Munich to Vienna

Complete transport guide covering train, bus, flight, and scenic route options with prices, journey times, and booking tips for the 450km route through Austria

Munich to Vienna is one of Central Europe's classic routes — a 450-kilometre journey connecting Bavaria's capital with the imperial heart of the Habsburg Empire. The direct train takes just 4 hours through stunning Austrian countryside, passing through Salzburg along the way. Whether you want the speed and comfort of the Railjet train, the budget-friendliness of FlixBus, or the scenic detour through Salzburg, here is everything you need to know to choose the right option and travel smoothly.

Quick Comparison

Transport	Time	Cost	Comfort	Best For
Direct Train	4 hours	€30-70	High	Most travelers
FlixBus	5.5-6 hours	From €19	Medium	Budget travelers
Flight	1hr + transfers	From €50	Medium	Connecting flights
Via Salzburg	5-7 hours	€40-80	High	Multi-city trips

4 Ways to Get from Munich to Vienna

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Direct Train (OeBB / DB)

4 hours direct€30 - €70

OeBB (Austrian Railways), Deutsche Bahn (DB)

The direct train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Vienna Hauptbahnhof is the most popular and recommended way to travel between these two cities. OeBB Railjet and DB-OeBB EuroCity trains run the route multiple times daily, covering the 450km journey through stunning Alpine and Austrian countryside. The train passes through Salzburg (approximately halfway), offering the option to break the journey. Onboard, you get comfortable seating, a dining car, Wi-Fi, and power sockets.

Pros

+The most comfortable and scenic option — the route passes through Alpine valleys, past lakes, and through historic Austrian towns
+Direct city-centre to city-centre service with no airport transfers, security queues, or baggage restrictions
+Regular departures throughout the day from early morning to evening — flexible scheduling
+Advance OeBB Sparschiene tickets start from €30, making it competitive with budget flights once airport costs are included

Cons

-The full fare can reach €70-90 if you book late — advance booking is essential for the best prices
-The 4-hour journey is longer than a 1-hour flight, though total travel time is comparable once you factor in airport transfers
-Popular departure times (Friday evenings, Sunday evenings) can sell out — book 2-4 weeks ahead
-No luggage weight limits but space in overhead racks can be limited during peak travel periods

Booking Tip: Book on oebb.at or bahn.de for the best advance fares. OeBB Sparschiene tickets (from €30) go on sale approximately 6 months in advance and are non-refundable but excellent value. Standard flex tickets cost more but allow changes. First class adds roughly €20-30 and includes quieter coaches and complimentary coffee. The Salzburg stop is roughly halfway — consider a day or overnight break there.

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FlixBus

5.5 - 6 hoursFrom €19

FlixBus

FlixBus operates multiple daily departures between Munich ZOB (central bus station) and Vienna Erdberg or Vienna main bus station. The journey takes approximately 5.5-6 hours depending on traffic and stops. Buses are comfortable with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and an onboard toilet. This is the budget option that is perfectly serviceable for the journey.

Pros

+The cheapest option with fares starting from €19 — sometimes even lower during promotional sales
+Multiple daily departures with early morning and late evening options for flexible scheduling
+Comfortable coaches with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and air conditioning — adequate for the 5.5-hour journey
+No luggage fees for one carry-on and one checked bag — practical for travelers with larger luggage

Cons

-Significantly slower than the train — 5.5-6 hours versus 4 hours by Railjet
-Subject to traffic delays, especially on German and Austrian motorways during holiday weekends
-Bus stations are less centrally located than train stations in both cities — factor in extra transfer time
-Less legroom and comfort than trains, especially for tall travelers — the bus is adequate but not luxurious

Booking Tip: Book on flixbus.com or through the FlixBus app. Prices are dynamic — the earlier you book, the cheaper the fare. The cheapest tickets (€19-25) go quickly. Munich ZOB (Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof) is next to Munich Hauptbahnhof. In Vienna, buses arrive at Erdberg (connected by U3 metro) or the main bus station near Hauptbahnhof. Book at least 1-2 weeks ahead for the best fares.

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Flight

1 hour flight + transfersFrom €50

Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair

Several airlines fly Munich (MUC) to Vienna (VIE) with a flight time of just 55-65 minutes. However, once you add airport transfers (30-45 minutes each end), security, boarding, and baggage collection, the total journey time is 4-5 hours — comparable to the direct train. Flying only makes sense if you find a significantly cheap fare or are connecting to another flight in Vienna.

Pros

+The fastest point-to-point option at just 1 hour of flight time — useful if connecting to another flight
+Budget airlines like Ryanair and Eurowings occasionally offer fares from €50-70
+Frequent daily departures with multiple airlines providing flexibility
+Can earn frequent flyer miles or use airline loyalty points for the booking

Cons

-Total door-to-door travel time (4-5 hours including transfers) is comparable to or longer than the direct train
-Airport transfers add significant cost — Munich S-Bahn to airport €13, Vienna CAT or S-Bahn €4.40-12
-Environmental impact is considerably higher than train travel for this relatively short distance
-Budget airline fares exclude checked luggage, seat selection, and meals — the headline price is misleading

Booking Tip: Compare fares on Google Flights or Skyscanner. Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa offer the most frequent service. Ryanair and Eurowings may offer cheaper fares but watch for baggage fees that inflate the final price. Unless flying is significantly cheaper or you are connecting to another flight, the train is the better choice for this route. Munich Airport is 40 minutes from the city centre by S-Bahn; Vienna Airport is 25 minutes by S-Bahn or 16 minutes by CAT.

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Scenic Route via Salzburg

5-7 hours (with stop)€40 - €80 (combined tickets)

OeBB, DB (break in Salzburg)

Instead of taking the direct train, break the 450km journey with a stop in Salzburg — Mozart's birthplace and one of Austria's most beautiful cities. Munich to Salzburg is 1.5 hours by train, and Salzburg to Vienna is 2.5 hours. This allows you to explore Salzburg's Altstadt, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Sound of Music locations without a dedicated trip. Salzburg is compact enough to see the highlights in half a day.

Pros

+Visit three magnificent cities in one journey — Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna on a single route
+Salzburg is one of Austria's most beautiful cities and only 1.5 hours from Munich — too good to skip
+The Munich-Salzburg leg passes through stunning Bavarian and Alpine scenery including views of mountain lakes
+Flexible break — spend a few hours, half a day, or overnight in Salzburg depending on your schedule

Cons

-Adds 1-3 hours to the total journey time depending on how long you stop in Salzburg
-Requires booking two separate train tickets (Munich-Salzburg and Salzburg-Vienna) unless using a rail pass
-Left luggage at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof costs €3-5 per item — necessary if exploring the city between trains
-Combined ticket costs may be higher than a single direct Munich-Vienna fare — compare prices before booking

Booking Tip: Book the Munich-Salzburg and Salzburg-Vienna legs separately on oebb.at or bahn.de. Check if a combined fare is cheaper than two separate tickets. Salzburg Hauptbahnhof has left-luggage lockers (€3-5) and is a 15-minute walk from the historic Altstadt. A half-day in Salzburg gives you time for the Altstadt, Hohensalzburg Fortress (funicular up, walk down), and a Mozartkugel chocolate. Book the onward Vienna train with some flexibility in case you want to linger.

Vienna to Munich (Reverse Direction)

All the same options work in reverse. Here are the key tips for traveling back to Munich.

Train Departures from Vienna

Trains depart from Vienna Hauptbahnhof throughout the day. The journey time is identical at 4 hours. Morning departures are popular with business travelers so book ahead for those slots. The OeBB Lounge at Vienna Hauptbahnhof is available to first-class passengers and offers a comfortable waiting area with drinks and snacks before your journey.

Salzburg Stopover on Return

If you skipped Salzburg on the way to Vienna, the return journey is your chance. Depart Vienna in the morning, store luggage at Salzburg station (€3-5), explore the Altstadt and fortress for half a day, and catch an afternoon or evening train to Munich. It adds 2-4 hours to your journey but Salzburg is genuinely worth the stop.

Route Tips & What to Know

Book Advance Tickets Early

OeBB Sparschiene advance fares (from €30) sell out quickly on popular departure times. Tickets go on sale approximately 6 months in advance. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead usually secures a good fare. The flex ticket (around €60-90) allows changes but costs more. If your plans are fixed, the Sparschiene ticket offers extraordinary value for a 4-hour journey through some of Europe's most beautiful scenery.

Sit on the Left Side for Scenery

When traveling Munich to Vienna, the left side of the train offers the best views through the Austrian Alps and past lakes. The stretch between Munich and Salzburg is particularly scenic, passing through Rosenheim and along the Inn valley. After Salzburg, the landscape opens into rolling Austrian countryside. Reserve a window seat if possible — the scenery alone makes the train the best choice for this route.

Luggage and Practical Tips

There are no luggage weight limits on Austrian or German trains — bring what you can carry. Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of each coach accommodate suitcases. Label your bags with your name and contact details. Both Munich Hauptbahnhof and Vienna Hauptbahnhof have excellent facilities including shops, cafes, supermarkets, and left-luggage lockers (€3-7). The onboard dining car serves hot meals, drinks, and snacks.

Our Recommendation

Best Overall

Direct Train

The OeBB Railjet direct train is the best way for most travelers. Four hours city-centre to city-centre, comfortable seating, scenic views through the Austrian Alps, and advance fares from just €30. The train beats flying on total travel time, comfort, and environmental impact. Book on oebb.at for the best prices.

Best Budget

FlixBus

If budget is your top priority, FlixBus offers fares from €19. The 5.5-6 hour journey is longer than the train but comfortable enough with Wi-Fi and power outlets. Book early for the cheapest fares. For the small price difference, we generally recommend upgrading to the train, but the bus is a perfectly serviceable budget option.

Best Experience

Via Salzburg

For travelers with flexible schedules, breaking the journey in Salzburg is the best experience. Munich to Salzburg (1.5hr), explore Salzburg's stunning Altstadt and fortress for half a day, then continue to Vienna (2.5hr). You visit three great cities on one route. This is one of Europe's finest rail journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the train from Munich to Vienna?

The direct OeBB Railjet or DB-OeBB EuroCity train takes approximately 4 hours from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Vienna Hauptbahnhof. Trains depart multiple times daily from early morning to evening. The route passes through Salzburg (roughly halfway), where you can break the journey if you wish. With advance booking, tickets start from €30 on oebb.at.

What is the cheapest way to get from Munich to Vienna?

FlixBus is typically the cheapest option with fares starting from €19. However, OeBB Sparschiene advance train tickets (from €30) offer much better comfort and speed for only marginally more money. The train takes 4 hours versus 5.5-6 hours for the bus. Unless you are on an extremely tight budget, the train offers better value when you factor in time, comfort, and the scenic journey. Book both as far in advance as possible for the lowest fares.

Should I fly or take the train from Munich to Vienna?

Take the train. The 1-hour flight becomes 4-5 hours door-to-door once you add airport transfers, security, and baggage claim — the same as the direct train. The train is city-centre to city-centre, more comfortable, more scenic, and often cheaper when you include airport transfer costs. Flying only makes sense if you are connecting to another flight in Vienna or find an exceptionally cheap fare.

Is it worth stopping in Salzburg on the way?

Absolutely. Salzburg sits roughly halfway between Munich and Vienna and is one of Austria's most beautiful cities. A half-day stop gives you time to see the Altstadt (Old Town), Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart's Birthplace, and the Mirabell Gardens. The Munich-Salzburg train takes 1.5 hours, and Salzburg to Vienna takes 2.5 hours. Left luggage lockers at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof cost €3-5. This is one of Europe's great scenic detours.

Can I buy a rail pass for this route?

Yes. The Eurail or Interrail pass covers this route and is worth considering if you are also visiting other European cities. For just the Munich-Vienna journey alone, a pass is unlikely to be cheaper than an advance Sparschiene ticket. However, if you are doing Munich-Salzburg-Vienna-Budapest or adding more European cities, a pass can offer excellent value and flexibility. Check eurail.com for current prices and coverage.

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