train from Passau to Munich

Posted by jhg655 on 10/30/24 06:05 PM

We are ending a Viking River Cruise in Passau in June 2025, and we need to get to Munich for our next stop. I see on www.thetrainline.com that it offers several departures with one stop between Passau and Munich. The website also lists several departures that are direct to Munich, and every listing shows "not available." Is this because thetrainline.com has not released those routes yet? This is October 2024 and it just cannot be that all those direct trains are sold out already.

Or is this a situation where thetrainline.com is merely a booking agent, and I should be going directly to the source, whatever that might be? And maybe the actual train operator has not released the direct routes yet?

Any advice on getting us Passau to Munich is greatly appreciated.

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

10/30/24 06:14 PM

21087 posts

First, I would look here: https://int.bahn.de/en

They run the trains, not a travel agency like trainline.
June is a long time from now. Trains are often not bookable that far in advance.

From the above website, the direct trains are noted: Available for purchase beginning Dec 8, 2024.
These are regional trains, they do not sell out and the price is always the same, nor do they have seat reservations. You can buy them the day you arrive in Passau from a ticket vending machine. Think commuter train.

Assuming 2 people, a Donau-Isar Regio Ticket for 2 is 36 EUR total at todays prices if you leave after 9 am weekdays (anytime weekends). For 3 EUR more, you can use a Bayern Ticket which will give you free public transportation anywhere in Bavaria (which includes Munich) for the rest of the day. U-Bahns, S-Bahns, Trams, Buses.

These trains go every hour and since they originate in Passau, you will be the first to board and get seats.

Posted by jhg655 OP

10/30/24 08:49 PM

17 posts

Sam, that is exactly the info I was hoping for! Thanks so much. That Bayern ticket may be just what we need, as our Munich hotel is a ten minute ride on the S-Bahn from the main train station.

Appreciated a lot!

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

10/30/24 09:01 PM

21087 posts

You buy the Bayern Ticket from a ticket vending machine. Press the Union Jack icon and all instructions will be in English. Cards or cash work. Be sure to write your names on the back of the ticket in ink. If you buy at a ticket window, there is a 2 EUR surcharge.

https://int.bahn.de/en/offers/regional/regional-day-ticket-bavaria

Posted by Lee

Lakewood, Colorado

10/31/24 04:55 AM

19247 posts

I think the Bahn website says ticket are available starting Dec 15, not 8.

Trainline might be OK for looking up connections (but no better than the Bahn), butTrainline costs more than the Bahn. First they charge more, then they add a booking fee. Use the Bahn.

Actually, most of the time, just wait until you are in Germany and buy your tickets there. The only exception is for long distance trains, where you can often get a substantial discount for advance purchase (still buy them from the Bahn website).