Vienna to Munich train with Deutsche Bahn (EC,IC,ICE,RE)

Vienna to Munich: Which of Austria’s Comfortable Train Companies Should You Choose?

Introduction

Getting from Vienna to Munich has never been easier, thanks to growing competition between the state operator ÖBB and private competitor Westbahn. ÖBB has recently extended even more trains to Munich, giving you up to 16 daily departures across all operators. With strong competition on the rails, you’ll find plenty of choices, affordable fares, and comfortable trains connecting these two cities.

Route Overview

Vienna and Munich are separated by about 400 kilometers, with multiple daily bus, train, and flight connections. However, the train is the fastest and most convenient city-center-to-city-center option. You can compare all modes conveniently side by side on Omio. Most buses and all trains go via Salzburg, a scenic city worth a stopover if you want to break up the journey.

Transportation Experience

Taking the train was super easy. I booked a cheap €19.99 ticket just a couple of weeks in advance on a Railjet Express train, going directly from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Munich Hauptbahnhof in about 4 hours.

Rail travel in Austria and Germany is straightforward and hassle-free: you can board right before departure, pick any unreserved seat, and relax. There's even an onboard bistro if you're feeling hungry or thirsty—very civilized.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

ÖBB Railjet trains depart from Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Hbf), Vienna's main station. With its pretty glass architecture, it's one of Europe's newest main stations. It offers plenty of shops, luggage storage, and good public transport connections, plus it's just 10 minutes from the city center by metro.

Westbahn trains depart from Wien Westbahnhof, a smaller, older station connected to a mall with good amenities.

All trains arrive at Munich Hauptbahnhof, located a 10-minute walk from the city center and connected to trams and metro lines for easy onward travel.

Schedule & Frequency

ÖBB operates trains at least every two hours, with extra additional departures throughout the day. Westbahn runs up to six trains daily, so there’s plenty of choice.

Onboard Experience & Services

I took the Railjet Express, the fastest option, with only three stops: St. Pölten, Linz, and Salzburg. Regular Railjet services take about 4 hours and 30 minutes but can be slightly cheaper. Westbahn also takes around 4 hours but makes a few more stops.

Railjet Travel Classes

• Economy: Comfortable 2+2 seating, mostly airline layout with some tables.
• First Class: 2+1 layout with more space, plush seating, and good solo seats and paired table seats.
• Business Class: Best comfort, massive reclining 1+1 armchairs, and unlimited legroom. It's a flat €15 upgrade from a First Class ticket, and well worth it for a special occasion.

All classes include:

• Power outlets at every seat
• Free Wi-Fi (worked pretty well throughout my journey)
• Bike storage
• Generous luggage space (no specific limit as long as you can carry and store it yourself)
• Access to the onboard bistro, serving delicious fresh-cooked meals, small snacks, and all sorts of hot & cold beverages.

Westbahn offers modern double-decker trains with similar comfort, but:

• No Business Class
• Only vending machines instead of a full bistro
• Departs from Westbahnhof

I traveled in Economy for just €19.99 on the Railjet. Make sure not to miss the mountain views on the left-hand side near Salzburg. You’ll spot the Alps in the distance!

The economy seat was comfortable for the 4-hour journey, and being dropped off just a short walk from central Munich was very convenient.

Comparing Westbahn and Railjet

Wondering which to choose, Westbahn or Railjet? Well, it mostly comes down to price and the departure station:

• Railjet tends to get more expensive closer to departure, while Westbahn usually remains cheaper.
• Wien Hauptbahnhof (Railjet) or Westbahnhof (Westbahn) may be more convenient, depending on your location in Vienna.

Railjet Advantages:

• Slightly faster journey with fewer stops.
• Onboard bistro with proper fresh meals.
• More departures, handy if delays occur.
• Single-level trains, with fewer stairs to navigate with bulky luggage.

Westbahn Advantages:

• Great upper-deck views, especially over the many noise barriers on the route.
• Simpler station (Westbahnhof), ideal for first-time travelers.
• Often cheaper last minute, great for spontaneous travel.

I made a video comparing both services, and I've also highlighted what you can expect on board and along the route. You can watch it below:

About the Author: Simon Andersen

• Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator

• Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.