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Ready to get going? Book cheap train tickets from Berlin to Munich in our Journey Planner today. Need more information first? Continue reading for information on:
| First train | 4:30 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:35 pm | |
| Departure station | Berlin | |
| Arrival station | Munich | |
| Journey time | From 6h 6m | |
| Distance | 313 miles (504 km) | |
| Frequency | 28 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $22.01 | |
| Train and bus operators |
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, an in-seat meal service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
Enjoy comfortable seats with power outlets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation. Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards. Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors. |
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What food and drink is available? | When traveling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat. Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat. DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | If you’re traveling on an ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favorite TV show. You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old. You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price. Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages. |
Can I bring pets on board? | You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle. Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train. |
What special assistance is available? | DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier. |
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation. Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards. Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat. If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat. Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old. On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price. Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages. |
Can I bring pets on board? | With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle. Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train. |
What special assistance is available? | Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier. |
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
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If you’re starting your European trip flying into Germany’s capital, you’ll be flying into Berlin Brandenburg Airport. You’ll need to travel from the airport to the city center – find out more about your travel options below.
Berlin has one major airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport. This is located around 11 miles away from the city center, so you’ll need to get a transfer to your accommodation. Luckily, there are plenty of public transport options available:
Berlin Central station (Berlin Hauptbahnhof in German) is Berlin’s main train station. This is where your journey from Berlin to Munich will start. Need to know how to get here? We’ve got you.
If you’re looking to use public transport to get to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, there are a number of options:
What’s available at Berlin Hauptbahnhof?
At Berlin’s central station, you’ll find a range of amenities in case you need to pick something up before you travel, including:
There’s free WiFi available at the station. There’s also a left baggage locker service, so if your train is later in the day and you want to see a little more of Berlin before you catch your train, you can leave your bags locked away at the station.
Munich Central station (or München Hauptbahnhof, as you’ll see it written in German), is the city’s main train station. This is where you’ll arrive at the end of your journey from Berlin to Munich.
From Munich’s central station, you’re a stone’s throw from the city center, so it’s easy to get out and about straight away. There are left baggage lockers available in the station – perfect if your hotel check-in time is a little later and you want to start exploring as soon as you can!
If you’re feeling peckish and want to grab something quick before you head out into the city, there are plenty of shops here too, including Starbucks, Dunkin’ and McDonalds.
Munich is served by many forms of public transport:
Searching for inspiration about must-see attractions in Munich? Look no further!
Stuck for ideas of what to do in Munich? We’ve rounded up some of the places we think you should check out – all accessible by public transport or on foot!
If you’re looking to see more of Munich or travel across Germany, take a look at some of our suggestions here:
After visiting Munich, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days. Check out our guide to the Eurail Pass in Germany for more info.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
If Munich is the last stop on your European trip, then you’ll need to get to the airport to catch your flight home to the States. Find out how to get there by public transport here.
Munich has one airport: Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport (often referred to as simply Munich Airport). You may also see it written as ‘Muenchen Airport’ or ‘München Airport’ - these are all the same place. It’s Germany’s second-busiest airport and is around 18 miles outside of Munich city center, so you’ll need to get a transfer there before you catch your flight.
Read more about trains to and from Munich Airport.