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 €34 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 (€44 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.
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.
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!