Fly into Innsbruck or a different airport and include a scenic train ride?

There are mountain views all around Innsbruck, so there are plenty of options. You can fly to Munich, Zürich or Vienna and take the train to Innsbruck with great views. I would not recommend Salzburg though, too small airport.

Thank you very much, will cross Salzburg off the list. Which airport would you recommend for the most scenic train journey into Innsbruck? Thanks

I would recommend Zürich to Innsbruck for scenic tour

Train Zürich to Vienna stops in Innsbruck after 3,5 hrs

Fantastic, thank you very much for your help

I'd look at Vienna or Zürich, they will both offer great views. Zürich might offer a bit better views, but if the flights to Vienna are cheaper that is not a bad choice.

We happened to fly an Austrian Air connection from Vienna (long ago, single transatlantic ticket) to Innsbruck, and it was a small commuter plane that few a tremendously scenic route between mountain ranges. I don't remember the train from Innsbruck to Salzburg, our second multiple-overnight of that trip. Trip was Innsbruck,Salzburg,Munich, Vienna, so no connection to home USA flight.

On my list (maybe next year) is the scenic route from Zurich to Innsbruck, the Arlberg Railway. Man in Seat 61 describes.

Before flying into Innsbruck, read up on this as it is supposedly one of those very, very difficult airports to land in during poor weather. Munich or Zurich may be better. Salzburg and Innsbruck appear to have direct flights to London; Munich and Zurich have international arrivals from the US.

I think Innsbruck is a wonderfully central location giving you lots of options for day trips, although with only 3 days, time may be a bit tight: Salzburg; Bolzano; Munich; Hall in Tirol; all the mountains surrounding Innsbruck; and of course, the scenic train to Zurich.

My suggestion is to fly into Munich, take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and further to Innsbruck via Seefeld, thereby crossing the mountains.

Outstanding is the last section, the scenic ride (of 36 minutes) between Seefeld and Innsbruck. The route is a technical masterpiece of 1912, the first fully electrified railway in Austria which set eventually the standards for electrification in Europe. Most spectacluar is the crossing of the Martinswand (Martin's Wall) where the track is "leaning" against a near vertical mountain cliff. (Make sure that you sit at a window on the right side of the train.)

You love it, or you hate it: Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Very often already discussed in this forum, in either way.

Thank you all very, very much - really very helpful information which helps a huge amount to plan our trip

Beautiful, but cold! I'd fly into Innsbruck, less travel hassle. For a scenic train ride, check out the one to the Zillertal valley. Stunning views, even in winter.