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Thinking of spending some time in historic beer halls and looking for more information on how to travel from Paris to Munich by train? You’ve come to the right place!
The train journey from Paris to Munich can take just 5 hours and 18 minutes on the fastest services. There are a few direct services from Paris to Munich by train, including a night train, but depending on the time of day you want to travel, you may need to make at least one change along the way.
When traveling on this popular route, you’ll probably board an Intercity Express (ICE) train at Paris Gare de l’Est station and travel to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof or Mannheim station. From either of these stations, you can board a connecting DB service to München (Munich) Hauptbahnhof station. There are other routes and operators available – you can find information about these in our Journey Planner.
If you’re looking to save on the cost of a night in a hotel, you could even take a night train from Paris to Munich! These trains are direct and take around 10 and a half hours to complete the journey between these two cities.
Located in southeast Germany, Munich is the capital of Bavaria and home to the world-famous Oktoberfest. Once you’ve stepped off the train, you can start to discover the city straight away. As there are so many things to see and do in Munich, it can be difficult to know where to begin. For inspiration, take a look at the best things to do in Munich, Germany and our comprehensive guide to Oktoberfest and how to get around by train.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Munich in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you’d like more information, keep reading for:
| First train | 6:54 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 9:15 pm | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Munich | |
| Journey time | From 5h 31m | |
| Distance | 424 miles (683 km) | |
| Frequency | 19 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $60.93 | |
| Train and bus operators | BlaBlaCar Bus, Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, Regiojet, SNCF Voyageurs, ÖBB |
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.
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
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.
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.
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
In addition to the amenities of the Low Cost Class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power outlets and adjustable seats.
In the Relax Class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, leather seats and individual seating.
Travel in RegioJet’s Business Class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet car and enjoy spacious seats.
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? | There are no weight limits when it comes to baggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it yourself. |
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What food and drink is available? | Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Strollers should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your stroller at the front or back of the car. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains. |
Can I bring pets on board? | It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper cars or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board. |
What special assistance is available? | Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains. |
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
In Paris, there are three major airports:
Each airport offers a bus and taxi service, but only Charles de Gaulle and Orly have their own dedicated train stations (the nearest train station to Beauvais Tillé is in nearby Beauvais). Find out more about transfers to and from airports in Paris.
Hopping on a train from Paris to Munich? Whichever operator you’re traveling with, your train will leave from Paris Gare de l’Est. You can use public transport to get to the train station from any part of the city.
If you’ve got time to spare when waiting for your train at Paris Gare de l’Est, don’t worry! Alongside free WiFi in the station, there are plenty of facilities where you can pick up anything you need for your journey, including:
What’s more, Canal St-Martin is just a stone’s throw from the station – the perfect place to sit and eat your lunch while you’re waiting for your train.
When traveling from Paris to Munich, it’s likely that you’ll have to stop and transfer onto another train at some point in your journey. If your journey does include a transfer, it’ll probably be at one of three stations: Stuttgart, Mannheim or Karlsruhe.
The first option is to take a train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (Stuttgart station). From here, you’ll change onto a Deutsche Bahn (DB) train to Munich.
Stuttgart station has facilities including:
The second way to get from Paris to Munich is to take a train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Mannheim Hauptbahnhof (Mannheim station). From here, you’ll change onto a Deutsche Bahn (DB) train to Munich.
Mannheim Hbf has facilities including:
Another option is to hop on a train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Karlsruhe station. From here, you’ll change onto a Deutsche Bahn (DB) train to Munich.
Karlsruhe station has facilities including:
It’s worth noting that changes between trains can be short, so it’s a good idea to find the correct platform for your next train as soon as you arrive.
These are the most common transfers between Paris and Munich. Some journeys are direct, while on other routes you’ll have to transfer at a different station. Find the full details of routes, times and prices using our Journey Planner.
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 Paris to Munich.
From Munich’s central station, you’re super close to 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 hungry and want to grab something quick before you head out into the city, there are plenty of shops in the station too, including Starbucks, Dunkin’ and McDonalds.
Check out our guide to Munich train station for more info.
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!
Looking for ideas to explore Germany by train? Check out our travel guides and get ready for your next adventure!
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.
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.
Sure, you might have had a good time in Munich, but your European adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips?
Traveling between Germany and Austria is easy by train! You can take the train from Munich to Salzburg in around an hour and a half – leaving you plenty of time for sightseeing.
You may find yourself traveling on an ÖBB Railjet, WESTbahn or Deutsche Bahn train. Each operator has different facilities on board. Click the links for more information about each company, or head to our Journey Planner to find times, tickets and prices to suit you.
Want to know what to see, do and eat in Zurich city center? Or perhaps you’re more interested in the natural beauty of the best lakes around Zurich.
Either way, hop on a train from Munich to Zurich and you could be exploring Switzerland’s largest city in less than 4 hours!
If you fancy exploring what it’s like to live la dolce vita, why not head to Rome, Italy? Take a train from Munich to Rome and explore everything that Italy’s capital has to offer.
You’ll be traveling on either a Deutsche Bahn or an ÖBB train from Munich to Bologna, where you’ll transfer to either a Frecciarossa or an Italo train for the second half of your journey to Rome.
Check out our guide to 20 amazing sites in Rome for more travel inspiration, or head to our Journey Planner to book your tickets.