Munich to Bolzano by Train

A full fare ticket from the airport to Bolzano is 68,80€ vs 39€ for the Saving Fare ticket, so you are only saving 30€ (~$40) with the non-refundable, train specific ticket. I would get the full fare ticket, which is usable on a later train, now.

I arrived in Munich during the last week of Oktoberfest a few years ago, and although there was an "ant line" of people walking to Theresienwiese, the Hbf was not unusually crowded. The ECs from Italy might full, but I wouldn't expect the ones leaving Munich to be overcrowded. However, a seat reservation is only 4,50€/seat - cheap insurance in case the train is crowded. Four hours is a long time to stand.

You might even book a reservation on the 15:47 EC, the last direct train of the day and then, knowing you can always take the 15:47, wait until you get to Munich to try to get a reservation for the next train after you arrive. Seat reservations are non-refundable, non-exchangeable.

I have taken this trip several times in the past; the last time was two days ago. I agree that even though you are arriving on the first (or any) day of Oktoberfest you aren't necessarily going to know it is even happening if you remain on the S-Bahn from the airport and in the main rail station downtown. If anything, people will be coming into the city rather than leaving and a lot of that will depend on the time of day.

When we took the train to Verona (where i am writing this from) we had bought tickets for a specific train and time in advance on the web and we had purchased seat reservations. However we were traveling in First and on this particular train there was only one First Class coach and it was almost completely reserved. I would go ahead and spend the money for a seat reservation even in 2nd if I were you.

If you are at the station in plenty of time and do not have a seat reservation I would make certain to be on the platform when the train is pushed into the station so you could be among the first to board so you could look for any unreserved seats.

Great info and of course, a follow up:

We are hoping for a scenic ride from Munich to Bolzano. Any difference in seat selection in 1st or 2nd class? This is my first time in the Dolomites so any information there is also welcomed.

Windows and views are the same in both classes on this route. (There is seldom a difference, one example being a French "Duplex" TGV with 1st class on an upper level.) If you buy a full-fare ticket and separate seat reservation online, the ticket remains good, even if the reservation is missed. Without a reservation, you probably wouldn't stand the whole four hours; somebody might get off at Innsbruck.

Thanks for the valuable information. I went ahead and booked a full fare 2nd class ticket with two window seats facing each other without the table. 2 months until the big trip!