May trip to Salzburg, Nuremberg, Munich-Train Tickets?

Posted by Brian (Minnesota) on 03/08/20 04:33 PM

Hi everyone!
Over the past several weeks, I’ve enjoyed the time reading posts of avid travelers sharing their experiences on this wonderful forum. I’m posting this topic as I would enjoy hearing feedback and your insights. My family and I will be flying to Munch the first week of May for 10 days. We plan to spend time between Salzburg (3 nights), Nuremberg (2 nights), Rothenburg (1 night), and Munich (2 nights).

My question-do I need to purchase train tickets in advance? We land in Munich (8:30AM on a Saturday) and looking to take train upon landing to Salzburg-do I need to purchase advance train tickets? Is it cheaper to do so? For our other connections (Salz to Nuremberg on a Tues), would advance purchase be cheaper as well? Thanks so much for your input!

Posted by Pat

San Diego, California

03/08/20 04:47 PM

4690 posts

At this point, with the uncertainty of the impact of the virus , why add that complexity? Wait until closer to your dates, and hopefully more info on the spread of the virus is known. There are many posts here with folks unable to get refunds on their train trips in Italy. I realize you are very excited about your trip, and you're not in Italy, and we all hope you have no complications- but perhaps waiting is the best advice.
Safe travels!

Posted by sla019

Augsburg, Bavaria

03/08/20 05:13 PM

2332 posts

MUC-Salzburg: Buy a Bayern Ticket, a day pass valid on all regional trains within Bavaria after 9am (all day on weekends). It's valid all the way from the airport to Salzburg. Take the S8 to München Ostbahnhof (Munich East), where you transfer to a "Meridian" train to Salzburg. €34 for two, children up to 15 yo free. Available at the airport either from an automat or at the DB ticket window (+ €2 service charge), prebooking doesn't save money.

Salzburg - Nürnberg is a pretty long trip so I'd probably use a long distance train (non-refundable saver tickets start at approx €25pp if you book right now, regular fare is €63). Nürnberg - Rothenburg is on a VGN ticket (the greater Nürnberg area transport authority). Take a "Tagesticket Plus" (family ticket, €20.30, valid all day in the entire VGN area), available from DB automats in the main station or from VGN automats in U-Bahn stations.

Rothenburg - Munich: depends on your connection. Since Rothenburg is hidden in the middle of nowhere, you have in principle two options: taking local trains into Nuremberg and transfering to an ICE or taking local trains all the way via Treuchtlingen and Augsburg. The latter often doesn't take much longer (check at www.bahn.com; local trains pop up if you select "only local transport"), so you may be better off with a Bayern ticket again.

Posted by stephen

Greeley, co, usa

03/09/20 02:59 AM

2399 posts

What does you family consist of?

Posted by DJ

03/09/20 01:32 PM

980 posts

sla019's suggestion for trains is spot on so I won't add anything there but I do want to point out that Frühlingsfest München (Munich's Spring Fest) is going on from April 24th to May 10th and is a great family activity (like a mini-Oktoberfest without all the tourists). If you schedule allows I would recommend altering you itinerary to include this if possible.

Posted by Brian OP

Minnesota

03/15/20 01:39 PM

7 posts

Thanks so much for your feedback and insights! This past week alone has been sobering with daily updates regarding the virus and it's impact everywhere at this point. Planning to hold off on purchasing train tickets. I think a "wait and see" approach is best at this point to see the extent of travel restrictions over the coming weeks that may ultimately contribute to whether we move forward with our trip. Stay happy, healthy, and safe! Thanks again everyone!