Train from Munich to Füssen – Neuschwanstein Castle, Timetable & Tips from a Local

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle is high on many travelers' wish lists—and for good reason. Perched above a mountain village and surrounded by alpine lakes, it's one of the most iconic sights in Germany.

The good news? You don’t need a car to get there.

The train ride from Munich to Füssen is not only scenic and easy—it’s also affordable and stress-free with the Bayern Ticket. As someone who’s done this trip more times than I can count (and even lives nearby), I’ll walk you through everything you need to know:
📍 Timetable, 🚉 connections, 🎟️ ticket tips, 🏞️ things to do around Füssen, and 👣 how to reach the castle.

So if you're looking for a smooth and scenic day trip—whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a romantic getaway—you’re in the right place.

Getting from Munich to Füssen by train is easy and scenic—no need to worry about traffic, tolls, or parking.

Here’s how it works:

• Train type: You’ll be taking regional trains (marked RE or RB)—no seat reservations needed, just hop on.

• Duration: The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.

• Frequency: There’s one connection per hour, all day long.

• Transfers:

  • Some trains go direct (especially early or late in the day).

  • Most connections involve a simple transfer at Buchloe, a small rural station.
    → The transfer time is usually around 5–10 minutes, but don’t worry:
    👉 Connecting trains wait if your first train is delayed.
    👉 If unsure, ask the train conductor on the first leg—they’ll let you know what to do.

Local tip: Buchloe is a small station, the connection is usually smooth and well-coordinated. Just be ready to switch platforms quickly.

🧭 Check your route in the DB Navigator App or on bahn.com before you go—it shows real-time updates and platform details.

All trains on the Munich–Füssen route are regional trains (RE/RB) and don’t require seat reservations. You can simply hop on with your ticket—no assigned seats, and usually enough space. Even in peak season, you’ll generally find a seat without issues.

All trains offer:

• Comfortable seating

• Toilets on board

• Air conditioning (though older DB trains can get warm—bring water!)

💡 Ticket validity:
No matter which company operates your train, your ticket (e.g. Bayern Ticket or Regio-Ticket Allgäu-Schwaben) is always valid if bought via bahn.com or the DB Navigator app.

💡 Train operators on the Munich–Buchloe section:
This part of the route is served by three different companies—rotating by time of day:

• Arverio: Newest and most comfortable trains with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and smooth rides

• DB Regio: Mix of older and newer trains; some have Wi-Fi, others don’t

• BRB (Bayerische Regiobahn): Decent and clean, but no Wi-Fi

From Buchloe to Füssen, all trains are operated by BRB – comfortable, but no Wi-Fi.

📶 Wi-Fi tip: If staying connected matters to you, try to catch an Arverio train between Munich and Buchloe—this is your best chance for onboard internet access.

Once you arrive at Füssen train station, it’s just a short journey to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and its lesser-known sibling, Hohenschwangau Castle.

Here’s how to get there:

• Bus line: Take bus 73 (direction: Steingaden / Garmisch-Partenkirchen)
  → Or bus 78 (direction: Schwangau)

• Stop: Get off at “Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein Castles”

• Duration: ~10 minutes

• Frequency: Roughly every 30–60 minutes – check the current timetable here (PDF)

🎫 Ticket prices (2025):

• Single ride: €2.90

• Day ticket (adult): €8.70

• Day ticket (family): €13.70
  💡 Free with a FüssenCard or KönigsCard (if you’re staying locally).

📍 Important:

• The ticket center for both castles is located in Hohenschwangau, just below the castle hill.

• Even online reservations must be picked up there—plan some buffer time!

• Castle tours are only available with a guided tour (in English or German), or via audio guide in other languages.

For your train trip from Munich to Füssen, the easiest and most flexible option is the Bayern Ticket or the Regio-Ticket Allgäu-Schwaben – both are valid on all regional trains and even include the bus from Füssen to the castles (line 73/78).

✅ Ticket Options:

• Bayern Ticket: €29 for 1 person + €10 per additional traveler (up to 5 people total).

• Regio-Ticket Allgäu-Schwaben: ~€3 cheaper than the Bayern Ticket and also valid on this route (Munich–Buchloe–Füssen).

• Both are valid only after 9:00 AM on weekdays (all day on weekends).

  • Want to leave earlier? You’ll need a regular train ticket + separate bus ticket.

💡 Booking Tips:

• Train tickets must be purchased before boarding – either online (bahn.com / DB Navigator App) or at a ticket machine at the station.

• Bus tickets (if not included in your train ticket) are bought from the driver in cash – have small change ready.

• If you're staying overnight in Füssen, ask your host for a FüssenCard – it lets you ride the bus for free!

Once you step off the bus at the stop Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein Castles, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of one of Bavaria’s most visited regions. From here, everything is within walking distance—but be prepared: even though the village is small, it can get quite busy, especially between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM.

🎟️ Ticket Center & Entry Info

All castle tickets must be picked up at the official Ticket Center Hohenschwangau, located just a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. Even if you’ve booked your tickets online, you’ll still need to collect them there (bring your booking confirmation and ID). There are no ticket sales directly at the castles.

Local tip: If you don’t have a reservation, arrive early (before 9:00 AM) to try and grab one of the limited same-day tickets. During peak season, these often sell out quickly.

🚶‍♂️ Walking to the Castles

From the village, it’s:

• About 30–40 minutes uphill to Neuschwanstein Castle (via paved walking path)

• Around 20 minutes uphill to Hohenschwangau Castle (easier walk)

• Shuttle buses (for Neuschwanstein only) depart from the parking area but don’t go all the way up—there’s still a short walk downhill from the drop-off point.

• Horse-drawn carriages are also available—romantic, but slow and more expensive.

Note: The walk to Marienbrücke (the famous viewpoint behind Neuschwanstein) is a further 15–20 minutes uphill from the castle and includes some steep stretches.

Both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau can only be visited with a guided tour—and tickets often sell out fast, especially in summer and on weekends.

Where to Book

• The official booking platform is:
  https://www.hohenschwangau.de

• Here you can reserve tickets for:

  • Neuschwanstein Castle

  • Hohenschwangau Castle

  • Combo tours (both castles on the same day)

After booking online, you’ll receive a confirmation email. You must pick up your tickets in person at the Ticket Center Hohenschwangau at least 1 hour before your tour starts—don’t be late, or your reservation may be cancelled.

Booking tip: It’s difficult to say how early you should book, but in high season, tickets often sell out at least 2 weeks in advance. Don’t wait too long!

What you book

You’ll reserve a specific time slot, and can choose between:

• A guided tour in German or English

• A self-guided visit with audio guide (available in multiple languages)

Ticket Prices (2025)

• Neuschwanstein Castle: €18 per adult

• Hohenschwangau Castle: €23 per adult

• Combo Ticket (both castles): €31

• Children under 18: Free entry, but still need a reservation

• Audio guides are included

→ Prices include the guided tour or audio guide. Tickets are time-slotted and non-refundable once booked.

Even without the castles, Füssen is absolutely worth a visit. Nestled at the foot of the Alps and full of history, this small town charms with its medieval lanes, colorful houses and peaceful riverside walks.

What to do in Füssen:

• 🧭 Stroll through the Old Town: Wander cobbled streets, admire painted facades, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Small boutiques and cafés line the alleys—and nearly every street ends with a view of the Alps.

• 🌊 Lechfall & the “Hanging Wall”: Just a short walk from the town center, the dramatic Lechfall waterfall pours through a rocky gorge. From there, a trail leads you up to the so-called hängende Wand (“hanging wall”)—a panoramic cliff viewpoint above the Lech canyon.

• 🥾 Castle-to-town hike: If you’ve visited Neuschwanstein or Hohenschwangau, consider walking back to Füssen via the Alpsee, Schwansee, and forest trails. It’s an easy 1.5–2 hour scenic walk with lakeside views and minimal elevation.
  On this page, the hike is described as a loop walk - but you can just follow it from the castles until you reach the city.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Füssen – My Local Favorite

If you’re hungry after your hike or castle visit, I warmly recommend Restaurant Olivenbauer. It’s one of those places that gets the balance just right: cozy yet lively, family-run, and welcoming to travelers and locals alike.

The menu combines Italian classics, hearty Alpine dishes, and surprisingly good Burgers – all made with local ingredients. Portions are generous, and the vibe is laid-back and fun.

📍 Location: Just a few minutes from the old town center.
🕒 Tip: It gets busy in the evenings. So far we have always been lucky and got a table since we were early.
So try to arrive early or make a reservation.

Absolutely. Whether you’re into royal castles, peaceful lake walks, or just want a day that feels like stepping into a storybook – Füssen delivers. And the best part? You don’t need a car, a guide, or weeks of planning. Just hop on the train, breathe in that alpine air, and enjoy the ride.

As someone who’s lived in this region for over a decade, I still come back to Füssen – not just for Neuschwanstein, but for the calm, the scenery, and the little surprises along the way.

🎒 Got more time in Munich?
Pair Füssen with one of these trips:

• Oberammergau & Linderhof – mountains + palace magic

• Murnau & Staffelsee – slower pace, painter vibes

• Salzburg by train – Austria in a day

💌 Want more slow travel tips & honest guides?
Follow me on Instagram or check out my other day trips from Munich.