Austria, Germany, Munich, Salzburg, Tips & advice

How to get to Salzburg from Munich in a day

RiA
21 October, 2019
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Did you know Salzburg was only an hour and 45 minutes away from Munich? If you’re in Munich for a few days, why not plan a day to visit this city steeped in musical history. Read on for how to get to Salzburg from Munich in a day.

Tickets to Salzburg

To get you to Salzburg one of the best tickets to purchase is the regional Bayern-Ticket. It allows you to travel anywhere in the German state of Bavaria and surrounding towns including Salzburg. It’s a day travel pass so as long as you return on the same day it’s a really good deal.

The ticket becomes very useful since it’s also valid on the buses, the subway (metro) and S-Bahn (overground) trains within Munich. There are also discounted prices available if you are travelling in a group but it’s still also perfect for solo travel.

That ticket is only valid for travel on regional or ‘M’ (Meriden) trains and not any of the high speed trains such as ICE or IC/EC.

How to buy

The easiest way to buy your Bayern-Ticket is to visit the Deutsche Bahn website.

Once you pick the day and time you want, you should end up with three initial options before you go to the payment screen. Pick the one that says Bayern Ticket – it should be €25.

You can also buy your ticket on-the-go using the German train app, DB Navigator. You can download Android or iOS versions.

Where to find the Salzburg train at Munich central station

When you get off at Munich central station (München Hauptbahnhof) look for ‘fernzüge’ signs. Fernzüge translated literally means ‘far trains’. If you used the metro to get to Munich Central Station you’ll find these signs along the platform, otherwise if you travelled by train of bus you’ll already be in or outside at the main overground station. Here you’ll find the ICE, Regional and M trains.

Trains to Salzburg

The majority of trains to Salzburg depart Munich central station from platforms 5-8. These platforms aren’t located in the main area of the station. To find the Salzburg train look for signs to platform 11 and follow them all the way around.

You’ll feel like you’re about exit the station but don’t worry, you’re on the right track – ha, ha. Eventually you’ll come to the remaining set of platforms. You find the Regionalbahn (local passenger trains) and the M trains located here.

Then you’re ready to go. Enjoy your trip!

Tips

Seating - try to get a seat on the right hand in the direction the train is travelling. You will get a really nice view of the Alps as they’re on the south side of the railway line.
Tickets - use the DB Navigator app to store your ticket once purchased, even if you did so online. It’s easier to show your ticket when onboard.
Identification - you’ll purchase your Bayern ticket with your name on it, so you should take some form or ID with you. For journeys by bus or car you’ll definitely need to take your passport with you. You will cross the boarder into Austria and there will likely be boarder checks.