Search

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Trans-Alpine Rail Escape

Eight-day rail journey London to Zurich via Vienna and Innsbruck

Illustration of Trans-Alpine Rail Escape

Marvellous Escapes' Trans-Alpine Rail Escape is an 8-day independent rail holiday that departs from London St Pancras and concludes in Paris, crossing Germany, Austria, and Switzerland by train. You travel via Eurostar to Brussels, then by high-speed ICE to Frankfurt for one night, before continuing to Vienna for three nights of self-guided exploration using your included Vienna City Card and Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket. On day 5, a direct train carries you to Innsbruck, the capital of Austrian Tyrol, where the included Innsbruck Card opens access to over 20 museums and free rides on cable cars and lifts. The highlight comes on day 7: a scenic train journey through the Alps via the Arlberg Pass, with views of mountain meadows and Lake Zurich, before you arrive in Zurich for your final night. All rail bookings, hotels with breakfast, and city cards are pre-arranged; 24/7 support is available throughout. This trip suits independent travelers who want the convenience of booked trains and accommodation without group constraints.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 8 involves an early breakfast checkout and a train journey to Paris followed by Eurostar back to London; confirm the final leg details with Marvellous Escapes, as the itinerary notes an option to extend your stay.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Frankfurt

    Frankfurt

    This morning, you will board the Eurostar from London to Brussels, where you'll transfer to a high-speed Deutsche Bahn InterCity Express (ICE) train for a direct journey to Frankfurt. Here, you'll check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna

    After breakfast, board your train from Frankfurt to Vienna. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. Enjoy some free time to explore the city's attractions at your leisure, taking in highlights like the iconic Anchor Clock, the renowned Opera House, and the Hofburg, Vienna's Imperial Palace. In the evening, enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine, including Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and set out for more exploration. Use your included Vienna City Card, and Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour to visit top attractions at your own pace. Consider attending an opera or concert at the Musikverein, Vienna's acclaimed concert hall, which hosts over 500 concerts annually.

  4. Day 4overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    You have another day to explore the many sights of Vienna today. Your Vienna City Card provides free access to public transportation and valuable discounts at museums and tourist attractions. Spend the morning visiting the Hofburg Palace and the Opera House, enjoy a discounted lunch, and use your Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket to navigate the city in the afternoon.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Innsbruck

    Innsbruck

    Today, board a direct train to the picturesque city of Innsbruck, an Alpine haven nestled in the heart of Tyrol and surrounded by majestic mountains. Marvel at the stunning views of the Austrian countryside during your journey. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Innsbruck

    Innsbruck

    Begin your day with breakfast, then head to Innsbruck's charming Old Town, renowned for its medieval architecture. Visit the iconic Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) and the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence. Your included Innsbruck Card allows access to over 20 attractions and museums, free rides on selected lifts and cable cars, and a free ride on the hop-on hop-off bus, with stops including the Alpenzoo Innsbruck and Ambras Castle.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    After breakfast, embark on a scenic train journey through the Swiss and Austrian Alps via the Arlberg Pass. Departing from Innsbruck, you'll travel alongside breathtaking Alpine landscapes, traversing the Arlberg Pass where stunning mountain meadows and panoramic views await, before passing the picturesque shores of Lake Zurich. Upon arrival in Zurich, check in for an overnight stay.

  8. Day 8rail

    Return home

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and boarding a train to Paris. Upon arrival, transfer to the Eurostar for your journey back to London. If you'd like to extend your stay in Europe, or journey on elsewhere from Zurich, speak to your Marvellous Escapes Travel Designer.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Arrive in Vienna after a direct train journey from Frankfurt; check into your hotel for a three-night stay to explore the city's landmarks including the Opera House and Hofburg Palace.
  • Day 5Travel by direct train to Innsbruck, watching the Austrian countryside and majestic mountains from your seat as you head toward the Alpine region of Tyrol.
  • Day 7Depart Innsbruck on a scenic train through the Swiss and Austrian Alps via the Arlberg Pass, traveling past mountain meadows and the shores of Lake Zurich before arriving in Zurich.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Frankfurt with breakfast included
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation in Vienna with breakfast included
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Innsbruck with breakfast included
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • Secure reservations for the Eurostar & Deutsche Bahn InterCity Express and TGV Lyria trains
  • Rail throughout Austria
  • Innsbruck Card with free entry into 22 museums and attractions
  • Vienna City Card with free public transport

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes secures all rail reservations including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn ICE, and Austrian trains. Hotel accommodation with breakfast, Vienna City Card, and Innsbruck Card are included in the from-price of 1,699 GBP.
Is this an escorted or independent journey?
Independent. You navigate each city and attraction at your own pace using the included city cards and Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets. Marvellous Escapes provides 24/7 on-trip support.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar (London-Brussels), Deutsche Bahn InterCity Express (Brussels-Frankfurt), a train from Frankfurt to Vienna, direct service to Innsbruck, and the ÖBB Railjet through the Arlberg Pass to Zurich.
How many nights do I spend in each city?
One night in Frankfurt, three nights in Vienna, two nights in Innsbruck, and one night in Zurich.
What is included in the Innsbruck Card and Vienna City Card?
The Vienna City Card provides free public transport and discounts at museums and attractions. The Innsbruck Card grants free entry to 22 museums and attractions, free rides on selected cable cars and lifts, and a free Hop-on Hop-off bus ride.
How much walking is involved?
Days in Vienna and Innsbruck include exploring Old Towns and visiting landmarks on foot. Cable cars, lifts, and Hop-on Hop-off buses are available to reduce walking distance.

Similar journeys