Tips for traveling to Munich, Prague and Vienna

Liz,

I did those 3 places this past September. I used trains all the way and then some. Note that the only "day" trips i took was:

Munich - Dachau
Prague - Kunta Hora.

I used trains to both "day" trips since it was easy (in my opinion) and inexpensive. The Dachau trip also included using the local bus, but again, it was easy too.

Kunta Hora wasnt a big town so it was walkable for me and thats what i did.

All of the places that i choose to see in the cities listed, were accessible by train/bus or hoof. i didnt do any castles this time, but thats for later.

Since i plan my trips, for now, i can buy my tickets as soon as possible and usually save some $$$$. I paid approximately 27 USD for each leg using the train between those 3 cities you list. Time wise it took about 4 ish hours. But for me and how im wired and do things it was acceptable. I like to travel by train so im willing put up with a few more hours on one verses spending time in the TSA security lines.

I use Rick Steves idea of staying in the city or close to where you are going to do/see things. But thats just me and how i like to travel. I didnt have any issues with finding lodging within the city, but since i fly solo, i will put up with less luxurious accommodations and locations.

happy trails.

You definitely want to use public transportation as having a car once you reach these cities will be a major, expensive hassle. A car will also do you no good within each of these cities.

Munich to Prague - You can go by bus or by train.

Prague to Vienna - You can also go by bus or train.

Pros and cons for both the bus and train. Both are nice.

Note: Oktoberfest ends on Oct. 4.

I would generally plan to connect those three cities by train. But when you use DB for train schedules, you'll see that the railway also operates and sells several direct Munich-Prague bus departures, which are slightly faster and more frequent than train. These bus tickets are sold for reserved dates and times, but with no deadline to buy. You do have time for a day trip to Neuschwanstein, either by train (plus castle ticket reserved online) or by GrayLine bus tour.

Thanks to all for your suggestions! Sounds like travel by train is the way to go.
I have another question....we will start our trip in Munich, so we can catch some of the last days of their Oktoberfest. Is it wiser (and thereby a bit more costly) to book a tour through one of the tour groups and then we get guaranteed tent/table reservations in one of the bier halls? Or is it possible to get a hall/table reservation without going through a tour group. Most info I have read seems to indicate you must have 10 or more to reserve a table. And there will only be 4 of us. Also what I have been reading indicates many hotels are already full with returning customers for 2015, already.

Liz

Oktoberfest reservations don't start until later, maybe 5 pm. If you are willing to go earlier in the day you can grab any available table, but they will ask you to leave out once the reservation starts. Reservations are generally for the entire table, so that is why they are not recommended for only 4 people, you would be paying for empty seats. To drink you must be at a table, you can't just be wandering around and I think if you are just loitering at the table without continuing to order food/drink they will kick you out. Week days are generally less crowded than weekends. We did fine without reservations, but we also were not looking for a "wild" evening experience.

Forgot to mention, we did not start planning our trip to Oktoberfest until maybe the summer before and had no problem getting a hotel room. Highly recommend dressing up, it made the experience that much more fun. We were able to buy costumes in Munich towards the end of the fair dates that were on clearance for 20 euros, so it did not break the bank.

Oktoberfest is easy enough to get to by the U-bahn (stops right at the fairgrounds), and pretty self explanatory once you get there. its like a big state fair, with beer. No need for a tour. Its called Wiesenfest there, BTW, although they will know what you mean.

Thanks Stan and Jen! Any suggestions on which hall to go to? Looking for the most Bavarian atmosphere without being gimmicky/touristy. I imagine you can go into other halls to look? I think we will plan to go on a Monday---we aren't looking for a crazy time either:). We have our own Oktoberfest here in La Crosse every year....that gets wild enough. Just would like to experience the real thing. Jen, do you recall where you purchased your German clothing?

We bought our outfits at a German discount place that seemed similar to a TJ Maxx or Marshalls, they sold all sorts of things, not just clothing. We stayed at the Courtyard Munich City Center on Schwanthalerstrasse, which is fairly close to the train station. The store was basically right next door on the east side. Looking on google maps it looks like it was probably the Lidl, which is described as a discount supermarket.

We went in the Paulaner tent, but I don't know why we chose that one. I am not the beer drinker in the group! If you do some searches on the internet there are descriptions of the different tents and their atmospheres.