. You can also stop at Brixen, a little town with a cathedral and a mediaeval core.
The official Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) website allows you to view the timetables and make online ticket booking.
Night trains
Should you choose to travel overnight, you can also benefit from the several night rail lines that stop or pass via Innsbruck. Operating the Nightjet service with cozy sleeping cars, couchettes, and seats is the ÖBB. From Innsbruck, you can visit:
- Berlin: The journey takes about 10 hours, and there is one train per day. The route goes via Munich, Nuremberg, and Leipzig.
- Hamburg: The journey takes about 12 hours, and there is one train per day. The route goes via Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Hannover.
- Düsseldorf: The journey takes about 10 hours, and there is one train per day. The route goes via Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Cologne.
- Rome: The journey takes about 9 hours, and there is one train per day. The route goes via Verona, Bologna, and Florence.
- Venice: The journey takes about 5 hours, and there is one train per day. The route goes via Bozen, Trento, and Verona.
Changing trains at Munich or Vienna will let you also get from Innsbruck to additional locations such Prague, Warsaw, Zurich, or Amsterdam. The Nightjet’s official website allows you to view the timetables and make online ticket booking.
On some night trains, such those to Rome or Düsseldorf, it is even feasible to relocate a car or a motorcycle. The official ÖBB website allows you to review availability and costs online.
How To Get To Innsbruck By Car
You can also reach Innsbruck by automobile if you enjoy driving and wish more flexibility and independence. By means of a network of highways and roads providing simple and quick access to the city, Innsbruck is well-connected to the rest of Austria and Europe. Running through the city, the Inntal Autobahn A 12 links to the A8 to Munich and Salzburg / Vienna downstream at Rosenheim. The A 12 in the Oberinntal becomes the Arlberg highway to the west, which runs toll-free under the Arlberg massif in the Arlberg road tunnel, the only absolutely winter-proof road link to Vorarlberg. At the Innsbruck autobahn triangle, which spans the Wipptal south of the province capital with the almost 200 m high Europa Bridge, the Brenner autobahn to Bolzano and Verona finally branches south. The north has just a link across Seefelder Straße B 177 across the Zirler Berg to Seefeld in Tirol and then via Mittenwald to Garmisch-Partenkirchen; no highway exists there.
As you may see the varied and breathtaking scenery of the Alps and stop at any of the little towns and villages en route, driving to Innsbruck can be an exciting and adventurous journey. You should be aware, nevertheless, some of the expenses and difficulties of driving in this area. For the Austrian roadways, for example, you will need a current vignette (toll sticker), which you can get online, at border crossings or petrol stations. Particularly in winter, when snow and ice can make driving more difficult and dangerous, you should also pay close attention to the road conditions and weather. Finding a decent parking spot in Innsbruck, which can be limited and costly particularly in the city center, will also be crucial.
Driving to Innsbruck
Many of the main highways connect Innsbruck, hence the area is easily reachable by car. The well-developed road systems and handy connections to Innsbruck, the state capital of Tyrol, simplify and stress-free travel.
Your path to reach Innsbruck will vary depending on where you come from.
- From Vienna: From Vienna, use the A1 motorway westward till Salzburg; then, turn to the A8 motorway heading toward Munich. Take the A93 highway southward at the junction of Rosenheim; it becomes the A12 motorway after it crosses the border to Austria. Track the A12 motorway until you arrive at Innsbruck. There are roughly 480 km overall, and the travel takes five hours.
- From Switzerland: From Switzerland, follow the A1 motorway eastward until you arrive at Zurich; then, change to the A3 motorway toward Chur. At the Sargans intersection, follow the A13 motorway southward; once across the border to Austria, it becomes the A14 motorway. Until you get Bludenz, follow the A14 motorway; then, change to the S16 expressway towards Arlberg. Either travel the picturesque path across the Arlberg region (toll-free) or use the Arlberg Road Tunnel (toll applies). Following the A12 freeway eastward after the tunnel or pass will get you to Innsbruck. There is roughly three and a half hour driving time and three hundred kilometers overall.
- From Italy: From Italy, follow the A22 motorway north until you get Brennero; then, turn to the A13 motorway (Brenner road), which crosses the border to Austria. Follow the A13 motorway until you get to the exit Innsbruck-Süd, from which the B182 route into the city centre may be accessed. There is roughly 180 km total distance, and the driving takes two hours.
- From East Tyrol: From East Tyrol, follow the B108 road north until you come to Matrei; then, turn to the B108a road towards Felbertauern. Either use the Puster Valley path or use the Felbertauern tunnel toll road. Following the B161 route until you reach Kitzbühel, then change to the B170 road towards Wörgl following the tunnel or the valley. Take the A12 motorway westward at Wörgl till you arrive at Innsbruck. There is roughly 200 kilometers total trip and three hours for driving.
Traveling on Austrian roadways calls for a “Vignette,” (road tax disk), which you may get online, at fueling stations, or at border crossings. The vignette is valid for ten days, two months, or one year; the vehicle type and the length will affect the pricing. Cars cost €9.50 for 10 days now, €27.80 for two months, and €92.50 for one year.
Parking in Innsbruck
If at all possible, avoid driving into Innsbruck’s city center by car; the parking situation in the city is quite bad: there are expensive temporary parking zones in major areas of the city and few free parking locations. The old town is primarily pedestrian or traffic-free; the most of the center is also a short-term parking zone (€0.70 for half an hour).
Should it be inevitable, garages and multi-story parking facilities close to the center abound: the Congress Garage, the Altstadt Garage, or the Rathaus Galerien Garage. The multi-story vehicle parks are somewhat expensive (approximately €2.50 per hour, no time staggering), thus the fees rapidly reach the double digits for a stay of many hours. Moreover, there is somewhat little space for parking cars, particularly in rather small parking facilities.
Longer visits would be better if you left your car outside and took city public transportation inside. Around Innsbruck, there are various leave & Ride stations where you might leave your car for free or a nominal charge and ride a bus or tram to the city center. Park & Ride sites include:
- Olympia World: Not far from the Tivoli Stadium, at the southern city entry. Parking your automobile is free; then, use the tram line 3 or bus line J to the city core. There are 600 parking spots and roughly fifteen minutes for travel.
- Höttinger Au: Found next to the Inn Bridge at the western city gate. Parking your automobile is free; then, ride tram line 1 or bus line A to the city center. There are 400 parking spots and roughly ten minutes for travel.
- Völs: Found close to the Cyta Shopping Center on the western edge of the city. Parking your car costs €3 a day, then board the tram line 3 or bus line F to reach the city core. There are 800 parking spots and a about twenty-minute journey time.
How To Get To Innsbruck By Bus
Directly across from the main train station, at Südtiroler Platz 7, sits the bus station in Innsbruck. Comprising a ticket office, waiting area, luggage storage, and café, this contemporary and roomy facility is Not far by are a supermarket, a tourist information centre, and a pharmacy.
The bus station is closely linked to Innsbruck’s public transportation system. Tram, bus, or cab will let you quickly go to the airport, city core, and other attractions. About fifteen minutes allows you to also go to the old town.
Regional Buses
Regional busses go from the bus station to many Tyrol and beyond locations. VVT (Verkehrsverbund Tirol), the regional public transportation agency, runs these buses. Tickets could be purchased on the bus, at the ticket office, or online. Plan your trip and pay for your ticket using the VVT SmartRide app as well.
Among the most often used paths from Innsbruck are:
- Innsbruck – Seefeld: This bus will get you to the Seefeld Plateau, a high-altitude resort location with breathtaking vistas and first-rate skiing chances. Every hour the bus runs for roughly thirty-five minutes. One way the fare is €5.20.
- Innsbruck – Stubai Valley: This bus will get you to the picturesque Stubai Valley, which boasts hiking paths, glaciers, and various towns. The bus travels roughly one hour and runs every thirty minutes. One way the fare is €7.40.
- Innsbruck – Wörgl: This bus will get you to Wörgl, a Lower Inn Valley town featuring a water park and a railway connection. The bus makes one hourly journey lasting roughly fifty minutes. One way the ticket is €9.60.
- Innsbruck – Mayrhofen: This bus will get you to the well-known Ziller Valley ski resort, Mayrhofen. About ninety minutes, the bus operates every two hours. One way the fee is €12.80.
Regional buses run additionally from the Upper Inn Valley, the Wipp Valley, and the Ötz Valley. See the VVT website for further details.
Long-Distance Buses
Long-distance busses allow you to reach Innsbruck from Germany as well. Low-cost bus firm FlixBus runs these busses, linking several European cities. Your tickets may be booked at the bus station, on the app, or online.
Munich – Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Innsbruck is among the most handy paths. About 2.5 hours, this bus makes many runs every day. One way the fee is €11. Along the road, you can savor the breathtaking views of the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, and the Bavarian Alps.
Long-distance buses from other German cities, such Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, or Stuttgart, also are available. These busses may have more stops and require more time, though See the FlixBus website for further information.
How To Get To Innsbruck By Bike
Should you be environmentally conscious and daring, you can also reach Innsbruck by bike. With a great proportion of cyclists and a thorough system of bike lanes and trails, Innsbruck is a bike-friendly city. At 23%, Innsbruck boasts the greatest proportion of bikers in Austria, citing 2012 VC data. Though remaining among the top Austrian cities, new studies show that this percentage is now quite smaller in 2020. By 2030 the Radmasterplan 2030 seeks to raise this level to 20%.
Many cycling routes lead to Innsbruck, including the Inn Cycle Path, which passes through Innsbruck following the river Inn from its source in Switzerland to its mouth in Germany. Among the most well-liked and picturesque cycle paths in Europe, the Inn Cycle Path presents a range of settings, cultures, and attractions. Other bike paths such the Brenner Cycle Path, Via Claudia Augusta, or Tyrolean Cycle Path link Innsbruck to other areas and nations.
As you can enjoy the fresh air, the exercise, and the sensation of accomplishment, riding to Innsbruck can be a satisfying and healthy approach of travel. But you should also be ready for some of the difficulties and hazards of riding in the Alps, including traffic, unpredictable weather, and steep and long climbs. Along with enough water, food, and clothes, you also should have a decent bike, helmet, and repair kit. Ahead of time, you should also arrange your stops and path; additionally, you should examine the availability and cost of lodging all along.
