Munich to Bavaria by train: key routes, times and booking tips
Can you do Bavaria day trips from Munich by train?
Yes, most of Bavaria's main attractions are reachable by train from Munich. Garmisch-Partenkirchen takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, Füssen (for Neuschwanstein) around 2 hours, Salzburg about 1 hour 30 minutes by ICE, and Nuremberg around 1 hour by ICE. For regional trains, the Bayern-Ticket (from €29) covers most routes at a flat rate.
Getting around Bavaria by train from Munich
Munich is the rail hub for the whole of Bavaria. The Hauptbahnhof connects to every corner of the state by a mix of DB long-distance services (ICE, IC, EC) and regional trains (RE, RB) operated partly by DB and partly by regional operators like BRB (Bayerische Regiobahn). For most popular tourist destinations, the train is easier, faster, and more enjoyable than driving.
This guide covers every major route from Munich with realistic travel times, 2026 cost guidance, and honest advice on whether the Bayern-Ticket makes sense for each journey.
The train operators you need to know
DB (Deutsche Bahn)
Germany’s national rail operator. Runs all ICE/IC/EC long-distance trains and many regional RE/RB services. Book at the DB website or DB Navigator app. ICE trains require a separate ticket — they are not covered by the Bayern-Ticket.
BRB (Bayerische Regiobahn)
A regional operator serving routes southwest of Munich, including the Garmisch line, the Zugspitze direction, and routes toward Füssen. BRB trains are covered by the Bayern-Ticket. They are often less crowded than DB trains on the same routes.
BOB (Bayerische Oberlandbahn)
Now rebranded under BRB, serves the Rosenheim, Miesbach, Holzkirchen, and Tegernsee area southeast of Munich. Covered by the Bayern-Ticket.
Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Journey time: 1 hour 20–30 minutes
Frequency: approximately every hour (combination of DB and BRB services)
Train type: Regional (RE, BRB) — Bayern-Ticket valid
Approximate cost without Bayern-Ticket: €15–22 single
The Garmisch line is one of the most scenic regional train routes in Bavaria, crossing the foothills of the Alps as it approaches the resort. The BRB operates newer trains on part of this route.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen station is central and walking distance from the main ski town and cable car stations. From here you can reach the Zugspitze by cogwheel railway (separate ticket, not covered by Bayern-Ticket or MVV passes) or by the Eibsee Cable Car.
The Bayern-Ticket makes this route particularly good value — at €29 for one person (all day), it covers the return journey to Garmisch and all travel within Munich. See the Bayern-Ticket guide for details.
For everything to do in the area, see Munich to Garmisch day trip.
Munich to Füssen (for Neuschwanstein)
Journey time: approximately 2 hours (with change at Buchloe or direct on some services)
Frequency: roughly every hour with connection times varying
Train type: Regional (RE) — Bayern-Ticket valid
Approximate cost without Bayern-Ticket: €30+ return
Füssen is the gateway town for Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. The train journey from Munich involves one change at Buchloe (or sometimes a direct RE on certain timetable slots — check the DB Navigator app). The journey through the Allgäu region is pleasant rolling countryside.
From Füssen station, bus 73 or 78 runs to Hohenschwangau (about 10 minutes). Alternatively, a taxi from Füssen station to the castle area costs around €12–15.
This route is very popular. During peak season (spring through autumn, especially July and August), trains can be full by the time they reach Munich on the return journey. The Bayern-Ticket covers the return, but if you are travelling on a busy summer day, an earlier return is advisable.
For the full castle visit logistics, see Neuschwanstein castle guide and Munich to Neuschwanstein day trip.
Munich to Salzburg
Journey time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by EC/RailJet, 2 hours by regional
Frequency: EC/RailJet every hour; regional less frequent
Train type: EC/RailJet (NOT Bayern-Ticket), or regional via Rosenheim
Approximate cost EC: €25–55 depending on advance booking
Salzburg is the most popular international day trip from Munich. The standard route is an EC (EuroCity) or ÖBB RailJet train running from Munich Hauptbahnhof directly to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof in about 90 minutes. These trains are comfortable, frequent, and fast.
The Bayern-Ticket trap: The Bayern-Ticket is not valid for travel into Austria. It covers travel up to the German-Austrian border station, but the EC/RailJet trains cross the border, and you need an international ticket for those services. Most travellers to Salzburg either buy a standard DB ticket for the EC train, or take a regional train (Meridian/BRB) to the border and buy an Austrian ticket at the border station — which is complicated and not recommended.
The simplest approach: book an EC train through DB in advance for a competitive price. The fare drops significantly if booked more than a week ahead.
For everything to do in Salzburg, see Munich to Salzburg day trip.
Munich to Nuremberg
Journey time: approximately 1 hour by ICE
Frequency: very frequent (2–4 ICE trains per hour)
Train type: ICE (NOT Bayern-Ticket valid)
Approximate cost ICE: €25–55 depending on advance booking
Regional alternative: 2 hours 30 minutes+, Bayern-Ticket valid
The Munich–Nuremberg ICE connection is one of Germany’s busiest and most frequent routes. Trains run constantly throughout the day and early evening. The 1-hour ICE journey makes Nuremberg a realistic half-day or full-day visit.
If you book the ICE in advance via the DB website or app, Sparpreise (special saver fares) can bring the return cost down significantly. Same-day tickets are the most expensive.
If cost is the priority and time is not, the regional train (Meridian, via Ingolstadt, slower routes) takes 2 hours 30 minutes or more and is covered by the Bayern-Ticket.
For Nuremberg specifically, see Munich to Nuremberg day trip.
Munich to Regensburg
Journey time: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by direct RE or ICE
Frequency: roughly every hour
Train type: Regional RE (Bayern-Ticket valid) or ICE (separate ticket)
Approximate cost RE: €18–28 single without Bayern-Ticket
Regensburg is one of the most underrated cities in Bavaria — a perfectly preserved medieval city on the Danube with no entrance fees for its old town. The train from Munich runs via Landshut and is straightforward.
The Bayern-Ticket covers regional RE trains on this route, making it excellent value for a day out. Allow 3–4 hours in Regensburg to do the old town, the cathedral, and the Stone Bridge justice.
See Munich to Regensburg day trip.
Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (multiple changes required)
Typical route: Munich → Nuremberg (ICE) → Ansbach (regional) → Steinach bei Rothenburg → Rothenburg (Kursbahn)
Train type: mixed — Bayern-Ticket covers the regional sections, ICE does not
Practical advice: This is the most complex day trip by train from Munich
Rothenburg is famously photogenic (the medieval Christmas market, the walls, the half-timbered houses) and famously crowded. By train from Munich, you need at least two changes, and the connection at Steinach bei Rothenburg involves a short shuttle train. Total journey time is 2.5–3 hours each way.
Realistically, if you are going specifically to Rothenburg and not stopping anywhere else, consider a guided tour from Munich — these handle the logistics and you spend more time in the town. See Munich to Rothenburg day trip.
Munich to Berchtesgaden
Journey time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (change at Freilassing or Salzburg)
Train type: Regional (RE, RB) — Bayern-Ticket valid within Germany
Complication: Route passes through Austria briefly (Freilassing → Salzburg → Berchtesgaden). The Bayern-Ticket does not cover the Austrian section — you need a workaround or separate ticket for that part.
The standard route to Berchtesgaden goes via Freilassing or through Salzburg (Austria), which creates the Bayern-Ticket cross-border problem. Some travellers buy a standard DB ticket to Berchtesgaden or use the Bayern-Ticket to Freilassing and a separate ticket for the Austrian section.
The practical alternative: take the regional train via Rosenheim and change to BRB services, avoiding Austria entirely — but this adds time. Check DB Navigator for the current recommended route.
For full details on the visit, see Munich to Berchtesgaden day trip.
Munich to the Zugspitze
Journey time to Garmisch: 1 hour 20 minutes, then cogwheel railway to summit approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Combined journey: about 2 hours 30 minutes to the summit
Train type: Regional to Garmisch (Bayern-Ticket valid), then separate ticket for Zugspitze Cogwheel Railway
The Zugspitze cogwheel railway (Zahnradbahn) operates on its own ticketing system and is not included in any MVV or Bayern-Ticket. You buy the Zugspitze roundtrip ticket separately — in 2026, this costs around €75–82 for an adult roundtrip. This covers the cogwheel train from Garmisch up to the summit and cable car back down (or the reverse).
For everything about the Zugspitze visit, see Zugspitze day trip guide.
Summary: routes at a glance
| Destination | Journey time | Bayern-Ticket? | Best approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmisch-Partenkirchen | ~1h20 | Yes | Regional train, Bayern-Ticket ideal |
| Füssen / Neuschwanstein | ~2h | Yes | Regional RE, Bayern-Ticket ideal |
| Salzburg | ~1h30 | No (cross-border) | EC train, book in advance |
| Nuremberg | ~1h | No (ICE) | ICE, book in advance for saver fares |
| Regensburg | ~1h20 | Yes | Regional RE, Bayern-Ticket works well |
| Rothenburg | ~2h30–3h | Partial | Consider guided tour |
| Berchtesgaden | ~2h30 | Partial | Check routing carefully |
| Zugspitze summit | ~2h30 total | Partially | Regional to Garmisch + separate ticket |
Booking practical tips
DB Navigator app
The Deutsche Bahn app is the easiest way to plan and book all train journeys from Munich. It shows regional trains (Bayern-Ticket compatible) clearly and allows you to filter by journey type.
Advance booking for ICE trains
For ICE journeys to Nuremberg and Salzburg, book as far ahead as possible. DB’s Sparpreis fares can be as low as €17–19 one way if booked 30+ days ahead; same-day prices can be 3–4x higher.
Regional trains: no booking needed
For regional RE/RB trains covered by the Bayern-Ticket or standard DB regional tickets, no seat reservation is needed or even possible in most cases. Just turn up and board.
Luggage
All regional and S-Bahn trains have luggage space, but no dedicated luggage car. Overhead racks and space between carriages handle normal travel bags.
Frequently asked questions about Munich to Bavaria by train
Are trains punctual in Bavaria?
Regional trains are generally reliable. ICE/EC trains can experience delays, particularly on busy corridors. The Munich–Salzburg route occasionally sees delays related to border crossing or congestion. Build in buffer time for connections.
Can I bring a bike on trains to Bavaria?
Yes, on regional trains. Bikes travel in designated carriage areas (marked with bicycle symbols) and require a separate bike ticket (Fahrradkarte) at a small additional cost. Not permitted during peak hours on S-Bahn.
What is the best day of the week to travel to Bavaria by train?
Weekends, particularly Saturdays, are the busiest for popular routes like Garmisch and Füssen (Neuschwanstein). If you can travel on a weekday, trains are significantly less crowded. The Bayern-Ticket weekend version applies from midnight, meaning you can travel very early on a Saturday.
Where do I buy Bavaria train tickets?
DB Navigator app, DB website (bahn.de), or at ticket machines in Munich Hauptbahnhof. For the Bayern-Ticket specifically, it can also be bought at all ticket machines in the Munich transit system.
