Husband, wife and 7 year old traveling from Munich to Prague. The air flights are expensive, and the only train we have been able to find is a 6 hour train ride - kind of long for a 7 year old, and haven't been able to find a sleeper train with that specific course. Any ideas or suggestions? Anything would be greatly appreciated!

That six hour train ride (there are three trains with that time per day) is as fast as you can make it. And, there are no direct sleeper trains from Munich to Prague.

Larry is right - it is a strange scenario for transportation between two great cities that are relatively close.

You can break up the train trip in Regensburg.

Hi jamm; What are your flight plans? If round trip out of Munich, driving from Munich to Prague is about four hours. That allows you flexibility for stops on the way to Prague and back. Plus the many places to visit outside of Prague. A four day rental would cost about $300 US with Sixt, a German company. Not feasable for one way, as the drop off fee would be huge. www.carrentals.com/ Dick

plus insurance, plus parking, plus petrol....

Hi jam,

If your 7-yr old is in reasonable health - 6 hr on a train is doable. It's not an airplane where the child has to stay in the seat all of the time.

Aah. That really helped, kind of confirmed it for me - thank you for your responses. Aramis - if you see this: My husband thinks not much time is required in Munich. He's been there and says just "a day" is all we need. Would you please tell me what you think (since it sounds like you've been there)? Thanks again in advance!

Drive; overnight in FurthiWald; your son will love the Dragon festival theme on this border town.

BTW, Munich is amazing with a great science museum for your son. The main square is out of a fairy tale. If I only had a day in Munich I would cry....

Viajero2 - Thank you, that sounds incredible. Is there anything else that really stands out for you, or any other input you'd care to give - cuz I'm listening!

Jamn;

What is it that your husband thinks only requires a day?

Englischer Garten?
Neue Pinakothek?
Alte Pinakothek?
Residenz?
Schloss Nymphenburg?
Asamkirche/Frauenkirche/Theatinerkirche/Michaelskirche/Peterskirche (tower climbing alert! lots of fun for the kids!)?
Marienplatz/Koenigsplatz?
Viktualienmarkt?
Schwabing?
Deutsches Museum?
Dachau?

I don't tell folks what is too much or what is too little becuase I don't know if they like to do the things I do at the pace I do. It really is up to you how you like to travel and sightsee.

Having a 7 year old is going to shade your choices a bit, but you can really only manage a couple of the things from the list. The Deutsches Museum, Englischer Garten, Schloss Nymphenburg, Marienplatz, and the four churches (all within walking distance of the Marienplatz) mentioned give you some places to start.

I find that Munich is kind of a "vibe" place - easygoing. It is a place to hang around and - well, drink beer and eat some pork. That may not fit your style with your son.

I would think a train a much better choice than a plane for a 7 year old. Lots of things to see out the window, visiting the dining car for food (or eating what you've brought on), games, reading etc. Much better than being cooped u p in a tiny airline seat.