The journey by train from Zurich to Vienna is the finest west to east transect through the Alps. Along the way, you'll traverse the Principality of Liechtenstein and take in some superb Tyrolean scenery. Between Innsbruck and Salzburg, the train traverses German territory with some great views of the Bavarian Alps.

The train ride from Zurich to Vienna is considered one of the most scenic long-distance rail routes in Central Europe, especially the section that traverses the Austrian Alps. Operating primarily via the high-speed Railjet service, the journey takes about 7 hours and 50 minutes. The visual highlight occurs as the train winds through the Arlberg Pass, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and emerald-green meadows. Passengers often catch glimpses of the Lake Zurich shoreline before the train crosses into Liechtenstein and enters the Vorarlberg and Tyrol regions of Austria. The route also passes through historic, picturesque cities like Innsbruck and Salzburg, providing a "fairy-tale" backdrop of alpine architecture and towering fortresses. For the best views in 2026, travelers are advised to sit on the left side of the train when heading from Zurich to Vienna to better see the mountain ranges. With modern amenities like the "children's cinema" car and restaurant service at your seat, the Zurich-Vienna Railjet turns a 780-km transit into a premiere sightseeing experience.