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Scenic Alps Train Basel to Salzburg?

We are interested in a scenic train ride through the Bavarian Alps between Basel, Switzerland, and Salzburg, Austria, in mid May of next year. Would anyone know the length of the journey, how scenic it is, recommended overnight stay or just head straight on, and an approximate cost? Or could you recommend a site that would help us with our plans? Appreciate any details or suggestions.

Posted by
19637 posts

There really are no trains through the Bavarian Alps West to East. Take the train to Zurich then change to the Austrian Railjet to Salzburg. This is reasonably scenic route through Eastern Switzerland to the long Arlberg Tunnel then along the Inn river with mountains on either side of the valley.

www.sbb.ch.en for schedule and tickets.

Posted by
8889 posts

The direct route is very scenic.
The answer to the other questions is the ÖBB (Austrian railways) website: https://www.oebb.at/en/

Just enter Basel to Salzburg, and date an time.
Choose the options that only have one change and take 6½ hours. NOT the longer route via Munich

Tickets are cheaper the earlier you buy. You get a "self-print" ticket e-mailed to you.

Posted by
8091 posts

Many travelers don't realize that Basel (and Zurich) are not in the mountains. Basel is on the Swiss border just west of the Black Forest. I agree with above to take a train to Zurich and catch a train through Tirol in Austria--just south of Germany's Bavaria. East and west of Innsbruck is full of big, beautiful mountains.