Despite the comparatively short distance it's possible to travel by day or night when taking the train from Wien/Vienna to München/Munich.
The first daytime train of the morning, is usually scheduled to arrive in München/Munich around 10:00, but the overnight train will take you there in time for breakfast, with an arrival before 06:30.
There are also now two options for travelling during the day by train as Westbahn services now provide an alternative to travelling on the Railjet trains and they also depart from a different station in Wien/Vienna.
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
4hr 15min
Daily
7 x trains per day
Trains depart every other hour
Is the journey from Wien / Vienna to München / Munich direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is this journey scenic?
Not exceptionally
What other tourist locations are along this route from Wien / Vienna to Munich?
This train also calls In Linz and Salzburg
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at München Hbf from Wien Hbf on this journey option?
After 10:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Munich?
Frequent local (S-Bahn) trains travel on to the city centre and multiple tram and metro lines are also available - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Wien Hbf to München Hbf on this journey option
Before 18:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Vienna?
The heart of the city, the area around St Stephens cathedral is linked to Wien Westbahnhof by line 3 of the U-bahn.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Vienna to Munich trains?
Yes
What are the child ticket terms for these Vienna to Munich trains?
Up to four children aged 14 and under can travel for a flat fee of €2 per child when travelling with an adult.
Does the ticket for these Vienna to Munich trains include assigned seats?
Yes reservations are included when booking
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Vienna to Munich trains?
They are available, but optional.
Is catering available on the Vienna to Munich trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro service
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Austrian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Austria.
What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.
ShowMeTheJourney earns a small commission on Trainline ticket sales. It can be a particularly good option for: Comparing different train services; Booking international journeys with connections; Travelling between the UK to destinations beyond Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris - and for international travellers who don't reside in western Europe.
First time bookers using the Omio mobile apps (Find them at www.omio.com/apps) can save 10% on purchasers of up to €100 by using the promo code SEP24 Valid for bookings by September 30th, 2024 (11:59 pm CET).
Omio is an online ticket agency which offers tickets for rail journeys in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain.
The three key advantages of using Omio are
The disadvantage of booking with Omio is that it often adds a booking fee to the final price; therefore when it does so without offering a price advantage, SMTJ doesn't tend to offer Omio as a booking option.
ShowMeTheJourney earns a small commission on Rail Europe ticket sales. It can be a particularly good option when booking international journeys with connections and for travellers who don't reside in western Europe. Use the easy options on its home page if you will be booking tickets with a railcard: Or purchasing rail pass reservations.
OBB is the national rail operator and its booking service offers journeys by express trains within Austria, as well as international journeys which don't involve making a connection outside of Austria.
It pays off to book online, as the discounted 'Sparscheine' tickets are only ever made available on the website, and when making international journeys to and from Austria, these Sparscheine tickets tend to be cheaper.
OBB can offer particularly good value for money when travelling with children on international rail journeys, but something to watch out for when travelling between Austria and Germany on daytime trains, is that reservations are an optional extra; but if you book 1st class tickets with the Germany railways website DB, the reservations are complimentary.
OBB often takes a unique approach to its booking path, but a key thing to keep in mind is that the first price you will see for any journey is that of a Second Class seat.
The costs of upgrading to first class, a reservation, or a sleeping cabin etc, is then added to this price.
DB is the national railway operator in Germany, so its website can be used for booking journeys by German express trains; the ICE and IC trains and it doesn't charge booking fees.
It also sells tickets for journeys by direct trains on all international routes from Germany regardless of whether DB is operating the train service.
It also sells an extensive range of end-to-end journeys which involve making connections both within Germany and in neighboring countries, but journeys between Germany and Britain cannot be booked on DB.
On journeys within Germany and on most international journeys from and to Germany on trains operated by DB:
When booking both types of the discounted 'Sparpreis' tickets seat reservations are an optional extra, so need to be added when booking if you want an assigned seat(s).
Happy Rail is a Netherlands rail ticket agency which sells tickets for both national and international journeys within a range of countries including Belgium France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland.
HappyRail doesn't charge booking fees in the conventional sense, but if you're not Dutch you can expect to pay additional transaction fees, which will be added to the total cost.
That's because the most common form of online payment used in The Netherlands is 'iDEAL' and HappyRail doesn't charge a transaction fee for 'iDEAL' payments, but only Dutch residents can sign up to 'iDEAL'.
Other forms of payment include Visa debit cards will incur a fee.
Final Destination: Munchen Hbf (or Frankfurt)
Departing from Wien / Vienna
If your journey in Vienna is commencing in the south west corner of the city, or the area on the ring road around the Opera House - then it's likely that you'll have a faster and more convenient journey if you join the train at Wien-Meidling station.
Wien Meidling is connected to line U6 of the Vienna Metro, which serves the western side of the city centre.
These trains heading to Munchen are usually joined to other trains heading for Bregenz on departure from Wien Hbf.
The two trains are then separated from each other on arrival at Salzburg.
So if you haven't reserved, take care that you're boarding the part of the train which will be heading to Munchen.
These trains also call at: Salzburg
Arriving in München / Munich
These Railjet trains do not call at Munchen Ost station.
They are also now scheduled to arrive in the part of München Hbf station designated München Hbf Gl.5-10, which is a 2 - 3 minute wall away from the main station concourse.
The Railjet trains used on this route are branded 'Railjet Express' and can be listed as 'RJX' services on departure screens and timetables.
Though travelling on these trains is no different to travelling by any other Railjet.
ShowMeTheJourney has seen multiple reports that border checks are being carried out on these trains at Freilassing station, which is the first station over the border in Germany, shortly after departure from Salzburg.
Fifteen minutes is usually assigned for these border checks, but the reports state that they are often taking more than an hour, which is leading to late arrivals into Munchen - so keep this is in mind if you will be making onward connection from Munchen Hbf.
This is a pleasant rather than wonderful journey, the best of the views are between Linz and Salzburg - so you won't miss out on a fabulous travel experience if you opt to take the overnight train.
Online bookings open: up to 6 months ahead of the travel date
This booking period tends to be shorter when looking up journeys between mid August and mid October.
It can be worth comparing prices on the different ticket agents, the cheapest 'Europa Super Sparpreis' tickets can still be available on DB, the German railways website, when the most heavily discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets are sold out on OBB, the Austrian railways website.
And the reverse can be true, cheaper Sparschiene tickets can still be available on OBB, meaning that DB can be more expensive.
Booking on the OBB website
The discounted tickets are the 'Sparscheine' tickets and they can be booked online up until the day of departure, but they CAN'T be booked at stations, so booking last minute at the station is always more expensive.
Though you'll usually need to book the 'Sparscheine' tickets at least a couple of days ahead to obtain them at the cheapest possible price.
Book a Sparschiene ticket and it will be specific to the departure you selected when making a booking and it can't be refunded at all if you subsequently change your travel plans and it also can't be exchanged to an alternative, later departure.
Trains departing at different times can also be cheaper than others leaving on the same day, so you may need to look through the day's departures to find the cheapest fares
It can pay off to take a look at the guide to Austrian train tickets - it should help you save time and money and confusion.
Seat reservations are optional, but they're particularly recommended for this journey.
Booking on the DB website
Three types of tickets are always available: Sparpreis Europa and Super Sparpreis Europa and Flexpreis Europa.
A key difference between these types of tickets is refunds:
The other key difference is that both types of Sparpreis tickets are only valid on the specific departures selected when booking, but the Flexpreis tickets live up to their name, as they can be used on any departure on your travel date.
Note that none of the tickets can be exchanged to a different departure.
There's no need for this to be available for Flexpreis tickets, as they aren't train departure specific.
If you book a Sparpreis ticket and want to travel by a different departure you can refund it and then use the travel voucher towards the cost of the new booking.
Super Sparpreis tickets can't be exchanged or refunded.
When travelling to and from the major cities, the Sparpreis and Flexpreis tickets also include 'City tickets', which can be used on public transport on from Munchen Hbf.
To see all the combinations of trains and journey options, some of which may be cheaper, take off the 'fastest connections' default.
1st Class tickets
No matter what type of ticket booked, if you choose to travel 1st class, you will have access to the same seating areas on the train, ICE trains do not have Business or Executive lounges.
Though only those who have booked 1st class Flexpreis or Flexpreis Plus tickets can access the DB Lounges at the major stations.
Seat reservations
Seat reservations are optional on ICE trains.
They cost €4.90 when travelling in 2nd Class and €5.90 when travelling in 1st class.
When a journey involves two or more trains on which seat reservations are available, the fees when first booking, cover all trains.
Specific seats can be selected from seating plans - you don't have to accept the seat(s) that you will be automatically offered.
They are included within the cost of booking 1st class Flexpreis tickets.
Though despite seats being automatically assigned when booking these three types of ticket - and these tickets being valid on any departure, you will need to pay to re-book the reservations, if you subsequently decide to travel on an alternative train.
So because you won't save by booking these types of tickets in advance, it can be a good idea to wait until you are sure when you will want to travel.
When booking Super Sparpreis, Sparpreis and 2nd class Flexpreis tickets, you have the option of purchasing seat reservations later.
It can be worth re-looking up a journey a week or two ahead of travel, because the DB website will indicate how busy a departure will be.
Child tickets:
Adults (aged 15 and over) booking discounted 'Sparscheine tickets' can take up to four children aged 14 and under with them at no additional cost.
4hr 3min
3 - 6 x trains per day (see the notes below)
Mon - Saturday = 6 x trains per day
Sunday = 5 x trains
Is the journey from Wien / Vienna to München / Munich direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is this journey scenic?
Not exceptionally
What other tourist locations are along this route from Wien / Vienna to Munich?
These trains also call In Linz and Salzburg
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at München Hbf from Wien Westbahnhof on this journey option?
Before 10:15 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Munich?
Frequent local (S-Bahn) trains travel on to the city centre and multiple tram and metro lines are also available - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Wien Westbahnhof to München Hbf on this journey option
After 18:05 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Vienna?
The heart of the city, the area around St Stephens cathedral is linked to Wien Hbf by line 1 of the U-bahn.
The eastern areas of the city centre are linked to Wien Hbf by Lines S1, S2 and S3 of the city’s commuter train (S-Bahn network).
See the Station Guide for more information, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood..
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Vienna to Munich trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access guides to how rail tickets are managed in Austria and Germany, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Vienna to Munich trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.
What are the child ticket terms for these Vienna to Munich trains?
Adults (aged 15 and over) purchasing discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets for travel in either First or Second class, can take up to four children (aged 14 and under) at no additional cost.
Does the ticket for these Vienna to Munich trains include assigned seats?
They are included for travel between June 1st and September 1st.
At other times of year the discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets do not include seat reservations, but they can be added to a booking for an additional cost
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Vienna to Munich trains?
It is mandatory from June 1st to September 1st, but it is optional at the other times of year.
Though due to the length of the journey, ShowMeTheJourney recommends making the reservations regardless - see the rail pass reservation guides to Austria and Germany for info on the multiple booking options.
Is catering available on the Vienna to Munich trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Austrian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Austria.
What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.
Final Destination: Munchen Hbf
These trains also call at: Munchen Ost
The alternative Railjet services do not call at Munchen Ost, but if your final destination is located by Marienplatz or Isator stations in Munchen/Munich city centre, you will save around 20 mins by making a connection into local cross-city trains at Munchen Ost instead of at Munchen Hbf
Departing from Wien/Vienna:
The Westbahn trains leave from alternative station in Wien/Vienna to those used by the Railjets, they commence their journeys at Wien Westbahnhof.
Unlike Wien hbf the Westbahnhof is served by line U3 of the Vienna Metro which calls at city centre stations with no direct link to the main hbf station including Volkstheater
The Westbahn trains also call at Wien Hutteldorf a station not served by the Railjets, which has an interchange with line U4 of the Vienna Metro, which makes multiple stops on the southern side of the city centre, including at Karlsplatz.
Book early and save: Yes
The daytime train service between Wien/Vienna and München/Munich is now split between Railjet trains operated by OBB and these trains operated by Westbahn.
The two train services have similar journey times;, the difference is generally less than 10 mins compared to OBB's fastest services), but the Westbahn trains depart from a different station in Wien/Vienna
Tickets for the trains operated by Westbahn are not available on the OBB ticket booking site and vice versa, tickets for the trains operated by OBB are not available on the Westbahn site, but both services can be looked up and booked on Trainline.
Though on this route when travelling on Monday to Thursday limited numbers of WESTsuperpreis tickets will be available for €23.99, they must be booked in advance and are only valid when travelling on the selected departure.
Last minute tickets booked at the station are more expensive than booking in Advance.
Differences in ticketing terms to travelling by Railjet:
7hr 17min
Nightly
1 x train per night
OBB is the national rail operator and its booking service offers journeys by express trains within Austria, as well as international journeys which don't involve making a connection outside of Austria.
It pays off to book online, as the discounted 'Sparscheine' tickets are only ever made available on the website, and when making international journeys to and from Austria, these Sparscheine tickets tend to be cheaper.
OBB can offer particularly good value for money when travelling with children on international rail journeys, but something to watch out for when travelling between Austria and Germany on daytime trains, is that reservations are an optional extra; but if you book 1st class tickets with the Germany railways website DB, the reservations are complimentary.
OBB often takes a unique approach to its booking path, but a key thing to keep in mind is that the first price you will see for any journey is that of a Second Class seat.
The costs of upgrading to first class, a reservation, or a sleeping cabin etc, is then added to this price.
DB is the national railway operator in Germany, so its website can be used for booking journeys by German express trains; the ICE and IC trains and it doesn't charge booking fees.
It also sells tickets for journeys by direct trains on all international routes from Germany regardless of whether DB is operating the train service.
It also sells an extensive range of end-to-end journeys which involve making connections both within Germany and in neighboring countries, but journeys between Germany and Britain cannot be booked on DB.
A key feature of DB website worth keeping mind is that it offers 1st class ticket purchasers complimentary seat reservations on journeys both within and to/from Germany.
Seat reservations for daytime in both 1st and 2nd class can also be booked separately from tickets.
This train is usually scheduled to depart from Wien Hbf at around 23:30 and arrive in Munchen Hbf at 06:10 - note the exceptionally early arrival time.
Final Destination: Stuttgart Hbf
This train also calls at: Munchen Ost
On departure from Wien Hbf, this train heading to Munchen/Munich will usually be attached to another train which will be heading to Zurich.
There's no need to be concerned about this as your reservation will be in the correct part of the train, but if you see Zurich as a destination on the departure info at the station, then the info will almost certainly also apply to the Munchen train.
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open:
6 months ahead of the travel date on OBB
3 months ahead of the travel date on DB Bahn
'Kalaman Imre' is the name given to this train that is provided by Hungarian Railways (MAV) - the train will have commenced its journey in Budapest.
OBB Nightjets are not used on this route.
It comprises
- Compartment Seats
- Couchettes ; 4 berths AND 6 berths
- Sleeping cars with 3 bed, 2 bed and 1 cabins (there are no deluxe sleeping cars with showers in the cabins available on this route)
The first price you will see on the OBB ticketing site will be for the compartment seats.
Click the train info below for more info including the rail pass reservation fees:
Rail pass users must reserve before boarding this train.
However, these rail pass reservations can NO longer be booked online the DB website.
If you want to reserve seats, berths in couchettes or beds in the sleeping cabins before you arrive in Austria, the best option is to pay a booking fee and use the Eurail or InterRail reservation services.
If you would rather not do this, reservations can be arranged and paid for at the ÖBB Reisebüro desk in Wien Hbf - ideally do this when you first arrive at Wien Hbf on the preceding train on your itinerary.
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