With an international train station in the heart of the alpine city, Innsbruck provides a unique opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to travel by rail. Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof train station is a hub for major European rail routes, enabling visitors from London St Pancras to be in the “Capital of the Alps” in approximately 12 hours, depending on the route.
From there the benefit of connectivity continues, with access to Innsbruck’s 13 ski resorts, all linked-up by free public transport through one ticket, with the Ski plus CITY Pass Stubai-Innsbruck. This includes Kühtai, the highest ski village in Austria, as well as Mutteralm, the family mountain in the picturesque village of Mutters, and Innsbruck’s own ski mountain, Nordkette, with incredible views of the cityscape from the slopes.
There’s also Axamer Lizum, offering 40km of slopes and nine lifts, including the 10-seater gondola Hoadlbahn, which opened last season and takes winter sports enthusiasts directly from the car park to the highest point of the ski area at 2,340m in just six minutes.
Austria’s largest glacier ski area, the Stubai Glacier, located 45 minutes from Innsbruck, is also included in the pass. It features 26 modern cable car and lift facilities and 35 easy to demanding slopes at a height of up to 3,210m above sea level.
Colette Verra, marketing manager of Innsbruck Tourism, said: “Innsbruck is a destination with fantastic rail links. As a result, arriving into the heart of the city centre is a relatively straightforward process. From there, ski and city break fans alike will find the Capital of the Alps Innsbruck offers a world of variety this winter. With a unique blend of urban and imperial attractions, and world-class ski credentials it has every ingredient for the perfect winter getaway.”
Train routes to Innsbruck
London to Innsbruck via Paris and Zurich
- Board the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, from here, transfer to a high-speed train to Zurich.
- Continue the journey from Zurich to Innsbruck, experiencing the scenic beauty of the Alpine region.
- Travel duration approximately 12-15 hours from London St Pancras.
London to Innsbruck via Brussels and Munich
- From London St Pancras, travellers can ride the Eurostar to Brussels, and from there transfer to the Nightjet sleeper train to Munich, where you can enjoy an overnight train surrounded by the Austrian Alps.
- Alternatively, travellers can get off the train at the border in Rosenheim and take a direct train to Innsbruck (approximately 1.5 hours).
- Travel duration for both routes approximately 14-16 hours from London to St Pancras.
London to Innsbruck via Amsterdam
- Board the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Central.
- From Amsterdam Central, there is a direct Nightjet from to Innsbruck approximate duration from London St Pancras via this route is 18 hours.
As well as access to the city by rail, Innsbruck has its own airport, which takes visitors to the city by public transport in just 10 mins. There are direct flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted. From there it’s an easy and seamless transition to the heart of the city, with the airport just a short journey away, serviced by a regular bus services.
An added benefit for public transport users is the Innsbruck Welcome Card, given out for free to travellers staying more than two nights at an Innsbruck partner establishment. The Welcome Card allows free public transport access across the region.
Image: Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (Credit: Innsbruck Tourismus/Markus Mair)