Where is Kitzbϋhel Austria?

Kitzbuehel ski resort is predominantly in the Tyrol (Tirol) state of Austria midway between the wonderful cities of Innsbruck & Salzburg. The resort has increased in size over the years as it interconnects with other ski regions & now stretches across the range to the Pinzgau valley & the state of Salzburg (Salzburgerland) beyond Pass Thurn to Hollersbach-im-Pinzgau.

By road, Kitzbuhel is only 127km (2hr in winter) south of Munich, 83km (1½hr) south-west of Salzburg & 91km (1½hr) east of Innsbruck. However, the resort has numerous railway stations close by & hence the train is the recommended mode of travel to the area, which also assists to POW (Protect Our Winters).

Airports & Flights

The best international gateway airport for Kitzbuhel is Munich (MUC), plus either Salzburg (SZG) or Innsbruck (INN) for those coming from within Europe or UK. The train of a private transfer can be utilised to travel to Kitzbuhel from Munich airport. If looking to rent a car, we recommend doing so in one of the Austrian cities or airports.

Search & book here for flights to Munich or another European airport.

Train Transport

The ski resort can easily be accessed by train, with travel times often better than by car. Three stations in the Tirol sector are near the ski lifts at Kitzbuhel main, Kitzbϋhel Hahnenkamm & Kirchberg in Tirol. In the Salzburgerland sector of the resort, a Pinzgau local railway station at Mittersill is close to the Hollersbach-im-Pinzgau gondola base, via the train station at Zell am See.

Travel times on the train from Munich airport can be less than 3hr via Wörgl Hbf. From Innsbruck central station (15min from the airport) travel times are between 1¼hr & 1¾hr depending on the service. From Salzburg station, the best service is the regional train (direction Wörgl Hbf), taking less than 2½hr via Zell am See. It goes through some splendid towns & countryside too! Services vary by type (EC, IC, RJX, REX), but essentially the differences are in the number of stations they stop at (EC are fewer than REX!), price (EC cost more than REX), time, plus whether they require a change at Wörgl Hbf.

The excellent Austrian railways (OBB) Railjet train service runs to Kitzbuhel & Kirchberg in Tirol from either Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Zurich. The train has a full restaurant service & is a pleasurable way to travel to the resort.

Search & book here for train tickets to Kitzbuehel or Kirchberg in Tirol.

Private Transfers & Airport Shuttle

The Powderhounds recommend taking the train from the airport to Kitzbuhel, as you can upgrade to the comfort of first class for most journeys. However, if post covid-19 public transport travel worries you, you are in a larger group of 3+ people or just have the cash to splash, the quickest way to Kitzbuhel from the airports or major cities can be a private transfer.

Search & book here for all airport transfers.

Getting Around Kitzbuehel Ski Resort

Worth knowing that once at Kitzbuehel, buses labelled ‘SKIBUS’ are free when you have ski gear a lift pass, including long journeys from Mittersill, over Pass Thurn to Kitzbuehel. See here for the Ski-bus map.

Additionally, with a valid lift pass & ski gear all trains labelled ‘STRIEFZUG’ are free between St Johann & Westendorf, which includes both Kitzbuhel stations plus Kirchberg as well. Super!

Nearby Ski Resorts

The massive Kitzski resort sits amongst two other Austrian skiing behemoths Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm and Ski Welt. The fantastic Zell am See ski resort is also nearby via the train.

Need More?

For hints, tips & warnings about getting to Austrian ski resorts in winter, see our Travel in Austria page.