No car? No problem! Discover the Innsbruck region in an environmentally friendly way

Last updated on 07.05.2024

With its alpine-urban diversity, the Innsbruck region makes an ideal destination for a summer holiday – without having to use your own four wheels. The various mobility solutions mean that you won’t necessarily have to rely on a car in the Alpine metropolis: buses, trains, trams and more all offer flexible, climate-friendly ways to travel to and from the city and its surroundings.

By rail
Many roads lead to Innsbruck – but the most relaxing way to get to the capital of Tyrol is by train. In Austria itself, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and WESTbahn bring guests to the heart of the Alps in a straightforward, environmentally friendly way – several times a day. Travelling from Austria’s immediate neighbours – Germany, Italy and Switzerland – is just as convenient, while Innsbruck also has excellent (rail) connections to major cities further afield, such as Amsterdam. With its “Nightjet to the Mountains” offer, ÖBB also provides a special service for the summer holidays: in addition to a return ticket on the night train, the package includes transfers between station and accommodation in the region, plus a worldwide package for komoot, the outdoor and navigation app. So you can find your way to Innsbruck (literally) with your eyes closed – thus not only doing something good for the environment, but also for yourself.

In the city
If you really want to get to know Innsbruck, there is one big advantage: the short distances involved. Most of the sights are located very close to the city centre and can usually be reached easily and quickly on foot. For example, it’s just a few steps from the world-famous Golden Roof, shining brightly in the summer sun, to the Imperial Palace and its imposing staterooms where the Empress Sisi once walked. If you perhaps need a break from exploring or some assistance during your tour, the buses and trams of the Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe (IVB) or the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Sightseer can help. The latter stops at all the most important attractions –  simply hop on and off where and how you like. If you want yet more flexibility, we recommend the IVB’s “Stadtrad” bike hire service: with almost 500 bikes available at some 50 points around Innsbruck, they are ideal for discovering the city at your own pace and in your own way.

In the country
Even getting around outside of Innsbruck doesn’t mean relying on a car: in addition to the main railway station, there are three smaller stations within the city area, with regular services to numerous destinations in the region. The buses operated by the Verkehrsverbund Tirol (VVT) also serve a wide area, including the sun-kissed Mieming Plateau, where visitors can also take the summer activity bus: running daily from 29 June to 6 October to the municipalities of Mieming, Wildermieming and Obsteig, it brings guests to the most popular local destinations – free of charge. For those who prefer more of a sporting challenge, mountain bikes or e-bikes are available from the region’s hire centres, perfect for discovering the Alpine world surrounding Innsbruck.

In one go
The easiest way to take advantage of all these mobility services is the Welcome Card, available free of charge from partner businesses for stays of two nights or more. It includes free use of public transport within the Innsbruck region, including not only the IVB and VVT bus and train services, but also ÖBB regional trains and use of a Stadtrad city bike (for 24 hours). The Welcome Card also offers discounts on numerous attractions and experiences and opens the door to participation in the free summer activity programme, which includes a wide selection of guided hikes and e-bike tours.

Further information on climate-friendly travel to and from Innsbruck as well as stress-free local mobility in the Innsbruck region can be found online at: www.innsbruck.info/destination/umweltfreundliche-mobilitaet.html

About Innsbruck Tourismus
Innsbruck Tourismus is the official destination management organisation for the Innsbruck region, encompassing the capital of Tyrol and over 40 localities in the surrounding area, from the Inntal valley to the Mieming Plateau via Kühtai and as far as the Sellraintal valley. With almost 3.5 million overnight stays (as of 2019), the Innsbruck region is one of Austria’s largest tourism institutions – a unique symbiosis of pulsating urban space and fascinating Alpine world. The vibrant city atmosphere and sightseeing highlights are just a stone’s throw from your next biking or hiking tour, your next ski adventure or winter walk. The Welcome Card, free for visitors, is the key to the region’s boundless opportunities: public transport, usable at no cost, means that the area’s numerous highlights can be enjoyed both sustainably and comfortably. Visitor enjoyment is the focus of the thoughts and actions of each of the organisation’s 90 or so staff: they pass on their passion and enthusiasm for this alpine-urban space to guests, ensuring unforgettable holiday experiences for all in harmony with both people and nature. With a total of twelve tourist information offices, Innsbruck Tourismus can stay close to visitors, be right in the action and keep a finger on the pulse of events – a true hub for the authentic stories and personal impressions of local characters that can be found on the popular blog and social media channels at #myinnsbruck.

Further links
Blog: www.innsbruck.info/blog  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Innsbruck
Instagram: www.instagram.com/innsbrucktourism
Twitter: twitter.com/InnsbruckTVB  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/InnsbruckTVB
Pinterest: www.pinterest.at/innsbrucktvb/_created