Private car transfer from Munich to Innsbruck

Views of Munich's Gothic spires in the rearview mirror mark the end of the German getaway and the beginning of your Austrian adventure. The famous autobahns without speed limits will get you from a concrete jungle to towering alpine woodlands in the blink of an eye.

Southern Bavarian hills climb higher and higher as you approach the Austrian frontier. As you glide across the natural frontier, the views become even more surreal as clusters of trees cling to the side of the soaring Alps mountain range. In winter, a coating of snow transforms the vibrant greenery into a winter wonderland.

Due to the mountainous terrain surrounding your vehicle, Innsbruck will instantly appear through the unspoiled nature. Once the colorful medieval town is just an arm's reach from your window, you can exit, inhale crisp country air, and begin the new chapter of your European escape.

Flexibility is the secret ingredient to discovering roadside gems and an unforgettable experience traveling from Munich to Innsbruck. Our in-depth travel guide explains which mode of transport can offer you this trait and every other way you can embark on this voyage.

Innsbruck lies along the River Inn, almost 1,900 feet above sea level. Its altitude and position beneath the European Alps explain why it's so famous today. But it's also why it has such an extensive and prosperous past!

Early Innsbruck

Mankind has lived around Innsbruck since the Stone Age. Although the Romans established a military post in the 4th century, the Bavarian counts of Andech first mentioned a town here in 1180.

Innsbruck officially earned town status in 1237, and less than a century later, the Habsburg Empire swallowed it up in its crusade through central Europe. Emperor Maximilian named Innsbruck as his imperial capital. As a result, the town flourished financially and culturally.

In the 19th century, Innsbruck once again swapped rulers and was now under the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. By WW2, Austria had formed a sovereign nation, but Allied air raids damaged much of the town and notable buildings such as the Innsbruck Cathedral.

Modern Innsbruck

Today, Innsbruck is a nature lover's parade. It gained its reputation after the city hosted two Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. Both were a success and attracted outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies from across the globe.

Innsbruck is still a hotspot for adventure seekers despite not hosting an Olympics in almost 50 years. The alpine flair, majestic snow-capped Alps, and top-class skiing infrastructure ensure the city will never disappear from the limelight.

The pristine nature taking center stage leaves most tourists pleasantly surprised when they arrive downtown. A wash of beautiful baroque buildings combine to create one of Europe's most charming cities. The cobbled lanes and medieval taverns sheltered beneath the looming mountains create a fairy tale atmosphere difficult to imagine.

• Language: German
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Climate: humid continental
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and F
• Fun fact: Almost 2,500 feet above the city, Innsbruck Alpine Zoo is the highest zoo in Europe!

Know the similarities

Traveling in Europe can feel confusing. One minute, you're speaking Italian and using euros. Next, you're communicating in Polish and paying in Polish zloty.

Fortunately, Germany and Austria have many similarities, such as talking in German, using the euro, sharing a similar food scene, and tipping cultures. Knowing the likenesses will put your mind at ease and help you relax while traveling.

Spin a storybook adventure

Germany and Austria are no strangers to castles and palaces. Both are fairytale symbols, and luckily, there are countless treasures en route from Munich to Innsbruck.

Begin at Neuschwanstein Castle, the castle Disney used as the inspiration for its Magical Kingdom. Then, visit the idyllic lanes of Kufstein that'll lead you to the eerie alleys of its fortress dominating the town before traveling back in time to the elegant Tratzberg Chateau.

Check the weather

Blue skies and sunshine in Bavaria don't guarantee pleasant weather when traveling from Munich to Innsbruck. The jagged European Alps can create unpredictable weather, especially during the cold months.

If you plan to explore the fascinating landmarks en route, you should pack a light pack with some essentials, such as waterproof clothing and umbrellas, in case of a sudden shower. The last thing you want is to sit in a vehicle with damp clothes on vacation.

Buses from Munich to Innsbruck

If you're traveling on a budget, look no further than the bus from Munich to Innsbruck. It's the cheapest way to travel with budget bus firm Flixbus operating on this route, offering daily services with modern conveniences like wifi and restrooms.

The journey is straightforward. You'll travel from Munich Central Bus Station to Innsbruck Südbahnstraße on a direct coach. From here, it's only a 15-minute walk to Innsbruck Market Square. You can purchase a ticket online through Flixbus 30 days before departing for the lowest fares.

• Cheapest bus cost: $12 (€11)
• Average bus cost: $24 (€22)
• Quickest bus duration: 2 hours and 9 minutes
• Longest bus duration: 2 hours and 35 minutes
• First bus departure: 5 AM
• Last bus departure: 11:15 PM

Trains from Munich to Innsbruck

The train is by far the most scenic mode of transport from Munich to Innsbruck. It's also a balance between a budget-friendly and a luxurious option, which is why it's the most popular method. But note that it's in high demand with interrail users during the summer.

Austrian-operated OBB and German-operated Deutsche Bahn both offer direct services on this line. Multiple daily connections run from Munich Hbf to Innsbruck Hbf, but any indirect carriage requires a quick transfer to Kufstein. Both stations are centrally located, so you don't have to organize taxis or jump on a bus with luggage to the city center.

• Cheapest train cost: $14 (€12.50)
• Average train cost: $34 (€31)
• Fastest train duration: 1 hour and 44 minutes
• Longest train duration: 4 hours and 32 minutes
• First train departure: 12:56 AM
• Last train departure: 11:51 PM

Daytrip from Munich to Innsbruck

Daytrip's door-to-door service is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Munich to Innsbruck. Due to our flexible schedule, you decide when you want your professional driver to collect you at your hotel in Germany, help with your luggage, and whisk you directly to your new one in Austria.

As you drive along admiring the vistas with your seat reclined in a tranquil setting, the flexibility of our optional sightseeing stops allows you to explore en route. Rosenheim will provide an excellent break from the road if you want to experience a Bavarian town without tourists or to refuel with traditional cuisine. To soak up some culture, visit the Herrenchiemsee Palace or head down to the silver mine in Schwaz before jumping back into the car and finishing your voyage!

• Seats from: $56 (€51)
• English-speaking driver
• Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
• Equipped for kids, pets, groups, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 responsive customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing!

Explore Ambras Castle

Ambras Castle is a Renaissance gem perched upon a hill overlooking Innsbruck's rainbow-colored historical quarter. The castle holds an extensive art collection, including the Chamber of Art and Curiosities, which houses a mix of artifacts, armor, and portraits.

The Spanish Hall's stunning wood-paneled ceiling and frescoes make it one of the most beautiful Renaissance halls worldwide. The onsite gardens are also a peaceful place for a stroll or a break on a busy day of sightseeing.

Ascent to Nordkette Mountain Range

Nordkette Mountain Range stands nearly 7,550 feet (2,301 m) above Innsbruck, offering the most scenic city views. You can ascend to the top by cable car and capture stunning videos for well-deserved likes on Instagram!

If you can pull yourself away from the magical views from the summit, you can participate in what put this city on the travel map: winter sports! Ski or snowboard through the white powder crunching under your feet before unwinding with a hot beverage at the Seegrube Restaurant!

Marvel at the Golden Roof

The Golden Roof is the most iconic symbol of Innsbruck. Nikolaus Turing the Elder constructed this lavish feature in the 15th century dedicated to Emperor Maximilian and Bianca Maria's wedding. He adored almost 2,700 fire-gilded copper tiles over their balcony when sitting out and admiring the square below.

You can marvel at the Golden Roof for free or learn more about its rich history within the museum. If you're traveling as a family, you'll be glad to know that puzzles are inside to keep kids entertained.

Visit Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace doesn't get the same attention as the Golden Roof. But its slick baroque architecture and vivid ceiling fresco are just as impressive!

Many experts consider Hofburg Palace one of the three most culturally significant buildings nationwide. On a guided tour, you can admire Sisi's imperial flat or visit the museum highlighting the history of the Habsburg dynasty and their influence on the region.

Innsbruck transforms into a winter wonderland from December to February. A thick blanket of white snow covers the lush greenery beneath, and the light powder in the mountains allows thriller seekers to ski, snowboard, or even sled down the world-class facilities.

The city center also has a magical ambiance in the winter. The smell of hot mulled wine hovers through the icy air, and the bright lights of one of Europe's best Christmas markets contrast the pitch-black sky, which appears as early as 4:30 PM. This is also the perfect period to sample the traditional cuisine categorized by hearty dishes and hot strudels!