I am traveling to Munich for work in May 2025. I have about 4 days beforehand to explore the Alps. Planning to go from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to hike Zugspitze. Then, I want to drive to the Neuschwanstein Castle, and on to Berchtesgaden national park. After that, back to Munich for the conference. Technically, I think I could use trains/buses to get to these places, but it seems like renting a car would be faster and more convenient than taking trains/buses. Is parking, etc too much of a hassle to drive? What would you recommend? TIA!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19419 posts
I've spent almost six month in Germany in the last 25 years, been to all the places you mention, and all over that area. I've never rented a car (I did drive a friend's for a few, once). A car might be faster, but I doubt more convenient and definitely more expensive, and a lot less fun. To me, one of the most valuable experience of traveling in Germany is using a transportation system that is both efficient and effective. You can't do that in the US.
Posted by
Schwerin
3781 posts
German Alpine Road connects the mentioned points and with a rental car you would avoid some backtracking to Munich:
https://www.deutsche-alpenstrasse.de/en/home
You have to care for validity of driving permission in Germany (not license only) and likely mandatory need for IDP.
For parking fees in public EasyPark app is often helpful.
Tip: rental cars are cheaper if not rented from airports or main train stations, e. g. Munich Pasing (Sixt) for driving southwestwards.
Regional trains and buses in Bavaria are very convenient to use with Bavaria ticket. DB journey planner helps finding connections.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for the replies. I will use public transport, but it seems like getting a Deutschland ticket may make more sense because it covers more options for travel. I'll be there for a week, so it would be cheaper to buy a one month Deutschland ticket versus daily Bayern passes. Is there anything that is NOT covered by the Deutschland ticket, that is covered by the Bayern ticket?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19419 posts
I tend to believe that the Deutschland-Ticket would be a better buy for someone with significant travel in Germany. The Deutschland-Ticket, of course, is valid for travel all over Germany, not just in Bavaria.
One thing to remember, is that the Deutschland is per person, two people is twice as much as one, whereas a pass like the Bayern-Ticket cost less each day for more people, but, of course, is only valid for a single day. It all depends on how much you will use it.
The Deutschland-Ticket seems to me to be a better deal, as long as you understand the terms. The Deutschland-Ticket is an abonnement, a subscription. You are subscribing to it for not just one month, but forever. Unless you know how to stop it, it will continue to be renewed, and charged to your credit card, every month.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Great, thank you so much, Lee. This is what I was thinking as well. I’m glad to hear that it sounds like this is the case.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9220 posts
Whoa, I definitely have a different opinion about the D-Ticket than posted above. It will cover all your local transport in Munich, the regional trains and buses throughout your trip. We've used it twice now for that purpose on week long trips and always come away saving lots of money and thoroughly appreciating the convenience. As long and your trip doesn't span two calendar months, it is the way to go.