Fastest ~1h50–2h by train
| 🚆 Train | ~1h50–2h | ÖBB railjet/IC, dips into Germany near Kufstein, hourly |
| 🚌 Bus | ~2h15–2h45 | FlixBus/PostBus, sometimes cheaper |
| 🚗 Car | ~2–2h30 | 190km via A10/A12, toll tunnels, scenic Inntal |
Planning this trip? Currency converter · Jet-lag calculator · Trip budget · Compare routes
Salzburg and Innsbruck are Austria's two most visited Alpine cities, and the journey between them ranks among the most scenic rail rides in Central Europe. The train threads through narrow valleys and past dramatic mountain scenery; the road follows a similar course but rewards those who want to stop. Here is everything you need to plan the crossing.
The quickest way: the ÖBB train
ÖBB railjet and InterCity trains connect Salzburg Hauptbahnhof and Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof in about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. There are departures roughly every hour or two throughout the day, making the schedule flexible enough for a day trip or an easy leg of a longer Austrian journey. Seat reservations are optional on most of these services.
The route runs west from Salzburg along the Salzach and Saalach valleys, dips briefly into Germany near Kufstein (this is a normal crossing and your passport or national ID card is worth having), then climbs into the Inntal (Inn valley) and continues west to Innsbruck. The section through the Inntal, with the Karwendel range rising steeply to the north, is outstanding.
Book through the ÖBB website for the best fares. Advance tickets are available and offer genuine savings, though on this domestic Austrian route fares are generally reasonable even close to departure. For details on using rail passes on ÖBB services, see our guide to seat reservations in Europe.
The cheapest way: coach
FlixBus and ÖBB's own PostBus network offer coach services on this corridor. Journey times are roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on the route and stops. Fares can be lower than the train, particularly for advance bookings. The bus is a genuine option if you are flexible on timing and want to keep costs down.
Flying
Innsbruck Airport has connections to major European hubs, but no meaningful scheduled flights link Salzburg directly to Innsbruck. The two airports are too close together (and the rail journey too short) to make flying a realistic option for this particular crossing. Ignore it.
The scenic way: driving
The drive from Salzburg to Innsbruck via the A10/A12 (Tauern Autobahn and Inntal Autobahn) is around 190 km and typically takes 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes without traffic — similar to the train, but with more flexibility for detours. The road passes through the Salzburger Lungau, over the Lueg Pass, and then follows the Inn valley westward through Kufstein and Wörgl. Spectacular scenery is the reward, particularly in the Inntal.
If you want to stop at the Krimml Waterfalls (Europe's highest waterfall, a short detour south from the main road), explore the Kitzbühel area, or spend time in the Zillertal valley, driving gives you that freedom. Bear in mind that Austrian motorways require a vignette and some tunnels charge separate tolls.
Toll tunnels in Austria: Several tunnels on the Tauern Autobahn route carry separate tolls in addition to the motorway vignette. The Tauern Tunnel and Katschberg Tunnel are the main ones. Expect to pay a few euros per tunnel in addition to your vignette cost.
Arriving in Innsbruck
Innsbruck's Hauptbahnhof is centrally located, within comfortable walking distance of the Altstadt and the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). The city is compact and easy to explore on foot; the surrounding mountains are dramatically close — a cable car from the edge of the old town reaches the Nordkette range within minutes. If you are arriving by car, the city centre has paid parking but the old town core itself is largely pedestrianised.
Which should you choose?
For most travellers the ÖBB train is ideal: you get outstanding Alpine scenery without the stress of mountain driving, arrive in the city centre, and save the cost and hassle of car hire or fuel. Choose the coach if you are on a tight budget. Drive if you want to explore the Tyrol or Salzburgerland more widely. See our overview of Austria by train for the full network context.
Tips for first-time visitors
Sit on the right-hand side of the train travelling from Salzburg to Innsbruck for the best views once the line enters the Inntal — the Karwendel range dominates that side of the carriage for much of the final hour. Because the route briefly crosses into Germany near Kufstein, having a passport or national ID card to hand is sensible even though checks are rare within Schengen; conductors occasionally ask for photo ID on this stretch as a formality. If you plan to break the journey, Kufstein itself is a pleasant small town with a hilltop fortress, easily seen in an hour or two between trains.
Luggage and comfort
ÖBB railjet trains have good overhead and end-of-carriage luggage space, comfortable for skis, hiking gear or standard suitcases alike — a real advantage on a route so popular with both winter-sports travellers and summer hikers. Business and first-class railjet seating offers extra space if you are carrying bulky equipment. Coaches on the FlixBus and PostBus network have underfloor holds but more limited capacity for oversized items such as ski bags, so check in advance if you are travelling with winter sports equipment by bus.
Common mistakes to avoid
Drivers sometimes forget that Austrian motorways require a prepaid vignette displayed in the windscreen — this is separate from any toll and is checked electronically, with on-the-spot fines for non-compliance, so buy one at a service station or online before joining the A10/A12 if your hire car does not already have one. It is also easy to underestimate the extra tunnel tolls on the Tauern Autobahn, which come on top of the vignette; budget a little extra cash or card payment for the Tauern and Katschberg tunnels rather than being caught out at the barrier.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Salzburg to Innsbruck take?
ÖBB railjet and IC trains cover the route in about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. Departures run roughly every hour or two throughout the day.
Does the train from Salzburg to Innsbruck pass through Germany?
Yes, the most direct rail route briefly passes through Bavaria near Kufstein. Both Austria and Germany are in the Schengen Area, so there are no routine passport checks, but it is worth having ID to hand.
Is there a scenic train between Salzburg and Innsbruck?
The main ÖBB route through the Inntal is already highly scenic. For a more deliberately leisurely journey, some travellers take the Zillertalbahn or other regional railways as detours along the way.
How much does the Salzburg–Innsbruck train cost?
Fares vary by how far in advance you book. Advance Sparschiene tickets on ÖBB are cheapest; flexible tickets cost more. Even on-the-day prices on domestic Austrian routes are generally reasonable.