Munich and Berlin are about 380 kilometers apart. Getting to and from both locations is fairly easy for two of the most popular cities with tourists in Germany.
If you’re unsure whether to take the plane, train, bus, or car in between, here are all of your transportation options, including their pros and cons.
By plane
The fastest and possibly cheapest way to get from Munich to Berlin (and vice versa) is to fly. Many airlines, including Lufthansa, Germanwings and Air Berlin, offer direct flights between Munich and Berlin and it only takes about an hour. If you book early and don’t fly during peak travel season (for example, the height of summer or Oktoberfest), tickets can be relatively cheap.
For Belin airports, you can choose between Tegel Airport (TXL) and Schönefeld Airport (SXF). From Tegel airport, take an express bus (around 30 minutes) or a taxi to the city center. Schönefeld Airport is well connected by S-Bahn and regional train.
Munich Airport (MUC) is located 30 kilometers northeast of the city; take metro S8 or S2 to reach Munich city center in about 40 minutes.
By train
The train journey from Munich to Berlin takes between four and five hours on Germany’s fastest InterCity Express (ICE) train, reaching speeds of up to 190 miles per hour. This may seem a bit slow as trains in France can travel from Paris to Marseille (a similar distance) in about three hours. The truth is that Germany is densely populated and although the trains move fast, even the fastest train, the ICE, stops frequently to serve the population. Settle in and enjoy the ride, as the seats are comfortable, the scenery is beautiful, and Wi-Fi is available on board.
Unfortunately, tickets may not be cheap. Make sure you are aware of certain offers and discounts. Also, visit the Deutsche Bahn (German Railway) website for special offers and try to book as soon as possible.
There are also several night trains from Munich to Berlin (and vice versa). This can allow you to go the distance while asleep and arrive in town fresh and ready to explore. Reservations are mandatory, and you can choose from seating, bunk beds, and suites with two to six beds. Keep in mind that the better the accommodation and the privacy, the higher the price.
By car
It takes about six hours by car to get from one city to another, if you can avoid the dreaded Stau (traffic). You can take route E 45 and E51 with Nuremberg, Bayreuth, Leipzig and Potsdam all the way along, or follow the A 13 motorway (which takes about 30 more minutes), passing through Nuremberg, Bayreuth, Chemnitz, Dresden and Cottbus.
Base rates vary greatly based on time of year, length of rental, age of driver, destination, and rental location. Compare prices to find the best price. Note that the charges generally do not include the 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT), the registration fee, or any airport fees (but they do include the required liability insurance). These additional fees can be up to 25 percent of the daily rent.
By bus
Taking the bus from Munich to Berlin is one of the cheapest travel options, but also the slowest. It takes around nine hours to get from Bavaria to the German capital. But not everything is bad; the coaches offer Wi-Fi, air conditioning, toilets, plugs, free newspapers and sleeping seats. The buses are generally clean and arrive on time.
The German bus company Berlin Linien Bus offers daily buses between the two cities.
