⚡ TL;DR
- Fastest: ÖBB railjet direct, 4 hours through the Alps
- Cheapest: Book railjet 2 months ahead, 2nd class from €29-39
- With rail pass: Only €3 reservation fee — great value for multi-city trips
- Recommendation: Choose left window seat for spectacular Alpine scenery
Route Overview
| 🚉 Departure | München Hbf (Munich Central) |
| 🏁 Arrival | Wien Hbf (Vienna Central) |
| ⏱ Duration | 4 hours |
| 🚆 Train | ÖBB railjet |
| 🕐 Frequency | 6-8 direct trains daily |
| ⚡ Top speed | 230 km/h |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | Free (good quality) |
| 🔌 Power | At every seat |
💰 Rail Pass vs Point-to-Point Prices
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advance railjet | €29-49 | Cheapest 2 months ahead |
| Walk-up railjet | €79-99 | Flexible fares cost more |
| German/Eurail Pass + reservation | €3* | *Pass cost separate, cheap reservation |
| FlixBus coach | €15-25 | 5-6 hours, budget option |
Sources: oebb.at, bahn.de (Feb 2026)
💡 This route is perfect for pass users! With only a €3 reservation fee, German Rail Pass or Eurail Pass pays off if you're doing multiple Germany-Austria trips. Point-to-point works if it's your only journey.
🎫 Reservation Requirements & Fees
- Recommended reservation: Not mandatory for railjet but advised for peak times and weekends
- Pass holder reservation fee: Only €3 (same price for 1st and 2nd class)
- Where to book: oebb.at, bahn.de, or station ticket machines
- Advance booking: Book at least 1 week ahead for peak seasons (summer, Christmas)
- 💡 Even without a reservation, you can sit in any available seat after boarding
🧳 Practical Tips
- 🏔️ Best seats: Left window seats (A/B) for spectacular Alpine views near Salzburg — truly breathtaking
- 🚉 München Hbf: One of Germany\'s busiest stations — arrive at platform 20 minutes early
- 🧳 Luggage: Overhead racks and end-of-car storage available. Large bags go in vestibules
- 💺 Classes: Business class is more comfortable and quiet; Economy offers great value
- 🍽️ Dining car: Full restaurant service with hot meals and drinks — try Austrian coffee
- 📱 On board: Good free Wi-Fi, power at every seat, perfect for work or entertainment
- 🕐 Time zones: Germany and Austria are both CET — no clock adjustments needed
🔄 Alternative Routes
Via Salzburg (~5-6 hours)
Stop for a few hours in Mozart's birthplace to explore the Old Town and Salzburg Castle. RE train segments need no reservation with a pass but total time increases.
FlixBus Coach (~5-6 hours)
€15-25, cheaper than train but slower. Highway route with limited scenery but has Wi-Fi and charging ports.
Flight (1h flight + airport time)
Lufthansa and others offer direct flights. But with airport transfers and security, total time may not beat the train — and you miss the scenic route.
📎 Official Sources & Booking
- ÖBB (Austrian Railways) — Official Austrian Railways booking
- Deutsche Bahn — German Railways official booking platform
- Eurail Pass — Official European rail pass website
📚 Related Pages
❓ FAQ
How long is the train from Munich to Vienna?
The direct ÖBB railjet high-speed train takes about 4 hours from München Hbf to Wien Hbf. There are 6-8 direct trains daily.
Do I need a reservation with a rail pass?
Reservation is not mandatory but recommended. German Rail Pass or Eurail Pass holders pay only €3 reservation fee. Book 1 week ahead for peak times and weekends.
How far in advance should I book for the cheapest fare?
Tickets open 2-3 months ahead. Lowest fares start at about €29 (2nd class). Booking 1-2 months out typically gets €39-49. Last-minute fares can reach €79-99.
Which side of the train has the best views?
The left side (seats A/B) facing forward offers stunning Alpine views near Salzburg. The scenic Salzach Valley and Danube riverside sections make window seats essential.
Are there alternative routes?
1) Via Salzburg with a stop: Explore Mozart's city but total time becomes 5-6 hours; 2) FlixBus coach ~5-6 hours, €15-25 for budget travel; 3) Flights ~1 hour but no real advantage with airport time.