neuschwanstein day tour from munich

Here’s How To Plan The Perfect Day Trip From Munich To Neuschwanstein Castle

April 23, 2023

*FYI - this post may affiliate links, which means we earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For the full scoop on what this means, feel free to check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

So, are you ready to take on one of THE most important day trips from Munich? Here is everything you need to know in order to plan a Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle day trip.

Let’s be honest: the day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle is like a rite of passage for anyone who crosses through Munich. After all, it’s THE castle that inspired Walt Disney to design his sweet digs for Sleeping Beauty, making it a coveted little piece of fairytale history…. and naturally as a result of that, a total tourist magnet.

In spite of the heavy crowds though (which you’re sure to find plenty of at Neuschwanstein Castle), the castle is a must-visit.

Should you book a Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich?

Obviously, one of the easiest and least stressful ways to go from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle is to book a guided Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich that takes care of everything, from transportation to your entry ticket. But should you really book one of these tours?

PROS of doing a Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

• Less stress and worry – you just park your butt in a seat and let the guide take you
• You get a guide who can explain the history, context, etc. to you
• If you’re travelling solo, it might be a chance to meet new people/make friends

CONS of doing a Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

• It’s more expensive
• You’ll feel like a total cheesy tourist surrounded by fellow cheesy tourists
• It’ll be impossible to avoid the crowds because you are literally part of the crowd
• No flexibility to stay longer or sightsee independently that much

Soooo, it really comes down to what you value more: ease and convenience vs. independence and cost. If you decide to go with the latter, here are the directions for getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle using the public transport system.

Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle by Public Transport

If you’re a strong independent traveller who don’t need no guide, luckily, going from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle by public transport is super easy. Make sure you buy a Deutschlanticket for this trip because it will save you a lot of money ( click here for our full blog post on it! )

Long story short: you catch a train to  Füssen and then take the 73 or 78 bus, getting off at Hohenschwangau (which is when literally everyone else will get off, so don’t worry about missing it). Here, you’ll find the Neuschwanstein tickets office. From this point, you can get to the castle by foot, shuttle bus or horse carriage.

Because Neuschwanstein is such a popular destination, odds are you will be making this trip with dozens of others. This means it’s extremely hard to screw up. When in doubt, follow the crowds or just ask someone.

Should You Do the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour?

Having done it before, in our opinion, the Neuschwanstein Castle tour (of the interior) is pretty underwhelming. The major draw of the castle is no doubt the views you get from the outside. Granted, it was a few years back that we did the tour, but it was really short in duration (30 min) so we left with feelings of “oh. That’s it?”

It’s important to note that Ludwig II didn’t actually spend that much time here – in fact, he died before the whole thing was done, so it’s not all that historically  significant in that sense. If you’re looking for cool interiors, there are plenty of other opulent palaces in Bavaria to check out. We will say though, the view from the balcony is really gorgeous.

If you’re really dying to see Neuschwanstein Castle inside, then by all means, take the tour. Taking a tour is the only way you’ll be able to see the interior, so make sure you book a tour in advance (or at the very least, get your tickets in-person at the ticket office BEFORE you climb up the giant hill, because that’s the only place you can get tickets).

Munich To Neuschwanstein Day Trip: Final Tips

Okay, so having done this trip countless times, here are our final golden tips for you to ensure that you enjoy it and don’t go insane on the day-of.

• Get the Deutschlandticket if you’re traveling by public transport. It’s a ticket that gives you all-day access to public transport throughout the country, which means you can use it for the public buses to the castles too
• If possible, go at off-peak times, like during the off-season (e.g. not summer) and on weekdays
• Be sure to check the weather before you go. If you have the luxury of options, avoid any days that the weather is bad. It’ll be miserable.
• Go as early as you can. This can be tough with the Deutschlandticket’s regional train restrictions, but going early is the best way to avoid crowds
• Bring snacks and drinks. It’s expensive there
• Get your tickets in advance if you plan to do the tour
• Don’t miss Hohenschwangau Castle – it’s literally right there and is quite nice too
• Take the time to walk around Füssen if you have time. It’s really lovely

Looking For More Information About A Day Trip From Munich To Neuschwanstein Castle?

Feel free to ask below and we’ll try to get an answer back to you! And be sure to check out our Instagram & TikTok for more content coming up!

• Recent Posts

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

💌 Contact for a Collab

📑 Impressum

Munich Expat life

📆 Upcoming events

🌈 Queer in Munich

Don't be shy, get social ⤵️

• Best Seller!

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour

Magical day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 10 hours
• Clock Start Time: 9.15 am, 10 am
• User Ages: All ages
• Book Tour Language: English
• Ticket Cancellation Policy: Free Cancellation 24 hours before tour

We also offer this tour in Spanish

• Fully guided tour of scenic Neuschwanstein Castle exterior and grounds
• Separate guided visit to Neuschwanstein Castle interior
• Views of Hohenschwangau Castle + other vantage points near the castle
• English-speaking professional guide + seperate guide for the castle interior
• Everything organised by us – transport, tickets, castle entrance etc.

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich in English

Named the 8th wonder of the world, Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most famous sight. A fantastical castle on a mountain perch in the Bavarian Alps, our Neuschwanstein Castle Tour has inspired and amazed generations of visitors, among them Walt Disney. The castle from a fairy tale simply has to be seen to be believed – and the best way to do so is with our hassle-free day trip in the company of an expert guide who will take care of all arrangements and make sure you skip the long line to go inside.

The beautiful old town of Füssen, a short two hour journey from Munich, lies at the gateway to the Bavarian Alps. Just outside town, the picturesque old royal district of Hohenschwangau is framed with mountains, forests and lakes. Here, Hohenschwangau Castle can be found, the boyhood home of the future King Ludwig II. Above it, soaring to the sky from its lofty seat in the mountains, his great creation: Neuschwanstein Castle. Neuschwanstein is the most iconic sight in Bavaria and Germany.

Germany’s number one visitor attraction – “mad” king Ludwig II’s fairy tale castle among the clouds.

Ludwig, the most famous of the Bavarian kings, dotted the Bavarian countryside with spectacular royal building projects such as Linderhof Palace. But none outshine Neuschwanstein Castle. From the outside, Neuschwanstein looks like an impossible vision. All around are spectacular views of the Bavarian Alps, forests, lakes, the town of Füssen in the distance, and a stunning aerial view of Hohenschwangau Castle. Visit the castle interior and marvel at the sumptuously decorated rooms dedicted to the artistic glorification of medieval German Romance and the operas of Richard Wagner, such as in the elaborate and imposing Throne Hall, and you feel you have wandered into a movie.

Neuschwanstein Castle is the absolute ‘must-see’ experience for any visitor to Bavaria. We have been organising day trips to Neuschwanstein for many years, and are experts in giving you your perfect day in Neuschwanstein Castle. And we know it’s not just about Neuschwanstein. It’s about the stunning Bavarian scenery around the castle, and the history of Bavaria that is written into Neuschwanstein. To appreciate Neuschwanstein Castle, you need to understand its place in the history and culture of Germany, and your expert guide will help with that.

• Chevron down All you need to know about your Neuschwanstein Castle Tour

Our Neuschwanstein Castle Tour starts right in the center of Munich at the Radius Tours Office. We take you by train directly to Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s only a two-hour ride from Munich. During the ride, our trained guides provide you with some interesting facts and historical background knowledge.

Throughout the whole Neuschwanstein Castle Tour, our specialized guides take care of you. We only provide you with specially trained guides who are fluent in English. They happily answer all your questions. While marveling at the stunning castle, beautiful landscape, and magical atmosphere, your guide tells you all about the impressive reign and tragic story of King Ludwig II.

On our Neuschwanstein Castle Tour, you’re not just getting a trip to the castle. Sure, the castle is the main event of the day tour. But the beauty of the Neuschwanstein Castle also unfolds from the distance. Therefore we also take you to the best vantage points. Take a perfect picture of the equally beautiful but less famous Hohenschwangau Castle.

You get a perfect view of the Neuschwanstein Castle from a bridge which is about 98 feet (30 meters) high. The Marienbrücke is famous for its views and a popular tourist spot. You also get to enjoy the typical Bavarian landscape and the spectacular panorama of mountains. If time and weather permit, we can even visit the lovely lake at the foot of the castle and try the water for a swim. You can also enjoy an easy hike through a beautiful canyon, in which you can see some small waterfalls. Just take in the beautiful scenery.

• Chevron down More about your professional guided day trip from Munich

With the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour by Radius Tours, you get an interesting, beautiful, and well-organized day trip from Munich. Our attractive prices include transportation, a well-planned tour, and trained English-speaking guides. Although the castle entrance fee is not included, you don’t have to wait in line. Our guides can also take you on a separate internal tour of the king’s private chambers.

Getting from the parking space to the castle involves a small uphill walk of approximately 20 minutes. It’s no problem to take a horse-drawn carriage or a bus instead. You may have to wait a while during busy times. However, some walking is still necessary. Please contact us if you have any concerns or further questions. Please bring appropriate footwear. We make a stop for food and drinks. If you need some additional food or beverages, please be sure to bring them with you.

At Radius Tours, we’re looking forward to showing you the beauty of German castles with our Neuschwanstein Castle Tour.

• Chevron down What about Entrance Tickets for the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour?

The optional entrance fee is to be paid at the Radius Tours Office, once you check in for the tour prior to departure. The rate is 20€ per adult. Under 18 enter for free. This can be paid in cash or with credit card.

• Chevron down Neuschwanstein Castle Tour times

Daily at 9.15 AM

No tours: 24, 25, 31 Dec. and 1 Jan.

• Chevron down How do we get to Neuschwanstein Castle?

Approx. 2 hours by train or bus from Munich(depending on the day of travel) to Füssen and Hohenschwangau. From Hohenschwangau, an uphill walk of approx. 30 minutes at a moderate walking pace.

• Chevron down Is the uphill walk from Hohenschwangau to Neuschwanstein Castle difficult?

No for anyone with average fitness. We do not recommend our day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle to anyone with health or mobility problems.

• Chevron down Is the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour suitable for people with wheelchairs or serious mobility problems?

No, sadly not. An uphill walk is required to reach Neuschwanstein Castle, and the castle interior contains a lot of stairs.

• Chevron down How long does the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour last?

Including transport to from Munich to Füssen and Hohenschwangau and back again, our day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle takes approx. 10 hours.

• Chevron down Are there opportunities to eat during the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour?

Yes, you will have free time to grab lunch before visiting the castle, and your guide will make recommendations of places to visit in the vicinity of Neuschwanstein Castle.

• Chevron down Will we have free time in Neuschwanstein Castle?

Yes, you will have some free time to explore the castle grounds, and also after your visit to the castle interior. Please pay careful attention to the guide’s instructions for meeting times and places – both for the interior Neuschwanstein Castle tour, and also for the return journey from the castle back to Munich.

The optional entrance fee for the interior of Neuschwanstein Castle is to be paid at the Radius Tours Office, once you check in prior to departure. The rate is 17€ per adult. Under 18 enter for free. This can be paid in cash or with credit card.

The times given are departure times. Please be here approximately 15 mins prior to the given departure time.

A reminder: An uphill walk of approximately 30 minutes is required to visit Neuschwanstein Castle.

• Chevron down Optional extras:

Audio guides are also available in the following languages: German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and Mandarin.

Please ask in the Radius Tours office.

• Chevron down Why Radius Tours? 

We have been doing this for a very long time, and we are very good at it!

• Chevron down Where do we meet for the day trip to Neuschwanstein?

Radius Tours Office, Dachauer Straße 4, 80335 Munich

• Chevron down When should I be at the meeting point?

Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the starting time for your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle? Our tours depart promptly at the advertised time.

• Chevron down What do I need to bring to the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour?

Be sure to wear suitable clothing and comfortable shoes, as we’ll mainly be outside and need to walk uphill to Neuschwanstein Castle. For most of the year, the area around Neuschwanstein has a very pleasant climate, and perfect for tours, but the warm summer months experience occasional rain showers. Please consult the weather forecast before meeting us, and dress accordingly. We advise you to bring water on hot summer days. Our tours go, no matter what the weather.

• Chevron down Should I tip the guide?

Yes, please! It is customary to tip in Munich and Bavaria, and our tour guides certainly appreciate your generosity. They work hard to make our tours perfect, and tips are an important part of their income. 

Related Activities

• User Ages 6+
• Clock 9.00 am
• Hour Glass 9.5 hours

Salzburg Tour: Munich to Salzburg Day Trip

The beautiful Salzburg lies in the heart of wonderful mountains and is especially known for its most famous citizen, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

• User Minimum age is 13. There are no exceptions possible
• Clock 9 AM, 10.15 AM & 12.15 PM (Depending on the month)
• Hour Glass 5 hours

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour

Our Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour gives you interesting and moving insights into a historical monument to one of the cruelest crimes in human history.

• Rental Included
• User All ages
• Clock 10 am & 2 pm
• Hour Glass 3 hours

Munich Bike Tour

Munich is one of Europe’s greatest cycling cities. On our Munich Bike Tour, you can feel like a real local.

The Most Magical Day Trip from Munich: How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

The day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle is one of my favourite trips to do. Read on for a full guide to making this visit for yourself!

Of all the gorgeous castles near Munich, none is more famous or sought after than beautiful Schloss Neuschwanstein, glittering like a fairytale from its home in the Bavarian Alps.

Seeing as how a day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein is definitely one of the most popular things to do for visitors, I figured it was finally time to pen a thorough guide on how to have the perfect visit.

And trust me, I don’t mind. Whenever friends come to visit me and say “you probably don’t want to tag along since you’ve done it so many times”, I’m practically foaming at the mouth, tiara half-adjusted, bellowing “OF COURSE I’LL COME. HOLD MY GOWN.”

(At this point, I could honestly sleepwalk the journey from Munich to Neuschwanstein if I really wanted).

So, eager to see this famous castle near Munich for yourself? If you want insider tips from an obsessive Disney princess wannabe, then this guide is for you. Here’s everything you need to know to conquer a flawless day from Munich, Germany to Neuschwanstein Castle. Enjoy!

Save this post for later on Pinterest:

First – How Far is Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich?

The distance from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle is about 120km.

By car, this would take 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to drive.

By public transportation (note that there are no direct connections by train from Munich to Neuschwanstein), it would be about 3 hours total, including the train ride from Munich HBF to Füssen (2 hours), then a short bus ride from Füssen to the base of the castles (10 minutes) and finally an ascent to the castle which you can do by foot, horse carriage, or by shuttle bus when weather permits. NOTE all of the options will involve at least 10 minutes of walking as the buses and carriages don’t go right to the castle entrance.

… And by pumpkin carriage, well… I’m still waiting on the official numbers on that one.

How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich: Step by Step

Alright, now let’s get to the planny stuff! The journey from Munich to Neuschwanstein is a relatively simple and straightforward one so there’s no need to be too stressed. Here are the many options at your disposal:

OPTION A: (Most Convenient!) – Book a tour

Hands down, the most convenient way to tour Neuschwanstein from Munich is to book a tour. While this won’t be the cheapest option, I highly recommend it if you’re travelling as a family with kids or have older members of your party. Doing Neuschwanstein from Munich with public transport isn’t tough, but it’s a long and draining day, so often having transport and a guide arranged will do wonders for ease of mind.

If budget allows, the most convenient option is to hire a driver for the day, which allows you ultimate control, flexibility and privacy. Welcome Pickups offers this service with English speaking drivers who pick you up from your hotel, and honestly, if you are travelling with a small group, this might be worth it! Click here to check rates/availability.

Otherwise, there are plenty of tours of Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich that you can book. Here are a few options with consistent 5* reviews:

Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Tour (Recommended!): Neuschwanstein is lovely but I actually way prefer the interior tour of the lesser-known Linderhof Palace, which is where King Ludwig II spent much more time than Neuschwanstein anyway. The trouble is, Linderhof is much tougher to get to with public transport, so combining the two in one tour makes splurging on private transportation much more worth it in my opinion. Click here for reviews and availability.

NOTE: There aren’t a lot of Neuschwanstein Castle tours from Munich by luxury coach, but they do offer a ‘Premium’ version of this trip which includes snacks and a nicer vehicle. Click here to learn more.

Half day tour to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich: While most Munich tours to Neuschwanstein take 9-11 hours (a pretty full day), this tour bills itself as a half-day, lasting only 6 hours and departing Munich at 7am to ensure you get first dibs on the castle. Unlike most other tours, the package includes skip-the-line tickets to the castle and the tour as well. Click here for reviews and availability.

Neuschwanstein Castle Luxury Bus and Bike Tour from Munich: If you want to enjoy more of an active experience during your Munich to Neuschwanstein day trip, this tour includes transportation by luxury coach AND a guided cycling tour near the castles + a lake swim.  Click here for reviews and availability.

Here’s a table so you can quickly compare your options:

OPTION B: (Cheapest!) – Use a Bayern Ticket & take public transportation

The journey from Munich to Neuschwanstein is broken up into two legs: firstly, you need to get from Munich HBF to Füssen, then take a bus from Füssen to Schwangau, the village at the foot of Neuschwanstein Castle.

I highly advise you purchase a Bayern ticket ( which you can buy online here ) for this day trip because it will cover you on the train rides to/from Munich and Füssen, as well as the bus ride to Neuschwanstein. This will save you LOADS of money, especially if you’re travelling in a group. Click here for my Bayern Ticket guide.

NOTE: Currently, unless you book a tour, there is no direct bus from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle, so if you’re doing the entire trip through public transportation, you’ll need to have at least this one transfer in Füssen.

Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle by Public Transportation: Step by Step

STEP ONE: Catch the Munich to Füssen train. This route is serviced once per hour, BUT there is only a direct train every two hours . While transferring isn’t too much of a hassle, I like to keep things simple, so if I were you, I would go for the direct trains which leave at 9:52, 11:52, and every two hours after that. This Munich to Füssen route is covered by your Bayern ticket, which you can either buy at the machine the day-of or online here . On weekdays, it’s only valid after 9am, so be wary of that. If it’s a weekend though, it’s valid from midnight onwards, so you can catch an even earlier train if you wish!

To check out the Munich – Füssen train timetable for your day of departure, make use of either the official DB website or the DB app .

As I mentioned though, trains go from Munich to Füssen every hour, w/ every second one being direct, as per this pattern:

STEP TWO: Catch the bus from Füssen to Schwangau. You have the option of either the 73 bus (direction Steingaden / Garmisch-Partenkirchen) or 78 bus (direction Schwangau), getting off at Hohenschwangau. Just follow the mob as you exit the train. It’ll be very obvious.

STEP THREE: Once at Hohenschwangau, if you intend to tour the inside of Neuschwanstein, proceed to the Ticket Office to get tickets. Line-ups can get long in peak season, and they’ve been known to even sell out, so it’s highly advisable you reserve tickets in advance here.

STEP FOUR: Remember, the bus stop and ticket center are at the very base of the big mountain/hill that Neuschwanstein is on. To get to Neuschwanstein, you can either continue by foot, shuttle bus or horse carriage. Horse carriage rides cost € 6,00 to go uphill and € 3,00 to go downhill, whereas the shuttle buses cost € 1,80 for uphill, € 1,00 for downhill and € 2,60 roundtrip.

Anyways… Yaaay! You’re all done! Welcome to beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle 🙂

OPTION C: Drive from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

If you want to do the day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle by car. here’s how you do it:

(Taken from the official Neuschwanstein website): “Take the A7 motorway (direction Ulm-Kempten-Füssen) until the end. From Füssen first follow the road B17 to Schwangau, then the signs to Hohenschwangau or take the A7 motorway until the exit Kempten and then the road B12 to Marktoberdorf. Follow the road B16 to Roßhaupten – OAL I to Buching – and then take the road B17 to Schwangau and Hohenschwangau.”

Remember, this will lead you to the parking lot in Hohenschwangau, but not all the way up to the big hill that Neuschwanstein is perched on. To get up there, you’ll need to take an additional walk, shuttle bus or horse carriage ride (which is very touristy but fun!)

Horse carriage rides cost € 6,00 to go uphill and € 3,00 to go downhill, whereas the shuttle buses cost € 1,80 for uphill, € 1,00 for downhill and € 2,60 roundtrip.

Getting Back from Neuschwanstein Castle to Munich

After getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein on your own, getting back should be a breeze.

The main thing to note is of course that the final REGIONAL train leaving from Füssen back to Munich is at 6:05pm.

According to timetables, there are trains that leave after that, but they require transfers onto high speed trains like the TGV and ICE that are not covered by the Bayern Ticket.

So, remember to hop on that last train if you want to get back to Munich using your Bayern ticket.

Important Must-Knows Before Your Munich Day Trip to Neuschwanstein

To ensure you have the smoothest trip possible, here are my top tips for you!

1. Reserve Neuschwanstein tour tickets in advance if you want them

Is the tour of Neuschwanstein’s interior worth it? Having done it, I feel it’s quite meh. The tour is very short and rushed (35 minutes total) and to me, the interior isn’t THAT incredible compared to the outside and other palaces in Bavaria. The view is, however, stunning.

If you feel like you do want to see the inside of the castle though, then I strongly advise you reserve a ticket in advance for a small additional fee. They sometimes sell out in the ticket office and it’s better safe than sorry.  Click here to reserve (must be done at least two days in advance).

2. Check the weather, always

Don’t assume that Neuschwanstein’s weather will be the same as Munich’s! Remember to check the weather before you head out because it’s not too fun to go sightseeing in the rain, plus, in heavy snow a lot of the routes close up. On that note…

3. Check if anything is closed

Often in times of bad weather (or simply renovation work), parts of Neuschwanstein, the Marienbrucke bridge and the paths around the castle will be closed. The best way to find out is to call the ticket center or check the official website here.

4. Have cash with you

Cash is king in Germany! That’s one of the important must knows to keep in mind before your visit ( click here for more ). If you want to take the horse carriage ride, buy fried donuts as snacks, etc., you’ll need cash, so make sure to have some on you for your Neuschwanstein day trip.

5. Bring some snacks and food

Getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein is a long day trip, so make sure you have plenty of water and snacks to keep you going.

While there are food option around the castles, you’ll mostly be restricted to typical Bavarian fare, so if that doesn’t sound like your thing, also pack some sandwiches or something to keep the hanger at bay.

You can even treat yourself to a nice picnic by the lake!

6. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate shoes

You’ll be doing a LOT of walking during your visit to Neuschwanstein, so you need to make the shoes you pack are comfortable and good to walk up/downhill.

Bring an extra layer for warmth

You’ll be up in the mountains after all! I find the weather at Neuschwanstein to be quite chilly… and quick-changing as well.

Even when the sun’s out, there’s usually a cold breeze that randomly hits, so bring an extra layer or scarf to make sure you don’t freeze.

Suggested Itinerary for Your Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

Okay, so I’ve already given you the full scoop on how to do your Munich to Neuschwanstein day trip with public transport, but here’s my full suggested itinerary for you. Step by step, here’s the best way to get to Neuschwanstein castle from Munich in a day.

OPTIONAL: Reserve your ticket for your Neuschwanstein tour

If you want to see the inside of the castle, then I strongly advise you reserve a ticket in advance for a small additional fee. They sometimes sell out in the ticket office and it’s better safe than sorry when your bucket list is at stake!  Click here to reserve (must be done at least two days in advance).

Purchase a Bayern Ticket for the day

You can buy this online here or in-person on the day of your trip. As I mentioned before, these special tickets are valid from 9am-3am on weekdays (from midnight onwards on weekends and holidays), and offer one day of unlimited access to regional and local transport within Bavaria. Yes, you can use your Bayern Ticket from Munich to Füssen AND back, along with the roundtrip bus ride to/from the castles from Füssen, which makes it the best deal.

How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich (my suggested step by step itinerary):

Weekdays: Catch the 9:52am train bound for Füssen from Munich Hauptbahnhof

On weekends and holidays, I might even catch the 7:52am train to make sure you get there before all the crowds arrive. If you want a leg up over the rest of the crowds when you catch the bus to Neuschwanstein, then sit at the front of the train so you can run ahead of everyone else 😉

Upon arrival, take either the 73 or 78 bus from Füssen to Schwangau 

When your bus arrives at Füssen, follow the Hunger Gamey mob (or I guess, lead the mob if you followed my tip earlier) and run over to the bus bay right next to the train station. You can now either hop on the 73 bus (direction Steingaden / Garmisch-Partenkirchen) or 78 bus (direction Schwangau), getting off at Hohenschwangau.

NOTE: No need to actually run! The buses carry a surprising amount of people. Don’t hurt yourself before you actually get to the castle haha.

When you arrive at Hohenschwangau, go to the ticket office (if you want to tour the inside of Neuschwanstein, that is)

If you’ve decided you want to do a tour, head ASAP to the ticket office to pick up tickets for your tour of the castle. You should allow for at least an hour before your desired tour time (more during peak season, as it can get busy!). If you take the 9:52am train, I suggest you go for the tour at 1:55pm.

Head up to the castle by foot, shuttle bus or horse carriage

NOTE: All of these options will require walking. The shuttle bus drops you above the castle, so you walk about 10 min downhill, whereas the horse carriages park below the castle, about a 10 min walk uphill.

Enjoy Neuschwanstein and its surroundings!

Remember your ticketed tour time and don’t miss it! Otherwise, walk around and enjoy the stunning surroundings. One of my favourite things about visiting Neuschwanstein is actually the view you get of Alpsee and Hohenschwangau Castle on the walk up to the Marienbrucke Bridge.

NOTE: The bridge gets very very very busy, but you’ll find the crowds thin out as you walk over to the other side. If you’re feeling active, you can even a hike a little on the other side of the bridge for some excellent views.

Head back down and GET DONUTS!

When you’re done taking a million photos, head back down. Along the path, you might smell some fried goodness known as Quarkbällchen.

They are super delicious and I highly recommend you try them! They’re like deep fried donuts made with fresh cheese. So good!

Take the bus back and explore Füssen

Füssen has got to be one of the most underrated and underloved towns in Germany. SO many visitors come through the station just to visit the nearby castles, and spend zero time in the town itself at all.

If you have time, I highly encourage you explore Füssen just a little. A few points of interest include the Altstadt (Old Town), Hohes Schloss and Lechfall.

NOTE: Just be mindful of the time and ensure that you don’t miss the last regional train back to Munich, which leaves at 6:06pm. There ARE trains that leave later, but these are not regional trains, and your Bayern ticket will not cover them.

Take the train back to Munich, and take a nap on the way home 😉

The day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich is a long, tiring and busy one… but how worth it, right?

Treat yourself to a little snooze on the way back to Munich, or maybe start sifting through the ten bajillion photos you’ve just captured. Don’t worry – I simply call it the Neuschwanstein effect.

Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip FAQ

How far is Neuschwanstein from Munich?

About 120km (75 miles) separate the two. By car, the distance is about 2 hours, and by public transportation the total trip would be 3.

Is there an airport near Neuschwanstein Castle?

The closest airport to Neuschwanstein Castle is actually the (very little known) Memmingen Airport, AKA Allgäu Airport Memmingen. This airport services many low cost airlines operating within Europe, and is less than a 1 hour drive from Neuschwanstein.

Otherwise, the closest airport would be Munich International Airport (about a 2 hour drive) or the Salzburg Airport (about a 3 hour drive).

What’s the closest train station to Neuschwanstein Castle?

The closest train station to Neuschwanstein Castle is Füssen, which is only a 10 minute bus ride away from the base of the castles.

How do I buy train tickets from Munich to Neuschwanstein?

While there’s no direct train from Munich to Neuschwanstein, you can buy a Bayern Ticket which covers you for your train from Munich to Füssen, then your bus from Füssen to Neuschwanstein. Bayern Tickets can be purchased on the day of from any DB ticket machine, or you can get one in advance here.

Confused about the Bayern Ticket? This post has a detailed step by step tutorial on how to buy them.

Can I do a half day tour to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich?

Most Munich tours to Neuschwanstein take 9-11 hours, but I have found one tour online that bills itself as a half-day, lasting only 6 hours and departing Munich at 7am to ensure you get there as early as possible.

Unlike most other tours, the package includes skip-the-line tickets to the castle and the tour as well. Click here for reviews and availability.

Can I buy Neuschwanstein tickets in advance?

Without booking a tour, it’s not possible to BUY Neuschwanstein tickets in advance, but you can reserve them for a small fee (and pay at the ticket office when you arrive). You can reserve tickets up to 2 days before your visit here.

Am I able to use the Bayern Ticket from Munich to Füssen?

Yes, so long as you are using regional trains only (no high speed ones or anything), Munich to Füssen Bayern ticket validity shouldn’t be an issue.

What is scenery like on the train ride from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle?

It’s honestly one of my favourite train rides in Europe!  It’s beautiful any season, I assure you and passes by endless beautiful mountains and cute towns!

What’s the best Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich?

“Best” depends on what you’re looking for! The truth is, most tours from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle offer the same service – they mostly just transport you to the castle via coach, with minor differences.

Some offer additional activities like a guided cycling tour, others offer perks like skip-the-line tickets, so “best” would depend on your priorities.

To help you out, here’s a comparison chart of different tours you can book:

Is it possible to book a full royal castle tour from Munich?

Yes! Realistically, you wouldn’t be able to visit more than 3 castles in a day (Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and Linderhof for example) but you CAN book this tour here that brings you to these three in one day.

How do I get from Munich airport to Neuschwanstein Castle?

It’s easy to get from Munich Airport to Neuschwanstein Castle – just hop on the S1 or S8 at the airport, get to the Munich HBF and follow the directions above to get from Munich HBF to Neuschwanstein.

Can I book a Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Füssen?

If you’re staying in Füssen and not Munich, I’d say doing the trip to Neuschwanstein independently is very simple and you probably won’t need a tour for it.

BUT, if you do want an expert guide (to learn more about the area) or want to make the process easier by also getting skip-the-line tickets taken care of for you, click here for a tour that you can book from Füssen to Neuschwanstein that includes skip-the-line castle admission and a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Any more questions about how to reach Neuschwanstein castle from Munich?

I hope you enjoyed this thorough guide to your Munich -> Neuschwanstein Castle day trip! If you have any more questions, let me know in the comments!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

9 thoughts on “The Most Magical Day Trip from Munich: How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle”

Hi Christina

The castle looks lovely and your advice on the bayern ticket is fantastic. We may consider doing it on a Sunday to beat the crowds as we are not bound by the 9am restriction. However, we have just read that there is extensive maintenance at the front of the castle which has resulted in a lot of scaffolding. Whilst we may still get a great sideview, the front view is going to look ugly and I feel it may reduce our overall experience of this place. Given this fact and that we also have to travel almost 3hrs from Munich, do you think it is still worth going or better to visit when it is all done? It’s only that there are so many other places in Bavaria that we would like to visit so we do have other options for sightseeing and day trips. What is your honest opinion?

Hi Jeff! I don’t know how bad the scaffolding is right now, but I would recommend searching the Neuschwanstein Castle location tag on Instagram and looking at recent photos/Stories to see what the situation is. I just had a quick look and it seems there is some scaffolding on parts of the main gate/courtyard, but the most famous view that people get from the bridge is undisturbed [based on photos anyway]. If that’s the case, then I don’t think the scaffolding will impact your experience too much, but like you said, there are loads of amazing places in Bavaria that are worth seeing too that aren’t scaffolded haha. Either way I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time! Safe travels 🙂

one of the nest blog read so far.. so much details a for a person like me who loves to plan. photos in your blog are from which month?As We are planning a trip to this castle from munich during our euro trip in coming December.

Love your articles (I’ve read way to many of them). Is there any easy public transportation route from the castle to Linderhof?

Hi Michael, so happy to hear you’ve been enjoying my site! I’ve only ever been to Linderhof with a car, but according to the official website ( https://www.schlosslinderhof.de/englisch/tourist/howtoget.htm ) you can get there by public transport by taking a train to Oberammergau and then Bus 9622 🙂

Hi Christina, Thanks for sharing your itinerary and all the tips plus ticket hack generously! Im glad that I saw your article and it will definitely help us a lot for our upcoming trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. Again, thanks for writing up such a informative article and have a great day!

You’re welcome, Joe! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

This article was so helpful! Just visited Neuschwanstein Castle and loved it! Here’s a beautiful drone video of the castle in winter I thought I’d share 🙂

https://www.airvuz.com/video/Neuschwanstein-castle–winter?id=5c38f1c96c8ced339574dd8b

Hi Christina! I’m making all of my wintery/Christmas-y dreams come true this year and heading to Munich/Bavaria in December. I’ve been doing hours of research to plan out our itinerary and I’m SO happy I landed on your site. This article – and your others about Munich and surrounding areas – have been the absolute best and most helpful articles I’ve found! I’m SO excited 🙂 THANK YOU!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

7 of the Best Tours to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich 2024

Have you been wondering the best tours to neuschwanstein castle from munich i’ve got you covered.

I’ve been to Neuschwanstein Castle near Munich more times than I can count, and each time I’m blown away by the sheer beauty of it. There are a few different tours to the castle that you can take depending on your preference.

Personally, I’d recommend the guided tour which is run by an experienced local who knows all the ins-and-outs of this stunning historic site. They’ll walk you through the history of the castle as well as tell some of its most interesting stories. Plus, it’s great to have an expert guide there for any questions too! If you’re not sure which tour is best for you, then don’t worry – I’ve lived in Europe for a number of years and have spent a lot of time in Germany exploring as many castles as I can, so I’m happy to give my opinion based on my own experience.

Having somebody with authority and trustworthiness talking you through your options is invaluable when it comes to deciding which tour is right for you. So whether it’s your first or fifth visit to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, make sure that you get the most out of it with a guided tour – they really are worth every penny!

Plan your trip?

Avoid hidden fees in the exchange rate while withdrawing from millions of ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights using the Wise Card . You can hold up to 40+ currencies at once to spend in in over 150 countries, and convert them in real time with the free Wise app.

Need help planning your trip from start to finish? Check out these helpful links:

• Cheap flights
• Savings on accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels
• Affordable car rental options
• Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips
• Travel Adapter – All in one so you don’t have to carry a bunch around
• Don’t be silly and forget Travel Insurance ! Get hurt and you’ll regret it…

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. You can also read our content/editorial policy here .

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Tours to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

Neuschwanstein And Linderhof Castles

• Small Group tour
• All entrance fees

Neuschwanstein Castle Small-Group

• Max of 15 people
• Train ticket included

Skip-The-Line Neuschwanstein Castle

• Max of 8 people
• “Skip-the-line” ticket

7 of the Best Tours to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

1. neuschwanstein and linderhof castle small-group premium all-inc tour from munich.

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:   10.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

Make your German holiday truly magical with a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich. The comfortable coach will take you through the stunning Bavarian Alps, creating a backdrop for a day full of amazing memories.

Your destination? Two amazing castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, where fairy tales like Disney’s Sleeping Beauty found inspiration. These magnificent royal residences hold within their walls not only a rich history but also an aura of magic and fantasy.

In the company of a small, intimate group, you will have the privilege of exploring the opulent halls of these castles, each uniquely designed to transport you to a world of grandeur. From the chambers to the incredibly designed kitchens, every corner of these castles has a story to tell.

To conclude your day, you will also have free time to wander through the picturesque village of Oberammergau, a place where the charm of Bavarian culture comes to life in every quaint street and building.

Jason says “We covered a lot of amazing places- Linderhof, Oberammergau, and Neuschwanstein, yet never felt rushed. Our guide Lotte, provided interesting regional history and kept our tour on schedule with gentle reminders. Our bus driver even found an alternate route around an autobahn traffic jam to return on schedule.”

Your journey to Neuschwanstein Castle begins with a meeting at 08:10 am in front of Karsplatz 21, Munich. You will depart at 08:30 am, where your adventure begins with a picturesque drive towards Castle Neuschwanstein.

During the scenic ride, you will be treated to live commentary and provided with snacks and drinks. Watch the beautiful landscapes unfold before you all whilst seated in a luxury coach.

Your first stop will be at the magnificent fairy tale castle known as Neuschwanstein Castle. This place has sparked the imaginations of many, including Walt Disney. Here, you have about 60 minutes to reach the castle itself.

You will partake in a 35 minute guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle where you will learn all about the home of King Ludwig II. Afterwards, you will have a free time to explore the castle on your own before savouring a leisurely lunch or indulging in some souvenir shopping.

Next, you will visit Oberammergau, where you will have the chance to explore this picturesque village. You will have time to roam freely, capturing the essence of the village through photographs and perhaps picking up a few souvenirs along the way.

After your visit to Oberammergau, your adventure continues as you depart for Schloss Linderhof. Upon arriving at the Linderhof Castle you will embark on a 25 minute guided tour inside the palace, experiencing its exquisite beauty and history.

Important details

• Start time and location: 8:10 am from Karlsplatz 21
• Duration: approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes
• Includes: Professional guide with transport by a luxury coach with panoramic windows, air conditioning and bathroom. Skip the line service and all entrance fees to the Castles. Snacks and drinks.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Neuschwanstein Castle Small-Group Guided Day Trip By Train From Munich

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:   9.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

Explore Germany’s renowned Neuschwanstein Castle with this small group Neuschwanstein Castle tour departing from Munich. Your journey commences with a delightful train ride to Fussen.

The scenic train journey adds an extra layer of charm to your adventure, offering breathtaking views along the way. Upon reaching your destination, you will be greeted by the iconic fairytale castle that was commissioned by none other than King Ludwig II himself.

As you make your way around this architectural masterpiece, you will have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating life of King Ludwig II and uncover the unique qualities that make this castle truly remarkable.

Adding to this, you will not be wandering around aimlessly, as a knowledgeable guide will be by your side throughout the tour, ensuring you stay on the right path.

Matthew says “What a great time we had. Went with my family of 6. Paul made sure we all had fun. He sang some holiday songs and provided some historical background on the castles that allowed you to envision what they were all about. I would highly recommend you get in touch with Paul if you want to have a great time.

Your journey into the fairytale world of Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich by train commences with a guided tour inside the castle itself. What makes this experience truly exceptional is that the tour is led by the castle administration.

This means you will gain unique insights into the history, architecture and stories behind the castle’s interior.

Following your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, the itinerary takes you to Hohenschwangau Castle. While you will not be entering this castle, you will have the opportunity to admire its magnificent exterior.

A knowledgeable guide will provide you with a descriptive overview, allowing you to appreciate the architecture and historical significance of this royal residence.

Next, your journey through Bavarian history continues with a visit to the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. Here, you will step back in time as you explore a rich collection of artefacts from the Wittelsbach family, the esteemed rulers of Bavaria.

Among the treasures on display is King Ludwig’s Cloak. This museum visit provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and legacies of Bavaria’s monarchy.

The last stop of the tour is visiting Queen Mary’s Bridge, also known as Marienbrucke. While this bridge is often very busy with other tourists, there will be time to enjoy the breathtaking views and capture memorable photographs of Neuschwanstein Castle from this iconic vantage point.

• Start time and location: 9:15 am from München Hbf
• Duration: approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes
• Includes: English spoken tour with professional 5 stars guide. Transportation tickets for the train and bus. Restroom on board. Museum and Castle Reservation.

3. Skip-The-Line Neuschwanstein Castle Half-Day Tour From Munich

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  7 hours | ✅  Book it!

Neuschwanstein Castle, famously known as the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella Castle, is an absolute must see when you find yourself in the Munich area.

However, it is no secret that waiting times for tours of this iconic castle can often stretch into several hours, which could eat into your precious time exploring Bavaria. That is where our skip the line tour comes to the rescue, offering an essential solution to maximise your Bavarian adventure.

Your guide for the journey is an informative driver who will accompany you through the castle, ensuring you do not miss a single detail of this remarkable architectural wonder.

As you explore the interiors and soak in the historical and architectural marvels of Neuschwanstein Castle, you will truly appreciate the value of this guided experience. The tales and anecdotes shared by your knowledgeable driver will transport you back in time, making your visit not just informative but also engaging.

What’s more, the convenience extends to your transportation arrangements as well. The tour offers round trip transport from a central location in Munich, ensuring that your journey to and from this fairy tale castle is as seamless as possible.

Fernando says “Our guide was superb, he was very professional since the beginning at the meeting point until the end on our way back. Again Viator provided the best.”

Nestled amidst the picturesque Bavarian landscape, Schloss Neuschwanstein is a fairytale come to life. Its spires pierce the sky and its majestic architecture transports you to a bygone era. To ensure you make the most of your visit, this tour kicks off in the heart of Munich, offering a convenient and central departure point.

One of the standout features of this tour is the skip the line access to Neuschwanstein Castle. No longer will you need to wait hours in queues. With your skip the line ticket in hand, you will glide past those waiting, ensuring that your journey to the heart of the castle is swift and seamless.

• Start time and location: 7:15 am from Arnulfstraße 3
• Duration: approximately 7 hours
• Includes: Guaranteed to skip the long lines. Transportation from Munich to Neuschwanstein.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle Skip-The-Line Private Tour For Groups

Neuschwanstein Castle, frequently hailed as the fairytale castle, is a true gem in the heart of Bavaria. Its fame is not only attributed to its awe inspiring architectural design but also to its location against the majestic backdrop of the Bavarian Alps.

As you embark on one of the best private tours from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle, you will discover that this fairy tale is not just a legend, it is a reality waiting to be explored.

With this private tour, you will enjoy a level of convenience and luxury that sets it apart. From the moment you step out of your hotel, you will have your own dedicated guide to accompany you throughout the day.

This expert guide not only provides you with valuable insights into the history and stories behind the castle but also ensures that your entire journey is seamless and engaging.

One of the most significant advantages of this tour is the skip the line tickets. This means no lengthy queues to enter the castle. You will get to walk right in, allowing you to maximize your time exploring the interiors.

After exploring the castle, you will get to experience the magic of a horse drawn carriage, as you travel towards Hohenschwangau village. This charming experience lets you soak in the picturesque surroundings.

The tour also includes a stop in the delightful town of Oberammergau, known for its Bavarian charm and intricate woodcarvings. It is a chance to surround yourself in the local culture and appreciate the artistic craftsmanship of this quaint village.

Laurent says “We had a great day. The schedule was perfectly respected. This excursion is highly recommended. Thanks to Amir for his kindness and conversation.”

This is one of the most exclusive Neuschwanstein Castle tours. Your adventure begins with the convenience of your private guide picking you up directly from your Munich hotel .

The first destination on your itinerary is the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, one of southern Germany’s most visited attractions and the very inspiration behind Disney’s castles.

With your skip the line tickets, you do not have to worry about enduring long ticket queues or the disappointment of arriving to find tours sold out. Your entrance is assured, allowing you to make the most of your visit.

Enjoy an educational and engaging tour of the castle. You will also get to enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride over to the nearby village of Hohenschwangau.

Next up, you will get to visit the renowned Pilgrimage Church of Wies, aptly nicknamed the “church in the meadow.” This architectural gem stands as one of the most celebrated creations from the Rococo period, boasting exquisite artistry and design.

The last destination on the private tour is the picturesque village of Oberammergau. This village is famed for its historic role as the birthplace of the original Passion Play, which began in 1634.

This charming village is equally renowned for its intricate woodcarvings and house paintings. Here, you will have free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and explore the quaint streets, where every corner tells a story.

• Start time and location: 8:30 am from chosen hotel pick up point in Munich
• Includes: Private tour with a professional guide in a private air conditioned bus. Tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle tour with skip the line service. Local taxes and parking fees.

5. VIP Tour To The Royal Castles Neuschwanstein And Linderhof From Munich

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:   11 hours | ✅  Book it!

Discover the magical Neuschwanstein Castle with its fairytale turrets and the magnificent Linderhof Castle, inspired by Versailles, all in a single day tour from Munich. If you are looking for the best Neuschwanstein castle tour from Munich, this hassle free day trip could be for you.

Travelling to both castles in one day using public transport is nearly impossible, but this tour makes it happen. It also includes delicious snacks and refreshing soft drinks during your journey.

With a live guide accompanying you, you will hear fascinating stories about Mad King Ludwig and much more.

This guided day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle saves you around four hours of travel time compared to using public transport. You will also get the opportunity to take the perfect Neuschwanstein selfie on the Marienbrücke pedestrian bridge.

Richard says “Bus was comfortable with preferred VIP seats in the front of the bus and provided with snacks and drinks. Tour guide was informative and tour gave enough time to take short walks around the area of the castles in addition to the tour of the castle interiors.”

Accompanied by an English speaking guide, you will be able to explore Linderhof Castle. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque landscape that surrounds the castle and do not forget to browse the souvenir shops.

You will get to pass by the Oberammergau Church during the tour and marvel at the Lüftlmalerei decorating the outside of the buildings. A true testament to Bavarian craftsmanship and artistry.

Next, you will be able to explore the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the interior of this legendary building.

Capture photos from the famous Marienbrücke viewing point and admire unparalleled views of the castle and its surroundings. Afterwards, indulge in a leisurely lunch, sampling the local flavours and cuisine.

• Start time and location: 9:00 am from Sonnenstraße 1
• Duration: approximately 11 hours
• Includes: Parking fees, air conditioned vehicle with snacks, soda/pop. Entrance fees for both castles.

6. Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castle Private Skip-The-Crowds Tour From Munich

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  9.5-11 hours | ✅  Book it!

Visit the fairy tale Neuschwanstein Castle, the second most visited attraction in Germany with this exclusive private day trip from Munich. You can really enjoy the iconic destination minus the bustling crowds with the skip the line tickets.

What sets this private tour apart is the fact you can customise the trip to suit your preferences.  You can also choose to visit other Bavarian treasures such as the striking Hohenschwangau Castle or visit charming Bavarian towns like Oberammergau. The choice is yours.

Roberts says “Our trip with Stefan and Bern was awesome! They went out of their way to accommodate us and set a trip up that suited our schedule. They were on time and very professional. They also knew their stuff and we got a lot of info on our tours. The van was new and clean. They even went out of their way to get us umbrellas when it was raining and helped my wife locate some very unique souvenirs she wanted. Stefan was very trustworthy and easy to work with. We did 3 day trips with them this week alone and they were the highlight of our trip! We will be back and request them again to explore Bravaria!”

Enjoy a memorable journey through Bavaria on this private tour from Munich. Travel in style in a luxurious minivan whilst you listen to fascinating stories about various locations including the stunning Lake Starnberg.

You will understand the intriguing connection between King Ludwig II and Empress Sissi. You will get to explore the picturesque village of Hohenschwangau and enjoy optional stops like Queen Mary’s Bridge for breathtaking views.

To get to the main attraction of Neuschwanstein Castle, you can choose to walk, take a shuttle or a horse drawn carriage to reach the destination. Inside, enjoy a guided tour followed by free exploration of its many rooms.

The tour also offers the opportunity to explore Oberammergau, a charming medieval town or partake in activities like a cable car ride or a visit to Linderhof Palace with its French Baroque design.

• Start time and location: 7:00 am from designated pick up point
• Duration: approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes up to 11 hours
• Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off from Munich. Transport in luxurious/comfortable, air conditioned minivan with a licensed, friendly and passionate guide. Skip the line ticket to Neuschwanstein Castle. Bottled water and no hidden costs.

7. Neuschwanstein Castle By Luxury BUS Incl. Alpine Bike Ride Or Hohenschwangau

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  11 hours | ✅  Book it!

With this Neuschwanstein Castle tour you can also customise your day by adding on additional options such as a tour of Hohenschwangau Castle, a scenic bike ride around Lake Alpsee or a hike to the charming village of Schwangau.

This is ideal for groups of family and friends with different interests, ensuring everyone has a great time. You will depart from Munich, where you will get to explore Bavaria’s highlights with a local guide, all whilst travelling comfortably in an air conditioned bus.

On your trip, you will get to explore Neuschwanstein Castle where your tour guide will introduce you to the intriguing history of King Ludwig II. It is a well rounded experience that allows you to make the most of your day.

Anna says “Our guides Tyler and Iris were so accommodating for our group. I am only 5′ tall and my mom is even shorter and they had bikes for all sizes! Beautiful scenery, option to jump in the lake before lunch and castle. I highly recommend this tour if you want to really enjoy the beauty surrounding Neuschwanstein!”

The tour begins after a journey over to Schwangau Castle Brewery, this marks the start of the bike ride adventure after a safety briefing. The four hour ride showcases stunning Alpine and lake landscapes, perfect for memorable photos.

There is the option to swim in the Alpine Lake if you wish to do so. The cycling route also leads you to Schwansee, an idyllic lake where swimming is optional too.

To break up the bike ride there is a lunch accompanied by locally brewed beer. The location offers panoramic views of Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle.

Other highlights of the bike tour include passing through the charming Hohenschwangau village and Mary’s Bridge.

Schloss Hohenschwangau can be visited if you skip the bike ride, subject to availability. The main attraction of the day trip is Neuschwanstein Castle where you will be able to take a guided tour with skip the line tickets.

• Start time and location: 8:30 am from Bräuhausstraße 10
• Includes: Live commentary on board from a professional/local guide, bike and helmet for the bike ride

FAQs About munich tours to neuschwanstein castle

Can you do a day trip to neuschwanstein castle from munich.

Yes, it’s definitely possible to do a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich! With careful planning and some early starts, you can easily leave Munich in the morning and be back at night. The best way to get there is by renting a car or taking the train. By car you’ll be able to see the beautiful Bavarian countryside and make several stops along the way if you choose. Taking the train will save you time and eliminate any stress of driving, but won’t give you as many opportunities for sightseeing. Once you arrive in Schwangau there are several options for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. You can join a guided tour, take a horse-drawn carriage ride up to the castle, or walk up yourself. Whichever option you choose, be sure to contact ahead of time so that your visit goes smoothly!

is the neuschwanstein castle tour worth it?

The Neuschwanstein Castle tour is definitely worth the time and money. The castle itself is breathtakingly beautiful, and its location high on a hill amidst the Bavarian mountains makes it even more spectacular.

The interior of the castle is also heavily decorated and intricately designed, with royal carvings and furniture that will leave you in awe.

Plus, thanks to its incredible history, you’ll have plenty of stories to take back home! It’s an experience that will stay with you for a long time!

how far is neuschwanstein castle from munich

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in Bavaria, around 80 miles from Munich. It takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes to drive from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Taking the train is also possible, taking around 3 hours with 1-2 transfers. You can also catch express trains that travel straight to Fussen.

Final Thoughts: tour to neuschwanstein castle from munich

The Neuschwanstein Castle tour is a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. Not only are you able to explore the famous castle and its grounds, but the majestic beauty of it all will stay with you long after the trip has ended.

For people travelling from Munich who want to take a day trip to the castle , there are several options available. From a guided tour of the castle to an adventure that takes you deep into the Bavarian countryside, these trips will provide memories that will last forever. So if you’re looking for an amazing day trip from Munich, then don’t miss your chance to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and make some incredible memories. Book one of these wonderful tours today and start planning your unforgettable Neuschwanstein Castle day trip from Munich now!

• 9 of the Coolest Castles in Germany
• Munich Sightseeing
• 48 hours in Munich
• Best Day Trips from Munich
• Budget Travel Guide to Munich

Meet Alice, a seasoned traveler and marketing consultant from Derbyshire. Her adventures stretch from Singapore to Bulgaria, uncovering unique destinations. Despite her busy marketing career, she indulges in luxurious trips with her partner, offering insightful and engaging travel perspectives through her writing | | Specializing in luxury travel, couples' retreats, crafting detailed itineraries, and offering expert advice on select tour experiences and beach destinations, Alice brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

View all posts

Similar Posts

48 hours in Cologne – A 2 day Itinerary

In 2019, you might’ve watched Charlies Angels and seen the girls travel across Germany fighting villains and causing chaos….

48 Hours in Berlin – 2 Day Itinerary

Berlin is both the capital and the largest city in Germany. Most people have heard of the famous Berlin…

23 Things to do in Dresden – That People Actually Do!

Are you planning a trip to Germany and interested in exploring outside of tourist hotspots like Berlin and Hamburg?…

Where to stay in Rothenburg [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Whether you are driving the Romantic Road or just looking to experience a quaint German village, a visit to…

3 Day Itinerary for Berlin

While it seems two days in Berlin is not enough, there’s actually so much to see and do during…

20 Things to do in Heidelberg

Inspiring creatives for centuries, the small city of Heidelberg is best known as the home of Germany’s oldest and…

The perfect day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle: Guided tours, tickets and excursion tips

Neuschwanstein castle, built by King Ludwig II, is one of the most famous sights in Germany and even served as a model for the famous Disneyland castle. From Munich, the fairy-tale castle is easy to reach.

Adresse und Öffnungszeiten

Neuschwansteinstr. 20 , 87645 Schwangau

Opening hours

• Mo 09:00 - 18:00
• Tu 09:00 - 18:00
• We 09:00 - 18:00
• Th 09:00 - 18:00
• Fr 09:00 - 18:00
• Sa 09:00 - 18:00
• Su 09:00 - 18:00

Note: Alternate hours: April through Oct. 15: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ; Oct. 16 through March: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open every day except Jan. 1 and Dec. 24, 25 and 31Ticket Center: April to October 15: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ; October 16 to March.

More actions

• Share on Facebook
• Share via WhatsApp

Königswohnung eingeschränkt zu besichtigen

Wegen Restaurierungsarbeiten sind das Schlafzimmer, das Ankleidezimmer, das Wohnzimmer und die Grotte in der  Königswohnung im 3. Stock vom   9. Januar 2023 bis v oraussichtlich Anfang Sommer 2023 für die Besichtigung geschlossen.

Neuschwanstein at a glance

• The world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle is characterized by its idyllic location on a craggy cliff and its medieval facade.
• Originally, the castle was built by King Ludwig II as a private retreat. However, before the construction work was completed, he died on June 13, 1886.
• On August 1, 1886, the palace was opened for public viewing. Today, up to 6,000 people from all over the world stream through the chambers every day during the summer months.
• From Munich, the fairytale castle in the Ammergau Alps can be reached in just under 2 hours by car and is thus perfect for a day trip.

Architecture: From a knight's castle to a Disney castle

Neuschwanstein castle stands on a craggy rock 200 meters above the valley. It was styled like the monumental Romanesque knight's castle, with the swan as a recurring symbol of the decor.

Incidentally, the extraordinary building of the "fairy tale king" Ludwig II also inspired Walt Disney:

• The famous logo of the production company is based on the silhouette of Neuschwanstein.
• And the castles in the animated fairy tales "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty" are also modeled after the Bavarian castle.

Interior: The chambers of King Ludwig II

As a reclusive dreamer, King Ludwig II built the castle just for himself. No stranger was ever to enter his imaginative counterworld.

Today, visitors have the opportunity to marvel at splendidly furnished living and representation rooms. Among the highlights:

• King Ludwig II's chambers.
• The sacral throne room
• The Singers' Hall with impressive murals
• A spectacularly illuminated grotto in the apartments

Castle highlights: Guided tours, tickets, café and souvenirs

Visits to the palace chambers are only possible as part of a guided tour. Tickets can be purchased either online or at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau. The tickets must therefore be purchased before going up to the castle.

Neuschwanstein is always worth a visit, and you can admire the castle from the outside as well. Great photos are possible, for example, from the Marienbrücke. There's a signpost at the footpath.

Around the castle grounds, visitors can also:

• Rest and fortify themselves in the café on the second floor
• Experience a multimedia show on King Ludwig II and his castles
• Stock up on souvenirs of all kinds in the museum store: from pocket knives to sofa cushions with the image of the fairy-tale king and the facade of the palace, everything is available

The builder: Info about the fairy tale king Ludwig II

King Ludwig II ruled Bavaria from 1864 until his death in 1886. He ascended the throne at the age of just 18 without any political experience. His main interest was in the arts, especially the composer Richard Wagner.

Ludwig had built his castles Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof and Neuschwanstein for his private use, in order to be able to retreat into his dream worlds far from any public view.

The king's sprawling building projects put a strain on his fortune. He was repeatedly forced to take out loans. Because of his indebtedness, the Bavarian government decided in 1886 to depose the king by means of a declaration of incapacity. Legends and myths still surround his death in Lake Starnberg.

Opening hours and admission charges

Opening hours:

• April to 15 October: 9 am-6 pm
• 16 October to March: 10 am-4 pm

open daily except 1 January and 24 / 25 / 31 December

Admission charges:

• 15 euros regular
• 14 euros reduced
• Children and young people under 18 are free

How to get to Neuschwanstein castle from Munich

• By car:  Take the A7 in the direction of Füssen to the end of the highway, then follow the B17 in the direction of Schwangau. At the end of the village, turn right towards Hohenschwangau and follow the signs to the (paid) parking spaces. Travel time: approx. 2 hours
• By public transport:  By train to Füssen train station, from here bus lines 73 and 78 make regular stops at "Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau". Travel time: approx. 3 hours

Once you arrive in Hohenschwangau, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride up to the royal castle. A bus also regularly takes visitors to Neuschwanstein. Those who prefer a leisurely walk will walk for about 30 to 40 minutes.

This might also interest you

Munich's Top Sights

The highlights from Residence to Viktualienmarkt

How the weather will be

Sun or rain? The weather forecast (in German)

Here you always have an eye on our city!

At a glance.

Neuschwansteinstr. 20 87645 Schwangau

Tel: +498362939880 Fax: +4983629398819

This is a carousel with rotating cards. Use the previous and next buttons to navigate, and Enter to activate cards.

The Best Neuschwanstein Castle Tours from Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany’s most recognisable attractions and makes for a wonderful excursion from Munich.

(Photo: GetYourGuide / Courtesy Pure Bavaria Tours)

Said to have been the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, the nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival palace perched atop a rugged hill in southwest Bavaria is less than two hours’ drive from Munich, making it easy to visit in a day. There are a wide number of tours to the castle from Munich to choose from, and we’ve picked out three of the best, based on cost, value for money, and traveller reviews.

Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip

After being picked up in private transport, you’ll pass through charming old Bavarian villages and scenic countryside before arriving at the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein. Once there, you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the castle, including the imposing palace perched on a craggy hill and offering stunning views all around. After exploring the castle, you’ll be taken to some of its surrounding attractions, including a picturesque gorge featuring cascades and waterfalls. During your return journey to Munich, you’ll stop off at a UNESCO World Heritage Church of Wieskirch and a Bavarian cheese farm where you can sample some of the produce. From €74 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour and Alpine Coaster 

(Photo: Viator / Courtesy Sightseeing Bavaria Exclusive

Combine a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle with an adrenaline-fuelled rollercoaster ride through the alpine mountains on this action-packed tour. Starting in Munich, you’ll be transported to the fairytale-esque castle where you can enter with skip-the-line tickets. Later, you’ll continue south, passing the crystal clear fjord-like lake Plansee, with the added option to stop off at Schloss Linderhof palace. Your next port of call is the thrilling Alpine Coaster, the world’s longest toboggan run, affording passengers breathtaking views with the wind in their hair. To round off your tour, you’ll visit the rococo Pilgrimage Church of Wies, the 14 th -century Ettal Monastery, and the stunning Lake Starnberg, before returning to Munich. From €421 per group (price varies by group size).

Book at Viator

Private Tour: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau

See two of the palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria on this private, full-day tour from Munich. Departing early morning following a hotel pick-up, you’ll be driven southwest to the Bavarian foothills of Füssen. Along the way, you’ll stop at the famous Wies Church, if desired, before arriving in Hohenschwangau in time for lunch (own expense), and a private tour of Hohenschwangau Castle. The next stop is Neuschwanstein Castle, where you’ll get to skip the typically long lines to get inside and enjoy a private tour of this medieval masterpiece. Finally, you can choose between a stroll around the scenic Lake Alpsee or continue by coach to the Linderhof Palace, about an hour away in Ettal, before being despatched back in Munich.

From €466 per group (price varies by group size).

Latest Articles

• Croatia Yacht Charter: Top 3 Companies April 29, 2024
• Car Rental at Pensacola Airport: the Best Companies April 29, 2024
• 7 Great Bars and Lounges in Accra April 28, 2024
• 7 of the Best Tokyo Private Tours April 28, 2024
• Editor Picks: Hotels near Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 and 3 April 28, 2024

Welcome to Bavarian Day Tours! We look forward to making your vacation special.

Neuschwanstein Castle

An extraordinary  excursion to the magical castle of king ludwig ii.

Let us take you on a magical day to the Bavarian Alps and the most famous castle in the world, Neuschwanstein. Built by the tragic fairytale King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle has captured the hearts and minds of million of visitors over the years, including Walt Disney, who modeled his Cinderella castle after Ludwig’s very original design. On the way to the castle we drive the pretty way through the beautiful Bavarian countryside and fill you in on the fascinating life story and mysterious death of this king.

After the castle visit and lunch there are several possibilities for the afternoon, including Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau, Hohenschwangau Castle, medieval castle ruins and more. We have special programs for children, also. Please see the Tour Options section below for details.

Hohenschwangau Castle was (re-)built by Ludwig’s father and it is where young Ludwig spent his summers. Linderhof is a relatively small but very secluded palace, and King Ludwig spent most of his time here in the last decade before his untimely demise. The alpine setting and picturesque Baroque garden surrounding the palace make for a truly enchanting experience. Oberammergau is a picture-perfect Bavarian village, world-famous for wood carvings and the Passion Play, which is performed every 10 years (due to the pandemic the 2020 play was postponed to 2022).

For an adventurous afternoon, we can visit nearby medieval castle ruins with a beautiful view or a different castle ruin with a really long suspension bridge (see the Tour Options Gallery at the bottom of the page).

Tour Information

Tour highlights.

• Private tour to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
• Drive through the beautiful Bavarian countryside
• Inside castle visit with English speaking local guide
• Background information on King Ludwig, his times and his family
• For options after the castle visit please see the Tour Options section below
• Visits to the best photo spots for all attractions

Tour Details

• Skip-the-Lines service, no waiting for tickets or tables
• Door-to-door transportation from and to your hotel or designated place in Munich
• Start time is usually 8:30 or 9 am and we arrive back in Munich around 6 or 6:30 pm
• Experienced, knowledgeable and friendly driver/guide
• Simple and transparent pricing with no hidden costs

Tour Options

• Afternoon visits to Linderhof and Oberammergau (packed version)
• Afternoon visits to the Wieskirche and Oberammergau (relaxed version)
• Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle and Füssen
• Immersive visit to nearby castle ruins (see photos below)
• Special Kids & Castles afternoon activities available

Tour Pricing

• The prices for our private tours are group prices, i.e. one price for the entire group.
• Our listed prices are for up to 6 travelers. We are able to accommodate a 7th person for a small extra fee.
• Please contact us for a price for 8 or more travelers.
• Entrance fees are extra (listed below)
• Single traveler discounts available

Tour Price:  EUR 930,-

• Additional charge for 7th person:  EUR 60,-
• Neuschwanstein:  EUR 17,50 – 25,-
• (Option) Hohenschwangau:  EUR 28,00
• (Option) Linderhof:  EUR 10,-
• (Option) Neuschwanstein + Hohenschwangau Combi-Ticket:  EUR 45,-
• Children under 18, Neuschwanstein & Linderhof: FREE
• Children 7-17, Hohenschwangau: EUR 13,50
• Highline 179 and Elevator to the Ehrenberg Castle Ruin: EUR 15,-
• Highline 179 and Elevator, ages 4-14: EUR 10,-

All our tours can be customized to suit your needs and interests. Use the button below to get more information.

Neuschwanstein castle gallery  .

Tour Options Gallery

Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle: A Fairytale Day Trip

Beautiful mountains, a quaint village nestled into a valley, waterfalls, and a stunning castle perched above it all: with a description like that, is it any surprise that our Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle day trip completely lived up to the hype?

When I was at university, I had never been outside the USA before–but I already had major wanderlust, and I displayed it all over my dorm room. Posters of Paris, Kyoto, Machu Picchu, New York all adorned my walls… and so did Neuschwanstein Castle.

At the time I bought the poster, I didn’t have any idea where Neuschwanstein Castle even was, couldn’t spell the name if I tried, and certainly didn’t know about the rumors that it inspired Walt Disney when designing Cinderella’s Castle–a place that I visited more times than I could count when I lived in Orlando as a child.

Even still, though, my wandering feet eventually led us there: during our time in Germany (which is chock full of fairytale castles ), we learned that it would be fairly simple to add a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle to our Munich itinerary , and we immediately set about making it happen.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Table of Contents

How to Get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle: Step-by-Step Guide

Prefer taking a tour, best view of neuschwanstein castle, tips for taking a day trip to neuschwanstein castle from munich: know before you go.

If you’d rather not eat up one whole day in Munich with a tour group for your day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich , don’t worry! Getting there independently is fairly simple, though it does involve a few steps.

If you have a car, you can ignore all the public transportation advice and focus only on the castle itself.

Purchase Tickets in Advance

First things first: if you want to tour the interior of the castle during your day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll need to reserve tickets in advance from the castle’s official website here .

The tours do regularly sell out, so we recommend booking as far in advance as you know your dates, ideally at least several days ahead of time.

The ticket you purchase will be for a specific tour time, so once you have it in hand, you’ll be better able to plan your day. Tardiness is not tolerated on the tours, so be sure to build plenty of time into your schedule for delays and mix-ups, and to get there early.

Please note that if you decide to take a tour from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle rather than visiting independently, that tour likely does not include the cost of admission into the actual castle as part of the package–be sure to read the terms carefully so you’re not surprised!

Personally, we chose not to tour the interior of Neuschwanstein Castle during our day trip–the interior of the castle is largely unfinished, as King Ludwig II died before it was completed and the castle was opened to the public as a museum shortly after.

People who take the tour report mixed reviews, and we opted to spend more time enjoying the views of the exterior and gorgeous surrounding nature instead!

Getting to Fussen from Munich

For day trippers coming from Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle is accessed from the town of Fussen.

In order to reach Fussen from Munich, take a train from Munich’s main station (Munchen Hauptbahnhof, often shortened to Munchen HBF) directly to Fussen.

Munich public transportation is very simple to use: six direct trains run per day, and you don’t need to book tickets in advance–as a regional train, you can buy your tickets directly from the station when you’re ready to leave.

You’ll want to purchase a regional day pass ticket for Bavaria to save money and for ease of travel. The ticket will cover your train both to and from Neuschwanstein Castle, as well as the bus you’ll take in Fussen.

The day pass saves more money the more people you have , making it a great deal for groups .

The train ride to Fussen takes about two hours, and enjoy it! The views of the Bavarian Alps and villages that we passed by were absolutely gorgeous–I couldn’t resist snapping dozens of pictures, even though I knew they wouldn’t turn out well through the glass.

Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle from Fussen

The town of Fussen knows what the biggest attraction around is, and the town has planned well for the crowds of tourists who descend each day with plans of visiting Neuschwanstein Castle.

Once you arrive in Fussen, walk directly out of the train station to the parking lot, where you’ll see 1-2 buses waiting, which will be numbers 73 and/or 78. The drivers will probably be calling out “Neuschwanstein” and corralling the crowds into the right place–they know what you’re there for.

These buses are timed to be ready and waiting for train arrivals from Munich to transport those visiting Neuschwanstein Castle.

Hop on board, and if you’re at all uncertain that you are in the right place, ask the driver–they were all quite friendly.

The ride from the train station to the base of the hill where you’ll start the climb to Neuschwanstein Castle takes about 15 minutes.

Get Ready to Walk

There’s no way to avoid a bit of an uphill climb on your day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle!

To walk to the castle from where the bus drops you off, it’s about a 30 minute, leisurely climb up mostly paved roads–it’s not hard, but it can feel long if you’re as excited to reach the castle as I was!

If you’d prefer to cut some of the walking time, you can pay a small fee for a horse-and-carriage ride to get closer to the castle and approach Neuschwanstein Castle riding like royalty!

Please note, though, that carriages do still drop you off about a 5-10 minute walk from the base of Neuschwanstein Castle and a 15 minute walk from the most popular viewpoint to admire Neuschwanstein–everyone will have to walk from that point forward.

Enjoy Neuschwanstein Castle

Whether you’re taking a tour of the interior or not, there’s plenty to enjoy once you’ve reached Neuschwanstein Castle!

If you’re taking a tour, be sure to arrive right on time and keep an eye on your watch.

If you’re simply enjoying the exterior of the castle on your Neuschwanstein Castle day trip, there’s no need to rush!

E ach level of the well-marked walk from the base of Neuschwanstein Castle to the popular Marienbrucke Bridge viewpoint is lousy with gorgeous views: of the Bavarian countryside, of mountains, of lakes, of nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, of Neuschwanstein Castle itself. Soak it all in!

Once you read the Marienbrucke Bridge, we recommend continuing forward once you’re done photographing pictures of the famous spot.

O n the other side of the bridge from where you entered, there are numerous short trails, and in just 10-15 minutes you can climb up a bit higher and find even more incredible views of Neuschwanstein Castle–and this time, your photos are less likely to be shared with a hundred of your closest friends.

We love the shots we got of the Pollat Gorge, its waterfalls, and Neuschwanstein Castle itself from the Marienbrucke Bridge, but our favorite photos of us with the castle were taken from a higher vantage point.

Though a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle is generally very safe, be sure not to visit without travel insurance! We use Safety Wing  for their affordability, ease of purchasing, and the clarity of their contract.

Getting Back to the Fussen Train Station

Getting back to the Fussen train station from Neuschwanstein Castle is very easy–simply retrace your steps.

Buses 73 and 78 run on a loop from the train station to the Neuschwanstein Castle drop off point, and generally can be expected every 30 minutes or so.

Getting Back to Munich

Head back to Munich the same way you came!

Depending on what time you leave Fussen, you’ll either be able to take a direct train back to Munich, or will have a very quick, simple change about halfway through your travels.

If you’d prefer not to worry about transportation from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle, there are plenty of tours available that will handle those logistics for you!

Please keep in mind that these tours generally do not include the tour of the interior of the castle, so you will still need to follow the instructions above for purchasing tickets to visit the castle ahead of time days before you arrive!

This popular tour will handle all transportation concerns for you, and includes stops at a couple of other places in Bavaria throughout the day!

Looking for that iconic spot to see (and photograph) the exterior of Neuschwanstein Castle in all its glory?

You’re looking for Marienbrucke Bridge, which is the most popular viewing point for Neuschwanstein Castle. Marienbrucke Bridge is a 10-15 minute walk away from the castle once you reach it (the trail essentially loops around the castle), and is easy to find–there are signs all the way there.

Once you’re on the bridge, be sure to look behind you!

I n addition to the castle, there are amazing views Pollat Gorge, its river, and its waterfalls from the bridge, serving as an excellent reminder as to why King Ludwig II wanted Neuschwanstein Castle built in this location in the first place.

The downside of the view from Marienbrucke Bridge?

You’ll be sharing it with a lot of other people–we even waited in a line to enter the bridge in the first place!

Due to that, once you’re done snapping your shots, we recommend crossing the bridge (most people didn’t seem to ever actually reach the other side!) and climb up a short distance on the trails that are directly ahead.

In return, you’ll be rewarded with equally stunning views of Neuschwanstein Castle from a slightly higher vantage point and far fewer crowds–we even got a few minutes alone up there!

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRg5lfB8hS/?taken-by=ourescapeclause]

The day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich is insanely popular–even considering how many things to do in Munich that there are, many visitors determine it worth the trek to Fussen. For best results, there are a few things to know before you go!

Get an early (or late) start.

Though you’ll never be able to completely avoid the crowds, rumor has it that a very early start (like, arriving an hour plus before the daily tours of the castle start kind of early) can help you avoid the crowds.

Unfortunately, going this route means that the Bavarian day pass train ticket won’t be an option–those tickets are only good after 9am on weekdays.

A similar effect can be achieved by arriving late in the day, after many day trippers leave–that is what we did, though I would recommend arriving early instead. Our late start meant that the crowds thinned out while we were visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, but it also meant we didn’t have as much time as we would have liked to explore the area, which leads me to…

Don’t forget about Hohenschwangau Castle!

Though Neuschwanstein Castle gets all the love, nearby Hohenschwangau Castle is located about a 30-minute walk from Neuschwanstein and also looks beautiful to visit!

Hohenschwangau Castle is the childhood home of King Ludwig II, and where he grew up before starting to build Neuschwanstein Castle in adulthood.

Like with Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll want to reserve these tickets in advance and only guided tours are allowed–you can’t enter yourself to explore.

You can get a very minor, one Euro discount for booking entrance to both castles for the same day.

Some day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle that are sold as tours do also include a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle, though not all of them do.

This tour includes a short stop at Hohenschwangau Castle (though not the interior) in its itinerary!

If you’re a hiker, Fussen is a great place to be.

The allure of Neuschwanstein Castle is impressive, but don’t forget about why King Ludwig II wanted it built there in the first place–the castle is nestled among some of the most gorgeous mountains in Germany !

The Bavarian Alps are incredibly beautiful, and there are plenty of hikes near Neuschwanstein Castle to consider if you have some extra time (or even decide to spend a night or two nearby).

Marienbrucke Bridge can be closed depending on the weather.

The famous bridge and viewpoint were open for us when we visited in early April, but signs from earlier in the year stating the bridge was closed due to weather were still up–so bear in mind that in icy conditions, the bridge (and therefore any trails you reach by passing the bridge) might be closed.

It’s a bit of a risk of visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in winter–you risk not being able to access the most popular viewpoint on your day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, but you also may get to see the castle covered in snow!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

33 thoughts on “Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle: A Fairytale Day Trip”

Jeremy and Kate, what a fairy tale! So few places on earth like this exist. My mom in law would go gaga over it, being obsessed with princesses and Disney and stuff. Yes she is in her 60’s LOL. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Never too old to enjoy princess stuff! 😀 I’m sure she’d love it.

I saw the most amazing video of the landscape and scenery surrounding Munich the other day and now I can’t stop thinking about it! Your post came at the right time to further my wanderlust even more ha!

Ooooh, I bet it was amazing! I’d love to go back and spend longer in the area, it’s magnificent.

You guys look so cute… I dream to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle for ages already, so thank you for the super useful info on how to actually do it. Very useful blog post

Thanks so much, Mina! Hope you get a chance to visit soon!

I will always recognize this castle for being on my English Textbook in Middle School, haha so silly! This would be such an amazing thing to experience. Definitely on my bucket list! Thank you so much for the amazing tips!

Ha, that’s wonderful! Whoever designed that textbook has great taste. 😀

Gorgeous! I didn’t realize how beautiful the surrounding scenery was. Thanks for sharing – we hope to visit someday!

Thanks so much, Pam!!

Thanks for the detailed advice on Neuschwanstein Castle! I live in Northern Germany and will be heading this way in the fall. Hoping to just take a day trip here from Munich and glad to know it’s possible!

That sounds wonderful!! The castle will look incredible set against the fall foliage. 🙂

This is so picture-perfect! Reminds me of that Disney castle and Cinderella!!

Yes!! Rumor has it that this castle inspired Walt Disney when designing Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World–I can certainly see the similarities!

Great choice choosing to see surrounding mountains and lake instead!

Thanks, Sophia! We regret nothing. 😀

THANK YOU for such an informative post! It really helped my SO and I plan our trip. Quick question– after you purchased your Bavaria day pass for the DB, did you just show up to one of the scheduled trains to Fussen “unannounced”? Or did you have to reserve a ticket/seat from Munich to Fussen using your day pass prior to to boarding the train?

Hi Charlotte! So glad we could help. 🙂 No, you don’t need to reserve seats or anything like that–just show up with your ticket to any one of the scheduled trains and you’re good to go!

hi, im visiting this castle in October. I just wanted to know if construction on the exterior part of the castle is still going on… I have seen pictures with scaffoldings especially at the front of the castle…. are these still present during your visit? I just wanted to take a good picture of the castle…..

Hi Steve! We visited in 2018, and as of that time, there was scaffolding on the front of the castle, but it wasn’t very obvious from the most famous viewpoints (if you look closely at our photos of the castle, you can make out a little scaffolding on the right side of the building). Not sure what the current situation is, though!

Hi my friend and I are visiting Munich in a week. My question to you is I am 69 and my friend is 68. Would you recommend a tour or do you think we can navigate our way to Neuschwanstein Castle? Any information you have would be greatly appreciated. This is our first trip out of the USA. Thank you

Hi Rebecca!

Without knowing you and your friend it’s hard to say, however, since this is your first trip out of the USA, my gut leans toward a tour. Your day will be much simpler that way, and you’ll avoid the hassle of needing to navigate the train system or make your way to the castle alone from there (after getting off the train, you’ll need to catch a bus and then walk quite a bit to the castle itself).

Hi Kate! Thanking you so much for this amazing post. This makes me much more excited with my trip to the castle next week. I have some questions. First, is there any admission for the hiking? I mean I am planing to skip the interior one, I prefer to hike around the castle instead (after reading your post :D). Also, is it open during the weekend? and do you know when is the last train to Munich from Fussen by Bayern Ticket. Thank you very much and looking forward to seeing your next stories and adventures!

As far as I can remember, there wasn’t an admission fee for the hiking, but we didn’t go too far on to any of the trails.

Yes, it is open during the weekend!

I’m not sure when the last train is, I’d check at the train station when you arrive. If you’re planning to stay into the evening, I’d also confirm the hours for the bus that takes you to the train station from the castle.

Hope you have a great time!

Hi, we are planning visit Munich next month, how much train ticket from Munich to Fussen? is it worth it to take tour? and the bus stop from castle it´s same point when they drop off right? 🙂

I’m afraid I don’t remember the price for the tickets off the top of my head! Personally, I think it’s worth it to take a tour if you don’t want to deal with the logistics of getting to and from the castle and/or you want to visit more than Neuschwanstein Castle in one day–most tours include a second stop.

Yes, the bus picks up and drops off at the same point! 🙂

Hi Kate. Me and my wife will have 6 days in May to enjoy a trip from Munich via black forest to Oberammergau. Please help- car rental or public transport?

Completely personal preference! We haven’t driven that route ourselves but know several people who have done Black Forest and Bavaria road trips and loved it. Trains are excellent in Germany so you won’t need a car simply to enjoy the towns, but if you’d like to do a lot of hiking or have maximum flexibility it could help!

Hi Kate, Thanks for articulating it so nicely and I am sure it has helped most of the people who have taken it as a reference for planning their trips. Although since I’m a little late in booking Neuschwanstein castle tour tickets in advance so now I’m left with an option to go for an interior tour of Hohenschwangau castle (which makes sense also since Ludwig has spend his childhood here and not spend much of his time in Neuschwanstein and also so that i’ll feel a little better :))

So my question is – One should go for Hohenschwangau castle first or after visiting Neuschwanstein castle?

Hope you could help me with the answer. Thanks

Hmm… maybe visit Hohenschwangau first, since then you won’t have any time constraints exploring the grounds/viewpoints of Neuschwanstein? But I wouldn’t say the order is a big deal either way!

Hello! Thank you so much for this blogpost. Really detailed and helpful. Greatly appreciated!

Hi Kate, Thanks for the details explanation and suggestions. It really helps ease my planning for the trip end of this month. Hopefully i will have a chance to visit the popular viewpoint (Morienbrucke Bridge) during my visit there. Appreciated.

Happy to help, Eileen! Enjoy your trip! 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Tips For Planning Your Neuschwanstein Day Trip From Munich

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

Want to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle while in Munich? This guide will help you plan your perfect day trip!

Bavaria has its fair share of beautiful castles, but Neuschwanstein Castle ( Schloss Neuschwanstein in German) truly embodies a real-life fairy tale setting .

With its breathtaking landscape and fascinating history, it’s easy to see why this is one of Germany’s most popular places for travelers to visit and one of the top day trips from Munich.

When I finally made it to Neuschwanstein, I’d already been living in Germany for almost 3 years. Even though I’d already seen so much of Germany and had visited other castles, Neuschwanstein was THE castle I’d dreamed about visiting since I was a kid. It was a dream come true for me to see it in real life and I throughly enjoyed it.

Join our FREE Germany Trip Planning Facebook Group!

Many visitors to Germany feel the same way. This famous castle attracts over 1.3 million people per year, with as many as 6,000 tourists per day in the summer time!

Neuschwanstein castle is truly breathtaking and the whole alpine area around the castle is stunning. Whether you visit in the summer, winter , spring or autumn, you’ll be swept off your feet by this fairytale castle.

If you’re not sure how to make the trip Neuschwanstein, this guide will help you choose the best option for you. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Neuschwanstein Castle day trip from Munich by car, public transportation or guided tour!

• 1 What is Neuschwanstein?
• 2 Where Is Neuschwanstein Castle?
• 3 Who Was King Ludwig?
• 4 How To Visit Neuschwanstein from Munich
• 5 Car: The Most Flexible Option
• 6 Public Transportation: The Cheapest Option
• 7 Guided Tour: The Easiest Option
• 8 How to Buy Neuschwanstein Castle Tickets
• 9 What to Expect at Neuschwanstein Castle
• 10 Day Trip or Stay Overnight?
• 11 What to Wear & Bring With You
• 12 Other Day Trips from Munich
• 13 1. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
• 14 2. The Romantic Road
• 15 3. Salzburg, Austria

What is Neuschwanstein?

Neuschwanstein is a castle with a very interesting history. It was ordered to be built by King Ludwig II in 1868 but was actually never completed.

King Ludwig spent the majority of his childhood in the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, a Neo-Gothic palace rebuilt by his father, King Maximillian II of Bavaria. Hohenschwangau Castle was filled with scenes from medieval legends and poetry.

This became a source of inspiration for King Ludwig as he set out to build his own fairytale castle. He had ambitious plans. Had it been finished, the castle would have had 200+ rooms but only 14 rooms are currently finished.

One of the castle’s interesting facts is that despite its medieval style, it’s actually equipped with the newest technological comforts of its time. This includes hot and cold running water, flushing toilets, central heating system, and even telephone lines.

The exterior is equally impressive. The castle boasts a white limestone façade and is furnished with dark blue turrets, towers, and balconies. Built on a rocky hill with a backdrop of the Alps, it’s no wonder many artists were inspired by this magical scenery.

The most famous case is of course, Walt Disney. Two famous Disney castles, the Cinderella Castle and the Sleeping Beauty Castle, bear striking resemblance since they’re rumored to be modeled after Neuschwanstein.

Where Is Neuschwanstein Castle?

Neuschwanstein is located near the town of Füssen in southwest Bavaria. It’s built atop a rocky hill overlooking the small village of Hohenschwangau.

The castle itself is surrounded by stunning scenery. It’s nestled near the Bavarian Alps and looks out to the Alpsee lake.

Neuschwanstein is a popular day trip to take from Munich since it’s the closest major city. That makes Munich a great home base to explore the surrounding area of Neuschwanstein. With some careful planning, you can visit Neuschwanstein castle on a day trip from Munich.

Speaking of Munich, our Munich travel guide will kickstart your travel planning and our 1 day in Munich itinerary or our 2+ days in Munich guide will help you figure out what to do and see. Looking for the best hotel for your visit to Munich? Click here for our Munich hotel guide!

You can also opt to stay overnight near the castle in Hohenschwangau or the neighboring towns of Schwangau or Füssen (we stayed in Füssen on our last visit). These are lovely small towns that give you a glimpse into life in the Bavarian countryside.

Hohenschwangau is very small but it’s at the base of both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Schwangau is nearby and a bit bigger. Füssen is the largest and has more sights, restaurants, cafes, etc. It’s also where you’ll arrive and depart from if you take the train from Munich.

If you’re not sure whether to visit Neuschwanstein on a day trip from Munich or spend a few days in the area, keep reading!

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

Who Was King Ludwig?

King Ludwig II was the King of Bavaria from 1864 until 1886. Though his reign was short, he led an eccentric life, earning himself various nicknames like the Swan King, Fairytale King, and even Mad King.

In 1866, Bavaria had lost a war against Prussia’s expansion efforts. In turn, King Ludwig was stripped of his powers as a sovereign ruler. This drove him to retreat into his own fantasy world. He devoted himself to planning his kingdom, by building opulent castles where he could live out his ultimate fairy tale as a king.

He slowly withdrew from his royal duties and dedicated his time to his grand architecture projects and his patronage of Richard Wagner, a famous German composer, who greatly inspired Neuschwanstein.

Unfortunately, construction was slow and expensive. King Ludwig spent all his royal revenue and borrowed state funds. This earned him a lot of scrutiny and he was eventually declared insane. He was taken into custody and was found dead the following day.

His mysterious death was ruled a suicide, but others suspect it was murder. In the end, he never saw Neuschwanstein in its final state. Shortly after, the castle was opened to the public and quickly became a popular destination.

How To Visit Neuschwanstein from Munich

From cars, to trains or buses, or a guided tour, you have a few different modes of transportation to choose from. Here are the different ways to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

Car: The Most Flexible Option

Driving is probably the most direct and flexible way of getting to Neuschwanstein. You can easily rent a car from the Munich airport or other car rentals throughout the city. The drive is approximately 75 miles or around 2 hours.

We’ve rented cars in Germany many times over the years and have found driving there easy. According to the castle’s official website, to get to Neuschwanstein from Munich, take the A7 motorway heading towards Ulm-Kempten-Füssen until you reach the end. Once you get to Füssen, take the B17 road to Schwangau and follow the signs to Hohenschwangau.

You can also take the A7 motorway and exit at Kempten. From there, follow the B12 road to Marktoberdorf and then the B16 to Roßhaupten (OAL I to Buching). And then same as the other route, taking B17 will lead you Schwangau and Hohenschwangau.

Having a rental car is great for those who like following their own schedule. Plus, you can personalize your itinerary, add any other stops along the way, and have the experience of driving on the famous Autobahn!

If you can park at your hotel or apartment in Munich, renting a car to take one or more day trips could be a good idea. If, however, you’re mostly visiting big cities or will only drive to Neuschwanstein, taking public transportation or a guided tour could be a better way to go.

Public Transportation: The Cheapest Option

Unfortunately, there’s no direct route from Munich to Neuschwanstein via public transportation. The good news is that it’s a fairly easy trip and can be broken into two legs: first, a train ride from Munich HBF (Munich Hauptbahnhof / Munich’s Main Train Station) to Füssen and then, a short bus ride from Füssen to Hohenschwangau.

We highly recommend buying a Bayern Ticket. This regional train ticket gives you unlimited trips on regional trains within Bavaria for up to 5 people a day. It’ll save you so much money since you can use it for both legs of the trip (as long as they’re both completed in 1 day) – and kids under 5 ride for free!

You can buy your Bayern ticket here online (this is where we buy our tickets) or in person at the train station. Do note that you can’t use the ticket before 9am Monday through Friday but you can use it anytime on weekends. Since it’s only valid on regional trains, you can’t make seat reservations.

After buying your Bayern ticket, begin your journey from Munich central station. There are trains to Füssen every 1-2 hours. Some are direct, while others require one change of trains. The journey time is also about 2 hours. Pick up a snack in the Munich train station before getting on the train and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way!

Once you arrive in Füssen, it’ll be easy to spot crowds of tourists exiting the train station and heading across the street to the bus stop. The buses run regularly and are timed to leave shortly after the train arrives. Take the bus number 78 heading to Schwangau. It brings you to Hohenschwangau in around 15 minutes.

Guided Tour: The Easiest Option

If you want to skip the stress of arranging transportation, getting to the train station, and finding your way to the castle, then booking a day tour is the best way to go. After years of always arranging everything myself, I’ve started taking some guided day tours when traveling alone. It’s just so easy! Plus, it’s fun to meet and talk with others on the tour, and I always learn something new from the guide.

This option is also super convenient if you’re traveling as a family with kids or a large group. Taking public transportation is doable but it might be tiring. And if a train is late, or if it’s crowded, or if you just didn’t sleep well the night before, the added stress could put a huge damper on the entire day. With a tour, all you have to worry about is enjoying your trip!

One of the highly-rated tours you can take is a day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace.

You’ll board an air-conditioned bus and travel from Munich to the first stop, Linderhof Palace. Though this palace is less known, it’s as beautiful as Neuschwanstein and where King Ludwig actually spent most of his time.

The tour then takes you to the small town of Oberammergau and Schwangau, before arriving at Neuschwanstein. With all the additional stops, this tour is a great way to maximize the convenience of private transportation and visit more sights than you’re likely able to do on your own.

If you’d prefer a tour with no detours, you can book this full-day guided trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein . This is more of a private tour, done in small groups and in a private vehicle. If you’re traveling with a small group of friends or as a family, this could be perfect for you.

Aside from Neuschwanstein Castle, this 9-hour full-day tour includes visiting the Church of Wieskirch , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and trying out a cheese and sausage platter at a Bavarian farm.

How to Buy Neuschwanstein Castle Tickets

Neuschwanstein Castle can only be visited with a 25-minute guided tour. The tickets for the guided tour can either be bought on site at the official Ticket Center at Hohenschwangau or reserved online from their official website.

The tickets sell out quickly onsite. There is only a limited amount of tickets available for the day and by morning they’re mostly sold out.

That’s why we highly recommend you purchase tickets online here . You can reserve your timed-entry ticket in advance. Currently, the adult tickets cost €15,00 plus a service fee and they only accept payment via credit card and PayPal.

The last time we visited Neuschwanstein (in mid-December), tickets were sold out a couple weeks in advance. If you’re visiting during busy seasons, book tickets several weeks or even a couple months in advance, especially if you need tickets for a specific day and time.

The guided tour of the castle takes around 25 minutes and is offered in German and English. There aren’t many live English tours but they offer portable audio guide devices in English and other languages, free of charge. So as long as you don’t book the live German tour (unless you speak German, of course), you should be ok.

We did a live English tour of Neuschwanstein and a guided audio tour of Hohenschwangau. Both tours were great and the live English tour really wasn’t any better than the audio tour.

Pro tip: If you’re taking a guided day trip, make sure to double check if the castle entrance fees are actually included in the package! Some aren’t included but you can purchase tickets when you book the day trip or on the day of the excursion.

What to Expect at Neuschwanstein Castle

Here are some additional things you should know to help you prepare for your trip:

If you’re getting there by car, you can’t drive directly to Neuschwanstein Castle. The public roads are closed for all vehicles. You’ll have to park in Hohenschwangau. There are 4 parking lots in the village with different parking spaces for cars, buses, motorcycles, and even mobile homes. The fee for cars is about €8,00 for up to 6 hours.

Be ready to do a lot of walking. To get to the castle, you can go there on foot. This uphill walk up a steep hill takes around 45-60 minutes from the ticket center. It’s a hike but do-able if you enjoy walking.

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to walk up to the castle! Not only is it uphill, the area is beautiful and you’ll want to stop and take lots of photos. Keep an eye on the time, though, because you do not want to miss your entry time into the castle.

Luckily, there’s other options if you don’t want to hike up the hill. For an extra cost of around €3,00 per person, you can take a roundtrip shuttle bus. It doesn’t go directly to the castle, but it brings you to Marienbrücke, a lookout point that’s 10-15 minutes away from the castle entrance. The shuttle does not run when there’s snow and ice, though. And there could be long lines of people waiting for the shuttle, so allow for that in your planning.

If you want to add to the fairytale experience, you can opt for a horse carriage ride. Going uphill costs €7,00 and downhill costs €3,50 per person. Like the shuttle bus, it drops you off 10-15 minutes away from the entrance. I’ve taken this down the hill a few times and it’s fun. There’s always a line for the carriage so if you want to take it up the hill, get in line a couple hours before your entry time.

For the tour of Neuschwanstein Castle itself, you can only enter at the specified time on your ticket. Be sure to plan accordingly and arrive on time since you can’t get a refund or change the times of your ticket.

Also, keep in mind that you’re not allowed to take any photographs inside. But don’t worry! You can take tons of impressive photographs of the castle’s exterior from various trails and lookout points like the Marienbrücke bridge.

Day Trip or Stay Overnight?

Can you visit Neuschwanstein on a day trip from Munich? Yes! However, if you want to tour both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, walk around the lake or explore Füssen, I recommend spending at least 1 night in the area.

What to Wear & Bring With You

• Layers. Dressing in comfortable layers is so important when you travel and especially on a day trip when you can’t easily drop by your hotel to drop off a coat or pick up a sweater. Being able to easily take off or add layers will make your day trip so much more enjoyable.
• Comfortable shoes. If you’re visiting Neuschwanstein on a full-day trip from Munich, you’ll do a lot of walking on various types of surfaces – cobblestones, pavement, gravel, etc. Do your feet a favor and wear your most comfortable shoes.
• Backpack, day bag or travel purse. Bring one that will hold what you need for the day but isn’t too heavy or uncomfortable to wear all day. Bigger isn’t always better, especially when the weather is on the hotter side or if you’re traveling to places that are likely to be crowded (like Neuschwanstein). Note: the Neuschwanstein website indicates that “rucksacks” are not permitted and requests that you leave them in the car. Keep this in mind if traveling by public transportation!
• Umbrella? Some people find this necessary, others do not.
• Snacks. It’s always a good idea to bring a few snacks with you – an apple, a granola bar, a bottle of water, etc.
• Back-up battery for your phone. This is a must! If you’re taking photos, videos, listening to music, watching videos, or reading on your phone, you’ll run down your battery super fast. When I travel, I always bring a back-up battery and use it to recharge my phone about half way through the day. Tip: make sure to charge both your phone and your back-up battery the night before your day trip!
• Ear phones/buds. Not only for watching videos or listening to podcasts or music, you can often listen to audio tours through your phone.
• Phone, ipad, camera, etc. Self explanatory!
• A travel journal. So you can jot down notes and observations during the day! I do just about everything on my phone but I still always keep a journal when I travel. There’s just something about putting pen to paper while traveling that is so satisfying and relaxing. And I always appreciate those journals months or years after my trip. This is the travel journal I use (spoiler alert…I designed it ?)!

Other Day Trips from Munich

If you have more time in Munich and want to explore the area, here are 3 other great day trips to look into:

1. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

If you want tour that doesn’t take the whole day, Dachau Concentration Camp is a 40-minute U-bahn ride away from the city center. The former concentration camp recalls the dark period of the Nazi era and is a memorial to honor the victims who suffered during this time. If you’ve never visited a concentration camp before, I highly recommend visiting Dachau. Book your tour led by a professional guide here .

2. The Romantic Road

If you want to cross even more German castles off your bucket list, check out this guided trip through Romantic Road . This tour begins at Harburg Castle, one of the oldest castles in Germany, and ends in Rothenburg, a well-preserved charming medieval town. This is a beautiful part of Germany to explore!

3. Salzburg, Austria

Want to explore another city outside of Germany? Then book this day trip from Munich to Salzburg, Austria here . This world famous destination is celebrated as the hometown of Mozart and the setting of “The Sound of Music.” Salzburg is only a few hours a way and a fun city to explore!

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

Similar Posts

Best Germany Vacations & Tours: Places to Go in 2024

Best German Translator Apps for English Speakers

Best Things to Do and See in Tübingen, Germany

What to Do in Munich in 1 Day: the Perfect Itinerary for 2024

Best Museums to Visit in Berlin, Germany in 2024

How to Plan a Trip to Germany (Your Step by Step Germany Trip Planner for Traveling to Germany for the First Time!)

Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

My wife and I are going to Germany in June. We have three days in Munich then join Viking for the Passion Play and then river cruise up the Rhine to Amsterdam. I subscribe to your food blogs. I read this article and was pleasantly surprised to see your name at the end. Just wanted to say hi and tell you how much I love your recipes. Your German Cheesecake has been a hit each time I cook it.

I also enjoyed the Celebrate Christmas like s German book.

If you ever decide to do s Christmas Market tour, please keep me in mind!

John Palmer

Hi John! I thought I recognized your name. 🙂 I’m so excited that you’re going to Germany this summer! And thanks for your very kind comments, I really appreciate it. I’d love to do a Christmas Market tour sometime…it’s on my idea list for the future!

Quite helpful with tons of detail.Thanks a lot!

You’re welcome!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

A detailed guide on how to plan your neuschwanstein castle tour from munich by bus, train or car..

Are you currently in Munich or planning a trip to Bavaria’s capital? And now you are wondering how to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich?

Well, you came to the right place as I grew up 15 kilometers away from Schloss Neuschwanstein and have been living in Munich for more than 20 years. In this post, I’m going to show you exactly how to plan your day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich .

The good news: The fairy tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany and so you have four different options to get there. You can either take the bus, the train, book a tour, or rent a car.

In this guide, I’m going to show you the pros and cons of all the different options. And then it’s up to you. There are alternatives for travelers looking for luxury or budget alike. You should also check out my list of the 15 best castles near Munich for some further inspiration.

But, let’s get started, eh?

Note: I earn a small commission for purchases through GetYourGuide links in this article

Where is Neuschwanstein Castle located?

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in a small place called Schwangau in the very South of Germany close to the Austrian border and around 120 kilometers away from Munich. Schwangau is a tiny suburb of Füssen and it is a region that has been favored by the Bavarian kings for centuries.

There are five lakes close to the castle and behind it, you will find the mighty Ammergebirge and the Tegelberg mountain. The castle itself rests on a smaller hill above the Pöllatschlucht gorge and was built by King Ludwig II between 1869 and 1886. It’s quite scenic. I compiled a list of the best Neuschwanstein castle photography spots here.

Nearby, you will also find the Castle Hohenschwangau, the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site Church of the Wies, the scenic town of Oberammergau, the famous Ettal Abbey, and Linderhof Castle – which makes it one of the best day trips from Munich .

All tourists, no matter which route you take, will have to climb the last meters to the castle , though horse carriages (6€) and shuttle buses (1.5€) are available to cover the biggest part of the way from the parking lot to the entrance.

So, in essence: It’s a beautiful setting but it’s a bit harder to get there. Here are your 4 options:

1. Neuschwanstein castle tour from Munich

By far the easiest way to get to Schloss Neuschwanstein from Munich is by booking a tour. Why? Well, there are actually quite a couple of reasons: First, it’s the fastest way to get there as you don’t need any transfers or catch a connecting train. You enter your bus at Munich central station and exit it right in front of the castle. Secondly, tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle sell out fast and it is currently not that easy to reserve them online. The tour company has access to a special ticket contingent and you will be able to buy your tickets (same price) on the bus.

Then, of course, you get the advantage of having an experienced travel guide with you. Most tours also visit the closeby Linderhof Palace (also built by King Ludwig II.) and the scenic town of Oberammergau. It’s virtually impossible to reach these places by public transport AND see Neuschwanstein on the same day.

Of course, you will be traveling in a big group and some might see this as a comfort and others as a negative. But here is the thing: There are 1.4 million tourists visiting the hilltop castle each year. So, even if you rent your own car, you won’t have the place to yourself (not even in the early morning). You’ll be surrounded by crowds all the time, you can only visit the inside with a public guided tour, so I don’t really see any advantage in having a private tour other than being able to set your preferred departure time.

And believe me, I have visited the castle countless times and I came to the conclusion that taking the tour bus is the most relaxing and best way . Here are the tours I tested and would recommend:

Recommended tour:

• The most popular bus tour to Neuschwanstein castle (I tested it again recently and it’s still very well organized & good)
• This is the luxury version of the same tour company (mainly bigger seats and free snacks and drinks)
• If you want to visit Hohenschwangau instead of Linderhof, book this tour.
• Pros: Easiest and most secure way to buy tickets; very fast (2hours one way); experienced travel guides; everything is organized for you; no stress
• Cons: considerably expensive; big groups, inflexible times

2. Taking the Train from Munich to Neuschwanstein castle

You don’t like tour buses or you can’t afford it? No problem! You can easily get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich by train. It will take roughly 3 hours to get there but you get to set your departure times according to your own preferences and Munich itinerary (and you can also travel back to Munich whenever you want). There is a direct train to Füssen from Munich central station almost every hour, so it’s really as easy as it gets.

In Füssen, you will have to catch the bus #78 to Schwangau . There are signs and you can basically follow the crowd as you are most certainly not the only one who wants to go there. Please be aware that the train can be quite crowded in the morning and early in the evening (a combination of lots of tourists & commuters).

I recommend buying a BayernTicket (Bavaria ticket) as it will usually be the cheapest option. For 26 euros you get unlimited rides on the regional train for one day, plus the bus in Füssen and the subway in Munich is also covered. Each additional traveler has to pay 8 euros more (so it gets cheaper the larger the group). Please be aware that you have to sign your ticket and it is only valid after 9 am on weekdays ! You can check the schedule, prices, etc on the official website of the German Railway.

The earliest direct train you can take is the BRB departing 9:52 am . The next one will be 11:52 and then every hour. Trains back to Munich depart every hour as well, but the last direct connection is 18:04 from Füssen . If you don’t mind the transfer time, then there are earlier or later trains. If you use the official website, it will offer you a cheaper price (23€), but DON’T buy the Regio-Ticket Allgäu Schwaben as it does not include public transport in Munich, so you end up paying more.

Also, make sure you plan your return from Neuschwanstein Castle to Munich as you will have to catch the bus from Schwangau to Füssen first (and you don’t want to miss that bus). I wrote a more detailed description of how to take the train to Neuschwanstein Castle with tons of pictures here .

Note: Definitely make sure to arrive early in the morning or buy your tickets in advance !

• Pros: Considerably cheap, very flexible
• Cons: Slowest way to get there, have to organize everything by yourself

3. Renting a car for your Neuschwanstein day trip from Munich

If you like to be your own boss, are a good driver, and love flexibility, renting a car is a very valid option to get to Neuschwanstein Castle. For bigger groups, it might actually be cheaper than a guided tour (though probably not cheaper than the train) depending on the car you rent. Only the last couple of kilometers are scenic country road, the rest is straight highways and autobahns. You don’t need a jeep or anything fancy at all.

Note: American tourists might want to take a look at German traffic regulations before departure. We do drive quite a bit faster, slow drivers need to stick to the right lane, and you only overtake toward the left. etc.

The standard route: The fastest route is usually taking the Autobahn 96 to Landsberg am Lech and then the highway 17 to Füssen . You’ll see the castle on your left side a couple of kilometers before you enter Füssen (there is a beautiful church) and you can just follow the signs from here. I’d still recommend using Google Maps or getting a car with a navigation system.

Often, it will try to route you via Lake Starnberg . While this is indeed the more scenic route, the route is also famous for its traffic jams – especially on weekends when half of Munich is trying to escape the heat and have a nice day swimming in the lakes. If you plan to visit Ettal & Linderhof Palace (which you should!) it will probably still be the faster route.

Note: Definitely make sure to arrive early in the morning or buy your tickets in advance!

• Pros: Very flexible, easy to visit tourist attractions nearby, can stop for pictures along the way whenever you like
• Cons: Considerably expensive, have to organize everything and find the way yourself

4. The bus from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Your last and cheapest option is to visit Neuschwanstein Castle by bus. Flixbus is offering a daily connection from the central bus station at Hackerbrücke in Munich . The bus departs at 8:30 am and arrives 2 hours later in Schwangau at 10:35 am. The return bus departs at 4:50 pm and arrives in Munich around 7 pm depending on the traffic.

The good news: It only costs 25 euros, so it is both a bit cheaper than the train and quite a bit faster . And you don’t even have to worry about catching the bus or connecting trains. The only problem: There is only one bus per day. If you miss it, you are screwed and you really can’t leave whenever you are done with your tour. So, you might end up waiting at the bus stop for 2 hours.

Be aware that there is no discount for groups. So, two travelers would pay 50 euros to take the bus, while the BayernTicket for two people is only 32 euros. This is the reason why I don’t really recommend the bus, but if you want to be at the castle very early and you are traveling alone, it makes sense. You can use the time to visit Hohenschwangau Castle and maybe even the new Museum of the Bavarian Kings.

• Pros: No transfers, very cheap, departs earlier than train
• Cons: Not flexible at all; only one connection per day; only cheap for singles

Things you should know when planning your Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

• The castle will be very crowded in summer , especially during the summer holidays and on weekends. If you want to know what it is like visiting when in snows, read this guide to visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in winter .
• The shuttle buses do not operate in winter and the famous Marienbrücke (where you can shoot the iconic picture) may be closed as well. Check the official website for details before your visit.
• Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly . If you stay multiple days in Munich, you might want to plan your visit accordingly as it does rain quite a lot in the mountains. Also, most of the way up to the castle is in the shadow. Depending on the season, it might actually be a bit chilly.
• There are many stairs inside the castle . If you have a walking disability, you absolutely need to contact the castle office. There is a small elevator inside, but you need a special permit and it only operates once every hour.

• Your ticket is only valid for that one specific time slot . If you don’t show up at the entrance at that exact time, you’ll have to buy a new ticket.
• Three different routes lead up to the castle . Consider taking the less crowded path through the scenic Pöllatschlucht gorge.
• Always bring some cash. You won’t be able to pay the horse carriage with a credit card and the smaller cafés near the parking lot don’t accept it either, nor the ticket machines for the parking lot.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes . It’s quite a long hike up to the castle (30 minutes), plus it may rain.
• Bring some food & snacks: It’s going to be a long day on the road and while there are some restaurants in Schwangau, you won’t be able to buy drinks on the train or during your visit of the castle.

I hope I was able to give you a good overview and you now know how to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein castle and back again. Feel free to ask your questions in the comments below .

6 thoughts on “How to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle”

Thank you for this site. I love the ‘pros and cons’. It was very insightful and helped in my planning. It is the most comprehensive I have seen and most helpful, thus far. Thank you, Sue Phelps

Wow thank you! So if we rent a car can we see Neuschwanstien HOHENSCHWANGAU CASTLE and Linderholf in one day? I did not see a tour that does all three. We will be going to Oberammergau for 3 days so we can skip that in the tours.

If a tour is best which one to see all three?

Hey Terri, that’s because the day would probably be a little bit too packed. Also, Hohenschwangau literally sits right next to the parking lot of Neuschwanstein. So, if you hurry, you could do both. I think with the bus tour I recommended here in this article you have like 3-4 hours there.

Hi there, we are thinking of renting a car but is it difficult to drive in the winter? We are going late November so not sure if there will be snow already. thanks!

While there can be snow it, at least, became much rarer in recent years. Bavaria has excellent snow service so roads should be cleared regardless. Now this is no guarantee that there won’t be this once in a lifetime 9ft snow fall over night but it’s very unlikely. It’s a good and well maintained road all the way to the castle (but don’t imagine a 12 lanes freeway). Make yourself familar with German traffic rules beforehand. Ppl drive a lot more diciplined (and a loooot faster!) than in the US.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

* Checkbox GDPR is required

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview