Exploring The Austrian Alps: Travel Guide And Tips

The Austrian Alps cover a large proportion of Austria, with over 150 mountain summits that are over 3,150 meters. The highest point in the Austrian Alps is Grossglockner. As the Alps cover such a large area, it is best to decide where exactly you want to go and then look for rail, road, or air links to get there. The cheapest way to get to the Austrian Alps is by bus, while the fastest way is to fly and then take a bus to your destination. If you are looking for flexibility and ease of travel, a car is usually the best mode of transport.

Getting to the Austrian Alps by plane

The Austrian Alps are served by three main entry airports: Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna, as well as the smaller airport in Linz. These airports offer direct flights from the UK and other major cities worldwide. For example, British Airways offers flights from London Heathrow to Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna. Austrian Airlines, Austria's largest carrier, operates a global network of over 130 destinations and 220 daily flights, with its hub at Vienna International Airport.

If you are travelling from the United States, you can find direct flights to Vienna from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York/JFK, Newark, Washington, D.C., and Boston. The average price for a one-way plane ticket from the United States to the Austrian Alps is around $951. The flight distance from Washington Dulles International Airport to Innsbruck Airport is 4269 miles, while the distance from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Innsbruck is 4546 miles, and from John F. Kennedy International Airport, it is 4044 miles.

If you plan to visit the western regions of Austria, such as Tirol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg, you may consider flying into Zurich, Switzerland, or Munich, Germany, as alternatives. These airports have almost identical flight times to Vienna and offer additional carrier options such as Etihad, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Swiss. From Munich and Zurich, you can take advantage of direct train connections to any major city in Austria provided by ÖBB, the Austrian National Railways.

Additionally, Munich and Friedrichshafen, Germany, are both within a short driving distance of the Austrian Alps, offering low-cost routes to your holiday destination. Friedrichshafen, in particular, is a great gateway to the western Austrian ski resorts of Vorarlberg, such as Montafon, Arlberg, and Lech.

Getting to the Austrian Alps by train

Austria offers some of the most beautiful train rides in Europe. You can enjoy panoramic views of the soaring Alps, glimmering mountain lakes, rolling vineyards and green valleys. Here is a guide on how to get to the Austrian Alps by train.

From London

If you are starting your journey in London, you can take the Eurostar Snow Train from London St Pancras to Brussels, and then change trains to travel to Cologne, Germany. From there, you can take a local train across the Austrian border to Wörgl and into the Austrian Alps.

From Vienna

If you are already in Austria, you can take a train from Vienna to either Puchberg am Schneeberg or Semmering to reach the Austrian Alps. The Semmering line is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers gorgeous views. The journey takes less than 3 hours and is covered by the Global Pass.

From Salzburg

If you are in Salzburg, the Alps are easily accessible. You can take a train to Zell am See, Schladming-Dachstein, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, or other destinations in the region. These train journeys usually take less than 2 hours and offer spectacular views.

From Innsbruck

If you are in Innsbruck, you are already in the heart of the Austrian Alps. You can easily reach popular spots like Stubai and Kühtai. Additionally, you can take the southern route via Bischofshofen to explore ancient covered bridges, emerald rivers, hilltop monasteries, and restored castles. This route usually takes about 3.5 hours and offers breathtaking scenery.

From Munich

If you are travelling from Munich, you can take the Munich-Innsbruck railway to reach the Austrian Alps. This route will take you through the German territory before entering Austria.

So, whether you are starting your journey in London or already in Austria, there are several options to reach the Austrian Alps by train. Enjoy the stunning scenery, explore charming towns, and experience the beauty of the Austrian Alps.

Getting to the Austrian Alps by bus

If you are travelling from Vienna, you can take a BlaBlaCar Bus from Vienna International Busterminal (VIB) to Courmayeur. This bus runs once daily and costs between $70 and $100. The journey takes approximately 16 and a half hours. You can also take a bus from Vienna to the Eastern Alps via Erdberg, Zob, Chur, and St. Moritz. This journey takes around 15 hours.

If you are travelling from Innsbruck, you can take a bus from outside the train station. There is also a bus that runs to Pertisau on one shore of Lake Achensee, and then back up the other shore away from the hills.

Travellers short on time in Austria can take a six-hour private bus tour from Salzburg to the Austrian lake country, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt.

Getting to the Austrian Alps from Salzburg

Salzburg is a gateway to the Austrian Alps and is surrounded by mountains. The closest mountains that are part of the Alps are located in Golling, which is half an hour by train from Salzburg. If you want to reach a mountain top in Golling, you will have to hike. The further south you go from Salzburg, the larger the mountains.

There are several ways to get to the Austrian Alps from Salzburg. You can take a train to the south of the city, which will take you right into the Alps. Alternatively, you can take a bus into the Salzkammergut, which is considered a pre-alpine zone with mountains just as impressive as the Alps.

If you are interested in visiting the historic Eagle's Nest, you can take a bus and elevator ride from the town centre. The departure point is only a few minutes from the Kempinski Berchtesgaden, a luxurious spa hotel set in the mountains above the town.

There are also direct trains from Salzburg to Zell am See, and you can take the 840 bus from Salzburg to Gasthof Kugelmühle and walk up the river to Almbachklamm.

For those looking to travel further, the small town of Kaprun in the Austrian Alps is a popular destination. It offers a range of activities, including downhill skiing, mountain hiking, and the Maisiflitzer Alpine Coaster. To get to Kaprun, you can take a train from Salzburg to Zell am See, and then take Bus #660. The total travel time is just under 3 hours.

If you are looking for a day trip, Hallstatt, a pretty lake town, is a popular option. You can take a guided tour and learn about the history of the region, walk along the lake, see the Muhlbach Waterfall, and visit the museums, including the famous "Bone House".

Another option for a day trip is Munich, which is an hour and a half away by car or train. You can enjoy the Old Town, the farmer's market Viktualienmarkt, and the Munich Residenz, a royal quarters-turned-museum.

Finally, for those who want to explore the Bavarian Alps, there are private tours that offer round-trip transport and take you to Eagle's Nest, Berchtesgaden Salt Mines, and Lake Königssee.

Getting to the Austrian Alps from Vienna

The Austrian Alps are a beautiful sight to behold, and Vienna is a great starting point for your journey. The distance between Vienna and the Alps is approximately 584 miles, so you may want to consider the different options available to you before you set off.

By Train

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get to the Austrian Alps from Vienna, taking the train is a good option. The Schneeberg mountain range is easily reachable by train from Vienna. You can take an express train (RailJet or EuroCity) from Vienna's main station to Wr. Neustadt, and then change to a local train to Puchberg am Schneeberg. The total journey time is around 1 hour and 25 minutes. From there, you can either hike to the summit or take the cog railway to Austria's highest train station, which will take around 42 minutes.

You can also take a train to the Swiss Alps from Vienna, which takes around 12 hours and costs $210-$350. This route includes transfers and takes you through Zurich, Lausanne, and Martigny.

By Bus

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to get to the Austrian Alps from Vienna, with tickets costing between $70 and $110. However, the journey is quite long, taking around 16 hours.

By Plane

If you're looking for a faster way to get to the Alps, flying may be a good option. The fastest route is to fly and then take a bus, which takes around 6 hours and 42 minutes. However, this option can be quite expensive, costing between $95 and $300.

By Car

If you have access to a car, driving to the Swiss Alps from Vienna is an option. The driving distance is approximately 493 miles, and the journey takes around 7 hours and 55 minutes. This option offers more flexibility and freedom to stop and explore along the way, but it can be costly, with estimated expenses ranging from $150 to $230.

Other Options

For those looking for a more scenic route, there are several other options available. One suggestion is to take a cable car from Chamonix to the Aiguille du Midi mountain in the French Alps, which offers stunning views of Mont Blanc. Alternatively, you can visit the ski area of Flaine in the Haute Savoie region, which is known for its excellent snow record and modern, car-free resort.

No matter which option you choose, remember to plan ahead, especially if you're taking public transportation, as prices for train tickets can vary significantly depending on the time of booking and the train's departure time.

Frequently asked questions