Munich to Berlin - Train or Plane?
Feb 8th, 2010, 12:08 PM
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Munich to Berlin - Train or Plane?
What's better? I'm leaning towards the train (it's 6 hours +/- 15 minutes). Flights are only an hour , but with the added time/expense of getting to and from the hotels to city centers, plus: the security lines, getting there in advance and going through baggage claim. Any thoughts?
How much in advance do you have to get to the train station in Munich for inter-city travel?
I'm staying at the Meridien in Munich and the Melia in Berlin, if that at all makes a difference. Thanks in advance.
How much in advance do you have to get to the train station in Munich for inter-city travel?
I'm staying at the Meridien in Munich and the Melia in Berlin, if that at all makes a difference. Thanks in advance.
Feb 8th, 2010, 12:39 PM
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We are facing the same question..
One way ticket on DB ( non-flex) is 29 euros... airberlin
charges about the same on some dates ( hours)
Don't know Munich but the airport seems a long way from the center ; from the train station in Berlin taxi was 6 euros to Melia, from the airport 20 euros ( I was there last July).
There is always metro or a bus.
One way ticket on DB ( non-flex) is 29 euros... airberlin
charges about the same on some dates ( hours)
Don't know Munich but the airport seems a long way from the center ; from the train station in Berlin taxi was 6 euros to Melia, from the airport 20 euros ( I was there last July).
There is always metro or a bus.
Feb 8th, 2010, 12:41 PM
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If you take the plane, you need about one hour to get to the airport. There you should be about one hour prior to departure. Then one hour flight time. Almost one hour for baggage claim and getting from the aiport into town. Totals 4 hours.
The Meridien is right across the train station in München, and the Melia is close to Bahnhof Friedrichstraße. So, 6:30 will be the total time for the train trip.
The advantage of the train ride is that you will sit comfortably in your seat, you can sit in the restaurant and enjoy a decent meal - in sum, it will be relaxing.
With the plane, you have to take the S-Bahn to the airport, check in, go to security, wait at the gate etc.
I personally would probably fly in order to save the 2:30 - but it's up to you.
The Meridien is right across the train station in München, and the Melia is close to Bahnhof Friedrichstraße. So, 6:30 will be the total time for the train trip.
The advantage of the train ride is that you will sit comfortably in your seat, you can sit in the restaurant and enjoy a decent meal - in sum, it will be relaxing.
With the plane, you have to take the S-Bahn to the airport, check in, go to security, wait at the gate etc.
I personally would probably fly in order to save the 2:30 - but it's up to you.
Feb 8th, 2010, 03:21 PM
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thanks Echnaton, does it really take an hour by train to get to the Munich airport from the center ?
I have a hard time thinking about 6 hours on the train.. I also find train stations confusing ( much more than airports) so I get to the station 20- 30 min before departure.
I have a hard time thinking about 6 hours on the train.. I also find train stations confusing ( much more than airports) so I get to the station 20- 30 min before departure.
Feb 8th, 2010, 03:33 PM
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You never know, if the train to Berlin will be on time. They're haveing enormous problems with their equipment right now. From delays to evacuations, everything is possible. You get 25% back for delays over one hour and 50% for over two hours. You'll be handed a 6 page form in German only. Be sure to have your ticket stamped. You may be lucky, but when you're not the train is a real nightmare. Otoh you you can chat with the nice folks around you and see the occasional freaked out person insulting the conductor. Yeah, there's some fun in taking the train, but I'm masochistic by nature.
It takes 50min to 1 hour to get to the airport from downtown. The people working at the Bahn sometimes show a good deal of sarcasm, but then they usually do a good job during those frequent breakdowns.
It takes 50min to 1 hour to get to the airport from downtown. The people working at the Bahn sometimes show a good deal of sarcasm, but then they usually do a good job during those frequent breakdowns.
Feb 8th, 2010, 03:33 PM
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It takes 45 minutes by train from the center of Munich to the airport. But unless you reside next to a suburban train station, you probably need 1 hour in total (incl. walk to station). The train ride to the airport is quite expensive (9.20 for a single ticket) so you need to add that into your calculation.
There is usually not much of a wait at security at Munich airport (0-10 minutes).
Wait for luggage in Berlin can vary but is appr. 15-30 min.
If you prefer to be at a train station 20-30min in advance, you want to calculate 7 hr train vs 4 hr plane.
There is usually not much of a wait at security at Munich airport (0-10 minutes).
Wait for luggage in Berlin can vary but is appr. 15-30 min.
If you prefer to be at a train station 20-30min in advance, you want to calculate 7 hr train vs 4 hr plane.
Feb 8th, 2010, 03:36 PM
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>How much in advance do you have to get to the train station in Munich for inter-city travel?
You have to board the train before it leaves, so being on the platform about 30sek before the train departs will do the job. ;-)
You have to board the train before it leaves, so being on the platform about 30sek before the train departs will do the job. ;-)
Feb 8th, 2010, 11:39 PM
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Definitely take the train.
6 relaxing hours to yourself, countryside, reading, chatting quietly, a meal in the restaurant car, a glass of wine (or two). City centre to city centre from 29 euros, stress-free, book at www.bahn.de. And German trains are pretty punctual.
The plane will take 4 stressful hours of waiting in airport queues, waiting to board, sitting in a cramped seat, struggling to get to and from remote airports on grotty buses or airport link suburban trains. Short haul flights typically only achieve 65-68% on time or within 15 minutes, whereas trains usually hit 90% on time.
Also, there's a new consideration these days: A flight produces up to 10 times the CO2 emissions per passenger of the electric train. Flying for such a short distance is now a no-no for that reason alone, unless it's som sort of emergency. Not just as part of a holiday!
6 relaxing hours to yourself, countryside, reading, chatting quietly, a meal in the restaurant car, a glass of wine (or two). City centre to city centre from 29 euros, stress-free, book at www.bahn.de. And German trains are pretty punctual.
The plane will take 4 stressful hours of waiting in airport queues, waiting to board, sitting in a cramped seat, struggling to get to and from remote airports on grotty buses or airport link suburban trains. Short haul flights typically only achieve 65-68% on time or within 15 minutes, whereas trains usually hit 90% on time.
Also, there's a new consideration these days: A flight produces up to 10 times the CO2 emissions per passenger of the electric train. Flying for such a short distance is now a no-no for that reason alone, unless it's som sort of emergency. Not just as part of a holiday!
Feb 8th, 2010, 11:48 PM
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The main issue about being at the train station ahead of time is that you have to get yourself to the station, and get yourself to the right platform. Transportation snafus can cause problems with the first, and misunderstandings can cause problems with the second.
Feb 9th, 2010, 01:03 AM
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Man in seat... if I wanted to give the same biased information, I'd probaby argue like this:
More than 6 nerve-wrecking hours on a full ICE with people without reservations and luggage congesting the aisles. (Unlike, for example, in France, reservations are not mandatory so especially on weekends and during holidays the trains get more than full with people actually standing for hours). Screaming kids, people chatting on mobile phones nonstop. No chance to get to the dining car (who will look after your luggage while you are gone?), since the dining car remains full with passengers w/o reservations and you cannot get through to the dining car anyway. If you get a seat in the dining car, expect overpriced mediocre microwave-style food. One or two toilets in each car usually out of service. Travels in summertime get even more *interesting* when also a/c breaks down.
Compare to flying:
Relaxed ride to the airport with your boarding passes printed out by the hotel concierge and you know where your assigned seats will be. With hand luggage only you don't need to be at the airport more than 45min prior to departure. Shop "tax free" if you like (yes, you can also on domestic flights).
Free drinks, coffee, newspapers/magazines, and snack on board.
Weather permitting, you get a great view of Berlin during approach (most approaches are coming in from the East, so try to sit on the left side of the plane, A-C seats).
Upon arrival at Berlin-Tegel airport, walk less than 100 yards to the taxi rank. Have a meal at a real restaurant (there are literally dozens around the Melia, and the hotel's tapas bar is not that bad either).
More than 6 nerve-wrecking hours on a full ICE with people without reservations and luggage congesting the aisles. (Unlike, for example, in France, reservations are not mandatory so especially on weekends and during holidays the trains get more than full with people actually standing for hours). Screaming kids, people chatting on mobile phones nonstop. No chance to get to the dining car (who will look after your luggage while you are gone?), since the dining car remains full with passengers w/o reservations and you cannot get through to the dining car anyway. If you get a seat in the dining car, expect overpriced mediocre microwave-style food. One or two toilets in each car usually out of service. Travels in summertime get even more *interesting* when also a/c breaks down.
Compare to flying:
Relaxed ride to the airport with your boarding passes printed out by the hotel concierge and you know where your assigned seats will be. With hand luggage only you don't need to be at the airport more than 45min prior to departure. Shop "tax free" if you like (yes, you can also on domestic flights).
Free drinks, coffee, newspapers/magazines, and snack on board.
Weather permitting, you get a great view of Berlin during approach (most approaches are coming in from the East, so try to sit on the left side of the plane, A-C seats).
Upon arrival at Berlin-Tegel airport, walk less than 100 yards to the taxi rank. Have a meal at a real restaurant (there are literally dozens around the Melia, and the hotel's tapas bar is not that bad either).
Feb 9th, 2010, 02:58 AM
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Cowboy, you are great!
Conclusion: Both the train ride and the flight can be either relaxing or annoying, depending on the circumstances (delays, cancellations, technical breakdowns etc.). You will never know what happens.
The main point is the OP's and Danon's itinerary.
If you are on a tight schedule and if time is precious, then save the 2 1/2 (or even 3 hours) and take the flight.
If you want to spend a couple of hours working, reading, relaxing or even sleeping, then book a first-class ticket and take the train.
One question remains: Yes, the S-Bahn ride from München main station to the airport is 45 minutes, but you need a few minutes to get to the platform in the main station and a few minutes to walk from the platform to the terminal. So, one hour in total.
Conclusion: Both the train ride and the flight can be either relaxing or annoying, depending on the circumstances (delays, cancellations, technical breakdowns etc.). You will never know what happens.
The main point is the OP's and Danon's itinerary.
If you are on a tight schedule and if time is precious, then save the 2 1/2 (or even 3 hours) and take the flight.
If you want to spend a couple of hours working, reading, relaxing or even sleeping, then book a first-class ticket and take the train.
One question remains: Yes, the S-Bahn ride from München main station to the airport is 45 minutes, but you need a few minutes to get to the platform in the main station and a few minutes to walk from the platform to the terminal. So, one hour in total.
Feb 9th, 2010, 06:47 AM
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thanks again for your reasonable views :there is always something that can be a pain in the a$$!
Having taken trains in Italy, France, Holland, Austria, Germany, England, Spain, Czech Rep ...my experience has been more like what Cowboy described than a relaxing time spent talking with interesting people while sipping excellent wine.
Having taken trains in Italy, France, Holland, Austria, Germany, England, Spain, Czech Rep ...my experience has been more like what Cowboy described than a relaxing time spent talking with interesting people while sipping excellent wine.
Feb 9th, 2010, 07:53 AM
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>>>It's cold, it's wet and it doesn't work at all, it's Deutsche Bahn.<<<
I have frequent traveller status with the Deutsche Bahn for 30 years now and I will honestly tell you my experiences:
Once there was a time when the trains were highly reliable, comfortable and agreeable. But since the Federal Government has decides to privatize the Bahn, service and reliability have vastly deteriorated. Still, 80% of the trains are halfway punctual, but there is a considerable risk that your train is delayed by a full hour or even more, that you miss your connections (which causes further delays), that the train is crowded AND that your reservation does not work (because they have changed cars or whatever) or that your train stops anywhere because of a technical breakdown.
We used to have a saying in Germany: "As punctual as the train." But those times have gone. It is a shame.
Of course, airlines have similar problems - although reliabilty is certainly greater than those of Deutsche Bahn.
And if you are driving your car, there is always a risk of traffic congestions.
Seems that there is no reliable mode of transportation at all.
I have frequent traveller status with the Deutsche Bahn for 30 years now and I will honestly tell you my experiences:
Once there was a time when the trains were highly reliable, comfortable and agreeable. But since the Federal Government has decides to privatize the Bahn, service and reliability have vastly deteriorated. Still, 80% of the trains are halfway punctual, but there is a considerable risk that your train is delayed by a full hour or even more, that you miss your connections (which causes further delays), that the train is crowded AND that your reservation does not work (because they have changed cars or whatever) or that your train stops anywhere because of a technical breakdown.
We used to have a saying in Germany: "As punctual as the train." But those times have gone. It is a shame.
Of course, airlines have similar problems - although reliabilty is certainly greater than those of Deutsche Bahn.
And if you are driving your car, there is always a risk of traffic congestions.
Seems that there is no reliable mode of transportation at all.
Feb 9th, 2010, 07:57 AM
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And there is also the CityNightLiner overnight train between the two cities - save a hotel cost and wake up bright and early in Berlin. Scour bahn.de for great online fares like the 29 euros daytime (more at night since it involves sleeping accommodation) - CNL trains are great - some even have toilet/shower in the compartment, though those digs can cost a ton.
Feb 9th, 2010, 09:16 AM
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I wouldn't even consider the train unless you contemplate to get off somewhere in between.
The train takes 6 hours - that is a lot of boooooooring tiiiiime to paaaaasss.
If you have my luck you'd end up sitting next to the teacher/student/pensioner who is on a budget and thought it was a good idea to bring a canned tuna or/and a corned beef sandwich and indulges into this olfactory delight with a passion. Such people like to snack on tetra-packed drinks with a straw and the associated slurping noises, too, unless they pour some calming cucumber tea from a thermos.
When things get really bad said he/she would at the same time try to engage into a conversation - the sheer horror of it! Welcome to a trip from hell.
Seriously. Cowboy's description isn't far off. Enjoy your holiday, take the plane. And make it Lufthansa rather than Air Berlin if there isn't too much of a difference in price. Much better seating on LH.
The train takes 6 hours - that is a lot of boooooooring tiiiiime to paaaaasss.
If you have my luck you'd end up sitting next to the teacher/student/pensioner who is on a budget and thought it was a good idea to bring a canned tuna or/and a corned beef sandwich and indulges into this olfactory delight with a passion. Such people like to snack on tetra-packed drinks with a straw and the associated slurping noises, too, unless they pour some calming cucumber tea from a thermos.
When things get really bad said he/she would at the same time try to engage into a conversation - the sheer horror of it! Welcome to a trip from hell.
Seriously. Cowboy's description isn't far off. Enjoy your holiday, take the plane. And make it Lufthansa rather than Air Berlin if there isn't too much of a difference in price. Much better seating on LH.
Feb 9th, 2010, 11:21 AM
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What do you come to Europe to see -only cities like Munich and Berlin and just airports in between or the lay of the land as you can so sweetly see from the train?
Six hours may seem a long time but if you break your journey in say Dresden - put bags in station locker- poke around town for2-3 hours you will also have seen one of Europe's most fascinating cities-the so-called Florence on the Elbe.
Six hours may seem a long time but if you break your journey in say Dresden - put bags in station locker- poke around town for2-3 hours you will also have seen one of Europe's most fascinating cities-the so-called Florence on the Elbe.
