The IC bus is 1 hour shorter than the train, but prices are the same. (Im not interested in the Flexibus, assuming it's not as comfortable as the IC buses, as it's without WiFi and outlet, and not much cheaper.)
Are IC buses comfortable, or would the extra hour on the train be worth it for comfort? (My only bus experience has been US Grayhound buses--not extremely pleasant.)
Also, is one of the two routes (bus vs. rail) more scenic?
Many thanks!
Both bus and train cover approximately the same route, so no difference in scenery. Bus, your view is from the Autobahn and train, from the tracks. I know the bus goes from the Hackerbruecke bus station (ZOB) which is one S-Bahn stop from the Munich Hauptbahnhof and arrives at Sihlquai bus depot toward the back of Zurich Hauptbahnhof.
The bus is direct, but the train requires at least one change, at least in the near future. It is direct in the month of September.
For only an extra hour I would do the train. Just more comfortable and the ability to get up and walk around and maybe find a bar car.
Both bus and train cover approximately the same route, so no difference in scenery.
Presently, all EC's take the southern route via Oberstaufen and Kempten. That route meanders through the foothills of the Alps as far as Kaufbeuren and is way more scenic than the uninspiring line via Memmingen, which follows the autobahn.
The bus is direct, but the train requires at least one change, at least in the near future. It is direct in the month of September.
That dependeds on the time of the year. Presenty, all four direct trains are operating (EC 191 dep. 7:09, EC 193 9:09, EC 195 13:09, EC 197 18:09), but there will be more interruptions this year.
Until the completion of the construction work on the route Buchloe - Memmingen - Lindau (dec. 2020) all EC's will operate on the Oberstaufen - Kempten route.
I would gladly burn an hour to go on the train if for no other reason than I feel like I'm in Europe when I'm on a train. A bus? Meh, I can do that any time.
Thank you for the helpful responses.
You've seconded my instincts; I've chosen the train.
