Trains to Munich

Munich is a major rail hub in Germany and Europe, offering seamless connections for domestic and international travel. Here’s what you need to know:

• Key Train Stations:
  • München Hauptbahnhof (Central Station): Main hub with 32 platforms, shopping, dining, and connections to U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams.
  • München Ostbahnhof (East Station): 14 platforms, travel services, and accessibility features.
  • München-Pasing (West Station): Regional and local transit hub with real-time departure updates.
• Train Operators:
  • Deutsche Bahn (DB): High-speed ICE, IC, and regional trains.
  • ÖBB Nightjet: Overnight trains to cities like Amsterdam and Budapest.
  • FlixTrain: Budget-friendly intercity travel.
• Ticket Options:
  • Super Saver Tickets: Budget-friendly fares starting at $10.75.
  • Deutschland-Ticket: $67/month for unlimited regional travel.
  • Bayern-Ticket: Ideal for exploring Bavaria, starting at $37.
• International Routes: Direct trains to Paris, Vienna, Zurich, and more. Night trains offer comfortable options for long journeys.
• Local Transit: Integrated U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses make it easy to navigate Munich.

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Munich’s rail network offers convenience, speed, and affordability. Use the DB Navigator app for real-time updates and booking.

How to Take Trains in Germany (Step by Step)

Munich Train Stations

Here’s a quick guide to Munich’s main train stations, covering their facilities and transit connections.

München Hauptbahnhof

München Hauptbahnhof is Munich’s central train station, handling around 450,000 passengers daily with 32 platforms for regional and international routes^[6]. Here’s what you’ll find:

"DB Information is the central point of contact for information about your rail journey." – bahnhof.de^[5][7]

München Ostbahnhof

München Ostbahnhof, a busy through station with 14 platforms^[4], offers these services:

• Travel Assistance: DB Info and travel center
• Amenities: Free WiFi, luggage lockers, and accessibility features
• Shops & Dining: A variety of stores and food options
• Additional Services: Mobility Service Center

In 2023, Deutsche Bahn introduced a WhatsApp service to report station cleanliness issues. You can send a message to +49 1579 2397431.

München-Pasing

Located in western Munich, München-Pasing is a vital transit hub. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Real-Time Departures: Up-to-date train schedules
• Accessibility: Equipment and services for travelers with reduced mobility
• Mobility Service Center: Assistance for various travel needs
• Connections: Links to both U-Bahn and S-Bahn networks

All three stations are well-integrated with MVG/MVV public transport services, making it easy to navigate Munich.

Train Companies

Deutsche Bahn (DB)

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the primary rail operator in Munich, managing 95% of long-distance and 67% of local train services ^[11]. Their network covers a variety of routes and services:

Despite its extensive network, DB struggles with punctuality – only 64% of its long-distance trains arrive within six minutes of their scheduled time ^[11].

In addition to DB’s services, several international operators connect Munich to other major cities across Europe.

Other Train Operators

Munich’s rail links are further enhanced by international operators:

• ÖBB (Austrian Railways)
  ÖBB’s Nightjet sleeper trains connect Munich with cities like Hamburg, Cologne, Paris, and Amsterdam ^[12]. Prices range from $54.90 for a 6-berth couchette to $174.90 for a private single-bed compartment ^[12].
• Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
  SBB runs six daily trains between Munich and Zurich. Travel time was reduced to 3 hours and 32 minutes in 2021, and punctuality reached an impressive 92.5% in 2023 ^[11][12].
• FlixTrain
  This budget-friendly service offers cheaper intercity travel but with fewer amenities compared to DB ^[10].

Looking ahead, a Paris–Berlin route will launch in late 2026. Speaking on the project, DB board member Michael Peterson remarked:

"The Paris to Berlin route has high occupancy rates, proving that people want to travel across borders by climate-friendly rail" ^[13].

For comparison, DB fares for the Munich–Zurich route start at $20.99 in second class, while trips from Munich to Copenhagen begin at $41.99 ^[12].

International Routes

Munich offers a network of direct international rail connections, making it a key hub for European travel. Currently, there are 15 direct routes available ^[14].

Direct International Trains

Travelers can easily reach cities like Vienna, Zurich, Prague, Budapest, and Paris directly from Munich. Within the Schengen Area, passport checks are usually not required, though random inspections might still occur. For those who enjoy overnight travel, night trains provide a convenient and comfortable option.

Night Trains

Munich’s night train services, including the ÖBB Nightjet, connect to destinations such as Amsterdam, Hamburg, Budapest (via the Kálmán Imre service), Warsaw (Chopin service), and Zagreb (Lisinski service). Passengers can choose from private sleeper cabins or shared couchettes, with breakfast often included. However, due to maintenance on the Tauern Tunnel, routes to Italy and Rijeka are temporarily suspended until July 13, 2025 ^[15].

"For years, Europe has rolled out the red carpet for climate-damaging air travel, showering it with tax breaks, while trains and rail infrastructure have withered away" ^[14].

Even with infrastructure challenges, Munich continues to offer strong international rail connections. Plans are also in place to add 14 more direct routes in the future.

German Train Routes

Munich is a key rail hub in Germany, offering a wide range of connections to cities nationwide through both high-speed and regional train services.

Long-Distance Routes

The InterCity Express (ICE) network provides fast connections from Munich to major cities across Germany, with trains reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) ^[16]. Here are some of the key ICE routes and their schedules:

The Munich-Berlin route is especially convenient, taking as little as 3 hours and 58 minutes thanks to the high-speed line introduced in December 2017 ^[12]. Booking tickets in advance can save you money – fares start at $19.50 for second class, while last-minute full-price tickets can cost around $162 ^[12].

Bavaria Regional Trains

Regional trains are a great way to explore Bavaria, offering flexibility and access to popular destinations. The Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) operates a network of regional routes from Munich to key spots in the region. Travel times from Munich Central Station include:

• Alpine Region: Bad Tölz, Tegernsee, and Schliersee (about 1 hour) ^[17]
• Mountain Destinations: Bayrischzell (1.5 hours), Berchtesgaden (2.5 hours) ^[17]
• Lake District: Prien am Chiemsee (1 hour) ^[17]
• Border Region: Kufstein, Austria (1 hour 20 minutes) ^[17]

For affordable regional travel, the Bayern-Ticket is a great option. It covers travel within Bavaria and extends to nearby cross-border locations like Salzburg and Kufstein ^[17]. Popular attractions such as Neuschwanstein Castle are easy to reach – take the RB 68 to Füssen and then a short bus ride ^[17].

How to Buy Tickets

Direct Booking Options

You can book train tickets to Munich through the DB website or the DB Navigator app. Both options provide real-time updates, mobile ticketing, platform details, and connection information ^[18]. Payments can be made using PayPal, direct debit, Apple Pay, Bonvoyo, or major credit cards ^[20].

For local transport in Munich, the MVV-App is a convenient option. It’s free and available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Huawei App Gallery, and Amazon App Store ^[19]. Tickets can also be purchased at stations or through third-party platforms.

Other Booking Methods

Station Services
You can buy tickets at machines and service centers at stations. Payment options vary depending on the location:

Third-Party Platforms
Services like Trainline and Omio also offer ticket booking. These platforms are helpful for international trips involving multiple rail operators. However, for domestic travel within Germany, booking directly with Deutsche Bahn is often recommended ^[21].

Important Tip
If a ticket machine is out of order, purchase your ticket at another working machine or sales point. Make sure to note the malfunctioning machine’s number in case of inspections.

Ticket Options

Fixed vs. Flexible Tickets

Deutsche Bahn offers two main fare types for trains to Munich:

• Super Saver and Saver Fares: These are fixed-time tickets available at lower prices when booked in advance. Prices for trips from Frankfurt to Munich start at $23, with the average fare being around $75 ^[2].
• Flexible Fares: These tickets are more expensive but let you travel on any train on your selected date.

Your choice of fare can also affect the comfort and amenities available, as explained in the travel class options below.

Travel Classes

When traveling to Munich, you can choose between two travel classes:

Rail Passes

If you’re planning more extensive travel, rail passes are a convenient option:

• Regional Passes:
  • Bayern Ticket: Costs $37 for solo travelers or $48.50 for two people ^[24].
  • Deutschland-Ticket: A monthly pass priced at $67, covering regional transport across the country (excludes ICE, IC, and EC trains) ^[24].
• Day Tickets (Regional Day Ticket for Bavaria):
  • Single: $37 (2nd class) / $51.50 (1st class)
  • Two Persons: $48.50 (2nd class) / $77 (1st class)
  • Groups (up to 5): $83.50 (2nd class) / $153.50 (1st class) ^[22]

"Rail passes are usually a great value in Germany, often saving money while allowing you to hop trains at your convenience." – Rick Steves ^[23]

For families, children aged 6–14 can travel for free (up to three kids per paying adult) with the Regional Day Ticket for Bavaria ^[22]. If you’re traveling with pets, small dogs (smaller than a house cat) can travel for free in transport boxes, while larger dogs count as additional passengers ^[22].

Local Transport

Munich’s local transport system ensures easy navigation across the city and beyond.

Public Transit System

Munich’s MVV network combines the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams, and buses, connecting key areas and making travel straightforward ^[9]. Look for the white "U" on a blue background for U-Bahn stations and the white "S" on green for S-Bahn stops ^[1].

Tickets and passes, like the Munich Card and City Pass, can be purchased at ticket machines, onboard, through smartphone apps, or online ^[9].

Popular multi-use passes include:

• Munich Card: Includes free public transport and discounts on attractions ^[26].
• Munich City Pass: Covers free public transit and entry to 45 attractions ^[26].
• IsarCard Weekly: Costs about $19.50 and allows unlimited travel in the M-Zone for seven days ^[25].

Taxis and Rides

Taxis are readily available at major train stations, with clearly marked stands and standardized fares. Popular locations like Karlsplatz, Munich Central Bus Station, and Marienplatz are just a short taxi ride or a quick trip on the U-Bahn or S-Bahn.

For airport transfers, S-Bahn lines S1 and S8 offer direct connections between Munich Airport and the city center. They stop at key stations like München Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and München Ostbahnhof (East Station) ^[9]. To stay updated on schedules, the MVV journey planner app is a handy tool.

Places to Visit

Trips Outside Munich

Munich’s rail system makes it easy to explore Bavaria. The Bayern Day Pass is a great option for unlimited regional train travel – valid after 9 AM on weekdays and any time on weekends – starting at €26 for one person ^[28]. These routes highlight Munich’s role as a hub for discovering Bavaria’s attractions.

Other destinations worth visiting include Kloster Andechs, which you can reach by taking the S8 to Herrsching (50 minutes) and then a local bus ^[27][29]. For Bad Tölz, take the S7 to Wolfratshausen and connect by bus; the journey takes around 90 minutes ^[29].

City Attractions

Munich’s well-connected public transit makes exploring the city a breeze. For soccer fans, the Allianz Arena – home to FC Bayern Munich – is just 15 minutes from the city center via the U6 subway line to Fröttmaning ^[29]. To visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, take the S2 to Dachau station (25 minutes) and then a short bus ride ^[29].

For a break in nature, check out these spots:

• Schliersee: A direct train ride of under an hour brings you to this stunning alpine lake ^[29].
• Gmund am Tegernsee: Located in zone 6, this destination is accessible by regional train, with the Ringlinie bus offering connections around the lake ^[29].
• Oberaudorf: Reach this scenic mountain town in about an hour by train ^[29].

Travel by Season

Munich’s rail network adjusts not only to daily travel patterns but also to seasonal changes, which influence service levels and schedules.

Busy Times

Train ridership in Munich fluctuates throughout the year, with the busiest times typically occurring during weekday commutes, Friday afternoons, and Sunday evenings ^[31]. A major spike in demand happens during Oktoberfest (late September to early October), when the city attracts over 7.2 million visitors – a record-breaking figure in 2023 ^[32].

Here’s how Oktoberfest impacts the rail network:

To handle this surge, Deutsche Bahn brings in over 100 extra staff members to manage security and cleaning operations ^[33]. For group travel, the MVV group day ticket is a great option, allowing up to five people to travel in Zone M for $16.95 (€15.60) ^[33].

These seasonal peaks often lead to changes in train schedules and maintenance plans.

Schedule Changes

Seasonal demand and weather conditions influence train timetables. For example, the Munich S-Bahn typically runs at 20‐minute intervals but increases frequency on certain lines during peak hours ^[3].

For real-time updates, you can check Deutsche Bahn’s Fahrplanmedien or use the München Navigator App ^[30]. During Oktoberfest, walking may even be faster than using public transport due to the high demand.

To navigate major events and seasonal shifts effectively:

• Consider using alternative stations during peak times.
• Always check schedules shortly before your trip.
• Use browser translation tools for railway websites that are only available in German ^[32][34].

For Oktoberfest specifically, a 10-minute walk from the main station to the festival grounds can often save time compared to taking public transport ^[1][33].

Quick Facts

Here are some useful details:

München Hauptbahnhof serves as Munich’s central hub, connecting regional, international, and underground train services ^[1]. Major routes link Munich to key European cities, including TGV Duplex trains to Paris at 6:51 AM, ICE trains to Amsterdam at 4:28 PM, and Railjet services to Vienna departing every two hours from 6:22 AM to 5:30 PM ^[12].

For budget-conscious travelers, super saver fares start at just $10.75. You can check real-time updates and book tickets easily through the DB Navigator app ^[18]. These highlights complement the detailed booking tips and seasonal travel advice shared earlier.