Your driver will meet you at your address in Munich.
You’ll travel in comfort for 5 hours.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Interlaken.
If Switzerland were a film, the car trip from Munich to Interlaken would be the star of the show. The blockbuster natural beauty, coated with gaping v-shaped valleys and soaring snow-capped peaks, would win awards as the best movie plot without breaking a sweat.
These surreal views begin just moments after you twist around the endless pillars and spires scattered throughout Munich's old town. Bavaria's iconic landscape stretches further than the eye can see. But you can make out the half-timbered villages nestled in the vibrant green rolling hills.
The further you drive, the higher the mountainous terrain shoots into the heavens. This jagged landscape turns the gentle cruise into a rollercoaster, zig-zagging between pristine cliffs and alongside bodies of water dancing in the sunlight. It's a continuous trail until the dominating Jungfrau peak stands at the finishing line, overlooking Interlaken.
This bucket-list road trip seems too good to be true. But you can turn this dream into a reality if you know how to travel in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Fortunately, we created this comprehensive guide for traveling from Munich to Interlaken in 2024!
After a magic drive from Munich to Interlaken, you'll arrive at one of Switzerland's prettiest towns. The area is small and has a population of under 24,000. But for every resident, the town receives 74 visitors. Its location in the Bern region contributed to its popularity and title. Interlake literally means "in-between lakes", as it sits between Brienz to the east and Thun to the west.
Interlaken developed as a small settlement around a newly built monastery in the 12th century. Although it proved a vital trading hub in the Alps during the Middle Ages, it never sparked into a bustling metropolis like other European cities. It took until the 19th century to gain popularity as a resort for adrenaline junkies or those seeking tranquility away from the growing industrialization in parts of the continent.
Switzerland was neutral during World War 2. Therefore, Interlaken offered humanitarian services for refugees fleeing the war, and you can still feel this warm hospitality today. Once the war ended, Interlaken returned to the spotlight as a tourist hotspot. It avoided destruction, unlike its neighboring countries. So, it could put its vast fortunes into a robust tourism infrastructure with additional hotels and transportation links.
In the 21st century, Interlaken has one of the world's best travel facilities. The area has various tourist information centers, multilingual staff, and tour operators. It focuses on sustainable travel by preserving natural wonders and encouraging travelers to visit responsibly. Throughout all its efforts to provide modern services for visitors, it manages to retain its city charm with its rustic chalets and traditional Swiss lanes.
The Alps mountain range, 270 miles, and at least a 5-hour car journey stand on the road from Munich to Interlaken. So, you'll need to learn a few insider travel tips for comfort and enjoyment before setting off!
No matter how beautiful the views are from your window, a 5-hour drive can spoil the taste of adventure. A private door-to-door with no loud passengers, modern convenience, and reclinable seats is an ideal way to travel.
However, you can still prioritize comfort when traveling by public transportation. Consider spending an extra few euros for a seat with extra legroom or a first-class seat. Finally, pack a light bag with a few essentials, such as earplugs and a neck pillow.
On a trip through the German, Austrian, and Swiss Alps, it's no surprise there are endless points to stop and explore en route. Most tourists bypass these hidden treasures, but when you ride with Daytrip, you can create a unique road trip.
Some of the unmissable attractions along the way include Mount Rigi, Europe's oldest alpine railroad, and Lindau Island, the ideal place to stretch your legs on an extensive voyage.
The European Alps reliably provide plenty of scenery and sightseeing opportunities. However, they also have unreliable weather.
Check the forecast before leaving Munich if you plan on sightseeing. Even if it's sunny when you leave the bustling streets of Munich, that doesn't guarantee it's bright on the other side of the mountain.
In the summer, you'll need sun protection. And rain gear is vital during the fall or winter in case of a sudden shower.
Due to the robust public transport network from Munich to Interlaken, you're spoiled for choice when traveling between the cities. But first, you should uncover which carrier will cater to your needs and references!
The train is the most popular way to travel from Munich to Interlaken, despite being slightly more expensive than the bus. However, the extra euros will get you a more comfortable seat, a spacious environment, and modern conveniences such as wifi and an onboard cafe.
The downside is that no direct train runs from Munich to Interlaken. Instead, when you purchase a ticket from München Hauptbahnhof to Interlaken Ost, you'll need to change trains at Zurich, Bern, Basel, or all three, depending on the time of day. Book your tickets online with Deutsche Bahn or Schweizerische Bundesbahnen 30 days in advance for the lowest fares.
If you're traveling Europe on a budget, the bus from Munich to Interlaken is for you. It's the cheapest mode of transportation, with seats starting as low as €26 when booking in the off-season or more than a month before your departure. A secret tip is to change your location to Germany when booking a ticket online for the best offers.
A handful of companies offer their services on parts of this route. However, Flixbus is the most convenient, as it's the only direct company from Munich to Interlaken. Even with an indirect trip, you can purchase one ticket and transfer to another coach. But something to acknowledge is that this service arrives at Interlaken East, not the main train station.
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the easiest and most comfortable way to transfer from Munich to Interlaken. It's also the fastest mode of transportation, where your English-speaking driver can escort you from your hotel in Munich to your new one in Interlaken in only five hours.
But five hours is just an ordinary cruise from A to B, so why not add C and D to your once-in-a-lifetime adventure? En route, you can sample some of Europe's most mouthwatering culinary delights in the foodie cities of Lucerne and Vaduz. Or you can venture deep into Germany's dark past and show respect for the lives of over 200,000 people that the Dachau Concentration Camp swallowed up.
After a stunning drive from Munich, you'll find countless things to do when you get to Interlaken. With its stunning natural setting, it should come as no surprise that many of them are outdoor activities!
Known as the "Top of Europe," Jungfraujoch is a majestic saddle in the Alps. You can take a scenic train journey through tunnels carved into the mountains to reach this breathtaking destination in around 1.5 hours.
Once here, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, the Aletsch Glacier, and the Sphinx Observatory will leave you in awe. It's an unforgettable experience to stand atop the viewing platform, surrounded by the magnificence of the Alps.
Interlaken is an outdoor paradise. So Haarige Kuh Brauerei is a great activity for a rainy day.
This humble brewery is home to some of the nation's top craft beers. After visiting, you can sample the flavors and experience their unique tastes. Not only will you try plenty of their beers, but you can also participate in a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the fascinating techniques of making these beverages.
St. Beatus Caves are less than 4.5 miles from downtown Interlaken. You can take a picture-perfect walk along its turquoise lake or jump on bus line 21, and it will drop you directly outside the setting in just 16 minutes.
A visit to one of Switzerland's 10 largest caves encapsulates everything great about the region. Natural beauty, adventurous tunnels, gushing waterfalls, and welcoming staff add to this spectacular attraction. But don't forget to wear shoes with quality traction, as the paths can get slippery.
It's almost impossible not to be drawn in by Lake Thun and Brienz's sheer size and magnificence. You'll come for the views, but the various water activities will keep you returning for the duration of your stay.
The best part is that there are plenty of activities, whether in the spring, summer, fall, or winter. In the warmer months, you can indulge in river rafting and waterskiing, while in the cold season, you stay dry on a boat cruise or risk kayaking!
There's never a bad time to go from Munich to Interlaken. Each month brings its own unique traits. But due to the abundance of outdoor activities, the warmer months of the year are the best time to travel.
The hot season begins in late May and finishes at the beginning of October. August is the hottest month when temperatures can rise to 87° Fahrenheit. The slightly cooler months of fall or spring may be more pleasant for hiking and taking tours.
Since Interlaken sees harsh winters, locals come out in force and create a carnival atmosphere along its streets and outdoor eateries. The arrival of tourists and the seasonal events also add to the festive ambiance!
In its ravenous twelve year existence, Germany's first concentration camp swallowed over 200,000 people from all over Europe. The Model for Nazi Concentration Camps
At just 0.68 square kilometres, Lindau Island is perfect for exploring on foot while you discover the endless amounts of history lining its narrow streets. Alpine Island
Its UNESCO listed Abbey houses over 170,000 documents, and a rococo interior that rivals the beauty of the medieval old town. The Beauty of Books
The post stamp-sized capital of post stamp-sized Liechtenstein is quiet, clean, and ironically has a postage stamp museum. Complete your Collection
Europe’s oldest alpine railroad take visitors up this massive massif, which provides panoramic views all the way into France and Germany. Queen of the Mountains
With a well preserved history, frescoed buildings, lakeside setting and impressive mountain views, Lucerne is a delight to behold. Pretty as a Picture
“I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas”
lakekariba
Dec 4, 2024“We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!”
pgh1125
Dec 3, 2024“Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.”
James B
Nov 9, 2024“Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.”
LuckyTraveler01
Nov 1, 2024All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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