This is the first time we have traveled from country to country by train. That being said, how does customs work going from country to country? We will travel from Zurich to Munich. We will be there for several days then travel from Munich to Salzburg for a few days and then travel from Salzburg to Zurich to fly home. Is there a direct train from destination to destination? How far in advance should we book the train? We are traveling in September 2024. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Connecticut
692 posts
Germany, Austria and Switzerland are part of Europe’s Schengen area. Therefore internal border checks have largely been abolished when traveling between these countries.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Travel in the Schengen zone is like going between Iowa and Nebraska -- nothing changes. Check you schedules at dbahn.com. deutschebahn.com
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8318 posts
There are no non-stop flights from Salzburg to Zurich. The connecting flights are quite expensive. You might do better to take the train over to Munich Airport and catch the flight to Zurich from there. Or, just travel by train all the way.
If you've not purchased your flight, see about using a multi-location "open jaw flight" home from another airport. Munich has a great airport too.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
We are traveling by train from city to city. Are there direct routes from Zurich to Munich? How about a direct train route from Salzburg to Zurich? Or will we have to change trains?
Posted by
Wengen
2488 posts
There are direct trains from Zurich to Munich, from Munich to Salzburg to Zurich. No issue there. These are all nice trains.
Book Zurich to Munich and Munich to Salzburg with the German Railways. See www.bahn.de
Book Salzburg to Zurich with the Austrian Railways: see www.oebb.at
Booking in advance gives you discounts, just like with air travel.
As Switzerland is in the Schengen area there is no immigration, thus no passport control at the Swiss- German, and Swiss - Austrian borders. There is still customs as, Switzerland is not in the EU. You may notice custom officers walking the train asking people if they have something to declare. Occasionally border police may also do a passport check. But this is all done on the train, as it has always been, even before there was an EU and a Schengen area...
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you for your help!!! I greatly appreciate it!