Munich, Salzburg, and Prague

What are the ages of the travelers? "Don't want to miss anything". The only thing I can think of like that between Munich and Salzburg would be Herrenchiemsee, Lugwig's copy of Versailles palace on an Island in Chiemsee. The boat to the island leaves from Prien, which is on the main train line from Munich to Salzburg.

Personally, I love the train. Less stressful than driving, since you don't have to navigate. I recently did Salzburg>Hallstatt>Vienna>Prague all by train and it was wonderful.

Don't forget to buy the Bayern ticket for your travel to Salzburg. http://www.munich-touristinfo.de/Bavaria-Ticket.htm

The reason I asked her about the number of people is that the Bayern-Ticket is for 2-5 people of any age, or parents and all or their kids under 15. But if anyone in the party is a child under 6, they don't count in the number. Otherwise, for six, they have to purchase a 2-5 person Bayern-Ticket (€29) plus a Bayern-Ticket Single (€21). In case anyone doesn't know, a Bayern-Ticket gives you unlimited on/off travel on regional trains all over Bavaria for a day (after 9 AM workdays). So you could stop on the way to Salzburg to see Herrenchiemsee. From Salzburg to Prague you have several options. You can go directly from Austria to the Czech Republic via Linz and Summerau. There might be some advance purchase discount fares on the Austrian Rail website, www.oebb.at. You can also go from Salzburg to Munich to Nuernberg, then by DB Intercity bus from Nuernberg to Prague. With advance purchase, you can find Europe-Spezial fares as low as €39. Finally, if you purchase a €34 Bayern-BöhmenTicket either in Munich before you go to Salzburg (for sure) or in Salzburg (I think), you can travel from Salzburg to Pilsen using one of the direct regional trains through Regensburg, then to Prag with a €6/P Czech Rail ticket from Pilsen to Prague.

Either train or bus would be best for 6 adults. But maybe train would be best for folks in their 70s for comfort, so they can get up & walk around. Be sure to bring food & drinks on board with you to ease the way.

The first thing I thought of when I read your question: 6 people in one car?

The travelers are 2 28 year olds, 2 60 year olds, and 2 70 year olds. It's a diverse crew but we're all very active. Thanks so much for all the advice.

With six adults, you will need a full Bayern-Ticket (€29) for five of you plus a Bayern-Ticket Single (€21) for the sixth. So, the total price from Munich inner zone to Salzburg would be €50. It's unlimited travel on Regional trains after 9 AM workdays, all day weekend days, so you could get off in Prien, see Herrenchiemsee, then get back on and continue to Salzburg Hbf. Note: €29 is the current price for a Bayern-Ticket. That could change with the schedule change Dec. 11.

If you choose to use cars be aware that European cars are much smaller than US ones. If you want to go any distance by car you will be uncomfortable with any more than 2 in the front and two in the back of virtually all cars. If you decide to try to fit into a van or minivan you will probably be uncomfortable, but, more importantly, the vans over here usually have the seats right to the back of the vehicle and the luggage storage is small. Maybe with two largeish cars it would be more comfortable and luggage would be much easier. Munich - Salzburg is a doddle by train. Munich - Nuremberg - Prague is also straightforward. The Nuremberg - Prague segment is via double decker Deutsche Bahn motor coach (or by slower train the whole way which gets less good reviews). Operated by the Bahn the coach is very comfy, great views (Second class upstairs, First Class downstairs) and gets rave reviews. I drive a lot in Europe but probably would not encourage 6 people in a car. I think folks of my age and older would get stiff fairly quickly if crammed in, and I really do think the train is the way to go. Don't underestimate the difficulty of luggage for 6 adults in a car.

My first thought is train, I just did all of those places by train. A bit of warning though the train from Prague to Salzburg is really long, but munich->salzburg is super short. I think it would be easier for all of you to take the train instead of two cars...

Thanks to all for your help. We will be taking the train. How long does the trip from Salzburg to Prague take?

You need to learn to use the German Rail website to find out this information yourself. Basically, from Salzburg to Prag via Linz, about 6½ hrs. To Nuernberg then via the bus to Prag, about 7¼ hr. Via the regional train through Regensburg, about 7¾ hr.