Vienna to Munich train with Deutsche Bahn (EC,IC,ICE,RE)

Transportation experience

Taking the train was super easy. I booked a cheap €19.99 ticket just a couple of weeks in advance on a Railjet Express train, going directly from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Munich Hauptbahnhof in about 4 hours. Rail travel in Austria and Germany is straightforward and hassle-free: you can board right before departure, pick any unreserved seat, and relax. There's even an onboard bistro if you're feeling hungry or thirsty—very civilized.

Schedule & frequency

ÖBB operates trains at least every two hours, with extra additional departures throughout the day. Westbahn runs up to six trains daily, so there’s plenty of choice.

Onboard experience & services

I took the Railjet Express, the fastest option, with only three stops: St. Pölten, Linz, and Salzburg. Regular Railjet services take about 4 hours and 30 minutes but can be slightly cheaper. Westbahn also takes around 4 hours but makes a few more stops. Railjet Travel Classes Economy: Comfortable 2+2 seating, mostly airline layout with some tables. First Class: 2+1 layout with more space, plush seating, and good solo seats and paired table seats. Business Class: Best comfort, massive reclining 1+1 armchairs, and unlimited legroom. It's a flat €15 upgrade from a First Class ticket, and well worth it for a special occasion. All classes include: Power outlets at every seat Free Wi-Fi (worked pretty well throughout my journey) Bike storage Generous luggage space (no specific limit as long as you can carry and store it yourself) Access to the onboard bistro, serving delicious fresh-cooked meals, small snacks, and all sorts of hot & cold beverages. Westbahn offers modern double-decker trains with similar comfort, but: No Business Class Only vending machines instead of a full bistro Departs from Westbahnhof I traveled in Economy for just €19.99 on the Railjet. Make sure not to miss the mountain views on the left-hand side near Salzburg. You’ll spot the Alps in the distance! The economy seat was comfortable for the 4-hour journey, and being dropped off just a short walk from central Munich was very convenient. Comparing Westbahn and Railjet Wondering which to choose, Westbahn or Railjet? Well, it mostly comes down to price and the departure station: Railjet tends to get more expensive closer to departure, while Westbahn usually remains cheaper. Wien Hauptbahnhof (Railjet) or Westbahnhof (Westbahn) may be more convenient, depending on your location in Vienna. Railjet Advantages: Slightly faster journey with fewer stops. Onboard bistro with proper fresh meals. More departures, handy if delays occur. Single-level trains, with fewer stairs to navigate with bulky luggage. Westbahn Advantages: Great upper-deck views, especially over the many noise barriers on the route. Simpler station (Westbahnhof), ideal for first-time travelers. Often cheaper last minute, great for spontaneous travel. I made a video comparing both services, and I've also highlighted what you can expect on board and along the route. You can watch it below:

A scenic view from the train window.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

I booked my Vienna to Munich train ticket seven weeks in advance and got an Economy seat for €19.99. Prices rise closer to departure, but here are the starting prices for advance purchase: Railjet Economy: €19.99 First Class: €29.99 Business Class: €44.99 Westbahn Standard: €23.99 Comfort Class: €38.99 First Class: €88.89

Top tips & recommendations

• When booking, just search for "Vienna" to see both Westbahn and Railjet services.
• First Class can be just €10 more, worth it for extra space.
• Look for mountain views near Salzburg (on the left-hand side of the train).

Conclusion

Whether you take Railjet or Westbahn, both offer comfortable, modern trains with great onboard services — and views that make the hours fly by. Your choice depends on the Vienna station that suits you best and the ticket prices on your day of travel. Book train tickets on Omio in advance to secure a great price for your trip. Personally, I love ÖBB’s Railjet, but Westbahn is a strong competitor for this route.