Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany's most famous landmarks – the fairy tale castle that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Getting there from Munich is straightforward: take a train to Füssen, then a bus to the castle. Here's everything you need to know.
The Route: Munich → Füssen → Neuschwanstein
The journey has two parts:
- Train: Munich → Füssen (about 2 hours)
- Bus: Füssen → Neuschwanstein (about 10 minutes)
Step-by-Step Journey
Take Train from Munich to Füssen
From Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station), take a regional train (RE) to Füssen. The journey takes about 2 hours. You may need to change trains in Buchloe (one transfer).
- 🚄 Train type: Regional Express (RE)
- ⏱️ Duration: ~2 hours
- 🔄 Transfer: Usually in Buchloe (easy, same platform)
- 💰 Price: From €25 one way (check for deals!)
Arrive at Füssen Station
Füssen is a small, charming town. The train station is right in the center. From here, you'll take a bus to the castle.
🏰 Tip: Füssen itself is worth exploring if you have time!
Take Bus to Neuschwanstein
From Füssen station, take Bus 78 (direction: "Schwangau/Tegelberg"). The bus stop is right outside the station. The ride takes about 10 minutes.
- 🚌 Bus number: 78
- ⏱️ Duration: ~10 minutes
- 💰 Price: approximately €2.50 (or included in some regional tickets)
- 📍 Stop: "Hohenschwangau" (get off here for the castle)
Walk to the Castle
From the bus stop, it's about a 30-40 minute walk uphill to the castle. Alternatively, you can take a horse-drawn carriage (approximately €7 uphill, €3.50 downhill) or a shuttle bus.
🚶 Walking: Beautiful path through the forest, but steep in places.
Ticket Options
Option 1: Bayern-Ticket (Best Value for Day Trip)
- ✅ Price: from €27 for one person, from €35 for up to 5 people
- ✅ Valid: All day (9 AM - 3 AM next day on weekdays, all day on weekends)
- ✅ Includes: All regional trains + buses in Bavaria
- ✅ Best for: Day trips, groups, flexible travel
💡 Pro tip: If you're traveling with others, the Bayern-Ticket is incredibly cheap per person!
Option 2: Regular Train Ticket
- ✅ Price: From €25 one way (book in advance for best prices)
- ✅ Valid: Specific train only
- ✅ Best for: Single travelers, fixed schedule
Best Times to Visit
📅 Timing Tips
- • Early morning: Arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds
- • Book castle tickets in advance: They sell out quickly, especially in summer
- • Summer (June-August): Busiest time, book everything early
- • Winter: Fewer crowds, but check opening hours (castle may close)
Castle Tickets
⚠️ Important: Book Castle Tickets in Advance
You cannot buy tickets at the castle itself. You must book online in advance at hohenschwangau.de. Tickets often sell out weeks in advance during peak season.
🎫 Price: approximately €15 for adults. Tours are guided only (no self-guided tours).
What to See
- 🏰 Neuschwanstein Castle: The main attraction, the fairy tale castle
- 🏰 Hohenschwangau Castle: King Ludwig's childhood home (also worth visiting)
- 🌉 Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge): Best photo spot of Neuschwanstein (free, 15 min walk)
- 🏞️ Alpsee Lake: Beautiful lake between the two castles
Day Trip Itinerary
Suggested Schedule
- 7:00 AM: Depart Munich Hauptbahnhof
- 9:15 AM: Arrive Füssen, take bus to castle
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at castle area
- 10:00 AM: Castle tour (if booked)
- 12:00 PM: Walk to Marienbrücke for photos
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in Hohenschwangau village
- 2:00 PM: Explore Füssen (optional)
- 4:00 PM: Return train to Munich
- 6:00 PM: Arrive back in Munich
Pro Tips
Book Everything Early
Both train and castle tickets sell out in summer - book weeks in advance.
Use Bayern-Ticket
If traveling with others, it's incredibly cheap per person (€42 for up to 5 people).
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking, including uphill to the castle (20-30 minutes).
Check the Weather
Views are much better on clear days - plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle?
The train journey from Munich to Füssen takes approximately 2 hours. From Füssen, you take a bus (10 minutes) to Hohenschwangau, then walk 20-30 minutes uphill to the castle. Total journey time is about 2.5-3 hours.
Do I need to book castle tickets in advance?
Yes, absolutely! Castle tickets sell out weeks in advance, especially in summer. Book online at the official Neuschwanstein website. Without a ticket, you can only see the castle from outside.
Can I do this as a day trip from Munich?
Yes, it's a perfect day trip. Leave Munich early (around 7-8 AM), arrive at the castle around 10-11 AM, spend 3-4 hours there, and return to Munich by evening. The Bayern-Ticket is perfect for this.
What is the Bayern-Ticket?
The Bayern-Ticket is a regional day ticket valid for all regional trains in Bavaria. It costs approximately €27 for one person or €42 for up to 5 people, making it incredibly cheap per person for groups.
Is the walk to the castle difficult?
The walk from Hohenschwangau to the castle is uphill and takes 20-30 minutes. It's moderately challenging - wear comfortable shoes. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus (€2.50 uphill, €1.50 downhill) or a horse-drawn carriage.
Alternative: Organized Tour
If you prefer not to plan everything yourself, you can book an organized day tour from Munich. These typically include:
- ✅ Round-trip transportation
- ✅ Castle tickets (pre-booked)
- ✅ Guide
- ✅ Sometimes includes other stops (Linderhof Palace, etc.)
Price: Usually approximately €60-100 per person. More expensive than DIY, but less hassle.
Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (e.g., bahn.com or omio.com).
Bottom Line
Getting to Neuschwanstein from Munich is straightforward: train to Füssen, then bus to the castle. The journey is part of the experience – you'll see beautiful Bavarian countryside along the way. Just remember to book your castle tickets in advance, especially in summer!