Transport to Neuschwanstein Castle

Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Hohenschwangau are both in the small town Schwangau. Due to the popularity of these two castles, public transportation is well developed and bus tours, especially daytrips from Munich, are offered by various companies.

Trains to Füssen

Getting to Schwangau by rail requires a train ride to Füssen from where buses regularly run to Schwangau. Use bus 73 (direction Steingaden / Garmisch-Partenkrichen) or bus 78 (direction Schwangau) and exit at stop Hohenschwangau – Alpseestraße. These buses are generally marked Königschlösser (Royal Castles) and even if the driver does not speak English, he knows where tourists want to get off.

Alternatively, it is a pleasant 5-km (3-mile) walk or a short less than 10-minutes taxi ride from Füssen train station to Schwangau town.

Direct trains are available from Munich to Füssen but many journeys require a transfer at Buchloe. Both direct and transfer journeys take just over two hours and cost the same. Trains depart from Munich Main Station (München Hauptbahnhof) from Platforms 27 – 35 at the north end of this large station (far right when facing the trains).

Travelers coming from the north or west of Germany should transfer at Augsburg. From Augsburg, at least hourly trains run to Füssen, either direct or requiring a transfer at Buchloe. Either way, the journey is just less than two hours.

The Bayern Ticket Train Bargain

All trains to Füssen are regional trains meaning the Bayern Ticket may be used. The Bayern Ticket is valid on regional trains and many bus services in Bavaria from 9 am (midnight on weekends) to 3 am the following day.

The Bayern Ticket is valid for a group of five traveling together and currently cost €27. A Bayern Ticket Single is available for individuals and cost €19.

The Bayern Ticket is also valid on the bus from Füssen to Schwangau. On the Munich-Füssen-Schwangau return journey the ticket for individuals pays for itself before the bus reaches Schwangau and for groups long before the train pulls into Füssen.

• The Bayern Ticket is best bought from vending machines – like all train tickets in Germany, it is slightly more expensive when bought from a ticket window. Names of ticket users must be entered in ink on the ticket prior to the journey’s commencement.

By Car to Schwangau

The castles are easily reached by car and are just over 100 km (60 miles) from either Munich or Augsburg. The Autobahn A7 terminates at Füssen but using smaller country lanes are more pleasant if time allows. Füssen is also the end of the popular Romantische Straße (Romantic Road) holiday route.

Large parking lots (parking fees charged) are available in Schwangau. Only park where it is expressly allowed.

Day Trips by Tour Bus from Munich

Day trips by bus are available from Munich on several companies. Even seasoned solo travelers may consider using an organized bus trip on this excursion for several reasons:

• A bus trip cuts out the need to pre-order tickets and time arrivals in Schwangau accordingly.
• Many visitors only really want to see Schloss Neuschwanstein – the tour bus goes directly there.
• The castle can only be seen on a guided tour so arriving with a group or forming up in the castle courtyard makes little difference.
• En route from Munich, bus tours can add other sights such as the Wieskirche, Ettal, Oberammergau, and Schloss Linderhof – something that is very difficult to do on the same day on public transportation.

More Information:

• Top Sighs in the Füssen & Schwangau Area
• Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle
• Schlosskonzerte (Castle Concerts)

Marienbrücke near Schloss Neuschwanstein, Germany

Schloss Neuschwanstein, Schwangau, Germany

Schloss Neuschwanstein, Schwangau, Germany

Schloss Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany

From Schwangau to Munich or Augsburg

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