Looking for the fastest, most comfortable way to travel from Berlin to Munich? High-speed trains cover the 383-mile journey in as little as 3 hours and 46 minutes, with ticket prices starting at just $10.99 if booked early. Here’s what you need to know:
- Travel Time: Non-stop ICE trains take 3h 46m; slower routes with transfers can take up to 10h 20m.
- Daily Options: Up to 28 trains run daily, with 10 direct options (7 are non-stop).
- Ticket Costs: Prices range from $10.99 (Super Saver) to $190 (Flexible Fare). Book early for the best deals.
- Train Operators: Deutsche Bahn (DB) dominates with ICE trains, while FlixTrain offers eco-friendly alternatives.
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating are standard on most services.
Quick Tips:
- Book tickets 84 days in advance for the lowest fares.
- Consider rail passes for multiple trips or flexible travel.
- Kids under 14 travel free with an adult.
Whether you’re prioritizing speed, cost, or flexibility, this guide has everything you need to plan your trip. Keep reading for detailed ticket options, booking tips, and route highlights.
Available Ticket Classes
2nd Class Tickets
2nd class tickets are a budget-friendly option for those looking to travel at a lower cost. Prices for Super Saver fares start at €9.99 (around $10.90) when booked in advance, making them a great choice for cost-conscious travelers.
1st Class Tickets
1st class tickets provide a more comfortable experience with additional space and a quieter setting. These tickets are perfect for those who prioritize comfort during their journey.
Fixed vs. Flexible Fares
Deutsche Bahn offers two fare options for the Berlin–Munich route, each catering to different needs and offering specific refund policies:
| Fare Type | Features | Refund Policy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible Fare | • Valid on any train on the travel day • Stopovers allowed • Bookable up to 12 months in advance |
• Full refund for cancellations made more than 8 days before travel • €10 fee for cancellations 1–7 days before travel • €30 fee starting from the first day of validity [4][5] |
Travelers who need scheduling flexibility |
| Fixed Fare | • Valid only for a specific train • No stopovers • Prices starting at €9.99 |
• Limited or no refunds • Free cancellation available within 3 hours of booking [4][5] |
Budget travelers with set plans |
Flexible fare tickets allow access to all long-distance trains on the booked route and date, including ICE, RJ, RJX, and IC/EC services, as well as regional trains like IRE, RE, RB, and S-Bahn [4][5].
For those with flexible fare tickets, upgrades to ICE are available for an additional fee. Digital tickets also come with the benefit of free cancellation within three hours of booking.
Next, take a look at the train companies and service types operating on this route.
Berlin to Munich by ICE4 high-speed train in 4h37 from €17.90
Train Companies and Service Types
This section highlights the rail operators and service options available on the Berlin–Munich route. Knowing the differences between these services can help you choose the option that works best for your schedule and budget.
Deutsche Bahn ICE Services
Deutsche Bahn (DB) dominates this route with its flagship ICE trains, running about 24 times daily [3]. Here’s what you can expect:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily Departures | Around 24 [3] |
| Onboard Features | WiFi, power outlets |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at $22 when booked in advance [3] |
With a network that handles roughly 40,000 domestic and international trips every day [3], DB is Germany’s top rail provider.
FlixTrain Options
FlixTrain provides a greener alternative, operating entirely on renewable energy [3]. Key details include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Fare | From $77 [3] |
| Amenities | Air conditioning, USB ports, power outlets, free WiFi, toilets |
| Eco-Friendly Advantage | Runs on 100% renewable energy |
Local Train Routes
For regional travel, services like IRE (semi-fast), RE (standard), and RB (local) are available. These options usually involve more connections and longer travel times compared to ICE or FlixTrain. However, they’re ideal for those interested in stopping at smaller towns or needing alternative routes during disruptions.
Regional trains offer flexibility for travelers who want to explore the areas between Berlin and Munich or need backup options when high-speed services aren’t suitable.
Route Maps and Connections
Explore route options to make your Berlin–Munich trip as smooth as possible.
Non-Stop Routes
Direct ICE trains cover the 616 km (383 miles) between Berlin and Munich in as little as 3 hours and 46 minutes [1]. These trains depart Berlin Hauptbahnhof roughly every hour, with about 23 departures daily.
| Route Type | Travel Time | Daily Frequency | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct ICE | 3h 46m – 4h | 23 departures | $60 |
| Indirect Routes | Up to 10h 4m | 3 departures | $41 |
Routes via Major Cities
If you’re looking for additional stops, the standard ICE route passes through:
- Bitterfeld
- Halle
- Erfurt
- Bamberg
- Nuremberg (Nürnberg)
- Ingolstadt [2]
Some routes involve one transfer and can take up to 10 hours [1]. These longer trips often come with lower fares, starting at $41 [1]. For more details on airport connections, check the next section.
Getting to/from Airports
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): The airport is connected to central Berlin via the Airport Express (35–60 minutes) and regional trains or S-Bahn. Use an ABC ticket, which costs about $5.20 [6].
Munich Airport (MUC): Munich Airport is served by the S1 and S8 lines, running every 10 minutes. Travel time ranges from 30 to 50 minutes, with day tickets for Zones M–5 priced at around $16 per adult [7].
Both airports feature dedicated train stations. Munich Airport has two: Flughafen München and Besucherpark. Berlin Brandenburg Airport is located in transport zone C [6][7].
How to Book and Pay
Ready to plan your Berlin–Munich trip? Here’s how to book your tickets and pay with ease.
Booking Options
You can purchase DB tickets through several convenient methods:
- DB Navigator app: Available for smartphones, offering 24/7 access.
- DB international website: Visit int.bahn.de to book online.
- Station ticket machines: Located at Berlin and Munich stations, operating 24/7.
Payments can be made using PayPal, credit cards, Apple Pay, or direct debit if you have a DB account. For a broader comparison, try Traindrop’s search tool to explore all available options.
Traindrop simplifies your search with its AI-powered tool. It gathers all Berlin–Munich travel options, helping you check rail pass eligibility, and get tailored recommendations. It’s a one-stop solution for finding the best fit for your trip.
Ticket Prices and Discounts
Here’s a quick look at the fare options for Berlin–Munich trains:
| Ticket Type | Starting Price | Flexibility | Booking Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Saver | $10.99 | Non-refundable | Up to 12 months ahead |
| Saver | $23.99 | $11 cancellation fee | Up to 12 months ahead |
Additional Discounts:
- Youth Discount: Special rates for travelers under 27.
- Senior Rates: Reduced fares for those 65 and older.
- Group Savings: Discounts for groups of six or more.
- BahnCard Benefits: Save 25% with a BahnCard 25.
Helpful Tips:
- Book early – up to 12 months in advance – for the best prices.
- Kids under 14 travel free when accompanied by someone 15 or older.
- Use the "Komfort Check-in" feature in the DB Navigator app for a smoother journey.
Times, Fees, and Rules
Daily Train Schedule
Trains run at various times throughout the day, offering different durations and frequencies. Here’s a breakdown:
| Time Period | First Train | Last Train | Trip Duration | Daily Departures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (4:30 AM – 11:34 AM) | 4:30 AM | 11:34 AM | 3h 51m – 5h 8m | 11 trains |
| Afternoon (12:04 PM – 5:04 PM) | 12:04 PM | 5:04 PM | 3h 51m – 4h 51m | 10 trains |
| Evening (6:12 PM – 8:04 PM) | 6:12 PM | 8:04 PM | 3h 50m – 4h 36m | 4 trains |
| Night (9:08 PM – 10:28 PM) | 9:08 PM | 10:28 PM | 9h 27m – 10h 20m | 3 trains |
- Quickest daytime trip: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Peak frequency: Morning hours with 11 departures
- Night service: Longer travel times for overnight journeys
- Total daily departures: 28 from Berlin Central Station
Now, let’s look at the extra costs you might encounter.
Extra Costs
Some additional charges may apply depending on your travel needs:
- Seat Reservations: Non-transferable; refunds may be issued if your reserved seat is unavailable due to delays.
- Bicycle Tickets: Available as an add-on for passengers traveling with bikes.
- City Mobil Add-On: Includes local city transportation for a seamless trip.
- Travel Insurance: Offered during booking for extra peace of mind.
Refund Rules
Cancellations follow specific guidelines and fee structures:
Instant Cancellation
- Allowed within 3 hours of purchase, as long as the cancellation is made at least one day before the ticket’s validity starts.
- Includes refunds for all additional services tied to the ticket.
- Not available for international tickets.
Cancellation Fees
- Saver Fares: $10 fee, refunds provided as vouchers.
- Flexible Fares: No fee if canceled 8+ days before travel; $10 fee for cancellations 1-7 days before; $30 fee on the day of travel.
- Group Saver Fares: $19 per group ticket if canceled up to 7 days before departure.
Tickets cannot be directly exchanged. To make changes, you’ll need to cancel and rebook.
Rail Pass Information
If you’re planning multiple train journeys or want flexibility in your travel plans, rail passes can be a great alternative to buying individual tickets.
Pass Validity
- German Rail Pass
- Works on all Deutsche Bahn trains, including ICE.
- Options: Consecutive format (about $180) or flexible format (about $194).
- Twin Pass available for two travelers at a discounted rate.
- International Passes
- Eurail Pass (for non-European residents): Starts at about $63.
- Interrail Pass (for European residents): Starts at about $54.
- Both cover all German trains, including ICE.
- Reservations
- Required for specific trains, with fees ranging from $5 to $35.
- Book reservations via Deutsche Bahn’s website, app, station counters, or through rail pass provider platforms.
Pass vs. Single Tickets
Rail passes often save money on multi-leg or extended trips, while single tickets work better for occasional travel.
| Ticket Type | Best For | Price Range | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutschland-Ticket | Monthly commuting | ≈$53/month | Regional only |
| German Rail Pass (5 days) | Multiple trips | From ≈$180 | All trains |
| Day Ticket | Same-day travel | ≈$53 | Non-express |
Money-Saving Tips
- Compare the total cost of your trips before deciding between a rail pass or single tickets.
- Use the Deutschland-Ticket for regional travel to save on monthly commuting.
- Take advantage of Twin Pass discounts when traveling with a companion.
- Book seat reservations early to avoid higher fees.
Regional Day Tickets
- First traveler: Costs range from about $24 to $35.
- Additional travelers (up to four): Add $3–$11 per person.
- Valid on local trains within specific regions, making them ideal for side trips or exploring nearby areas.
For a quick overview of these options, check the Quick Reference Guide.
Quick Reference Guide
Here’s a handy overview of key details for your Berlin–Munich train trip:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Booking Time | 84 days before departure for the lowest fares [3] |
| Price Range | $22–$190 (€18–€157) [3] |
| Main Operators | Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain |
| Train Types | High-speed ICE (up to 200 mph) [8], Regional |
Tips for Finding the Best Fares
- Book 84 days in advance to snag tickets starting at $22. Waiting until the day of travel? Prices can jump as high as $190 [3].
- Opt for off-peak departures to save even more.
- Regional trains can be a cheaper alternative, though they take longer.
Route Highlights
- Direct high-speed ICE trains are available.
- Multiple departures run daily, offering flexibility.
- Alternative routes through major cities are an option if needed.
Booking Options
You can book tickets via Deutsche Bahn’s website or app, at station counters, or use Traindrop’s AI-powered search tool.
Money-Saving Tips
- Plan ahead and book 84 days early [3].
- Look into rail passes if you’re making several trips.
- Choose off-peak times for lower fares.
- Take advantage of advance-purchase discounts.
For more detailed information about ticket types, routes, and booking methods, check earlier sections.
