Getting to Innsbruck: How to Arrive by Train, Bus or Plane (2026 Guide)

On By saar.decosterIn Austria

Getting to Innsbruck is surprisingly easy for a city surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in Austria.

Despite being located in the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck has excellent connections with major Austrian and European cities. Whether you’re travelling on a backpacker budget, arriving from another European city, or flying in for a ski holiday, there are several ways to reach Innsbruck.

I personally reached Innsbruck in two different ways: once by long-distance bus from Belgium with FlixBus and once while travelling through the Alps after visiting St. Anton am Arlberg. Both experiences showed me that getting there is much easier than many people expect.

The best option depends on your budget, starting point and travel style.

→ Before planning how to get there, I recommend checking my complete Innsbruck Travel Guide, where I share the best things to do, where to stay, food recommendations and everything you need to plan your visit.

→ If you are also exploring the Austrian Alps, I highly recommend combining Innsbruck with my St. Anton am Arlberg Travel Guide, one of Austria’s most famous ski destinations.

Getting to Innsbruck by Train

For most travellers, the train is probably the most comfortable way to reach Innsbruck.

Austria has an excellent railway network, and Innsbruck is well connected with many major cities in Austria and neighbouring countries.

Popular train routes include:

  • Vienna → Innsbruck
  • Salzburg → Innsbruck
  • Munich → Innsbruck
  • Zurich → Innsbruck
  • Bolzano → Innsbruck

The train journey itself is already part of the experience. As you get closer to Innsbruck, the landscape changes dramatically, with valleys, forests and mountain peaks appearing outside your window.

Especially the routes through the Alps are incredibly scenic.

Once you arrive, I recommend spending at least 2–3 days exploring the city and surrounding mountains. You can find my complete 2–3 day Innsbruck itinerary here.

Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof

The main train station in Innsbruck is called Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof.

It is:

  • located close to the city centre
  • connected to trams and buses
  • within walking distance of many accommodations

From the station, you can reach the Old Town in around 10–15 minutes on foot.

This makes arriving by train one of the easiest options if you are staying centrally.

But is Innsbruck actually worth adding to your Austria itinerary? I share my honest opinion in Is Innsbruck Worth Visiting?

Getting to Innsbruck by Bus

If you are travelling on a budget, long-distance buses are often the cheapest way to get to Innsbruck.

Companies like FlixBus connect Innsbruck with many European cities and are especially popular among backpackers.

I personally travelled from Belgium to Innsbruck by FlixBus. It was definitely not the fastest option, but it was affordable and gave me a slow transition from flat landscapes into full Alpine scenery.

Why choose the bus?

Advantages:

+ Usually the cheapest option
+ Good for budget travellers
+ Direct connections from many European cities
+ Easy online booking

Disadvantages:

– Much slower than trains
– Less comfortable for long journeys
– Limited space compared to trains

For backpackers or travellers with flexible schedules, FlixBus can be a great option.

Getting to Innsbruck by Plane

Innsbruck has its own airport: Innsbruck Airport (INN).

The biggest advantage?

It is extremely close to the city.

Unlike many European airports that are located far outside the city, Innsbruck Airport is only around 15 minutes from the centre.

This makes arriving by plane very convenient.

Innsbruck Airport with the Austrian Alps in the background, showing the mountain views travellers see when arriving in Innsbruck
Photo from www.vliegveldinfo.nl

Flights to Innsbruck

The airport mainly serves:

  • seasonal ski flights
  • European connections
  • winter holiday routes

During ski season, there are more direct flights because Innsbruck is one of Austria’s biggest Alpine destinations.

→ Even outside the ski season, Innsbruck is worth visiting thanks to its mix of mountains, culture and outdoor activities. Check my guide on the best things to do in Innsbruck for inspiration.

Landing in Innsbruck is also a unique experience because you immediately see mountains surrounding the airport.

It feels like your holiday starts before you even leave the plane.

Getting to Innsbruck from Munich Airport

A lot of international travellers fly into Munich because it has many more connections than Innsbruck Airport.

The good news?

Getting from Munich to Innsbruck is relatively easy.

Options include:

Train

The train journey takes around 2.5–3 hours depending on the connection.

It is comfortable and scenic, especially as you approach the Alps.

Bus

Some travellers choose buses because they can be cheaper, especially when booked early.

This route is popular among international visitors who combine Germany and Austria in one trip.

Getting to Innsbruck from Vienna

If you are travelling through Austria, Vienna is another common starting point.

The train from Vienna to Innsbruck takes approximately 4–5 hours.

Although it is a longer journey, it is comfortable and gives you the chance to see more of Austria’s landscapes.

Many travellers combine:

Vienna → Salzburg → Innsbruck

for a classic Austria itinerary.

Getting to Innsbruck from St. Anton am Arlberg

If you are already exploring the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is very easy to reach.

St. Anton am Arlberg is one of the most famous ski destinations in Austria and has direct train connections to Innsbruck.

The journey takes around 1 hour.

This makes Innsbruck a perfect addition before or after an Alpine adventure.

Which is the best way to get to Innsbruck?

The best option depends on your travel style:

Budget backpackers

Choose:

FlixBus

Best for:

  • saving money
  • flexible travellers
  • long-distance European trips

Comfortable travellers

Choose:

Train

Best for:

  • scenic journeys
  • easier travel days
  • travelling through Austria

International visitors

Choose:

Fly into Munich or Innsbruck

Best for:

  • saving time
  • combining multiple countries
  • ski trips

Final Thoughts

Getting to Innsbruck is much easier than many people expect.

Whether you arrive by scenic train through the Alps, a budget-friendly FlixBus journey, or a short flight into the mountain airport, the journey itself already feels like part of the adventure.

For me, one of the most special things about Innsbruck is that moment when the mountains slowly appear around you. It feels like the transition into Alpine life begins before you even arrive.

→ Planning your trip? Read my complete Innsbruck Travel Guide for the best things to do, where to stay, food recommendations and practical tips.

Planning Your Austria Trip?

Planning a trip to Austria can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re combining cities, mountain villages and the Alps.

That’s why I created my Austria Travel Guide, where I share my itineraries, honest reviews, travel tips and everything you need to plan your own Austrian adventure.

→ START HERE: Austria Travel Guide

Related Posts

You May Also Like

FAQ – Getting to Innsbruck

How do you get to Innsbruck from Munich Airport?

The easiest way to get from Munich Airport to Innsbruck is by train. The journey usually takes around 2.5–3 hours and includes a scenic route through the Alps. Another option is taking a bus, which can sometimes be cheaper if booked in advance.

Is Innsbruck easy to reach without a car?

Yes, Innsbruck is very easy to reach without a car. Thanks to Austria’s excellent train network and local public transport, most travellers can comfortably arrive by train, bus or plane and explore the city on foot or by public transport.

What is the cheapest way to get to Innsbruck?

The cheapest way to get to Innsbruck is usually by long-distance bus, especially with companies like FlixBus. Prices depend on your departure city and how early you book, but buses are often the best option for backpackers travelling on a budget.

What is the best airport to fly into for Innsbruck?

The closest airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN), which is only around 15 minutes from the city centre. However, many international travellers choose Munich Airport because it has more flight connections and offers an easy train connection to Innsbruck.

Leave a Reply