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FlixBus currently only operates from Munich to select destinations.
Travel Advisories
Strict entry policy: If your ticket says 11:45, you must be at the castle gate turnstile (top of hill) at 11:45. Not the bottom. 1 minute late = ticket expired. No refunds.
Buchloe transfer can be tight (<10 min). Direct RB74 strongly recommended.
Allow 20+ min for the Munich Hbf transfer - platforms are far apart.
No luggage storage at the castle. Use lockers at Füssen station before heading up.
Bayern-Ticket only valid after 9 AM on weekdays. Weekend travel has no time restriction.
Marienbrücke (bridge) closes in winter and during heavy rain. Check status before visiting.
Getting There
Last mile connections and arrival
About the Munich-Füssen Route
The Munich to Füssen connection is the primary gateway to the Bavarian Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle. This 130-kilometer journey takes you from the bustling capital into the heart of the Allgäu region.
Regional trains (RB74) run directly from Munich Hbf to Füssen in approximately 2 hours. For drivers, the A7 autobahn offers a fast connection, though traffic near the Border Tunnel can be heavy on weekends. Bus travelers can take FlixBus direct to Schloss Neuschwanstein.
Füssen is a charming historic town that serves as the perfect base for exploring the castles, the Alpsee, and the surrounding hiking trails. The "Royal Castles" route is one of Germany's most beautiful rail and road connections.
Final Leg: Füssen Station → Neuschwanstein Castle
Free with Bayern-Ticket
Bus stop directly outside Füssen station
~€15
Taxi stand at station
Scenic but long - 5km to Hohenschwangau
€3.50 up / €2 down
Horse carriage from Hohenschwangau to castle
Then: 40-60 min uphill walk (or shuttle bus + 15 min walk). Bus stop: "Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles"
Parking
All parking is in Hohenschwangau village. No public parking at the castle itself. Lots fill up by 9:30 AM in summer.
P4 - Alpsee Parking
Alpseestraße 27
€12 per day•45 min walk or 20 min shuttle + walk
Shuttle bus access & Museum of Bavarian Kings
P1 - Ticket Center
Near the ticket office
€12 per day•50 min walk uphill
Closest to ticket pickup
P2 - Camper Parking
Schwangauer Straße
€16 per day•50 min walk uphill
RVs and campers (large vehicles only)
Strictly enforced - regular cars not allowed
Tips
- •Arrive before 9 AM in summer to secure a spot
- •Pay machines accept cards and coins
- •The shuttle bus departs from P4 and drops you at Marienbrücke, not the castle entrance
About Neuschwanstein Castle
Everything you need to know
The Munich to Neuschwanstein connection is the primary gateway to the Bavarian Alps. Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle, sits perched above the village of Hohenschwangau. The journey takes you from the bustling capital into the heart of the Allgäu region, offering spectacular views of the Alps and the Forggensee lake.
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Planning Your Visit
Best Times to Visit
8-10 AM: Fewer crowds, best light for photos
11 AM-3 PM: Most crowded, longest wait times
3-5 PM: Crowds thin out, softer evening light
How Long to Spend
Main attraction + key viewpoint
Complete tour + surrounding area + lunch
Hohenschwangau Area Map
Download
Shows parking lots P1-P4, walking paths to both castles, ticket center, and shuttle stops.
Pro Tips
Best photo time: 8-9 AM before tour buses arrive
The shuttle bus drops you at Marienbrücke, not the castle entrance - allow extra walking time
Skip the overpriced village restaurants. Eat in Füssen Old Town instead (try Il Pescatore or Gasthof Krone)
Horse carriage (€3.50) saves 25 min vs walking up
Combine with Hohenschwangau Castle for a full day experience
Bring layers - it's 3-5°C cooler at the castle than the valley
Winter visitors: winter tires are legally mandatory in Germany from November to April
No photos allowed inside the castle - violators are asked to leave
The Marienbrücke Photo Spot
The iconic Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) spans the Pöllat Gorge at 90m height, offering the most photographed view of the castle. It's a 15-minute walk from the castle exit. Arrive before 10 AM to avoid the crowds.
Hidden Gem: Pöllat Gorge Waterfall
Just under Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge), you can find the spectacular 90-meter waterfall. Most tourists miss the trail that leads down to the gorge floor for a unique view of the castle from below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the journey take?
Regional trains: ~2h | FlixBus: 2h 5min | Car: 1h 45min - 2h 15min depending on traffic.
Does the Bayern-Ticket cover the bus to the castle?
It covers RVA buses (73/78) from Füssen station to the village. It does NOT cover the shuttle bus up the hill to the castle.
Can I bring luggage?
Large bags are not allowed inside the castle. Leave luggage in the lockers at Füssen station (€3-5).
Is the castle stroller-friendly?
No. Strollers are not allowed inside and must be left at the entrance. The walk up is very steep.
Can I take photos inside?
Photography is strictly forbidden inside the castle. Photos are only allowed from the windows and outside areas.
Guides & Articles
Neuschwanstein & Disney: The Real Sleeping Beauty Castle
Separating the Bavarian Original from the Californian Copy. Myth vs. Reality.
The Medieval Smart Home: High-Tech Secrets of 1886
Why Neuschwanstein was actually a 19th-century machine in disguise. Steel skeletons and central heating.
The Mystery of the Swan King: Murder or Suicide?
CSI: Bavaria – Investigating the death of King Ludwig II in Lake Starnberg.
The Secret Upper Viewpoint
Escape the crush of tourists on Marienbrücke for the true best view of the castle.
How to Get to Marienbrücke
The ultimate guide to finding the bridge, taking the shuttle bus, and what to do if the line is too long.
Tegelberg Descent: The Royal Hike
Why walk up? Take the cable car to the summit and follow King Ludwig's favorite alpine trail down.
Visiting Neuschwanstein in Winter
What to do when the bridge and Pöllat Gorge trails are closed due to snow and ice.