Traveling to Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, & Prague for the first time. Please help. Thanks a lot!

Q1 & Q2. The U-bahns run about every 5 minutes during the day. I would not worry about a precise schedule. If you miss one train, just wait a few minutes and another will be along.

Although it takes more time, if you take the S-bahn to the Hauptbahnhof, you can board the U-2 there and not worry about another transfer. This way, if the S-1 is the next available train leaving the airport, you could take that one as well. They alternate departures with the S-8.

Q3. Looks like the All Area group ticket is not offered on the 3 day basis, you would need the City Tour Card. Since if you bought a single day group All Area ticket (for the airport transfer), and two Inner Zone group day tickets it would cost 47.60 EUR, and the 3 day group All Area City Tour Card is 55.90 EUR, it will pay for itself with just a couple of visits to sites listed, if any interest you.

You don't say the make up of your group, which might effect the advice you receive.

To vary Sam's reply, if you have luggage it may be worth not taking the S-Bahn into central Munich but taking the "Lufthansa bus" from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof, and taking the U-Bahn to the Messe from there. The S-Bahn is a very basic suburban train that stops many times on the way to the centre, while the bus is much the same price, takes much the same amount of time unless there is very heavy rush hour traffic, and is more comfortable. (It's a long-distance style bus with comfortably upholstered seating and a luggage compartment. It also means you don't have to worry about the escalator or elevator down to the S-Bahn station at the airport.

The Partner card is, I believe, limited to guests at hotels that are officially "partners" of the MVV, which probably explains why the fare is not stated on the website. You would need to ask about it at the hotel.

Just a ditto on the Lufthansa bus: we've done it the other way around - from Hauptbahnhof to airport - and it's very easy and comfortable.

Hi Sam, Philip, and Kathy, First of all, thank you so much for your kind recommendation and prompt reply. We really appreciated and I would like to take this opportunity to reply with clarifications as follows:

(1). My concern is that because we will be arriving at Munich airport around 23:00, and do you know in general how long will it take go through the custom in Munich after landing? 30 minutes or more? Because since we are arriving late toward midnight, & the last Lufthansa airport bus from the airport to the Munich center is around 22:30, & therefore, it will be not an option for us. Thank you for your suggestion, Philip and Kathy.

(2). As I mentioned, based on the information that I got from the MVV website, it shows that the route from the airport to the Novotel Muenchen Messe hotel (maybe our accommodation location) around midnight is to take the S8 train from the airport, change to the U5 at Ostbahnhof Station, and then transfer to U2 at Innsbrucker Ring to Messestadt West, however, the last two S-bahn and U-babn from the airport to Messestadt West will be at 00:04 & 00:44, I cannot afford to lose our way at the station during the interchange from S8 to U5 at Ostbahnhof & from U5 to U2 at Innsbrucker Ring. The walking path / route & time estimation is a little bit confusing from the MVV website, & I am hoping that someone or local who had traveled to those stations before can give me with some idea based on my questions of my original post.

(3). Although it seems I can take S-bahn from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof before interchange to U5 to Messestadt West & because travelling during during midnight, there are a few S-bahn requires an interchange at Ostbahnhof station before I can get to Hauptbahnhof station, that means it may possibly lead to more train/metro interchanges as compared to what was suggested by the MVV website. Sam, thanks a lot!

(4) Hi Sam, Would you kindly please clarify where did you find the following information that you mentioned, "... if you bought a single day group All Area ticket (for the airport transfer), and two Inner Zone group day tickets it would cost 47.60 €, and the 3-day group All Area City Tour Card is 55.90 €". Because somehow, it conflicts with the information from the following official MVV website.
http://www.mvv-muenchen.de/en/tickets-fares/fares/index.html#c7006

(i). Would you kindly please provide me with a hyperlink or attachment to show details of the current fare?

(ii). Based on the website, it seems that the Fare for Group Adult Day Ticket (Entire Network (all zones)) is 23,20 € x 3 = 69,60 €. What kind of Day Fare ticket would you recommend for 3 full days in Munich for a group of 4? I probably need one way from the airport to the Munich center Day 1 & then I will leave Munich by train on Day 3. So, do you still recommend for me to get the All Area ticket (for the airport transfer), and two Inner Zone group day tickets for 47.60 € for those 3 days rather than the 3 day group All Area City Tour Card is 55.90 €?

(iii). Regarding the two Inner Zone group day tickets for 47.60 €, which two inner zone are you referring? Does it have more than two inner zone?

(5). Hi Philip: Based on the MVV website, "The Partner Day Ticket is valid for up to five adults or 10 children. You can buy the tickets from ticket machines, at customer centres..." But it doesn't list any restriction of what you mentioned. Please advise.

(6). Could anyone give me some recommendation if I should be staying in the hotel near the airport & take longer traveling time on train / metro each day for 3 days (but I may save the 1.5 hours traveling time from the airport to Munich center during midnight) or staying in a hotel closer to Munich center? Which way would I save more in terms of Day Fare ticket as I will be leaving Munich by train at Hauptbahnhof or Ostbahnhof on Day 3?

Thank you so much for your help. Any recommendation is welcome.

...it shows that the route from the airport to the Novotel Muenchen
Messe hotel (maybe our accommodation location)

...or should be staying in the hotel near the airport & take longer
traveling time on train / metro each day for 3 days (but I may save
the 1.5 hours traveling time from the airport to Munich center during
midnight) or staying in a hotel closer to Munich center?

It sounds like you haven't decided on this accommodation yet so that probably should be settled before figuring transport? Personally, I think this hotel is too far from center. It looks like a good choice for business at the exhibition center but not for daily sightseeing.

It sounds like a taxi might work better for your situation based on the timing of your arrival. Yes it might be more expensive but will get you to your accommodations directly and more efficiently.

If you choose to stay in the area immediately around the main train station, be aware that some people feel uncomfortable in that area because it is "seedy". It is not unsafe but does have some night clubs and more evening traffic. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott in that area and did not have any problems with noise or feeling unsafe.

Re: Zones, I was referring to the Inner District or Innenraum shown as the white center area in this map.
http://www.mvv-muenchen.de/fileadmin/media/Dateien/plaene/pdf/Schnellbahnnetzplan_2016_Englisch.pdf
Messestadt West is included in this zone.

The prices are 12.20 EUR for a 1 day Group Inner District ticket. 2 days double = 24.40 EUR. The price for a 1 day Group Entire Network is 23.20 EUR, so total 47.40 EUR. From this page.
http://www.mvv-muenchen.de/en/tickets-fares/tickets/day-tickets/group-day-ticket/index.html

You don't say how you are leaving Munich (air? rail?). I am assuming you do not need to leave by air and thus need another Entire Network ticket to return, but perhaps I guess wrong.
You also, you do not say if you are arriving from a long distance flight and be jet lagged, or coming from another European location. I see the service is limited due to the late hour. Also which day of the week is a factor. The last S-bahn into the city is at 01:24 and would require a night bus from Ostbahnhof to Messestadt West on week days.

Hi Sam, Kathy, and JenC, Thank you so much for your kind suggestion and prompt reply. We really appreciated. Please see clarifications as follows:

(1). Hi JenC, I would prefer not to take taxi as someone mentioned that it is relatively expensive, and my family is on a budget. Thank you, JenC.

(2). Hi Kathy: Yes, you are right. I am still considering if I should be staying at the Hilton Munich Airport or the NOVOTEL MUNICH MESSE. The reason why I am considering NOVOTEL MUNICH MESSE is that the U-bahn station is just right next to the hotel and there is a shopping mall next to it as my family members are not comfortable with some other hotels which requires us to take 10-15 minutes walk in the dark & in an unfamiliar area especially midnight and/or need to across some traffic lights in order to get to a hotel after getting out of the U-bahn or S-bahn stations. I am not sure how save it is to walk in Munich with luggage to carry around midnight. That's why, I am asking for opinion from past guests if I should be staying in the hotel near the airport & take longer traveling time on train / metro each day for 3 days (but I may save the 1.5 hours traveling time from the airport to Munich center during midnight) or staying in a hotel closer to Munich center? Which way would I save more in terms of Day Fare ticket as I will be leaving Munich by train at Hauptbahnhof or Ostbahnhof on Day 3?

(3). Hi Sam: Thank you for your clarification and the hyperlink to show the fares. I understand your logic now. Actually, regarding the questions that you asked, I have actually explained all of my dilemma and concerns on my original and last post. But let me clarify again.

If I decide to stay at NOVOTEL MUNICH MESSE, I probably only need one way from the airport to the Munich center Day 1 & then I am planning to leave for Salzburg from Munich Ostbahnhof or Hauptbahnhof station by RJ train on Day 3 evening.

(i). Do you have any suggestion why I can get more competitive tickets from Munich to Salzburg? OBB website or Westbahn website or any other website? Do you know if I purchase the train ticket online, can I print the ticket online or would the station accept the electronic / digital copy of the ticket from my smartphone? Because I called that http://www.raileurope-world.com/ agency and they said they will need to mail me the physical ticket in order for me to use it at the train station. Is that normally most train online companies or agencies do not offer digital copy of the ticket where I can access via my smartphone? Because I am afraid that the price of the train may go up if I get it at the station, do you think it will be a concern? What about if there is not enough time for the train companies or agencies to mail the actual paper tickets to me before my trip, does it mean that I should not be considering to purchase the tickets online in advance?

(ii). Also, I would like to ask what's your concept of suggesting to get two days of Group Inner District tickets plus 1 day Group Entire Network. Is that because you thought I need to travel from the airport to the Munich center on the arrival day? Please confirm if I need to travel from the airport to Munich center, does it mean that I need the "entire network Day Pass"?

(iii). In general, if we are planning to visit some of the major attractions such as Nymphenburg Palace, Englischer Garten, Marienplatz, Munich Residenz, Olympiapark, Allianz Arena, BMW Museum, St. Michael's Church, Linderhof Palace, Viktualienmarkt, etc...) in Munich, do we simply need to get the "inner District Day Pass" or "entire network Day Pass"?

(iv). Yes, I will be jetlagging after a long flight and arriving Munich before midnight. But we can deal with that. I am asking for opinion if I should be staying in the hotel near the airport or Munich center as mentioned above?

Thank you. Anyone with recommendation to any of my question is welcome. Thanks. ^-^

Jojo-
I would recommend a compromise. Stay at the airport Hilton upon arrival. It is RIGHT there, and will make for a comfortable and stress-free recovery night's sleep. The next morning you can head out to whatever hotel in Munich you choose. We often do our recovery night at an airport hotel when we have a late arrival. It is so much easier, and we enjoy the rest of the trip more when we have had a good night's sleep right after a big travel day.
We have been to Munich several times, and have always loved being closer to the action. If you have
a bigger budget, the Hotel Torbrau http://www.torbraeu.de/ is
perfectly located next right across the street from the Isartor stop.
There is also a Hilton in that general area if you want that brand.http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/bavaria/hilton-munich-city-MUCCHTW/index.html?WT.mc_id=zELWAKN0EMEA1HI2DMH3LocalSearch4DGGenericx6MUCCHTW
There are a wealth of smaller places, some of which have already been mentioned like the http://www.hotelblauerbock.de/?lang=en
Munich is wonderful and the public transportation is easy to use, efficient and inexpensive. You will have a great time.

Hi TravelingMom, Thank you so much for your kind suggestion and prompt reply. We really appreciated.

To ALL: Anyone with recommendation to any of my question is welcome.

(1). I totally understand what you meant, and that's why, we are considering to stay at the Hilton Munich Airport, but it will take more traveling time back and forth from the airport to the Munich center for 3 days and it seems it doesn't make sense as it would take 40 minutes one way to travel in between. If we stay at the Hilton Munich Airport, it will certainly give us more time to recuperate after jetlagging and avoid traveling / interchange bahns from the airport to NOVOTEL MUNICH MESSE, especially around midnight. We will give it a thought, but the only concern is that moving from one hotel to another hotel tends to be a big task for our family each time and it takes quite some time and hassle for us to pack and unpack from one hotel to another hotel. Thanks, TravelingMom.

(2). Do you know, in general, if we are planning to visit some of the major attractions such as Nymphenburg Palace, Englischer Garten, Marienplatz, Munich Residenz, Olympiapark, Allianz Arena, BMW Museum, St. Michael's Church, Linderhof Palace, Viktualienmarkt, etc...) in Munich, do we simply need to get the "inner District Day Pass" or "entire network Day Pass"? If I need to travel from the airport to Munich center, does it mean that I need the "entire network Day Pass"?

(3). Regarding the MVV Day ticket, it states that it is valid to be used until the following day 6am. So, if I get the Day ticket at 00:01, does it mean that the Day ticket will be valid for the entire day (24 hours from 00:01 to 23:59) plus extra 6 hours from the following day (00:01 to 06:00). But if I get the Day at 23:59, does it mean that the Day ticket will be valid for only about 6 hours from the upcoming (00:00 to 06:00). Do I understand correctly?

Perhaps, my family and I will probably have to take the LAST train from the Munich airport to the Novotel Muenchen Messe hotel (Messestadt West). The walking path / route & time estimation is a little bit confusing from the MVV website, & I am hoping that someone or local who had traveled to those stations before can give me with some idea based on my questions of my original post. So, it seems that even if I am lucky to get out of the custom and airport a little bit earlier (before midnight), I still buy the Day Ticket and cannot take the train (before the last train which departs after midnight) which departs before midnight,, otherwise, my family will have to pay for another day of Day Tickets when we get up for sightseeing. Am I understand correctly?

(4). Can someone help me with the following translation from German to English. It is a warning message that is listed on the MVV regarding the route and time / train schedule from the airport to Messestadt West.

"Wegen Straßenbauarbeiten im Haltestellenbereich kann die Haltestelle „Messestadt West (U)“ vom 01.08. bis vsl. 02.12.2016 leider nicht bedient werden. Die Busse beginnen/enden in „Messestadt Ost (U)“. Bitte nutzen Sie von/bis „Messestadt Ost (U)“ die U2. In Abhängigkeit des Baufortschritts kann es kurzfristig zu Änderungen des Zeitraumes der Beeinträchtigungen kommen."

I only the following automatic translation from German to English via google translate, but not quite fully understand what it actually means.

"Staffer in the bus stop area , the station " Messestadt West ( U ) " from 01:08 . be up prospectively . 12.02.2016 not served . The buses start / end in " Messestadt Ost ( U ) " . Please use from / to " Messestadt Ost ( U ) " the U2 . Depending on the progress of construction it may be altered in the period of impairment shortly ."

Also, I am not sure if 12.02.2016 is referring to starting December, 2016 or starting February 2016. Does it affect me if I take S8 > U5 >U2 from Munich airport to Messestadt West during midnight. Thank you.

Yes, I was considering the Entire Network day ticket to get from the airport to Messestadt West. But in light of your information, I think staying at an airport hotel the first night is a good idea. There is no guarantee that your flight will arrive on time. Going directly to a nearby hotel from the airport would be prudent, and I think your family will thank you.

All of the places you want to see are in the Inner district. So after a nights sleep, buy the Entire Network group ticket and go into central Munich. Leave you luggage at your new hotel, perhaps more central than the Novotel Messestadt.

The most cost effective way for you to get to Salzburg is to use the "Guten Tag" ticket from Meridian trains. 21 EUR for the first person and 5 EUR for each additional person up to 5 total traveling together. The next best is the Bayern Ticket, which is 23 EUR for the first person and 5 EUR for each additional person up to 5 total traveling together. This one includes local transportation in Munich, so if you are not staying within walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof or Ostabahnhof, get this one. You must travel after 09:00 on weekdays for these tickets, and you must use the Meridian trains to Salzburg. These are local trains and are not as fast as the RailJet or EC trains because they make more stops. On weekends, you can travel earlier as there are no time restrictions. You should buy from a kiosk automat. If you buy at a manned ticket window, there is a 2 EUR fee additional, although that may be worth the convenience.

Reading your first post I assumed you were a business traveler going to the convention center, but now it seems your are s family planning on sightseeing.

In the later case your chosen hotel of Novotel Munich Messe is a terrible pick. A better choice if your family is worried about walking late at night and wants a "chain" hotel (the Messe area will be deserted after shops close) would be to take the S8 from the airport to Rosenheimer Platz and stay at the Novotel or Holiday Inn or Hilton located there. The you won't have to worry about Ubahn changed that first day, changing hotels the next day or having a long commute everyday to get from the Messe to the city center.

To get to Salzburg, the simplest way is to purchase a Bayern Ticket on the day you plan to travel from a ticket machine at the Ostbahnhof and hope on any Salzburg bound regional train.

My 2 ¢

DJ

Hi Sam & DJ, Thank you so much for your kind suggestion and prompt reply. We really appreciated. Please see below for my response & some clarification if necessary.

To ALL: Anyone with any comment or recommendation to any of my questions.

(1). Indeed we would like to stay at the Novotel, Holiday Inn or Hilton near Rosenheimer Platz, but it would costs over 300 € per night on our travel dates, & it would be out of our budget. In fact, we don't necessary need to stay in one of those "chain" brand hotel as long as it is a safe & clean hotel & closer to the metro / train station with very minimal walking after getting out of the station if possible because it will be probably around or midnight after going through the custom from the airport.

DJ mentioned that the Messe area will be deserted after all the shops close from the shopping mall, would you please give me more idea if Messe is a safe area as I heard the area used be the Munich old airport & the city is developing that area. Is it still like a dessert?

(2). Does anyone know about "LetoMotel München Moosach"? This hotel is just right next to the Moosach S-bahn station & we could take S8 from the airport & interchange to S1 at Ost in order to get to Moosach. But some reviews mentioned that since the hotel is just right adjacent to the S-bahn track, & it could get very noisy. Is that mainly a residential & safe area? Which area would you choose for 3-day hotel accommodation? How does Moosach compare to Messe area for travelers (it would take around the same time 20 minutes from both area to Marienplatz by U-bahn.) Please advise.

(3). Regarding the MVV Day ticket, it states that it is valid to be used until the following day 6am. So, if I get the Day ticket at 00:01, does it mean that the Day ticket will be valid for the entire day (24 hours from 00:01 to 23:59) plus extra 6 hours from the following day (00:01 to 06:00). But if I get the Day at 23:59, does it mean that the Day ticket will be valid for only about 6 hours from the upcoming (00:00 to 06:00). Is that right?

(4). Based on the MVV website, by taking the S8 train from the airport, change to U5 at Ostbahnhof Station, & then transfer to U2 at Innsbrucker Ring to Messestadt West, but when interchanging from U5 to U2 at the Innsbrucker Ring, there are unclear information as it shows there may need some walking, but it doesn't show any time estimation or the walking route. Is it a very short walking distance across the opposite side of the platform in the same level? As it shows the arrival time of U5 to the Innsbrucker Ring station concurrently with the departure time of U2 to Messestadt West. We can afford to lose our way in the station for that "LAST" U2 train during midnight.

(5). Regarding the "Guten Tag" ticket (Meridian trains) & Bayern Ticket (DB bahn) from Munich to Salzburg, do you think it is necessary to book the ticket in advance online? Will the train get fully booked if I were to purchase the ticket at the train station? Is the fare remains the same no matter if I purchase in the tickets in advance or would the fare be more if it gets closer to the date of validity or I were to get it at the train station?

(6). Sam mentioned before that the ticket can be purchased from a kiosk automated ticket machine or a manned ticket window, with extra 2€ fee, but worth the convenience. Is the kiosk automated ticket machine not user friendly or not in English (but only German)? Is the manned ticket window opens 24 hours everyday or it is closed after midnight (perhaps?) in all train stations (S/U-bahn). Please advise.

(7). Regarding the Bayern day Ticket, I would like to confirm - besides it is valid for train from Munich to Salzburg, can I use for all public local transportation such as MVV (Munich metro), S-bahn, U-babn during the day in Munich? Or if the Bayern day Ticket is restricted to be used within the DB bahn network in Munich?

Thank you so much.^-^

I wonder, how often do you think you will be taking this trip or a trip like this one? The reason I ask is that you seem to be missing the "big picture" aspects of visiting Munich to look for small savings that will decrease the value you receive from this trip. If this is a "once in a lifetime visit", treat it as such. Don't stay at a hotel that you have been told is a poor location for tourists. You have 3 days. You need a location that maximizes the experience you receive for those three days.

Last summer, Hilton had a big sale, and the Hilton City Center was a good value. I don't know if there is a sale this year or if the price will fit your budget. The location is good and there is an entrance to the hotel directly on the Subway line from the airport. It is a quick stop or two on the subway to the main tourist areas or a 10 minute walk. They have the most impressive breakfast buffet I have ever seen in my life so a room rate with breakfast included is nice to have..

However you choose to visit Munich, don't be penny smart and pound foolish.

Q2. At least on Tripadvisor, people seem to like the LetoMotel. 3 modes of transport right at the hotel, S-bahn, U-bahn, and tram. Grocery store a short way away. Can't speak of the neighborhood, since I never stayed there, but others liked it. If you can get off the plane, get though immigration, get you luggage in under an hour, the last S-1 will get you right to your hotel leaving the airport at 11 past midnight.

Q3. Good question. The MVV site is not clear on this.

Q5. You cannot reserve these trains on line. They are "commuter" type trains. If there are no seats available, you stand until seats open up. My experience is that it would be unusual for them to be crowded except during afternoon rush hour on weekdays. Board at the Hauptbahnhof as soon as the train is spotted on the platform and you are sure of getting seats together.

Q6. Actually, the kiosks are easy to use and you can select the language, including English. Some people on this end find these intimidating, so there is an option of buying from a human for a small fee.

Q7. Bayern ticket is most definitely valid on the U-bahns, S-bahns, and trams in Munich on the day of validity. After 9 am weekdays, all day weekends.

My favorite hotel in Munich is the Eden Wolff. It is directly across the street from the Hauptbahnhof where the airport bus stops.
Friendly staff, very good breakfast buffet, and excellent in-house restaurant.

Hi Sam, Carol, and Joan, Thank you so much for your kind recommendation and prompt reply. We really appreciated.

To ALL: Anyone with any comment or recommendation to any of my above unanswered questions (if any) or following questions is very welcome & highly appreciated.

First of all, my family & I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone of you who spent your time & efforts in trying to help us and answered our questions to your best knowledge. As I mentioned, this is our first trip to Munich, Germany, & indeed, it really take us quite some time & our hard-earned money for our family to spare this savings for this upcoming & our first Europe trip. So, we do have a tight budget, & please excuse us if I asked some questions in details in order to resolve some uncertainties in some situation and to get a better planning in advance for my family along with trying to get the best & reasonable deal possible. Of course, we have been due diligence by doing our homework & research for the sightseeing aspects of it, so we are concurrently focus on the "big picture" of visiting Munich. Thank you so much for the kind reminder. Once again, please bear with us & we do really appreciated to everyone of you if my replies were not prompt enough.

Please see below for my response & some clarification if necessary.

(1), One clarification about my last post, I mentioned that we would like to stay at the Novotel, Holiday Inn or Hilton near Rosenheimer Platz, but it would costs over 300€ or more "PER NIGHT" on our travel dates, & it would cost over 1000€ for 3 days on one of those hotels closer to Munich center, especially near the S-bahn or U-bahn wihout much walking, it would be out of our budget.

I have done an extensive hotel accommodation search, & we are considering the following 3 hotels which fits our needs/corncern/budget.

(i). NOVOTEL MUNICH MESSE
(ii). Hilton Munich Airport
(iii). LetoMotel München Moosach

Some concerns about the above hotels:
(i). Some bloggers claimed that Messe may not be a good area for tourists, especially, the area will be deserted after shops close since we will be arriving after midnight.
Pros: The hotel is just right next to the U-babn Messestadt West station, & the travel time from the hotel to Munich is just about 20 minutes, which we think it is fair & reasonable for daily commute.
Cons: The following questions still left to be confirmed by a local or someone who traveled to one of those stations before. Based on the MVV website, by taking the S8 train from the airport, change to U5 at Ostbahnhof Station, & then transfer to U2 at Innsbrucker Ring to Messestadt West, but when interchanging from U5 to U2 at the Innsbrucker Ring, there are unclear information as it shows there may need some walking, but it doesn't show any time estimation or the walking route. Is it a very short walking distance across the opposite side of the platform on the same level? As it shows the arrival time of U5 to the Innsbrucker Ring station concurrently with the departure time of U2 to Messestadt West. We can afford to lose our way in the station for that "LAST" U2 train during midnight.

(iii). I've read some online reviews about that motel, & it sound a good & decent motel. But I am not sure if Moosach U-bahn station & neighborhood is a safe area, especially during midnight.

Pros: The motel is just right next to the Moosach S-bahn station, & there are bakery store, grocery store & a shopping mall closer to the hotel.
Cons: Since the motel is just right adjacent to the S-bahn track, & it could get very noisy at night. The motel rooms are very small.

Thank you so much for your help and your kind attention. Any suggestion or recommendation to any of my above questions or concerns is very welcome. We appreciated.

Hi Sam: I've got a better understanding now after your last reply. Thank you so much for your kind reply & time.

(1). As you have a better understanding about my situation now, should I simply get the following transportation tickets for visiting 3 days in Munich.

Day 1 - Purchase the MVV "Entire network Group Day Ticket (12,20 €)" which allows me to travel from the airport to Munich center & unlimited use of U-babn or S-bahn for sightseeing as I believe we will mainly use U-bahn/metro.

Day 2 - Purchase the MVV "inner District Group City Tour Card for One day (18,90 €)" - for unlimited use of U-babn or S-bahn for sightseeing. (Q: For some reason, I cannot find the "Entire network Group City Tour Card for One day" from the MVV website? Do they offer this kind of ticket?)
Day 3 - Purchase the Bayern ticket (23,00 € + extra 5€ per person) since we will be leaving Munich for Salzburg in the late evening and as you mentioned, since it is most definitely valid on the U-bahns, S-bahns, and trams in Munich on the day of validity so we can take U-babn or S-bahn for sightseeing during the day.

Please advise if the above options will be good for us or any suggestion.

(2). Regarding the MVV City Tour Card, it shows they are offering slight discount on admission tickets for some of the attractions or restaurants. I've looked at the list of companies which participates in this deal, but do you know it is worth to get the City Tour Card for extra € or the MVV Day Ticket will be good enough for us as we mainly use for transportation purpose.

(3). Besides mainly taking U-babn or S-bahn, would you suggest to take bus or tram for sightseeing purpose?

(4). Regarding the MVV Day ticket, it states that it is valid to be used until the following day 6am. So, if I get the Day ticket at 00:01, does it mean that the Day ticket will be valid for the entire day (24 hours from 00:01 to 23:59) plus extra 6 hours from the following day (00:01 to 06:00). But if I get the Day at 23:59, does it mean that the Day ticket will be valid for only about 6 hours from the upcoming (00:00 to 06:00)?

(5). Regarding the "Guten Tag" or "Bayern day" ticket, you mentioned that I cannot reserve seats on Meridian trains online, but it seems there is an option to purchase the tickets online. Is that right? Do you suggest to get the ticket in advance online rather than from a kiosk automated ticket machine or a manned ticket window?

(6). Are those "Guten Tag" or "Bayern day" Ticket can be purchased in ALL S/U-bahn station with a kiosk automated ticket machine or a manned ticket window? Do you know if all the manned ticket window opens 24 hours everyday in all S/U-bahn station or if it is closed after midnight?

(7). By the way, I thought I didn't get a chance to mention before that my family & I will be travelling from Munich >> Salzburg >> Vienna >> Prague by train.

(i). What's the most cost effective train (evening departure) from Salzburg to Vienna? OEBB or Westbahn or any other website?

(ii). What's the most cost effective train (evening departure) from Vienna to Prague? RailJet or EC or other website?

Could the train get fully booked easily during the peak season? Is it necessary to purchase or reserve seats in advance online or I can get it from the train station on the day of validity while concerning the fare may go up if I get it at the station. Can I print out the ticket online or would the station accept the electronic / digital copy of the ticket from my smartphone? But that Raileurope-world.com/ agency said they have get me the actual ticket by mail.

(8). As much we did some research or read reviews online, we appreciated anyone for any travel tips or recommendation on Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, & Prague such as sightseeing, must-go attractions, museum, shows, local tours, transportation Day Pass fare, foodies/restaurants. Any information or hyperlink provided is appreciated. Thanks

Have you looked into this place, Pension Lindner. The price is probably better than the places you've been looking at, and it is a short walk (¼ mi) from the S-Bahn station in Marienplatz (no complicated U-Bahn stations to negotiate).

Day 1 - Purchase the MVV "Entire network Group Day Ticket (12,20 €)" which allows me to travel from the airport to Munich center & unlimited use of U-babn or S-bahn for sightseeing as I believe we will mainly use U-bahn/metro.

No, this ticket costs 23.20 EUR. I doubt if you buy it just after midnight it will be good for another 30 hours, but I could be wrong. Best ask an MVV employee.

For some reason, I cannot find the "Entire network Group City Tour Card for One day" from the MVV website? Do they offer this kind of ticket?

No, they do not offer this, but considering the site you expressed interest in, you don't need it. The Inner District should cover you.

Other questions. Westbahn is a good option since there is no need to book in advance. Vienna to Prague you should probably buy now at www.oebb.at.

Hi Sam & Lee, Thank you so much for your kind recommendation and prompt reply. We really appreciated. Sorry, I was caught up with some emergency matters with my family lately and please accept my apology as I didn't take a chance to get back to you earlier. Once again, thank you so much for your help.

To ALL: Anyone with any comment or recommendation to my previous posts or following questions is very welcome & highly appreciated.

(1). Regarding the "Bayern (Day) ticket" which is valid on the U-bahns, S-bahns, and trams in Munich on the day of validity as long as it is after 9 am weekdays and all day weekends, and while I am planning to get this "Bayern (Day) ticket" to take the train from Munich to Salzburg as well as using it as a mean of transportation on my Day 3 in Munich before I leave for Salzburg.

I believe I could get the "Bayern (Day) ticket" from DB Bahn website, and therefore, I was searching from DB Bahn website about the corresponding train schedule from Munich to Salzburg, and I realized that there are quite several different train companies or alliance (such as EC, IC, and local train) that runs from Munich to Salzburg, but does anyone know if I get the "Bayern (Day) ticket", can I take any of those trains (EC, IC, and local train) from Munich to Salzburg or are there any restriction? Please advise.

(2). Regarding the trains from Munich to Salzburg, from Salzburg to Vienna, from Vienna to Prague, in general, how "late" should we be boarding these trains? Do we need to go through customs or security check on each train station before boarding? Are all of the train routes mostly are "commuter" type trains which simply allows you to hoop-into the train the last minute? Please advise.

(3). As much we have been doing some research or read reviews online, we appreciated anyone for any travel tips or recommendation on Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, & Prague such as sightseeing, must-go attractions, museum, shows, local tours, transportation Day Pass fare, foodies/restaurants. Any information or hyperlink provided is appreciated. Thanks.

Thank you so much for your help and your kind attention.

(1) You cannot use a Bayern Ticket on EC or IC trains. However, on the Munich-Salzburg line they are not much faster than RE or Meridian which you can use a Bayern Ticket on.

(2) There is no "check-in" or security check for these trains.