How to Travel From Munich to Vienna by Train
Munich to Vienna is a classic Central European rail route, featuring comfortable high-speed trains with a dining car and some beautiful scenery.
In this short guide, you can learn more about what it’s like to travel from Munich to Vienna by train, and how you can best book tickets.
A Railjet train of ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways, stands ready to depart from Munich’s main railway station to Vienna.. ©AndyBTravels
From Munich to Vienna by Railjet train
The best way to travel from Munich to Vienna is by taking the Railjet, the flagship train of ÖBB, the Austrian Railways.
This modern train is fast, offers comfortable seating, and includes a dining car where you can enjoy good quality snacks, drinks, and even hot meals.
The dining car is open to passengers in all classes.
However, if you are seated in first or business class, there is also an at-seat service, where a steward takes your food and drink orders and brings them to your seat, so you do not even have to leave your carriage for the dining car to enjoy a cup or coffee, a beer, or a full meal.
Railjet train at München Hbf. ©AndyBTravels
Second class seats on a Railjet train. ©AndyBTravels
The dining car on a Railjet train. ©AndyBTravels
Wiener Schnitzel in the dining car of an Austrian Railjet train. ©AndyBTravels
The other option: Westbahn
Besides ÖBB’s Railjet, you can also take a train operated by private operator Westbahn to travel from Munich to Vienna.
Westbahn uses modern double-deck trains on this route, with equally comfortable seating.
However, these trains do not have a dining car, although there are coffee and vending machines on board, and you can always bring your own snacks and drinks.
A Westbahn train at Salzburg Hbf. ©Paliparan
The route
Your journey from Munich to Vienna will most likely start at München Hbf, the main railway station of the Bavarian capital.
However, if you travel with Westbahn, there are also departure options from München Ost, the city’s eastern railway station.
The first part of the journey from Munich to Vienna is scenic, taking you through a hilly landscape with distant views of the Alps.
Salzburg is the most important stop along the route, and if you are seated on the right-hand side of the train in the direction of travel, you can enjoy some lovely views over the city and its hilltop fortress as you arrive.
After Salzburg, the ride becomes less eventful, as a lot of it is on fast, modern railway tracks, where the view is often blocked due to noise barriers.
If you are booked on a Railjet train, you will arrive at Wien Hbf, Vienna’s main railway station.
However, if you are travelling with Westbahn, note that this company uses an alternative station in Vienna, namely Wien Westbahnhof, the city’s western railway station.
Both stations are connected to local public transport, including the Vienna metro, but Wien Hbf is more convenient for onward train connections if your destination lies outside the Austrian capital.
View from the train somewhere between Munich and Salzburg. ©AndyBTravels
Buying tickets
For comparing departure times and fares for both ÖBB and Westbahn services, Omio is a useful website.
This trusted booking platform also allows you to book train tickets across all of Europe, including trains in Germany and Austria.
Use the search tool below to find the most suitable connection for your chosen travel date.
Conclusion
The train is the best option for travelling between Munich and Vienna, with both ÖBB and Westbahn operating services on this route.
It is a pleasant journey, with some pleasant views from the window and good-quality trains, no matter which of the two companies you choose to travel with.
