Bike carriage with public transport in Tirol
With ÖBB (Austrian Rail) express trains
Bicycles can be transported easily on long-distance Austrian Federal Railway (ÖBB) passenger trains. These include the ÖBB Railjet, Eurocity and Intercity trains. When transporting bikes on express trains, however, a space for them must be reserved prior to your trip, for which Euro 3.50 is charged. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance at the ticket counters of major railway stations, or by telephone via the ÖBB Service Centre. Only Euro 3 is charged if you make your reservation via the ÖBB-App or online.
Bicycle transport costs 10% of the ticket price, with a minimum fee of Euro 2. Depending on the length of your cycling holiday, however, it may be cheaper to buy a weekly or monthly bicycle pass. Tickets must be purchased before boarding the train, which is possible via the ÖBB app, online, at the ticket counter or from ticket machines. Please note: at first glance, it is quite a challenge to find bicycle tickets on ÖBB ticket machines.
Regional train connections
ÖBB (Austrian Rail) local public transport is particularly bicycle-friendly. There is space for up to 20 bicycles on regional trains, regional express services and the S-Bahn (suburban railway). Bike transport generally presents no problem at all, as long as you don’t attempt to start your tour at the rush hour and there is consequently no room on the train. It is not necessary to make a reservation on these routes and the same tariff regulations apply as on long-distance trains. There are also special offers for small groups, such as the “Einfach-Raus-Radticket (Getaway Ticket).”
Buses with bike transport: Huckepackbus – Piggy Back Bus
The Huckepackbus Landeck-Nauder bus with bike trailer (capacity for 16 bikes) shuttles four times daily between Landeck and Nauders. Moreover, up to 5 bicycles or e-bikes can be transported on the 210 bus route. Costs: 5 Euro per bike.
Bike transport in Ötztal
Scheduled bus services on the route from Imst/Haiming to Obergurgl are equipped with special bicycle trailers. Cycle transport can be used free of charge at designated bus stops, in conjunction with a valid bus ticket. Reservations are required for large groups (15 people or 5 bicycles).
Lechtal Valley cycle and hiking bus
Cyclists and hikers can use the cycle and hiking bus in the Lech Valley, which provides easy transport from one village to the next. Buses with cycle racks can carry up to 5 bikes. However, they cannot accommodate e-bikes.
Buses with bike trailers have the capacity to transport a maximum of 23 bicycles, which also includes e-bikes, and costs 5 Euro per bike.
Tip: Use of the cycling and hiking buses to Lech am Arlberg is included in the Lechtal Active Card.
Summer & hiking buses in the Zugspitz Arena
Sports lovers with a valid guest card or Z-ticket can use the hiking buses throughout the Zugspitz Arena free of charge. Guests can also take advantage of the bus service from Ehrwald via Grainau to Garmisch-Partenkirchen until 31st October 2018. Bicycles are transported free of charge. Timetables can be found on this page.
Bike-friendly trams in Innsbruck
The Stubaital Valley is a veritable paradise for mountain bikers, and right on Innsbruck’s doorstep. The „Stubaitalbahn“ tram provides comfortable transport from Innsbruck via Natters, Mutter and Telfes to Fulpmes. Bicycles are carried free of charge and reservation is not necessary. The area around Igls is also ideal for bikers and is accessible hourly from Innsbruck on bus route number 6.
Passengers on the bus line J can also transport bicycles (no reservation required) if the space is not needed for wheelchairs or children’s buggies. The J line operates every ten minutes. Downhill bikes can be transported using the bike rack on the back of the bus (but only on buses travelling towards the Nordkette mountains).
Achenseebahn Steam Train
The road up to the Achental Valley is often very busy, especially at weekends. Achenseebahn Steam Train offers attractive alternative transport to Tirol’s largest lake. Bike transport costs Euro 6. Reservations are required for larger biker groups. Individual travellers are also asked to provide advance information when bike transport is required.
Achensee-Ship
Space permitting, bicycles can be transported on Achenseeschiffahrt GmbH ships. You pay half the regular fare for bikes and and bicycle trailers, children’s bicycles cost Euro 2. It is not possible to reserve bike space.
Zillertalbahn Railway
The Zillertalbahn Railway is particularly bike friendly: bikes for every age group, helmets and child seats can be hired at the stations. Rental bikes are transported free of charge. Your own bike will also be transported free of charge if you load and unload it yourself and there is sufficient space available. Bike transport on Zillertalbahn steam trains costs Euro 2. Prior reservation is not necessary.
Gerlos Hiking Bus
The bus shuttles between Zell am Ziller, Gerlos and Königsleiten and can only be used free of charge in conjunction with a valid ArenaScheck – bicycle transport is included on the route.
Off to East Tirol: Bike transport in Felbertauern
The Felbertauernstrasse is only suitable for experienced cyclists and no-one is allowed to cycle through the Felbertauern Tunnel. Felbertauernstrasse AG therefore offers a bike shuttle service. The shuttle service is available around the clock by phone, reservations are not necessary. Costs for up to 6 persons with bikes: Euro 18. Phone number: +43.4875.8806-11.
Drau Cycle Path
Cyclists who do not fancy pedalling the entire 366 kilometres of the Drau Cycle Path can simply complete the tour in stages. ÖBB trains are easily accessible at all times. Austrian Federal Railway tariffs and conditions apply.
Additional tip: The Cycling Route Planner for Tirol
„Radrouting Tirol“ is an extremely helpful app for planning the best tour for you. Optimal connections can be viewed and filtered by type with the interactive map: from pleasure cyclists, to mountain bikers, road racers, e-bikers and long-distance cyclists. Public transport links can be integrated into the connection search.
Useful link
Having worked overseas for years, Klaus Brunner returned home to explore Tirol with his camera and microphone in tow. Home is where the heart is.
