Munich to Salzburg train with Deutsche Bahn (EC,IC,ICE,RB,RE)

Munich to Salzburg: A Quick and Easy 1.5-Hour Trip with Frequent Departures

Introduction

Crossing into Austria by train from Munich to Salzburg has never been easier. With three operators, BRB, ÖBB, and Westbahn, running over 20 daily direct trains, there’s always a convenient option to suit every budget. In this article, I’ll cover the different choices and share my experience taking the BRB RegionalExpress train from Munich to Salzburg, which takes about 2 hours

Route Overview

To get between Munich and Salzburg, a distance of roughly 140 kilometers, you can choose between bus or train. On average, the train is about 30 minutes faster and offers more frequent departures. Thanks to strong competition between operators, the train is now the primary and most efficient choice for this route.

Transportation Experience

Taking regional trains in Germany is simple: no seat reservations, fixed prices, and flexible tickets. Both Munich Hauptbahnhof and Salzburg Hauptbahnhof are centrally located. I accessed both on foot, which saved me some time and taxi fares. City-center-to-city-center travel doesn’t get much easier than this!

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Munich Hauptbahnhof is the city’s main station, and all trains to Salzburg depart from here. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the center and is well-connected by metro and tram lines.

Note: The station is under major reconstruction until at least 2030. Facilities are limited, and accessways may change frequently, so allow a little extra time to find your platform.

• BRB and Westbahn usually depart from Platforms 5–10, located just outside the main station hall and about a 5-minute walk away.
• ÖBB trains generally use the main hall platforms.

All trains arrive at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, conveniently located near the historic city center and offering easy connections to local buses and the Alps.

Schedule & Frequency

• BRB RE5: Trains depart every hour, with a journey time of 1 hour and 47 minutes. This is the slowest but most flexible option.
• ÖBB: Railjet and EuroCity trains every one to two hours, with a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Westbahn: Six daily trains using modern Stadler KISS trains, taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

All options offer comfortable rides. The key difference lies in price and flexibility, which I'll explain more in the next segment.

Onboard Experience & Services

I traveled with BRB, the slowest but most flexible option. Unlike Westbahn and ÖBB, BRB uses fixed pricing and is included in regional passes (like the Deutschland Ticket or Bayern Ticket). That's why it's the best choice for flexible, last-minute travel and pass-holders.

The trains are basic regional units: 

• 2+2 seating, mostly airline-style, and some tables.
• Restrooms, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi; however, the coverage was poor outside of Munich. 
• Low-floor entrance for easy luggage access.
• However, this is a commuter train, so while there are no restrictions on luggage, you might find it difficult to find space for it during peak hours.

While less luxurious than ÖBB or Westbahn, with no catering and simpler seating, BRB trains are more than adequate for a short trip.

Sit on the right-hand side as the train crosses the Salzach River on arrival in Salzburg. Here, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the city's famous castles on the hills in the background.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Ticketing is where the main differences between the train operators lie. Let me explain:

• BRB: Fixed fares, flexible travel — great for last-minute trips or pass-holders. Valid with:
• Deutschland Ticket
• Bayern Ticket
• Westbahn & ÖBB: Dynamic pricing — can be cheaper if booked in advance, but tickets are generally limited to one specific train departure. 

Here's how the fares break down (Second Class):

• ÖBB: From €9.99 (advance purchase, fixed train)
• Westbahn: From €8.99 (advance purchase, fixed train)
• BRB: From €41.60 during peak hours, €30–€32 during off-peak times (flexible ticket, valid on all BRB services within the time window; cannot sell out). I paid exactly €32 for my flexible off-peak ticket.

My advice? Check Omio before your trip to easily compare all train options and prices on the Munich to Salzburg route.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• For comfort and speed: Choose Westbahn or ÖBB, but book in advance to save money.
• For flexibility and last-minute travel: Take the BRB regional express, especially if you already hold a pass.
• Sit on the right-hand side: Enjoy the mountain views when approaching Salzburg.
• Bring snacks if taking BRB: There is no onboard catering available.

Conclusion

The train is hands down the best way to travel from Munich to Salzburg. With three operators competing for your business, you’re truly spoiled for choice. Whether you value flexibility or the lowest fare, there’s a service that fits your needs. Best of all, you can book your ticket on Omio and avoid the construction chaos at Munich Hauptbahnhof altogether!

About the Author: Simon Andersen

• Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator

• Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.