Top 10 By Train
You don't need a car to explore Bavaria. The train network is excellent, the Bayern-Ticket offers unlimited regional travel for €29, and many of the best attractions are actually easier to reach by rail than by road.
Here are the 10 best car-free day trips—with exact train routes, transfer tips, and the "last mile" details that most guides forget to mention.
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10Best Ticket
Bayern-Ticket €29
Main Risk
Missing Connections
Strategy
Check DB Navigator
Best Train-Accessible Destinations
The Top 10
Neuschwanstein Castle→
The fairytale castle is surprisingly easy by train. Direct RB74 from Munich Hbf to Füssen (2 hours), then Bus 73 to the castle. No parking stress, no traffic jams on the narrow mountain road.
The Real Deal
Avoid Buchloe Transfer: Some trains require changing at Buchloe with tight connections. Take the direct RB74 from Munich Hbf to avoid stress.
Bus Timing: Bus 73 departs from outside Füssen station. It's timed to meet the trains, but check the schedule—last bus back can surprise you.
Zugspitze Summit→
Germany's highest peak is purpose-built for train access. Take the regional train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then the Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train takes you all the way to the glacier. No car needed at any point.
The Real Deal
Bayern-Ticket Limit: The Bayern-Ticket covers you to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but NOT the Zugspitzbahn. You'll need a separate mountain ticket (€72 round trip).
Counter-Clockwise Loop: Take the slow cogwheel train UP (acclimatization) and the cable car DOWN. This avoids altitude sickness.
Nuremberg→
Just 1 hour from Munich by ICE. The entire medieval old town, Imperial Castle, and Doku-Zentrum are accessible on foot or by efficient public transport. The U-Bahn and tram system is excellent.
The Real Deal
ICE vs Bayern-Ticket: ICE is 1 hour but costs €50+. Regional trains (RE/RB) take 1h45 but are covered by Bayern-Ticket (€29). Your call.
Tram 4 to Castle: Don't walk up the hill to the Kaiserburg. Tram 4 drops you at the top—save your legs for exploring.
Bamberg→
The UNESCO World Heritage city is 2 hours by regional train from Munich. The entire medieval old town is compact and walkable. Zero need for a car—in fact, driving into the old town is nearly impossible.
The Real Deal
Station Location: Bamberg station is about 10-15 minutes walk from the old town. The walk itself is pleasant through the modern city.
Kellerwald in Summer: Skip the touristy city-center pubs. Take the short walk up to the Kellerwald—a forest of beer cellars (Keller) where locals actually drink.
Regensburg→
Another UNESCO gem, just 90 minutes by direct regional train. The medieval old town, Stone Bridge, and cathedral are all within walking distance of the station. Free "Emil" bus loops the Altstadt.
The Real Deal
Add Walhalla: Bus 5 from Regensburg reaches Walhalla in 20 minutes. Combine both for a full day—the Parthenon-style monument is worth the detour.
Dampfnudel Uli: Hidden restaurant serving Bavarian steamed dumplings. Cash only, looks like a house. The authentic local experience.
Starnberger See→
Just 25 minutes on the S6 from Munich. Exit at Possenhofen for "Paradies" beach—the locals' secret. No parking stress, no traffic, and you can drink beer at the lake without worrying about driving back.
The Real Deal
Skip Starnberg: Don't exit at Starnberg main station—the beaches are crowded and touristy. Continue to Possenhofen for "Paradies".
Faster Train: RB 65/66 from Munich Hbf is faster than S6 (20 min vs 40 min). Check both options.
Ammersee→
End of the S8 line at Herrsching (40 minutes). Walk to the lake, take a ferry across, or hike up to Andechs Monastery for legendary beer. A complete car-free day trip with multiple options.
The Real Deal
Andechs Bus: Bus 951 connects Herrsching to Andechs if you don't want to hike. But the 30-minute walk through the forest is part of the experience.
Weekend Crowds: The S8 gets packed on summer weekends. Go early or be prepared to stand.
Dachau Memorial→
S2 to Dachau (20 minutes), then Bus 726 to the memorial. The entire journey is covered by MVV tickets. No car needed, and honestly, taking public transport gives you time to mentally prepare.
The Real Deal
Path of Remembrance: Some visitors walk the 2km "Path of Remembrance" from Dachau station to the memorial instead of taking the bus. It's a reflective journey.
Free Entry: The memorial itself is free. Audio guides are €4.50 and highly recommended for context.
Therme Erding→
S2 to Altenerding (35 minutes), then a short bus or 15-minute walk. The "MVV-Thermenticket" (€43-45) includes round-trip transport AND 4 hours at the spa—the best value deal for this attraction.
The Real Deal
Combo Ticket: The MVV-Thermenticket is only available at MVV ticket machines. It's not sold at the Therme itself. Buy before you board.
Wet Hair Return: Consider the walk back on cold days—wet hair from the water park meets German winter. Bring a hat.
Oberstdorf→
Germany's southernmost town is 2.5 hours by train from Munich. The Nebelhorn cable car, winter sports, and hiking trails are all accessible from the station. The "Premium Card" includes free local transport.
The Real Deal
Premium Card: If staying overnight, your accommodation provides a guest card that includes free bus transport to all cable cars. Major value.
Day Trip Feasible: A day trip from Munich is doable but tight. You'll have about 5 hours on-site before the last train. Consider overnight.