Your Budget Backpacker Guide: Munich to Salzburg

How to Travel from Munich to Salzburg?

The most common and budget-friendly ways to travel from Munich to Salzburg are by train, long-distance bus, or rideshare. Each option offers varying degrees of cost, comfort, and travel time.

How Much Does a Train from Munich to Salzburg Cost?

Train tickets from Munich to Salzburg typically cost between €20 and €80, depending on booking time, flexibility, and the type of ticket. Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operate this route. A great budget option is the Bayern Ticket, which allows unlimited regional train travel within Bavaria (including to Salzburg Hbf) for a single day. As of early 2024, a 2nd class Bayern Ticket for one person costs approximately €29. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance for standard tickets can often save 20-30% compared to last-minute purchases.

What is the Cheapest Way to Get from Munich to Salzburg?

The cheapest way to get from Munich to Salzburg is often by long-distance bus or by utilizing regional train tickets like the Bayern Ticket. FlixBus is a prominent bus operator on this route, with tickets typically ranging from €10 to €30 when booked in advance. Ridesharing services like BlaBlaCar can also offer competitive fares, usually in the €10-25 range, depending on driver availability and demand.

How Long Does It Take to Travel from Munich to Salzburg?

Travel time from Munich to Salzburg typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the mode of transport and specific route. Direct trains usually take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Long-distance buses may take slightly longer, often between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, factoring in potential traffic or additional stops.

How Can I Find Free Amenities in Munich and Salzburg?

Backpackers can utilize resources like AllInMap to locate free amenities such as public restrooms, drinking water fountains, and Wi-Fi hotspots in both Munich and Salzburg, helping to keep daily expenses low.