Neuschwanstein from Munich or Fussen?

You only have 2 nights in Munich - just stay in Munich and forget about the castles. You'll have MORE than plenty to see and do in Munich for that short of a period.

When visiting the castles we've always stayed in the sleepy little village of Horn with a nice view of the castles across the pastures. Plenty of little hotels and B&Bs dotted around along with nice restaurants and bike paths and farm land with those peaceful clanging cowbells in the distance. Fuessen is a nice enough town, but it's just another town whereas Horn, to me, is so much more enjoyable.

Fuessen's train station is just tiny so there's no direct train. You'll probably have to go back to Munich to make a connection on toward Vienna.

So you are going to Vienna after Munich. Neuschwanstein is not on the way. From where are you coming to Munich. Is Neuschanstein on you way to Munich? How badly do you want to see Neuschwanstein?

At this point some spoilsport is going to weigh in on how Neuschwanstein is not a real castle? It was built about the same time as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Eiffel Tower. So what? People go to see the Eifffel Tower. You don't have to think it is a real castle to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the place.

Is this the only time you will ever be this close to Neuschwanstein, or can you plan a later trip with more time to see it?

Whether you come out on the train and go back in a day, or you make it an overnight trip, it's still a four hour (plus) round trip. It's not difficult to do in a day, particularly if you get tour reservations in advance. I've done it twice coming from the Oberstdorf area, also a two hour trip, one way, and still had time to spend seeing the town of Füssen in addition to one of the castles in a day.

"We really want to visit Neuschwanstein" Then you should! I can't understand why there always seems to be a post attempting to dissuade someone from visiting the places they want to visit. Telling someone Munich has more places for them to see is not helpful advice if they are interested in visiting Neuschwanstein.

Füssen is only served by regional trains. There are no direct trains from Füssen to Vienna, you will need to return to Munich to make a connection for a train to Vienna.

Since your question is about which would be more convenient and you say you'd prefer not to add another hotel, I would suggest you keep your lodging in Munich and make a day trip to Neuschwanstein, as you will need to return to Munich regardless. Direct trains run in both directions from Munich to Füssen every 2 hours, and connecting trains are hourly. The last direct train to Munich departs at 6pm, but you can get a return connection departing as late as 10:30pm according to the DB website.

Thanks so much everyone, this is very helpful! We probably will keep it as a day trip from Munich based on your advice regarding trains, etc. Once again, appreciate it!

creek0512: "Telling someone Munich has more places for them to see is asinine advice if they are interested in visiting Neuschwanstein"

Hey newcomer - did yer momma ever tell you how to behave in public?? This would be a good time to get a grip!