We’re flying into Munich in late August arrive around noon, need to take a train to Innsbruck same day. With luggage, we don’t want to change trains, so the direct train and not the scenic route seems the better option. We are looking for recommendations for 1st class, 2nd class, purchase in advance, etc. After a three day stay, we’re taking the train from Innsbruck to Basel and have the same questions. Thx
No direct trains from Munich airport to Innsbruck. You will have to change trains, most likely at Munich Ost.
Same for Innsbruck to Basel, you will have to change trains at Zurich Hbf.
You might be able to make the 1:04 pm S-8 to Munich Ost, but that seems tight, and there is only 9 minute change time to make the EC train to Innsbruck. You also have to change from Track 1 to Track 8 using the underground passage. The next EC train to Innsbruck is 2 hours later, so you should be able to make that provided your plane arrives on time or an hour late. You can take the first S-8 to Munich Ost and wait there for your train. Munich Ost has restaurants and places to buy snacks and drinks for the train to Innsbruck. If you feel lucky, you could buy tickets for two now for 63.80 EUR nonrefundable, but the walk up fare is 99.40 EUR for two.
You can definitely buy advance nonrefundable tickets for Innsbruck to Basel
I went to college in Innsbruck, and have returned many times. Do yourself a favor and rent a car while you're in Innsbruck. We like to go up on the mountain and travel from village to village on day trips.
We also love taking the Grossglockner High Alpine Highway over the second highest mountain road in Europe. It's just south of Zell-am-See and the south side of the mountain is perhaps the most beautiful place we've ever seen. It's a full day's trip--coming back through Cortina, Italy thru the Brenner Pass into Innsbruck.