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Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Traveling by train from Paris to Munich in less than 6 hours
Thinking of spending some time in historic beer halls and looking for more information on how to travel from Paris to Munich by train? You’ve come to the right place!
The train journey from Paris to Munich can take just 5 hours and 18 minutes on the fastest services. There are a few direct services from Paris to Munich by train, including a night train, but depending on the time of day you want to travel, you may need to make at least one change along the way.
When traveling on this popular route, you’ll probably board an Intercity Express (ICE) train at Paris Gare de l’Est station and travel to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof or Mannheim station. From either of these stations, you can board a connecting DB service to München (Munich) Hauptbahnhof station. There are other routes and operators available – you can find information about these in our Journey Planner.
If you’re looking to save on the cost of a night in a hotel, you could even take a night train from Paris to Munich! These trains are direct and take around 10 and a half hours to complete the journey between these two cities.
Located in southeast Germany, Munich is the capital of Bavaria and home to the world-famous Oktoberfest. Once you’ve stepped off the train, you can start to discover the city straight away. As there are so many things to see and do in Munich, it can be difficult to know where to begin. For inspiration, take a look at the best things to do in Munich, Germany and our comprehensive guide to Oktoberfest and how to get around by train.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Munich in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you’d like more information, keep reading for:
- Getting from the airport to Paris city center
- All about Paris Gare de l’Est station
- Will I need to change trains during my journey?
- Arriving in Munich
- Using public transport in Munich
- What to do in Munich
- Things to see and do in Germany
- Explore Europe with Eurail
- Traveling to the airport from Munich city center
- Where to travel next after Munich
Paris to Munich by train
It takes an average of 6h 51m to travel from Paris to Munich by train, over a distance of around 424 miles (683 km). There are normally 15 trains per day traveling from Paris to Munich and tickets for this journey start from $61.86 when you book in advance.
| First train | 6:53 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:25 pm | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Munich | |
| Journey time | From 5h 52m | |
| Distance | 424 miles (683 km) | |
| Frequency | 15 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $61.86 | |
| Train and bus operators | BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF, ÖBB, Flixbus, Deutsche Bahn |
FAQs about the train journey from Paris to Munich
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Munich? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the quickest journey time between Paris and Munich by train?
Are there direct trains from Paris to Munich?
What's the distance between Paris and Munich by train?
Who runs the trains from Paris to Munich?
Can you travel from Paris to Munich without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Munich from Paris?
What time is the first train from Paris to Munich?
What time is the last train from Paris to Munich?
How often do trains go from Paris to Munich?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Paris to Munich?
Is there a return trip from Paris to Munich?
TGV, SNCF, ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn trains from Paris to Munich
TGV
SNCF
ÖBB
Deutsche Bahn
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
More information
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
More information
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
More information
TGV INOUI classes from Paris to Munich
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI when traveling from Paris to Munich.
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Onboard services on TGV INOUI
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Munich.
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
Cheap train tickets from Paris to Munich
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Paris to Munich by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Traveling from the airport to central Paris
In Paris, there are three major airports:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Orly Airport (ORY)
- Beauvais Tillé Airport (BVA)
Each airport offers a bus and taxi service, but only Charles de Gaulle and Orly have their own dedicated train stations (the nearest train station to Beauvais Tillé is in nearby Beauvais). Find out more about transfers to and from airports in Paris.
How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris
How to get from Orly Airport to central Paris
How to get from Beauvais Tillé Airport to central Paris
All you need to know about Paris Gare de l'Est station
How to get to Paris Gare de l’Est
Hopping on a train from Paris to Munich? Whichever operator you’re traveling with, your train will leave from Paris Gare de l’Est. You can use public transport to get to the train station from any part of the city.
- Metro: Lines 4, 5 and 7 stop at Paris Gare de l’Est.
- RER: Lines D and E serve Paris Gare de l’Est station.
- Buses: Buses 31, 32, 38, 39, 46, 54, 56 and 91 serve Gare de l’Est station.
- Night buses: If you’re traveling late at night, you may need one of the following services: N01, N02, N13, N14, N41, N42, N43, N44, N45, N141, N142, N143.
- On foot: If you’ve arrived from elsewhere at Paris Gare du Nord, it’s easy to walk to Paris Gare de l’Est. Follow the signs in the station toward Gare de l’Est - it’s a five-minute walk.
What’s available at Paris Gare de l’Est?
If you’ve got time to spare when waiting for your train at Paris Gare de l’Est, don’t worry! Alongside free WiFi in the station, there are plenty of facilities where you can pick up anything you need for your journey, including:
- Shops such as FNAC, Relay, Sephora and Monoprix
- Food outlets such as McDonald’s, Starbucks and PAUL
- A pharmacy
What’s more, Canal St-Martin is just a stone’s throw from the station – the perfect place to sit and eat your lunch while you’re waiting for your train.
Transfers during the train journey from Paris to Munich
When traveling from Paris to Munich, it’s likely that you’ll have to stop and transfer onto another train at some point in your journey. If your journey does include a transfer, it’ll probably be at one of three stations: Stuttgart, Mannheim or Karlsruhe.
Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof
The first option is to take a train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (Stuttgart station). From here, you’ll change onto a Deutsche Bahn (DB) train to Munich.
Stuttgart station has facilities including:
- Free WiFi
- Restrooms
- Left baggage lockers
- Food outlets such as Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Burger King
- Currency exchange
Mannheim Hauptbahnhof
The second way to get from Paris to Munich is to take a train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Mannheim Hauptbahnhof (Mannheim station). From here, you’ll change onto a Deutsche Bahn (DB) train to Munich.
Mannheim Hbf has facilities including:
- Free WiFi
- Restrooms
- Left baggage lockers
- Food outlets such as McDonald’s, Dunkin’ and Burger King
- Currency exchange
Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof
Another option is to hop on a train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Karlsruhe station. From here, you’ll change onto a Deutsche Bahn (DB) train to Munich.
Karlsruhe station has facilities including:
- Free WiFi
- Restroom
- Left baggage lockers
- Food outlets such as Costa Coffee and McDonald’s
- Currency exchange
It’s worth noting that changes between trains can be short, so it’s a good idea to find the correct platform for your next train as soon as you arrive.
These are the most common transfers between Paris and Munich. Some journeys are direct, while on other routes you’ll have to transfer at a different station. Find the full details of routes, times and prices using our Journey Planner.
Arriving at Munich Central station
Munich Central station (or München Hauptbahnhof, as you’ll see it written in German), is the city’s main train station. This is where you’ll arrive at the end of your journey from Paris to Munich.
From Munich’s central station, you’re super close to the city center, so it’s easy to get out and about straight away. There are left baggage lockers available in the station – perfect if your hotel check-in time is a little later and you want to start exploring as soon as you can!
If you’re feeling hungry and want to grab something quick before you head out into the city, there are plenty of shops in the station too, including Starbucks, Dunkin’ and McDonalds.
Check out our guide to Munich train station for more info.
Using public transport in Munich
Munich is served by many forms of public transport:
- S-Bahn: These commuter trains run across the city from east to west and can be useful for getting about while in Munich.
- U-Bahn: The U-Bahn is an underground metro system that can take you to key places in Munich, such as Theresienwiese.
- Trams: To begin exploring, why not hop on a tram? They stop at Munich’s central station and can take you across the city.
- On foot: One of the best ways to get to know a European city has to be by walking through it – why not check out the Old Town, which is a 15-minute walk from the train station.
What to do in Munich
Searching for inspiration about must-see attractions in Munich? Look no further!
Stuck for ideas of what to do in Munich? We’ve rounded up some of the places we think you should check out – all accessible by public transport or on foot!
- Marienplatz: This is the largest public square in Munich, and it’s a hub of activity day and night. If you’re looking to sit back and grab a beer, or marvel at the city’s architecture, Marienplatz is the place to be.
- Englischer Garter (English Garden): This huge park in Munich’s city center is perfect for a leisurely lunchtime stroll. Admire the park’s many international buildings, including the Japanese Teahouse and the Chinese Tower.
- Viktualienmarkt: This permanent open-air market, open Monday to Saturday, is a foodie’s dream. Grab a bite to eat as you take a break from seeing the sights – if you get lost amongst the market’s many stalls, you can always agree to meet at its famous Maypole!
Things to see and do in Germany
Looking for ideas to explore Germany by train? Check out our travel guides and get ready for your next adventure!
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail pass
After visiting Munich, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
Traveling to the airport from Munich city center
If Munich is the last stop on your European trip, then you’ll need to get to the airport to catch your flight home to the States. Find out how to get there by public transport here.
Munich has one airport: Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport (often referred to as simply Munich Airport). You may also see it written as ‘Muenchen Airport’ or ‘München Airport’ - these are all the same place. It’s Germany’s second-busiest airport and is around 18 miles outside of Munich city center, so you’ll need to get a transfer there before you catch your flight.
Read more about trains to and from Munich Airport.
Getting to the airport from the city center by bus
Getting to the airport from the city center by train
Where should you travel next after Munich?
Sure, you might have had a good time in Munich, but your European adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips?
Head from Munich to Salzburg
Traveling between Germany and Austria is easy by train! You can take the train from Munich to Salzburg in around an hour and a half – leaving you plenty of time for sightseeing.
You may find yourself traveling on an ÖBB Railjet, WESTbahn or Deutsche Bahn train. Each operator has different facilities on board. Click the links for more information about each company, or head to our Journey Planner to find times, tickets and prices to suit you.
Zoom away to Zurich
Want to know what to see, do and eat in Zurich city center? Or perhaps you’re more interested in the natural beauty of the best lakes around Zurich.
Either way, hop on a train from Munich to Zurich and you could be exploring Switzerland’s largest city in less than 4 hours!
Ride a train to Rome
If you fancy exploring what it’s like to live la dolce vita, why not head to Rome, Italy? Take a train from Munich to Rome and explore everything that Italy’s capital has to offer.
You’ll be traveling on either a Deutsche Bahn or an ÖBB train from Munich to Bologna, where you’ll transfer to either a Frecciarossa or an Italo train for the second half of your journey to Rome.
Check out our guide to 20 amazing sites in Rome for more travel inspiration, or head to our Journey Planner to book your tickets.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.