The Stubai Valley lies just 20–30 km south of Innsbruck – and that’s the decisive advantage. The arrivals are easier than almost any other large hiking area in Tyrol. No Brenner, no toll road into the main valley, no traffic congestion like before the Großglockner.
Stubai Railway – the most beautiful arrival
The Stubai Railway is one of the oldest streetcars in Austria and has been in operation since 1904 from Innsbruck to Fulpmes. The start is the South Tyrolean Square directly at the Innsbruck main station - no transfer, no searching.
- Travel time: approximately 55 minutes to Fulpmes
- Schedule: hourly, more frequently during peak hours
- Ticket: with the VVT ticket or Tyrol ticket, including in many hotel guest cards
- Bike: Bicycles can be taken (except during rush hours)
The Stubai Railway ends in Fulpmes - who wants to go to Neustift or further into the valley changes to the Stubai Valley Bus.
Stubai Valley Bus - the backbone of public transportation
The Stubai Valley Bus (lines 590–594) connects Innsbruck Main Station directly to all valley towns up to Mutterberg:
- Innsbruck HBF → Schönberg → Mieders → Telfes → Fulpmes → Neustift → Ranalt → Mutterberg
- Travel time: approximately 50 min to Neustift, approximately 70 min to Mutterberg
- Schedule: hourly to twice hourly, more frequently during the summer
- Fare: cheaper VVT tariff
In the summer, the bus is often full - an early start is worth it. Bicycles are only taken on designated bike buses.
By car – fast, flexible, but with compromises
From Innsbruck over the B183, the Stubai Valley is accessible in about 25-35 minutes (depending on the destination). No toll road in the main valley – the route to Mutterberg is open to all vehicles.
Where it gets tight: Parking in Neustift in high summer. The car parks at Elferbahn and Pinnistal fill up early. Those coming after 9 am have trouble.
Recommendation: Early start (before 8 am) or public transportation to avoid parking stress completely.
What’s worth it?
| Arrival | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Stubai Railway | Cozy, historic, no parking | Only to Fulpmes |
| Bus | Cheap, up to Mutterberg | Sometimes full |
| Car | Flexible, luggage no problem | Parking in summer difficult |
For day-hikers without heavy luggage: Bus or Stubai Railway. For multi-day tours with a fully packed backpack: Drive to the starting point by car, then on foot.
The Stubai Valley is publicly accessible like hardly any other hiking area in Tyrol. The excuse “you can’t get there” is not valid here.