Munich to Prague

[shaz]

I'm leaving in about 5 days for my Europe trip. Thanks to everyone here for their help in planning.

I'm just tying up some loose ends on my planning and noticed a problem. I had previously planned on traveling from Munich to Prague by bus, but after some research I found that the recommended bus line "Student Agency" only makes night runs. It leaves around midnight and arrives around 5:00am. Although being in Prague for sunrise sounds cool, it is not so good for me because I feel like I wouldn't get any sleep and would be groggy all day. Plus I already have a hostel stay reserved for that night.

Does anyone know if there is another bus option? Or should I just take the train? I was hoping to avoid the train because it is more expensive and there are 3 changes. But I will take it if that is what people recommend.

Also, does anyone recommend a certain way to get into the center of Munich from the airport?

[WillTravel]

Maybe it's too late to get a cheap train, but take a look again at www.bahn.de . There are some deals up to 3 days before the trip (although often they are gone long before then). However, don't choose it (in my opinion) if they are going to mail the tickets to you - there isn't time.

Maybe you could break up the train ride, by spending some time at each stop (if you buy separate tickets).

I haven't been to Munich, but my understanding is that there is a U-Bahn station right there at the airport, so it's very easy to get into the center.

If you do end up taking the bus, I'd just head straight to the hostel you have booked, and go to sleep, and let yourself sleep in.

[Eagle]

shaz, You didn't indicate what time of day you wanted to travel from Munich to Prague, but train would be the best option IMO. For example, there's a train departing Munchen Hbf at 08:44, arriving Praha hl.n at 14:45 (Time 6H 01M, NO changes, reservations compulsory). There are also trains with 2 and 3 changes, and that's not a problem although the travel time is longer.

The easiest and best way to reach the central Munich Hbf is via the S-Bahn, S-8. It's about a 40 minute trip, and no worries about traffic jams or whatever (cost is about €8). As I recall, the S-1 also travels to the airport but it "splits" part way during the journey so travellers have to make sure they board the proper cars. Best option is to stay with the S-8! Look for a ticket office or whatever before you head down the stairs to the station from the airport terminal to buy your S-Bahn ticket.

When you reach Munich Hbf (central station), go upstairs to the main floor. Find a chart showing the businesses in the station (or ask one of the officials) . Find the Euraide office which is located in front of the tracks (kind of hard to describe the location, but it's well marked). They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful (not to mention English-speaking), and will supply your tickets and reservations for the trip to Prague. I was in Munich in May and really found them to be great to deal with!

Happy travels and be sure to keep us posted!!!

[shaz]

Thanks guys. That 0 change train ticket didn't show up in my searches the other day for some reason. I must have selected something wrong.

Do you think it might still be available when I arrive on Monday? I'll be spending 3 days in Munich so I could try to purchase the ticket once I get there, which would be 3 days in advance.

I would go ahead and purchase it online but mailing the ticket is the only option available for that train.

[nickolt]

Eagle, I am planning on taking this train route as well. I will be using my eurail pass for the journey from Munich to the border of Germany, but it is to my understanding that in order to complete the trip, I have to have a ticket from whatever border town into Prague. Do you remember how much this ticket was ? Also, would it be the same going from Prague to Berlin? As in the price of the ticket from Prague to a border town, and then using my Eurail pass from the border onto Berlin?

[WillTravel]

shaz, I would suggest you get the train ticket when you first arrive in Munich. Hopefully you will get a cheap one still. If you can't get a good deal and you think it's too expensive, you still have the fallback option of the bus.

[Eagle]

shaz, from what I could determine, that train should be available on Monday. As WT mentioned, it would be a really good idea to get the ticket as soon as you arrive on Monday. As suggested in my previous post, EurAide in the Munich station would be the best place to purchase this, although you could also use the ticket windows in the station. EurAide would be able to let you know if there are any better options, and explain things for you in English. My only concern is that Monday is Labour Day, and I'm not sure which offices might be open or closed that day? Don't forget to validate your ticket on the day of travel (EurAide can explain that also).

If the EurAide office is closed on Monday, no problem. You'll be in Munich for 3 days, so drop by their offiice on Tuesday. Have a look at their web site at www.euraide.de/munich.html as it describes the location.

If you're planning on taking any day tours from Munich (Neuschwanstein, Dachau), you might consider Radius Tours. They provide excellent tours of both those locations, and take care of all the transportation arrangements. They also have an office in the Munich Train station, and also offer bike tours and walking tours. They're on the far side of the station and kind of "around the corner" opposite from Track 32 (again, kind of hard to describe). Check their web site at www.radiusmunich.com/ for complete details and prices (I tried to have a look tonight, but their web site must be down?).

nickolt, could you clarify which countries are covered by your Rail Pass? If only Germany, yes you will have to get a ticket that covers the trip from the border to Prague. Again, EurAide should be able to sort this out for you. I don't know for sure, but they may also be able to supply your ticket from Prague to the German border?

Your situation is a bit different thanshaz, as you'll be using a Rail Pass rather than buying a P-P ticket. Don't forget to have your Rail Pass validated at the first station you arrive at. Note that your Rail Pass does NOT include reservation fees, so if you choose a train where reservations are compulsory (usually the "fast" ICE trains), then you'll have to pay separately for this. Once again, check with EurAide.

Hope this helps. Hope you both have a fantastic trip! Be sure to keep us posted.

[WillTravel]

I don't think Labor Day will be an issue, will it? In Europe, Labor Day is May Day, and the first Monday in September is not significant (I think).

[herrbert]

Aug 28, 2008 1:29:50 GMT -5 WillTravel said:

I don't think Labor Day will be an issue, will it? In Europe, Labor Day is May Day, and the first Monday in September is not significant (I think).

a bit late but correct. Labor Day = 1st of May in Europe.