Prettiest train route from Zurich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

By train, you can take a direct Railjet train from Zurich to Innsbruck, then connect to the train over the mountains to Garmisch. That is actually the fastest way by train and there is only 1 train change. There is the long Arlberg Tunnel to pass through. The route up to the entrance is quite scenic.

I did the route in reverse from Garmisch to Zurich a few years ago. We went on the route through Innsbruck. The ride from Garmisch to Innsbruck is particularly scenic. In addition, we had one of those special moments you sometimes get traveling. Two older couples were seated nearby and began to sing together some German folk songs. They were friends enjoying the view and inspired to sing about it. It was lovely.

Thanks, everybody!

We won't be driving, since this is our first European trip and that sounds a little intimidating.

And since we're not driving, the route through Innsbruck sounds nicest.

Are there many busses/trains from Garmisch for exploring the area?

Hey,

Public transit is very good around Garmisch, you don't need a car.

Here is all you need to know about taking the train from Zürich to Innsbruck:

https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/zurich-to-innsbruck-via-the-arlberg-railway.htm

The best train to take is the Transalpin EC(=Eurocity) departing Zürich at 8:40(perfect time, not too early, not too late) and splurge for the 1st class observation car.

https://www.oebb.at/en/regionale-angebote/steiermark/alpenüberquerung-panoramawagen.html

Awesome. Thanks so much!