Train from prague to munich
Oct 2nd, 2014, 12:20 PM
#2
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Not dramatically beautiful but you still see the lay of the land you do not when flying - actually buses now I think are quicker and perhaps cheaper on this route.
Note that a flight may take much longer than the actual flight - schlepping out to the airport - delayed planes - waiting for boarding - waiting for bags - getting into the city, etc.
Trains of course go city centre to city centre - you are saving a lot of money by taking the train or bus but not much time really by flying and again the bus I think is quicker than the train.
For what to expect on trains I always highlight these IMO superb sites: www.seat61.com (great info on discounted tickets that may be cheaper than $55 (unless that is a discounted price over full fare); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. You can always buy tickets in Prague - don't worry about that but discounted tickets go often far in advance as they are sold in limited numbers - check www.bahn.de/en for fares for the train.
Note that a flight may take much longer than the actual flight - schlepping out to the airport - delayed planes - waiting for boarding - waiting for bags - getting into the city, etc.
Trains of course go city centre to city centre - you are saving a lot of money by taking the train or bus but not much time really by flying and again the bus I think is quicker than the train.
For what to expect on trains I always highlight these IMO superb sites: www.seat61.com (great info on discounted tickets that may be cheaper than $55 (unless that is a discounted price over full fare); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. You can always buy tickets in Prague - don't worry about that but discounted tickets go often far in advance as they are sold in limited numbers - check www.bahn.de/en for fares for the train.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 12:20 PM
#3
I've taken the trip several times. I am not sure I would say it is terribly "scenic."
Also, be very aware of which timing you choose. SOME of them use a bus service as opposed to rail.
By the time it is over that plane ride and all that goes with it would probably be at least three hours from the center or Prague to the airport, the check-in process, any security, the arrival and possible wait for luggage and then the trip either by bus, S-Bahn, or taxi into the center of Munich.
Also, be very aware of which timing you choose. SOME of them use a bus service as opposed to rail.
By the time it is over that plane ride and all that goes with it would probably be at least three hours from the center or Prague to the airport, the check-in process, any security, the arrival and possible wait for luggage and then the trip either by bus, S-Bahn, or taxi into the center of Munich.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 12:37 PM
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If you take the 7:00 or 10:15 bus it's only 5 hours and E29 with advanced tickets. I've been on that bus from Nuremberg to Prague and it's pretty comfortable and not full. Bring a lunch with you as there's no food, only drinks and snacks.
There's also a bus/train combination (change in Nuremberg) that takes 5.25 hours.
As second choice I'd take the train.
There's also a bus/train combination (change in Nuremberg) that takes 5.25 hours.
As second choice I'd take the train.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 01:37 PM
#6
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adrienne - they are going from Prague to Munich and there are direct buses on that route taking 4 h 39 minutes that go direct, not via Munich. This is in addition to the buses to Nurnberg that they have a train connection to Munich, taking about an hour longer all told.
Yes buses have limited WC but I do suppose they stop a few times for a 'service stop'?
No buses IMO are not nearly as comfy as trains but in this case I'd consider doing the direct bus - the quickest and cheapest way.
Yes buses have limited WC but I do suppose they stop a few times for a 'service stop'?
No buses IMO are not nearly as comfy as trains but in this case I'd consider doing the direct bus - the quickest and cheapest way.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 04:44 PM
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Pal - I actually read what people write and I know that the OP is going from Prague to Munich.
I do not understand your statement about going to Munich via Munich.
I also know that one of the buses takes 4 hours 39 minutes but another one takes 5 hours. I just didn't bother to specify the exact time of each bus. I'm sure the OP can look it up if he/she is interested in taking the bus. The original question was about train vs. plane.
Please read my post as I'm sure you did not read properly.
The bus from Prague to Nuremberg (and in the other direction) does not stop for rest breaks. I would not think that the bus from Prague to Munich would stop.
I do not understand your statement about going to Munich via Munich.
I also know that one of the buses takes 4 hours 39 minutes but another one takes 5 hours. I just didn't bother to specify the exact time of each bus. I'm sure the OP can look it up if he/she is interested in taking the bus. The original question was about train vs. plane.
Please read my post as I'm sure you did not read properly.
The bus from Prague to Nuremberg (and in the other direction) does not stop for rest breaks. I would not think that the bus from Prague to Munich would stop.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 09:11 PM
#8
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You can buy a train ticket from Prague to Munich costs just 19 euros ($25 or so) pre-booked at www.cd.cz/eshop (Czech Railways). You simply print your own ticket.
There are four direct trains a day, classic trains nothing fancy, but with space to move around, legroom, toilets, two of the trains have a bistro car serving drinks, snacks and hot dishes, or you're free to bring your own beer/wine/picnic (try doing that on a plane). Bring a good book and chill out... And of course they run centre to centre, not just airport to airport.
It's always interesting to see what countries are really like, between the cities, doesn't really matter whether that's spectacular scenery or not. It's all part of travel!
Flying would take 3-4 hours, disjointed and stressful, and would be exactly like every other flight you ever take or have ever taken, so not an experience at all. Why do it unless you're travelling on business in a mad rush to get to a vital meeting and home ASAP? Stay grounded, it's part of the experience!
There are four direct trains a day, classic trains nothing fancy, but with space to move around, legroom, toilets, two of the trains have a bistro car serving drinks, snacks and hot dishes, or you're free to bring your own beer/wine/picnic (try doing that on a plane). Bring a good book and chill out... And of course they run centre to centre, not just airport to airport.
It's always interesting to see what countries are really like, between the cities, doesn't really matter whether that's spectacular scenery or not. It's all part of travel!
Flying would take 3-4 hours, disjointed and stressful, and would be exactly like every other flight you ever take or have ever taken, so not an experience at all. Why do it unless you're travelling on business in a mad rush to get to a vital meeting and home ASAP? Stay grounded, it's part of the experience!
Oct 2nd, 2014, 11:03 PM
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There is one search engine site now which compares all options: not only all/most long-distance bus companies, but als train companies, shared rides, and (in some cases) also flights, usually when competetive fares are available:
http://en.busliniensuche.de
While this site works also in English, some of the actual booking sites may not - or may have to be set to English first.
This is extremely helpful as the number of bus companies has mushroomed over the last year so it is hard to keep track which company is serving which lines.
The direct IC Bus (a subsidiary of German Railways) is currently the fastest way to get from Prague to Munich (aside from the super-expensive flights, which never seem to have any discounted one-way fares on that leg).- and has the most modern and spacious coaches.
If you ride 2nd class on the bus (which was quite okay for me, 6'3" tall, on a similar lenghty ride from Zurich to Munich), you sit on the upper level and have a good view of the scenery.
Seats are quite comfortable, and have power outlets. Bus got free WiFi, snacks for sale, and toilet on board.
http://en.busliniensuche.de
While this site works also in English, some of the actual booking sites may not - or may have to be set to English first.
This is extremely helpful as the number of bus companies has mushroomed over the last year so it is hard to keep track which company is serving which lines.
The direct IC Bus (a subsidiary of German Railways) is currently the fastest way to get from Prague to Munich (aside from the super-expensive flights, which never seem to have any discounted one-way fares on that leg).- and has the most modern and spacious coaches.
If you ride 2nd class on the bus (which was quite okay for me, 6'3" tall, on a similar lenghty ride from Zurich to Munich), you sit on the upper level and have a good view of the scenery.
Seats are quite comfortable, and have power outlets. Bus got free WiFi, snacks for sale, and toilet on board.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 11:52 AM
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The direct trains, which take longer than the bus but yes have to be more comfy leave about every four hours - one leave around 9 am - next one after 1 pm (according to www.bahn.de/en) so if that comports to your timings go for the train - at other times the direct bus is much quicker than the bus-train combos.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 02:23 PM
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The buses from Prague to Munich stops in Plzen, I think - but not long enough to sample the local beer ;-)
The one IC Bus I used, from Zurich to Munich, also took around 4hrs (faster than the direct Eurocity, believe it or not), but even though I do feel cramped pretty easily, I did not feel the need to stretch out. But if you wanted, you could go up and down the stairs. Or hang out on the lower deck to get some snacks or drinks. The WC they had on board was "proper" - like one you have on a plane.
I'm not sure if I wanted to ride a bus for much longer, but 4hrs was just okay.
The trains between Prague and Munich are run by ALEX railways, and are NOT of that standard which you find on ICE trains - but more like regional trains. They have a snackbar on board - but nothing like a dining car.
The one IC Bus I used, from Zurich to Munich, also took around 4hrs (faster than the direct Eurocity, believe it or not), but even though I do feel cramped pretty easily, I did not feel the need to stretch out. But if you wanted, you could go up and down the stairs. Or hang out on the lower deck to get some snacks or drinks. The WC they had on board was "proper" - like one you have on a plane.
I'm not sure if I wanted to ride a bus for much longer, but 4hrs was just okay.
The trains between Prague and Munich are run by ALEX railways, and are NOT of that standard which you find on ICE trains - but more like regional trains. They have a snackbar on board - but nothing like a dining car.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 03:39 PM
#13
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The bus on this route is perfectly fine. Reasonably roomy, have a bathroom which is fine (nothing improper about it 
) And yes, the trains on this route are old and not all that comfortable.
I do find it interesting that "Man" likes to give opinions about this route, yet he's never been on these trains or buses.
) And yes, the trains on this route are old and not all that comfortable. I do find it interesting that "Man" likes to give opinions about this route, yet he's never been on these trains or buses.
