Zugspitze by train

Getting up

• Cogwheel train: The cogwheel train of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn takes 75 minutes from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Zugspitze cable car and the Gletscherbahn are the alternatives for the last stretch. zugspitze.de
• Ticket Zugspitze: The round-trip ticket includes one ascent and one descent on the cable car Zugspitze or the cogwheel train, and can also be used on the Gletscherbahn cable car. One-way tickets exist and include one single ride on the Gletscherbahn. zugspitze.de
• No bikes, not transferable: Tickets cannot be transferred and bicycles cannot be transported. zugspitze.de
• Cable car hours: Zugspitze cable car: 8:30 to 16:45 from September to June and 8:00 to 17:45 in July and August (last ascent 30 minutes before the end of service). Gletscherbahn: 8:45 to 16:25 from September to June. zugspitze.de

Closures and dates to plan around

• November 2026 closures: The Zugspitze cable cars and the Gletscherbahn are closed 9 to 13, 16 to 20 and 23 to 26 November 2026. The cogwheel train mountain section (Grainau to Zugspitze) is closed 9 to 13 and 16 to 26 November 2026. On the valley section (Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Grainau), closed 9 to 13 and 16 to 20 November, rail replacement buses run. zugspitze.de
• Winter season: The operator expects the Zugspitze ski season from 27 November 2026 to 2 May 2027. zugspitze.de
• Winter ticket validity: Winter prices apply from 27 November 2026. The winter round-trip ticket is valid for one day, until May 2027; the operator publishes the current price on its winter tariff page. zugspitze.de

Timetables and prices change by season. The operator page lists conflicting last-ascent times for the cogwheel train, so check the timetable page on the day.

FAQ

How long does the Zugspitze cogwheel train take?

The operator gives 75 minutes from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Can I take a bike up the Zugspitze?

No. The operator states that bicycles cannot be transported on the Zugspitze tickets.

Is the Zugspitze open in November 2026?

Only partly. The cable cars are closed on three weeks of weekdays (9 to 13, 16 to 20, 23 to 26 November) and the cogwheel mountain section on 9 to 13 and 16 to 26 November.