Private car transfer
from Vienna to Munich

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 won’t 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 you’re in Germany, you have just a short distance remaining until you are in Munich.

Munich’s Innovations

Munich is Germany’s center for science and technology, so it is no surprise that the “Bayerische Motoren Werke” (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 you’re a fan of MP3, modeling clay, or self-driving cars, you can thank Munich’s 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 Munich’s 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, you’ll 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 Germany’s 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.

Have cash on you

Many smaller towns in Austria and Germany still prefer cash payments and won’t 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. Don’t 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 you’re 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. Don’t 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 you’re 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.

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 you’ve seen it all, your arrival in Munich won’t 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 (€20-€50). 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 (€22), but the average price is $40 (€37). The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets. The journey is between 4 and 5 hours, and with so many daily departures, you don’t 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. You’ll be in the air for about an hour, and tickets start at $163 (€150) 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.

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 don’t already have your outfit, you’ll 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 Bayern’s Allianz Arena

If you are an FC Bayern fan, the Allianz Arena tour is a must while you’re 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 you’ll be extra hungry around mealtime. Find a tavern or pub and order traditional Bavarian cuisine, like weißwurst (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 can’t go wrong with apfelstrudel (apple strudel) for dessert.

If you’d 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 you’re 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.

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.