Salzburg to Munich train—border check in Freilassing

These are temporary controls because of the Ukraine crisis. Depending on how many people are on the train, the checks may take some time (according to zugfinder.net, today the train arrived at Munich Hbf with +11min). But very often this train is almost empty. What is important for you: the control time is not worked into the timetable (1:50 is the normal travel time for this IC).

Be aware that your travel date may be during Oktoberfest in Munich. If so, the train fills up quite a lot at various stops as you proceed towards Munich. This could affect the time required for these passport checks. Just sit back and enjoy the lederhosen and dirndl skirts!

sla019, thanks, that helps. And thanks for the link to zugfinder. I had not heard of that before. Now I can check all my trains. 😊

linda, thanks for the response. We will be there the week before Oktoberfest. So, I’m hoping that will mean less crowds.

If so, the train fills up quite a lot at various stops as you proceed towards Munich.

I don't think so. No one who has to go home again in the evening will use this expensive long-distance train when he can get to his destination and back both in the same time and at a much cheaper price using the Bayern Ticket. Besides, that IC train originates in Salzburg, so you only have to be at the platform in time to secure your seat.

sla019, if you don’t mind, I have a few more questions for you.

Since that particular train starts in Salzburg, and is not typically crowded, there is no need to by a seat reservation, correct?

DB is currently selling tickets for that train for 17.90 and OBB for 40.60. Should I buy that 17.90 ticket now? or will that price stay the same?

On our return from Munich to Salzburg later that same day (Sept. 13) is there a particular train/ type of train that is known to be less crowded? We’d probably be looking for a time of approx. 15:00.

Thanks so much for you help!!

@Carrie:
1. That IC is usually not busy (the DB app forecasts low occupancy), so you can skip the reservation.
2. the DB fare mentioned by you is a saver fare (train specific, not refundable) and it will increase steadily until the travel day. If you are sure with the travel date, you should book now. Unfortunately, fares get cheaper only after nine o'clock with the Bayernticket (€26 there and back, or €32 for two).
3. For the return trip, I'd take the fast Westbahn train at 15:48 (WWW.westbahn.at, saver fare as of today €14), which runs through to Salzburg without intermediate stops and therefore cannot be crowded by commuters. NB. Westbahn trains are not listed by the DB app, book at the website quoted above.

If you have further questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

sla019, thank-you so much! I really appreciate all the great info. My biggest stressor is the trains, so having this info. really, really helps.

I will double check with my sister that she still wants to go to munich and then I will just purchase the tickets ahead of time. It will be one less thing to worry about. Thanks again!!