The train to Munich goes east across Austria and into Bavaria. You will travel mostly through the countryside, with fields of barley, sunflowers, and apple orchards on either side of the tracks. Small villages and castles will speed by your window as quickly as they appear.
Can kids enter Oktoberfest?
Yes, Oktoberfest is an all-ages event and plenty of families bring their children along. The general precautions should be taken, of course, like keeping young children close by you at all times. On busy days, you may be asked to leave your stroller in the luggage area for the price of $3.25 (âŹ3).
What is the best way to get from Vienna to Munich?
The best way depends on your budget and travel timeline, but you can get to Munich by bus, train, or car. You can even take a flight, but it is not the most cost-effective once you account for airport security and transportation to and from the airport.
Can I use credit cards in Vienna?
Yes, most shops and restaurants in Vienna take credit and debit cards, including foreign cards. It is always wise to have some euros in cash on you to pay for the public restrooms or in smaller shops and cafes.
Is Munich or Vienna better?
Munich and Vienna are both major cities with a lot to offer locals and travelers alike. The only way to compare them is to go to both. By the end of your vacation, youâll be able to make the decision for yourself about which is better!
How long is the train ride from Vienna, Austria, to Munich, Germany?
Train rides between Munich and Vienna are about 4 to 5 hours long. You can find many daily departures of direct trains operated by Deutsche Bahn and OBB. For best results, book your ticket ahead of time for the departure you want.
The quintessential central European vacation requires a visit to both Vienna and Munich, so you are on the right track! The drive from Vienna to Munich is almost comically easy. It is a straight path east from Vienna, through Linz, and across the German border into Bavaria.
Without breaks, this drive is 4 hours and 20 minutes, but experienced travelers know that it is the places outside of major cities that add depth to their vacation. Salzburg and Hallstatt are UNESCO World Heritage cities that are well worth a stop for lunch and a walk around their historic centers.
In this part of the world, it is impossible to go too far without seeing the effects of World War II. Take a tour of the infamous Eagles Nest or Mauthausen to get some context for how much has changed in Austria and Germany since the 1940s.
Although you are crossing country borders, you wonât need to change the currency in your wallet or show your passport since Germany and Austria are both in the EU and Schengen Zone. Even the language is almost the same! Once youâre in Germany, you have just a short distance remaining until you are in Munich.
About Munich
Munich is the capital of the Free State of Bavaria, a region in southern Germany with a long tradition of being separate from other German-speaking regions. It is a major economic center for science, industry, and culture and is most well-known for Oktoberfest in the fall. Everyone, regardless of their age or interests, will find something fun to do in the third-largest city in Germany, whether thatâs science, history, nature, sports, or beer! So before your trip from Vienna to Munich, letâs learn more about this major German city.
Munichâs History
Munchen, or âto the monks,â began in the 8th century as a settlement for Benedictine monks. In its 1300 years, Munich has seen the rise and fall of many empires, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Kingdom of Bavaria, and Nazi Germany. It survived numerous invasions, the Black Death, and heavy bombing during World War II. Today, it is a center for innovation and industry, with many world-renowned brands originating in Munich.
Munichâs Innovations
Munich is Germanyâs center for science and technology, so it is no surprise that the âBayerische Motoren Werkeâ (BMW), or Bavarian Motor Factories, is a Munich invention. Gearheads in Munich should definitely visit BMW World and the BMW Museum during their visit.
If youâre a fan of MP3, modeling clay, or self-driving cars, you can thank Munichâs community of scientists and inventors for these as well!
Beers from Bavaria
Bavarian beer is celebrated all over Munich. Pull up a chair at one of Munichâs 60 beer gardens as soon as the weather turns warm and watch the parks come to life with children playing, couples having picnics, and friends setting up a game of football. With six major breweries in Munich alone, youâll have plenty of Bavarian beer to sample during your visit.
Munich during World War II
Munich lost many of its citizens and historical monuments to heavy bombing during World War II, and the majority of the city had to be entirely rebuilt. It was also a refugee camp for internally displaced people in the post-war period.
Despite this, you can find a few old buildings and artworks that have been saved through careful restoration techniques. The modern layout of Munich follows the pre-war blueprints for the city, with the exception of a few areas that were changed to accommodate modern traffic concerns. The push to modernize the city led to economic growth that we see to this day, with many companies having their headquarters in Munich.
Modern Day Munich
Six million people call Munich home, and it attracts more new residents every year thanks to its many multinational companies, universities, and research facilities. It is also among Germanyâs most expensive areas to live.
Munich has a very well-developed transportation system, with U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and plenty of cycling paths. Getting around the city can be done easily and with speed! From Munich, you can visit many places in the countryside, like castles and hiking trails, just a short distance from the city center.
From Vienna to Munich: travel tips
Whether it is your first Oktoberfest or fiftieth, these travel tips will help your drive from Vienna to Munich go off without a hitch!
Leave Vienna early in the day
Make the most of the available daylight, and get to all the stops on your list, by leaving Vienna early in the morning. Pack your bags the night before and have your travel outfit already decided. Double check your schedule and make sure that you have enough time to get ready in the morning and get out the door.
Have cash on you
Many smaller towns in Austria and Germany still prefer cash payments and wonât have readily accessible ATMs. This cross-border trip is made easier by knowing that both Germany and Austria use euros. For restrooms on the road, you may need small coins to operate the automatic doors, so get some of the paper money broken up into change before you travel.
At Oktoberfest, you will definitely need cash. Many small vendors only take cash, so have your small bills ready.
Get your tickets now
Munich is like a giant theme park with so many sports stadiums, museums, and exhibits. Donât get caught without a ticket, especially if you can book your time slot ahead of time. Weekends around Oktoberfest mean crowds, so avoid the lines at popular destinations by planning ahead!
Pack ahead if youâre traveling on a Sunday
Germany and Austria have a strong work ethic every day except for Sunday. This is the day for rest, and you can expect most shops to be closed. Have your car snacks purchased the day before just in case you hit a stretch of the road where nothing is open. You should also check all your planned excursions to see if they will be open on Sundays.
Check the Oktoberfest dates
Contrary to its name, Oktoberfest takes place mostly in September. Donât get caught weeks late to the party! Weekends will obviously be the most crowded and have the highest hotel prices, so if you have the chance to make it on a weekday, definitely go then.
Let your bank know youâre traveling
Although there are no formal border checks, Vienna and Munich are in different countries. If you put a travel alert on your bank card for Austria, go ahead and let the bank know you will be in Germany as well. Nothing sours the mood on vacation, much like being on hold with customer service after your card declines!
Speaking of bank cards, when you pay with a card, select your home currency on the card reader if given the option. This allows for your bank to give the most favorable exchange rate, instead of the payment being processed twice (and you losing pennies every time). It is not a huge difference, but it does add up over a long vacation.
How to get from Vienna to Munich
Not sure how youâll make your trip from Vienna to Munich? Donât worry, we found the three best ways to travel for you! Munich is 250 miles (400 km) directly east of Vienna and there are plenty of daily connections between these two major cities.
When deciding how youâll travel, take into consideration your budget, time constraints, and the kind of travel experience you would like to have. Are you in a rush to get to Munich, or do you have time to see smaller cities and points of interest in the Austrian and Bavarian countryside? Did you pack light, or do you have a lot of luggage? Do you want to travel cheaply or experience a bit of luxury? All of this will determine the best mode of transportation for you and your loved ones.
Vienna to Munich by private car service
A private driver is the fastest way to get to Munich and the best way to do local excursions on your route. Your driver will pick you up in Vienna in the morning and take you around the country. Visit all the places you want without having to drive in a foreign country! Our drivers for this route speak English and German and are locals, so they know the local driving laws and customs.
Once youâve seen it all, your arrival in Munich wonât require getting a taxi from the bus station or navigating the U-Bahn. You and your luggage will be dropped off right at your accommodation. Easy peasy!
Vienna to Munich by bus
You have a lot of options for direct buses to Munich. They take between 5 and 7 hours, and tickets cost $22 to $54 (âŹ20-âŹ50). Each passenger is allowed one piece of luggage that is stored under the bus, and you should book your tickets early for the cheapest price.
Vienna to Munich by train
OBB and Deutsche Bahn have several trains a day traveling directly to Munich. Tickets can be found as low as $24 (âŹ22), but the average price is $40 (âŹ37). The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets. The journey is between 4 and 5 hours, and with so many daily departures, you donât have to book a ticket ahead of time (but, of course, it is recommended).
Flights from Vienna to Munich
Lufthansa and Austrian operate regular nonstop flights between Vienna and Munich. Youâll be in the air for about an hour, and tickets start at $163 (âŹ150) but occasionally dip lower during less popular travel times. If you are taking a flight, make sure to account for the ground transportation you will need to and from the airport, like taxis and public buses.
Things to do when you get to Munich
Munich truly has something for everyone, so it is easy to overload your schedule with things to do. But you have so much to look forward to after you finish the drive from Vienna to Munich, so letâs go!
Start at Marienplatz
It is best to start your Munich adventure at the 1,100-year-old heart of the city, Marienplatz. This main square is surrounded by architectural gems such as the Gothic-style New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) with its famous Glockenspiel, a mechanical clock tower that puts on a captivating show several times a day. From here, you can make your way outward in any direction to see more of Munich.
Buy your Oktoberfest dirndls and lederhosen
If you are joining the millions of visitors who come from all around the world to experience Oktoberfest, then you have to look the part! Dress up for this once-in-a-lifetime experience with a dirndl or lederhosen. These traditional clothes are the official outfit for Oktoberfest, and if you donât already have your outfit, youâll definitely find a shop in Munich.
When you attend Oktoberfest, make sure you have comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking, waiting in line, and dancing.
Tour FC Bayernâs Allianz Arena
If you are an FC Bayern fan, the Allianz Arena tour is a must while youâre in Munich. This arena can hold 75,000 fans on any given game and was one of the host arenas for the 2006 World Cup. Leave yourself 1.5 to 2 hours for the museum and tour of the arena.
Stroll through the Englischer Garten (English Garden)
If you think Central Park in New York City is big, think again. The Englischer Garten is one of the largest urban parks in the world, with over 900 acres of waterways, beer gardens, and scenic walking paths. One must-visit part of this park is a stop by the Chinese Tower beer garden. You can even surf the Eisbachwelle (a man-made river wave) or go rafting.
Educate yourself at the Deutsches Museum Munich
The Deutsches Museum in Munich is among the largest science museums in the world. It truly has a section for every scientific interest. Explore aviation, chemistry, math, health, coding, space exploration, and more! It is perfect for families with children or for cold and rainy days. Expect to spend several hours here, as it is massive.
Eat up at a tavern or the Viktualienmarkt!
All this sightseeing means youâll be extra hungry around mealtime. Find a tavern or pub and order traditional Bavarian cuisine, like weiĂwurst (white sausage) served with sweet mustard, schnitzel with potato salad, and pretzels. Have lunch paired with a cold glass of local beer or Bavarian wine, of course. And lastly, you canât go wrong with apfelstrudel (apple strudel) for dessert.
If youâd like a more active dining experience, go to the Viktualienmarkt. At this open-air market, you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, gourmet delicacies, and artisanal goods. Pick up local specialties, enjoy a snack at one of the market's many food stalls, or simply soak up the atmosphere.
The BMW Museum and BMW World
Whether youâre a major luxury car fan, or an amateur admirer, a visit to the BMW Museum and BMW World is a must-do while in Munich. BMW World is a modern exhibition and delivery center that showcases the latest models from BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce. BMW Museum is a dedicated space that traces the history of the BMW brand from its beginnings as a manufacturer of aircraft engines to its evolution into a leading automotive company. The museum features a comprehensive collection of classic cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia.
When is the best time to visit Munich
Munich is a fantastic vacation choice all year round!
Autumn
Munich is most well-known for Oktoberfest, a Bavarian holiday with folk music, traditional foods, and, of course, plenty of beer. Despite its name, Oktoberfest takes place mostly in September, with the final event being on the first Sunday in October. Munich has the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in Bavaria, so if you will be joining the crowds, visit anytime between mid-September and the first week of October. Youâll be competing with thousands of others for limited space, so make sure your accommodation and transportation are booked far in advance.
Even without Oktoberfest, Bavaria in the fall is simply stunning. Go hiking around Munich to see the leaves in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Winter
If you like doing winter sports like snowboarding, ice skating, and skiing, come to Munich in the winter. Ski resorts just a short distance from the city have everything you need to enjoy the slopes and great views of the Bavarian landscape from the mountains.
If you visit before Christmas, the city streets are decorated with Yuletide decorations, and you can go shopping in the Christmas markets. Eat roasted chestnuts and drink mulled wine while buying handmade ornaments and wooden toys.
Spring and Summer
Nothing beats a cold beer on a warm day! Munich has so many beer gardens and green spaces that come to life once the winter chill subsides. Have a stroll around the Englischer Garten and ride the man-made river that runs through it, or just appreciate the blooming flowers.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Melk
Located on a small arm of Strauss' 'Beautiful Blue Danube', this quiet town still retains an imperial air. Abbey town on the DanubeÂ
Mauthausen
A forced labour camp for intellectuals, artists, aristocrats and political enemies of the Nazi Regime, Mauthausen is the Concentration Camp you won't have read about in history books. Austria's Secret Nazi Death CampÂ
Hallstatt
The town of Hallstatt lies in a sensational mountain setting, nestled among the lakes of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. Medieval UNESCO alpine villageÂ
Salzburg
UNESCO-listed Salzburg ranks among the most prestigious cities in Europe, is the birthplace of Mozart and provided the setting for the classic musical, âThe Sound of Musicâ. The city with the sound of musicÂ
Berchtesgaden â Eagles Nest
Eagles Nest was the name given to Hitlerâs âteahouseâ by the American soldiers who occupied Bavaria in 1945. *Closed November-May An artful symbol of madnessÂ
Schliersee
Schliersee, located in the Bayern region of Germany, has history that dates back 1,200 years starting with the creation of a monastery by five brothers. Waterfalls and WhiskyÂ
