Compared to other alpine regions Innsbruck is pretty easy to reach – no matter whether you’re driving, taking the train or hopping on a plane. The capital city of Tirol – one of Austrians nine states – has it’s own international airport, is well connected with other large cities by train and is right next to the North-South highway that runs from Germany to Italy.
How To Get To Innsbruck By Air: Flights To Innsbruck
Not the best choice climate wise, but depending on were you are boarding maybe the cheapest & fastest way to get to the alps. The official letters for Innsbruck airport are INN and you’ll find direct flights from for example Vienna, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg London and Manchester in winter.
Innsbruck Airport
Innsbruck airport ist pretty small and you certainly won’t get lost. There is a small Mpreis supermarket and a Ruetz bakery as well as a cafe in the arrival/departure hall before going through security. After security you’ll find a small duty free shop for last minute gifts. Check out the second floor if you’re waving someone goodbye or waiting on a plane to land – the view from the terrace onto the airfield is great!
How to get from Innsbruck Airport to the Train Station
You can either catch a taxi (no Lift or Uber in Innsbruck) right in front of the train station or take the bus F which takes you directly to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof Innsbruck). Depending on traffic, it will probably take you a few minutes more with the bus but if you’re not in a rush the bus really is the best way to get around! Bus tickets can be bought at the machine and are currently 2,70€ each.
How to get from Innsbruck Airport to the City Center
The bus „F“ leaves in front of the arrival gate and takes you directly to the city center. For a stroll to the golden rooftop and the old city center you best get off at Anichstrasse/Rathausgalerien.
How to get from Innsbruck Airport to St Anton
There are several transfer services available and it’s best if you book them in advance – your accommodation will know which one is the best. The ride takes about 1-1,5 hours from the airport depending on traffic.
That said: St Anton is easy to reach by train. The trains run every 1-2 hours and leave at the main station (see above on how to get from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof Innsbruck). Train tickets from Innsbruck airport to St. Anton am Arlberg will cost you 18,40€ – you can by the ticket on tickets.vvt.at and they’ll include the bus ride to the train (14 zones in Tirol). Depending on the connection the transfer will take you about 2,5 hours.
How to get from Innsbruck Airport to Solden
There are several shuttle transfers available and it’s best if you book them in advance – your accommodation will know which one is the best. The ride takes about 1 to 1,5 hours from the airport to Sölden.
Going to Sölden by public transport is also an option. Catch the F bus to the main train station (see above) and jump on a train to Ötztal-Bahnhof. The bus 8352 (direction: Obergurgl Zentrum) usually leaves a few minutes after the arrival of the train and will take about an hour to get to Sölden. The ticket costs 18,40€ per person (14 zones on tickets.vvt.at). Depending on the connection it will take you around 2,5 hours.
How to get to Innsbruck by Train
The best way by far is to arrive in Innsbruck by train. Innsbruck is well connected with Vienna, Munich, Zurich and Verona. The main train station Hauptbahnhof Innsbruck is a 10-15 minute walk away from the city center and lockers are available to store your luggage. There is a Mpreis supermarket and Ruetz bakery to get some takeaway for when you hop on the train. Our suggestion is to get some delicious sushi from Jiang (ground level).
Travel times on trains to Innsbruck
Travel times (fasted connections shown)
- Innsbruck-Munich on train takes 1:50
- Innsbruck-Vienna on train takes 4:15
- Innsbruck-Zurich on train takes 3:30
- Innsbruck-Verona on train takes 3:30
How to get to Innsbruck by car
Innsbruck is right next the highway that connects Austria east to west. From the east you enter Tirol via Kufstein (coming from Munich or Salzburg), from the west you go through the Arlberg tunnel (toll). If you come from the South, you’ll enter Tirol at the Brenner pass.
Do I need a vignette or section toll to get to Innsbruck?
To take the Autobahn you’ll a Vignette, which is available at gas stations for 10 days, 3 months or a year. Brenner Autobahn is a special toll highway, so you’ll need to pay extra from Innsbruck to Brenner (heading to or from Italy).
You could technically skip the highway and stick to the smaller roads, which are very narrow and windy. BUT in summer it’s actually forbidden to do so to avoid massive traffic jams. If you want to avoid them and help prevent them you best buy your Vignette AND toll online in advance. The vignette needs to be bought 18 days in advance before your trip!
The section toll for A13 Brennerautobahn can be activated right away. With the digital toll you can take the fast (Digitale Maut) lane at the toll booths! Buy them online on shop.asfinag.at.
Further readings about Innsbruck
Make sure you read my other posts on Tirol:
- 10 spots that prove that Tirol is as spectacular as you think it is
- How Innsbruck got it’s name
- Where to stop for coffee in Innsbruck
- Innsbruck in winter: 10 things we only do in wintertime
- What to buy in Innsbruck: The best souvenirs from Innsbruck
- How to build your own skis
- Where to find the best pizza in Innsbruck
