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. You can reach the city by train, bus or plane, depending on where you are coming from, your budget and how much time you have.
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 to Innsbruck is much easier than I expected.
So, what is the best way to get to Innsbruck?
For most travellers, I would recommend the train. It’s comfortable, convenient and the scenery gets more beautiful as you approach the Alps. If you’re travelling on a budget, however, the bus can be significantly cheaper.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Innsbruck, Austria, including the best options by train, bus and plane and the easiest routes from popular nearby destinations.
→ 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.
What Is the Best Way to Get to Innsbruck?
The best way to get to Innsbruck depends on where you are coming from.
In general:
| Transport | Best for | My take |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Comfort & scenic travel | Best overall |
| Bus | Budget travellers | Cheapest option |
| Plane | Long-distance travellers | Fastest for some routes |
| Car | Road trips & flexibility | Best for exploring beyond Innsbruck |
If you’re already travelling through Austria or neighbouring countries, I would choose the train.
If your priority is saving money, check FlixBus first.
And if you’re travelling internationally, flying into Innsbruck Airport or Munich Airport can make the most sense.
Getting to Innsbruck by Train
For most travellers, the train is probably the most comfortable way to reach For most travellers, travelling to Innsbruck by train is the easiest and most comfortable option.
Austria has an excellent railway network, and Innsbruck is well connected with major cities in Austria as well as neighbouring countries.
Popular train routes include:
- Vienna → Innsbruck
- Salzburg → Innsbruck
- Munich → Innsbruck
- Zurich → Innsbruck
- Bolzano → Innsbruck
- Graz → Innsbruck
- St. Anton → Innsbruck
One of my favourite things about travelling to Innsbruck by train is that the journey becomes part of the experience.
As you get closer to Innsbruck, the landscape changes dramatically. Flat landscapes slowly turn into valleys, forests and huge Alpine peaks.
Especially if you’re travelling through Austria, I think the train is worth choosing even when the bus is slightly cheaper.
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:
- Close to the city centre
- Connected to trams and buses
- Within walking distance of many hotels and hostels
- Convenient for onward travel through Austria
From Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, you can reach the Old Town in roughly 10–15 minutes on foot, depending on exactly where you’re going.
This makes arriving by train particularly convenient if you’re staying in or around the city centre.
But is Innsbruck actually worth adding to your Austria itinerary? I share my honest opinion in Is Innsbruck Worth Visiting?
Want to know where to stay?
Here are my top 3 hotel picks in Innsbruck:
- MEININGER Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum – great budget-friendly option in a central location.
- Hotel Das Innsbruck – a great choice if you want a more comfortable stay, with a central Old Town location and spa facilities.
- AC Hotel by Marriott Innsbruck – ideal if you want a modern hotel with mountain views, just a short walk from the Old Town.
How to Get to Innsbruck by Train from Popular Cities
Vienna to Innsbruck by Train
Vienna is one of the most popular starting points for travellers exploring Austria.
The train journey from Vienna to Innsbruck takes around 4–5 hours, depending on the connection.
Although it’s a longer journey, the train is comfortable and means you don’t have to deal with airport transfers or security.
A popular Austria itinerary is:
Vienna → Salzburg → Innsbruck
This allows you to experience several of Austria’s most popular destinations in one trip.
→ Wondering how long you should stay once you arrive? Check my guide on How Many Days in Innsbruck? The Perfect 2–3 Day Itinerary.
Salzburg to Innsbruck by Train
If you’re travelling through Austria, Salzburg to Innsbruck is another popular route.
The train takes roughly 2 hours, depending on the connection.
This is one of the easiest ways to combine Salzburg and Innsbruck, especially if you don’t have a car.
The journey also gives you beautiful views of the Austrian countryside and mountains.
Munich to Innsbruck by Train
Munich is one of the most useful international starting points for Innsbruck.
The journey from Munich to Innsbruck takes around 2 hours, depending on the service and connection.
This makes Innsbruck a great addition to a Germany + Austria itinerary.
You can easily combine:
Munich → Innsbruck → Salzburg
or:
Munich → Innsbruck → St. Anton
Graz to Innsbruck by Train
If you’re travelling from Graz to Innsbruck, the journey is considerably longer than from Salzburg or Munich.
However, travelling by train is still one of the easiest options because you can relax during the journey instead of driving yourself.
I would recommend checking the current journey times and connections before booking because the fastest route can vary.
St. Anton am Arlberg to Innsbruck by Train
If you’re already exploring the Austrian Alps, getting to Innsbruck becomes incredibly easy.
St. Anton am Arlberg has direct train connections to Innsbruck, and the journey takes roughly one hour.
This is exactly how I travelled through the region.
St. Anton is one of Austria’s most famous Alpine destinations, so combining it with Innsbruck makes a lot of sense if you’re planning a bigger Austria trip.
→ Read my St. Anton am Arlberg Travel Guide if you’re planning to visit both.
Getting to Innsbruck by Bus
If you’re travelling on a budget, the bus can be one of the cheapest ways to get to Innsbruck.
Long-distance companies such as FlixBus connect Innsbruck with cities across Europe.
I personally travelled from Belgium to Innsbruck by FlixBus.
Was it the most comfortable way to travel?
Definitely not.
Was it affordable?
Yes.
And I actually enjoyed watching the landscape slowly change as we travelled towards the Alps.
Why choose the bus?
Advantages:
- Often cheaper than the train
- Good for budget travellers
- Direct connections from various European cities
- Easy online booking
- Useful for backpackers
Disadvantages:
- Longer travel times
- Less space than a train
- Overnight journeys can be tiring
- Traffic can cause delays
If you’re travelling around Europe on a backpacker budget, I would definitely compare bus vs train prices before booking.
Sometimes the price difference is worth taking the train. Other times, the bus can save you quite a bit of money.
Getting to Innsbruck by Plane
Innsbruck has its own airport: Innsbruck Airport (INN).
One of the biggest advantages is its location.
The airport is relatively close to the city, meaning you don’t need a long transfer after landing.
This can be particularly convenient during winter if you’re travelling to Innsbruck for skiing.
Flights to Innsbruck
Innsbruck Airport mainly serves:
- European destinations
- Seasonal flights
- Winter ski routes
- Holiday destinations
During the winter season, flight options generally increase because Innsbruck is such an important gateway to the Austrian Alps.
Landing in Innsbruck is also pretty spectacular.
You’re surrounded by mountains almost immediately, so you already get that Alpine feeling before you even leave the airport.
Getting to Innsbruck from Munich Airport
For many international travellers, Munich Airport is actually a very practical alternative to Innsbruck Airport.
Munich has a much larger selection of international flights, so depending on where you’re travelling from, flying into Munich can be easier or cheaper.
From Munich Airport, you can continue to Innsbruck by train or bus.
Munich Airport to Innsbruck by Train
Travelling from Munich Airport to Innsbruck by train is a popular option.
The journey generally takes around 2.5–3 hours, depending on the connection.
The route is comfortable and becomes increasingly scenic as you approach the Alps.
If your flight arrives during the day, this is a great way to continue your journey without renting a car.
Munich Airport to Innsbruck by Bus
You can also travel by bus.
Depending on the departure time and booking date, the bus can sometimes be cheaper than the train.
For budget travellers, it’s worth comparing both options.
Is Innsbruck Easy to Reach Without a Car?
Yes!
You absolutely do not need a car to visit Innsbruck.
The city is very well connected by train, bus and local public transport, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance.
This is especially useful if you are staying in the city centre.
You can easily arrive by train, walk to your accommodation and spend your trip exploring without worrying about parking.
→ If you’re staying centrally, check out my guide to the best hostel in Innsbruck.
Should You Drive to Innsbruck?
A car can be useful if Innsbruck is part of a larger Austria road trip.
Having your own car gives you more flexibility to visit:
- Alpine villages
- Remote hiking trails
- Mountain lakes
- Smaller towns around Tirol
However, if you’re mainly visiting Innsbruck itself, I wouldn’t say you need a car.
Parking can also be more expensive and less convenient than simply using public transport.
For a city break, I’d personally choose the train.
Which is the best way to get to Innsbruck?
Here’s my quick breakdown:
Best for Budget Travellers: Bus
Choose the bus if your main priority is saving money.
FlixBus can be particularly useful for long-distance European travel.
Best Overall: Train
For me, the train is the best way to get to Innsbruck.
It’s comfortable, convenient and scenic, especially when travelling through Austria or the Alps.
Best for International Travellers: Plane
Flying can make sense if you’re coming from far away.
Compare flights to both Innsbruck and Munich, because Munich can sometimes offer significantly more options.
Best for an Austria Road Trip: Car
If you’re planning to explore smaller Alpine villages and remote areas, having a car can give you much more flexibility.
My Recommendation
If I were planning a trip to Innsbruck again, I would choose my transport based on where I was coming from.
From another Austrian city:
→ Take the train.
From Munich:
→ Take the train.
From St. Anton:
→ Take the train.
From another European city on a budget:
→ Compare FlixBus with the train.
From outside Europe:
→ Compare flights to Innsbruck and Munich.
For a wider Austria road trip:
→ Consider renting a car.
For most travellers, though, the train is the easiest and most enjoyable way to get to Innsbruck.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Innsbruck is much easier than you might expect.
Despite being surrounded by mountains, the city is extremely well connected to the rest of Austria and Europe.
For me, the train is the best way to get to Innsbruck because it combines comfort, convenience and beautiful scenery.
But if you’re travelling on a backpacker budget, don’t immediately rule out the bus. My own FlixBus journey from Belgium proved that you can reach Innsbruck relatively cheaply if you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort and travel time.
And if you’re flying internationally, don’t forget to compare Innsbruck Airport with Munich Airport before booking your flight.
The best option ultimately depends on your starting point, budget and travel style.
→ 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
- Is Innsbruck Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2026)
- Innsbruck Travel Guide: Innsbruck Travel Guide
- How Many Days in Innsbruck Do You Need? The Perfect Itinerary (2-3 Days)
- Things to do Innsbruck: 20+ Best Things to Do in Innsbruck, Austria (Mountains, Culture & Hidden Gems)
- Coffee & Brunch Innsbruck: 7 Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Innsbruck
- Best Bars & Nightlife in Innsbruck: Where to Go After Dark
- Best Hostel in Innsbruck: My Honest Review of MEININGER Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum
You May Also Like
- Is St Anton am Arlberg Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2026)
- St Anton Full Travel Guide: St Anton Am Arlberg Travel Guide
- Things to do in St. Anton: 10+ Best Things to Do in St. Anton am Arlberg (Besides Skiing)
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FAQ – Getting to Innsbruck
How do you get to Innsbruck?
You can get to Innsbruck by train, bus, plane or car. For most travellers, the train is the easiest option because Innsbruck has excellent railway connections with Austria and neighbouring countries.
What is the best way to get to Innsbruck?
For most travellers, the train is the best way to get to Innsbruck. It’s comfortable, convenient and particularly scenic when travelling through the Alps.
What is the cheapest way to get to Innsbruck?
The bus is often the cheapest way to get to Innsbruck, especially for long-distance European journeys. FlixBus is a popular option among budget travellers.
How do you get to Innsbruck from Munich Airport?
You can travel from Munich Airport to Innsbruck by train or bus. The train generally takes around 2.5–3 hours, depending on the connection, and is the option I would recommend for comfort.
Can you get to Innsbruck from Vienna by train?
Yes. The train from Vienna to Innsbruck takes approximately 4–5 hours, depending on the connection. It’s a comfortable option if you’re travelling through Austria.
How do you get from Salzburg to Innsbruck?
The train is one of the easiest ways to travel from Salzburg to Innsbruck, with the journey taking roughly two hours depending on the service.
Can you get to Innsbruck from St. Anton by train?
Yes. St. Anton am Arlberg and Innsbruck are connected by train, and the journey takes roughly one hour, making it easy to visit both destinations during the same Austria trip.
Is Innsbruck easy to reach without a car?
Yes. Innsbruck is very easy to reach without a car. You can arrive by train, bus or plane and use public transport or walk once you’re in the city.
What airport is best for Innsbruck?
Innsbruck Airport (INN) is the closest airport to the city. However, Munich Airport can be a better option for international travellers because it has a much larger selection of flights and easy onward connections to Innsbruck.
