Trains from Munich

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This page explains how to travel by train from Munich to other European cities and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2025.

Tip:  For a beer or local Bavarian food before your train I recommend the Augustiner Keller (www.augustinerkeller.de) at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf, see walking map.

bullet pointBefore you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  They answer all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...


Munich to Berlin from €17.99.  See the video
ICE4 at Munich Hbf

High-speed ICE trains link Munich & Berlin.  Several types operate this route including ICE1, ICE3, ICE4 & ICE-T.  More about ICE trains.  This is an ICE4 at Munich Hbf.

1st class on an ICE4 train   Restaurant car on an ICE4 train

1st class on an ICE4.

 

Restaurant car on an ICE4.  Sample menu.

Bar counter car on an ICE4 train   2nd class on an ICE4 train

Bar counter at the other end of the kitchen.

 

2nd class seats on an ICE4.

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Munich to other destinations in Germany

Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Munich to Neuschwanstein, Bavaria's fairytale castle:  See here

Munich to Berchtesgaden for Eagles Nest:  See here

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Munich to London & UK

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Munich to Dublin & Ireland

Option 1, Munich to Dublin via London & Holyhead - daily departures

Option 2, Munich to Dublin via Paris & Cherbourg - several times a week

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats

Sail from Cherbourg to Dublin aboard Irish Ferries' WB YeatsWB Yeats photos courtesy of Irish Ferries.

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats club cabin   Irish Ferries' WB Yeats deluxe cabin

Club cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

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Munich to Paris from €39.99

Option 1, Munich to Paris by direct TGV, every morning

Option 2, Munich to Paris by high-speed train, other departures

TGV Duplex from Munich to Paris

TGV Duplex.  This is the early-morning TGV from Munich to Paris on platform 14 at Munich Hbf.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4 (or 14), serving tea, coffee, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved dishes.

 

2nd class seats on upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360Ί photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, club quatre on the right.  360Ί photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.

Option 3, Munich to Paris by sleeper train - 3 times a week

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Munich to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Cannes, Nice, Monaco

Option 1, Munich to Lyon, Avignon, Aix or Marseille in a day with one easy change in Frankfurt - the easiest option!

Frankfurt to Marseille TGV

The TGV Duplex from Frankfurt to Lyon, Avignon & Marseille, about to leave Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

The cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4 (or 14), serving tea, coffee, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats, this is upper deck seating.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360Ί photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   A TGV Duplex at Frankfurt

1st class seats on the upper deck, a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right. 360Ί photo.

 

The TGV to Marseille, boarding at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.  You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck.

Option 2, Munich to Monaco, Nice & Cannes using the Munich-Milan sleeper then a scenic coastal ride

Option 3, Munich to Nice & the South of France with an overnight stop in Verona - a scenic trip with mountains and coastline

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Munich to Brussels or Bruges from €39.99

Option 1, Munich to Brussels by daytime trains

ICE3neo at Brussels Midi

An ICE3neo at Brussels MidiMore about ICE trains.  Photo courtesy of Christian Hunt.

ICE3neo at Cologne   ICE3neo at Cologne

Restaurant car.  See current month's menu.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3neo.  Larger photo.

ICE3neo at Cologne   Lunch on an ICE3neo

2nd class seats on an ICE3neo.  Larger photo.

 

Lunch:  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!

Option 2, Munich to Brussels by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option, 3 times a week

Nightjet sleeper at Brussels

A Nightjet sleeper at Brussels Midi.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Munich-Amsterdam Nightjet.

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Munich to Amsterdam from €37.99

Option 1, Munich to Amsterdam by daytime trains

ICE3neo at Amsterdam Centraal

An ICE3neo at Amsterdam CentraalMore about ICE trains.

ICE3neo at Cologne   ICE3neo at Cologne

Restaurant car.  See current month's menu.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3neo.  Larger photo

ICE3neo at Cologne   Lunch on an ICE3neo

2nd class seats on an ICE3neo.  Larger photo.

 

Lunch:  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!

Option 2, Munich to Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam, on platform 13 at Munich Hbf.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Munich-Amsterdam Nightjet.

Option 3, by daytime trains with overnight stop in Cologne - time-effective with a chance to see Cologne

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Munich to Luxembourg from €37.99
Double-deck train between Koblenz, Trier & Luxembourg

Koblenz to Luxembourg by double deck regional train.  This is a CFL double-decker at Luxembourg.

1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train   1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train

1st class on the upper deck. Larger photo.

 

2nd class on the upper deck.  Larger photo.

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg in the morning sun, the mists still clearing.  For the best river views, sit on the left hand side of the train going west from Koblenz.

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Munich to Zurich, Luzern, Geneva or anywhere in Switzerland from €18.99
Munich to Zurich train, at Munich HB

Zurich to Munich by EuroCity train, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, seen here on platform 27 at Munich Hbf More about Zurich-Munich EuroCity trains.

1st class on a Zurich to Munich Astoro train   Restaurant car on a Zurich to Munich Astoro train

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an Astoro train   1st class seats on an Astoro train

Lunch in the restaurant.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

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Munich to Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome & Italy from €27.99

Option 1, Munich to anywhere Italy by daytime trains through the scenic Brenner Pass

New generation railjet at Innsbruck

A new generation railjet at Innsbruck, note the low-floor section for easy boarding.  Courtesy of @SimplyRailway.  Interior photos courtesy of ΦBB.

Economy class seats in a new generation railjet   Restaurant car in a new generation railjet

Economy class, open saloon.

 

Restaurant car.

First class seats in a new generation railjet   Business class 4-seat compartment in a new generation railjet

First class, all in open saloons.

 

Business class = just four 4-seat compartments

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Option 2, Munich to Milan, Florence, Rome & Venice by sleeper train

New-generation Nightjet train

Above, a new-generation Nightjet.  More about new-generation Nightjets.

Comfort Plus sleeper in new generation Nightjet train   Comfort sleeper in new generation Nightjet train

Comfort Plus sleeper with shower & toilet.

 

Comfort sleeper with shower & toilet

4-berth couchette in new generation Nightjet train   Mini-cabins in new generation Nightjet train

4-berth couchettes.

 

Mini-cabins - enclosed individual capsules.

Option 3, Munich to Venice by sleeper train

The Nightjet sleeper train from Munich to Venice at Munich Hbf

The Nightjet sleeper train to Venice on platform 12 at Munich HbfMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Munich-Amsterdam Nightjet.

Sunrise as the sleeper train crosses the causeway into Venice

Sunrise as the Munich-Venice Nightjet crosses the causeway over the lagoon into Venice.  Courtesy of Andreas Wiedenhoff.

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

The Nightjet sleeper train arrived at Venice Santa Lucia.  More about Nightjets.

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Munich to Sicily

Option 1, Munich to Sicily using a Rome-Sicily sleeper

Option 2, Munich to Sicily with overnight stop in Rome

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Munich to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain

Option 1, Munich to Barcelona in a singe day

Option 2, Munich to Barcelona & Madrid with overnight stop in Marseille

Option 3, Munich to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Geneva

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon. These 320 km/h double-deckers link Paris with Barcelona.  See the TGV Duplex video.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4 (or 14), serving tea, coffee, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes..

 

2nd class seats on the is upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360Ί photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360Ί photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanigouMore photos of what to see on the Paris-Barcelona train journey.

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Munich to San Sebastian

Option 1, Munich to San Sebastian in a day

Option 2, Munich to San Sebastian with overnight stop in Paris

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Munich to Lisbon & Portugal

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Munich to Andorra

Option 1, Munich to Andorra in a day

Option 2, Munich to Andorra using the Paris-Toulouse/l'Hospitalet overnight train

  • Step 2, travel from Paris to Toulouse by Intercitι de Nuit, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 22:13 arriving Toulouse Matabiau 07:44.

    This train has 1st class 4-berth couchettes, 2nd class 6-berth couchettes & 2nd class seats.  More about Intercitι de Nuit.

    Fares start at €29 in a 2nd class couchette or €59 in a 1st class couchette.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

    Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, but this train has an annoying habit of opening late for booking, less than the expected 4 months ahead, so don't be impatient.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

    Tip:  On arrival in Toulouse, I recommend the breakfast buffet at the nearby Pullman Hotel.

  • Step 3, travel from Toulouse to Andorra by bus, leaving Toulouse Matabiau at 09:45, arriving Andorra la Vella bus station at 14:00.

    The bus is run by Andbus, check times at Andbus.net.  I'd allow at least an hour between train & bus in Toulouse in case of delay.

    The bus leaves from bus stand 15 in the Gare Routiθre (bus station) outside Toulouse Matabiau railway station.  Walk out of the station onto the forecourt and look to your right.  The bus station is the modern building with the glass-and-blue-framework, see the photos below.

    The fare is €36 one-way.  Book the bus at Andbus.net.

  • Alternative step 2 & 3:  On Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights (daily June-September) the Paris-Toulouse Intercitι de Nuit conveys 1st & 2nd class couchettes & reclining seats from Paris to l'Hospitalet, the station nearest Andorra, arriving 09:43.  Since 2019 there's no bus connection, but a taxi from l'Hospitalet should cost around €80 for up to 4 passengers, taking 47 minutes for the 38 km drive.  Pre-book a taxi to meet the train, call Altitud Taxis, 00 376 856255 or 00 33 561644714.  This is a nicer and faster option than the bus from Toulouse, when running.

Intercite de nuit overnight train   Intercite de nuit couchette

The intercitι de nuit overnight train from Paris to l'Hospitalet has 1st class 4-berth & 2nd class 6-berth couchettes, each with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.

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Munich to Salzburg from €17.99
A railjet train about to leave Munich Hbf

A railjet to Salzburg, Linz & Vienna at Munich Hbf More about Munich to Salzburg trains.

Munich to Salzburg BRB regional train at Munich Hbf

A BRB regional train at Munich Hbf More about Munich to Salzburg trains.

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Munich to Hallstatt from €29.99

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Munich to Vienna from €27.99

Option 1, Munich to Vienna by railjet - fastest & most frequent

A railjet train about to leave Munich Hbf

A railjet to Vienna about to leave Munich Hbf.  More about railjets.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant car.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

Pleasant Bavarian scenery between Munich & Salzburg.

View of Salzburg as the train crosses the River Salzach

This is the view of Salzburg's Fortress Hohensalzburg on your right hand side as the railjet crosses the River Salzach & approaches Salzburg Hbf.

Pleasant farmland scenery between Salzburg & Vienna.

Option 2, Munich to Vienna by competing Westbahn train - up to 6 per day, cheaper at short notice, great double-deck trains

Westbahn train to Salzburg at Vienna

WESTbahn double-deck train on platform 8 at Munich Hbf.

Westbahn first class seats   Westbahn comfort class

First class seats, upper deck Seats arranged 2+1 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Comfort class, upper deck.  Almost identical to 2nd class, a bit more legroom & all seats are around tables. Larger photo.

Westbahn train buffet car   Westbahn 2nd class seats

Food vending area, 4 per trainset.    You can buy snacks, drinks, tea & coffee with contactless bank cards.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class seats, upper deck.  Seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

Option 3, Munich to Vienna by sleeper train

The sleeper train Kalman Imre from Munich to Budapest

The Hungarian sleeper train.  More about this sleeper train.

The sleeper train from Zurich to Budapest   4-berth couchettes on train to Budapest   6-berth couchettes on train to Budapest

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper, set up as a 2-bed.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

6-berth couchettes.

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Munich to Innsbruck from €18.99

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Munich to Copenhagen from €39.99

Option 1, Munich to Copenhagen by daytime trains

ICE4 at Hamburg Hbf

Step 1, Munich to Hamburg by ICE with restaurant car & free WiFi, seen here at Hamburg HbfMore about ICE trains.

1st class on an ICE4 train   Restaurant car on an ICE4 train

1st class on an ICE4.

 

Restaurant car on an ICE4.  Sample menu.

Bar counter car on an ICE4 train   2nd class on an ICE4 train

Bar counter at the other end of the kitchen.

 

2nd class seats on an ICE4.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Step 2, Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

Option 2, Munich to Copenhagen using the Munich-Hamburg sleeper

New-generation Nightjet train

Step 1, Munich to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train.  Above, a new generation Nightjet ready to leave.  More about new-generation Nightjets.

Comfort Plus sleeper in new generation Nightjet train   Comfort sleeper in new generation Nightjet train

Comfort Plus sleeper with shower & toilet.

 

Comfort sleeper with shower & toilet

4-berth couchette in new generation Nightjet train   Mini-cabins in new generation Nightjet train

4-berth couchettes.

 

Mini-cabins - enclosed individual capsules.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Step 2, Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

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Munich to Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmφ

Option 1, Munich to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train - the time-effective option

Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Hamburg Altona   6-berth couchette on the Hamburg-Stockholm SJ night train

The inaugural Hamburg to Stockholm SJ EuroNight train in Hamburg on 1 September 2022. The author rode this first departure.  More about this train.

6-berth couchettes.

Larger photo.

Standard sleeper, set up as a double   Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Padborg

2-bed sleeper.  Larger photo.

The inaugural train from Hamburg to Stockholm calls at Padborg, just after entering Denmark.

Scenery from the Hamburg to Stockholm train

Typical Swedish scenery on the morning run into Stockholm.

Option 2, Munich to Sweden with an overnight stop in Hamburg from €56.99

Option 3, Munich to Sweden with an overnight stop in Copenhagen from €56.99

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Φresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

Option 4, Munich to Gothenburg using Stena Line's Kiel-Gothenburg overnight ferry

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Munich to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Munich to Oslo with overnight stop in Hamburg - by train all the way

Option 2, Munich to Oslo with overnight stop in Copenhagen - by train all the way

Option 3, Munich to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most luxurious way to Oslo

New-generation Nightjet train

Step 1, Munich to Hamburg by Nightjet then regional train to Kiel.  More about new-generation Nightjets.

Comfort Plus sleeper in new generation Nightjet train   Comfort sleeper in new generation Nightjet train

Comfort Plus sleeper with shower & toilet.

 

Comfort sleeper with shower & toilet

4-berth couchette in new generation Nightjet train   Mini-cabins in new generation Nightjet train

4-berth couchettes.

 

Mini-cabins - enclosed individual capsules.

Boarding the ferry in Kiel

Step 2, sail from Kiel to Oslo with Color Line.  It's just a 6 minute walk across from Kiel Hbf to the Color Line terminal.  There's a lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal.  If you've booked one of Color Line's 5 star suites, check in at the desk rather than the machines to be directed to a VIP lounge with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi.  You'll have priority boarding & free access to the on-board spa.  Photos courtesy of Philip Dyer-Perry except where shown.

Cabin on Kiel to Oslo ferry   Restaurant on Kiel to Oslo ferry

Above left, cabin with TV, shower & toilet, luxury suites are also available.  Above right, restaurant with a view.

Restaurant on Kiel to Oslo ferry   Lounge on Kiel to Oslo ferry

Restaurant and lounge on the Kiel-Oslo ferry.

View from Color Line ferry to Oslo

Wake up to lovely scenery sailing up Oslo Fjord.

Ferry arrived in Oslo   Color Line transfer bus in Oslo

The Color Line ferry, arrived at Oslo.  Above right, there's a transfer bus to Oslo Sentral, photo courtesy of Andrew Leo.

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Munich to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Munich to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany to Helsinki - the easiest option

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemόnde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, Munich to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

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Munich to Prague from €16
Express train from Munich to Prague

Munich to Prague by air-conditioned express train, shown above on platform 26 at Munich Hbf, a Czech open-plan car in the foreground, a Lδnderbahn Alex compartment car behind, both with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More about these Munich-Prague trains.

2nd class compartment in a Landerbahn car   2nd class open saloon car

In 2nd class, choose a Lδnderbahn compartment.

 

Or a Czech Railways 2nd class open-plan car.

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Munich to Českύ Krumlov from €16.55

Option 1, Munich to Českύ Krumlov via Linz - fastest, from €34.99

Option 2, Munich to Českύ Krumlov via Plzen - 2h slower, but cheaper

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Munich to Brno

Option 1, Munich-Brno via Vienna - fastest, from €34.99

Option 2, Munich-Brno via Prague - slower, from €27

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Munich to Ostrava

Option 1, Munich-Ostrava via Vienna - fastest, from €34.99

Option 2, Munich-Ostrava via Prague - slower, from €28

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Munich to Karlovy Vary

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Munich to Bratislava from €40
A railjet train about to leave Munich Hbf

Step 1, Munich to Vienna by railjet.  This is a railjet to Vienna about to leave Munich Hbf.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About business class.

 

Restaurant car.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

Pleasant Bavarian scenery between Munich & Salzburg.

View of Salzburg as the train crosses the River Salzach

This is the view of Salzburg's Fortress Hohensalzburg on your right hand side as the railjet crosses the River Salzach & approaches Salzburg Hbf.

Pleasant farmland scenery between Salzburg & Vienna.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava, at Vienna Huaptbahnhof...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Step 2, Vienna to Bratislava Hlavna by regional express train, seen here about to leave Vienna Hbf More about these Vienna-Bratislava trains.

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Munich to Poprad-Tatry & Kosice

Option 1 Munich to Poprad-Tatry or Kosice using the Prague-Slovakia sleeper - time-effective, with dinner in Prague

Option 2, Munich to Poprad-Tatry or Kosice in a day

Intercity train from Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice, at Bratislava

Slovakian Intercity train at Bratislava Hlavna.

Bar on Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice train   2nd class open-plan seats on Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice train

Bar area at one end of the restaurant car.

 

2nd class open-plan seating.

1st class on Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice train   2nd class compartment on a train from Bratislava to Poprad Tatry & Kosice

1st class open-plan seats.

 

2nd class compartment seating.

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Munich to Budapest from €39.99

Option 1, Munich to Budapest by daytime trains

A railjet train about to leave Munich Hbf

A railjet to Budapest about to leave Munich Hbf.  More about railjets

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant car.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

Pleasant Bavarian scenery between Munich & Salzburg.

View of Salzburg as the train crosses the River Salzach

This is the view of Salzburg's Fortress Hohensalzburg on your right hand side as the railjet crosses the River Salzach & approaches Salzburg Hbf.

Pleasant farmland scenery between Salzburg & Vienna.

Between Vienna & Budapest it's largely flat, with more wind turbines than you can shake a stick at, allegedly over 200.  This photo pretty much sums up that section of line!

A Railjet train at Budapest

The railjet has landed.  A railjet has arrived spot on time at Budapest Keleti station, built 1881-1884

Option 2, Munich to Budapest by sleeper train - the time-effective option

The sleeper train Kalman Imre from Munich to Budapest

The sleeper train Kalman Imre.  More about this sleeper train.

The sleeper train from Zurich to Budapest   4-berth couchettes on train to Budapest   6-berth couchettes on train to Budapest

2 bed sleeper, can also be set up as 1 or 3 bed.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

6-berth couchettes.

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Munich to Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest from €79

Option 1, Munich to Romania using the sleeper train Ister from Budapest to Brasov & Bucharest

2-berth sleeper on the Ister   The Ister at Bucharest Nord

A 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest.  Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.

Couchette car on the Ister EuroNight train from Budapest to Bucharest   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest.  Couchettes convert from bunks at night to seats by day.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com .

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Munich to Romania using the sleeper train Dacia Express from Vienna to Timisoara, Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest.

Dacia Express sleeper at Vienna   Dacia Express sleeper

The Dacia Express sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf.  Sleeper photo courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.  Larger photo.

Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest   Dacia Express couchette car

The Dacia Express couchette car, boarding at Vienna Hbf.  Larger photo.

Scenery in Transylvania

Transylvania:  The Dacia Express crosses rural Transylvania.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Dacia Express Carpathian mountains

The Carpathian mountains:  Almost Alpine scenery between Brasov & Bucharest.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

Option 3, Munich to Romania with overnight stop in Budapest - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

The daytime train from Budapest to Bucharest

The daytime train from Budapest to Bucharest has modern air-conditioned Romanian carriages.  Three cars travel all the way, additional cars are attached whilst in Hungary, and additional cars and a bar car are attached between Drobeta Turnu Severin & Bucharest.

The 'Transylvania' train to Brasov about to leave Budapest   2nd class on the Budapest to Bucharest train

On the left, the daytime train to Bucharest is about to leave Budapest Keleti.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats on the Budapest to Bucharest train.  There are power outlets under the tables.  Larger photo.

Bar stools on the Budapest to Bucharest train   Bar car on the Budapest to Bucharest train

A bar car is attached between Drobeta Turnu Severin & Bucharest.  Photos courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com.

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Munich to Ljubljana, Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik from €37.99

Option 1, Munich to Ljubljana & Zagreb by daytime trains - the scenic option

A railjet train about to leave Munich Hbf

The 08:17 departure is a smart Austrian railjet from Munich to Villach, on the Austrian-Slovenian border.  This is a railjet about to leave Munich Hbf.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant car.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

Scenery in the Austrian Alps between Munich & Ljubljana

Through the Austrian Alps.  Clinging to the mountainside high in the Austrian Alps, the railjet snakes along between snow-capped mountains, absolutely wonderful.

If you use the morning train from Munich, there's a quick & simple cross-platform change of train at Villach onto a Slovenian & Croatian train called the Sava.

  2nd class seats on the Munich-Zagreb train

...along the Sava river in Slovenia.  Now across the border in Slovenia, the EuroCity train runs along the pretty River Sava all the way to Ljubljana & Zagreb.

 

Comfortable seats:  The 2nd class seats in the Slovenian cars are arranged 2+1 abreast, the same as 1st class!

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

More lovely scenery along the Sava between Ljubljana & Zagreb.

The EuroCity train 'Sava' from Munich to Ljubljana & Zagreb  

The EuroCity train Sava, arrived at Zagreb.

 

More scenery along the Sava between Ljubljana & Zagreb.

Option 2, Munich to Ljubljana & Zagreb by sleeper train - the time-effective option

The 'Lisinski' sleeper train from Munic to Zagreb, boarding in Munich

Above, the air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car to Zagreb.  It has 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as 1, 2 or 3 berth, with toilets at the end of the corridor.  Compartments convert to a private sitting room for evening or morning use.  A light breakfast is included in the sleeper fare.  The Croatian couchette car is the next vehicle to the right, also modern & air-conditioned with 4 & 6 bunk compartments, ideal for families.  Couchettes convert from bunks to seats for evening or morning use.

Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   4 or 6-berth couchettes on train from Munich to Zagreb

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper.

 

Set up as a single-berth.

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes. 360Ί photo.

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Wake up to scenery like this between Ljubljana & Zagreb, along the river Sava.

Option 2, Munich to Split & Dubrovnik using the Budapest-Split sleeper train Adria, runs June-September

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Munich to Belgrade & Montenegro

Option 1, Munich to Belgrade using the Munich-Budapest sleeper - runs from 8 December 2024

Option 2, Munich to Belgrade with overnight stop in Budapest - runs from 8 December 2024

Option 3, Munich to Zagreb by sleeper, onwards to Belgrade - currently involves a bus

The 'Lisinski' sleeper train from Munic to Zagreb, boarding in Munich

Step 1, Munich to Zagreb by sleeper.  Above, the air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car to Zagreb.  It has 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as 1, 2 or 3 berth, with toilets at the end of the corridor.  Compartments convert to a private sitting room for evening or morning use.  A light breakfast is included in the sleeper fare.  The Croatian couchette car is the next vehicle to the right, also modern & air-conditioned with 4 & 6 bunk compartments, ideal for families.  Couchettes convert from bunks to seats for evening or morning use.

Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   4 or 6-berth couchettes on train from Munich to Zagreb

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper.

 

Set up as a single-berth.

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes. 360Ί photo.

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Wake up to scenery like this between Ljubljana & Zagreb, along the river Sava.

2nd class seats in a Serbian air-conditioned train   The train from Belgrade to Zagreb & Zurich, about to leave Belgrade

Step 2, Zagreb to Belgrade by Serbian train.  There's no catering, so bring your own food & drink.

Option 4, Munich to Belgrade with overnight stop in Zagreb

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Munich to Sofia

Option 1, Munich to Sofia via Budapest & Bucharest - currently the most viable option

Option 2, Milan to Sofia via Belgrade

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Munich to Warsaw & Krakow from €39.99

Option 1, Munich to Krakow & Warsaw by sleeper train - the time-effective option

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Munich to Krakow & Warsaw by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin, seen at Vienna Hbf.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Option 2, Munich to Warsaw & Krakow by daytime trains

ICE3

Step 1, Munich to Berlin by ICE with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Various types of ICE operate this route.  More about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3.  Larger photo.

ICE-T restaurant car   ICE-T restaurant car meal

Restaurant.

 

Dinner in the diner.

Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

Step 2, Berlin to Warsaw or Krakow by EuroCity train, a Berlin-Warsaw train is seen here on platform 11 at Berlin Hbf More about Berlin-Poland EuroCity trains.

1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class compartment.

Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Restaurant car.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.

 

The bar counter.

 

Decent food, served on proper china.

Option 3, Munich to Warsaw in a day via Prague - can be cheaper, but takes longer

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Munich to Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn

Munich to Lithuania with overnight stop in Warsaw...

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Munich to Lviv, Kyiv & Ukraine

Option 1, Munich to Lviv & Kyiv via Prague - easiest to book, usually with good availability

Regiojet overnight train   Regiojet couchette compartment

Prague to Przemysl by Regiojet sleeper train

06:50 Intercity train from Kiev to Lviv   1st class seats on the 06:50 train from Kiev to Lviv

Przemysl to Lviv & Kyiv by Intercity train.

 

1st class. Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

2nd class seats on the 06:50 train from Kiev to Lviv   Cafe countrer on the 06:50 Intercity train Kiev to Lviv

2nd class. Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.

 

Cafe counter. Courtesy DiscoverByRail.

Option 2, Munich to Lviv & Kyiv via Vienna - quickest & easiest journey, but often sells out soon after sales open

The Vienna-Kiev sleeping-car at Vienna

Boarding the Vienna to Kyiv sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf.

Sleeper to Kiev about to leave Vienna   Ukrainian sleeper corridor   1, 2 or 3 bed Ukrainian sleeper compartment

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeper about to leave Vienna Hbf. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

The sleeper corridor.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment.

The Vienna-Kiev sleeping-car at Kiev Pass

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeping-car at Kyiv Pass.  Photos courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

Option 3, Munich to Kyiv via Warsaw - often sells out soon after sales open

The Kiev Express   1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment   Each compartment has a washbasin

Boarding in Warsaw.

 

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper.

 

...with washbasin.

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Munich to Moscow & Russia

Option 1, Munich to Moscow using the Warsaw-Moscow sleeper, every day - goes via Belarus

A modern Russian sleeping-car of the sort used on the Polonez   A 2-berth or 4-berth compartment in daytime mode

Option 2, Munich to Moscow using the Berlin-Moscow sleeper train, twice a week - also goes via Belarus.

Option 3, Munich to Moscow via Kyiv, avoiding Belarus with daily departures

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Munich to Athens, Corfu & Greece

Option 1, Munich to Athens by train & ferry via Italy - the leisurely option with an Adriatic cruise thrown in

  • Day 2, sail overnight from Bari to Patras in Greece with Superfast Ferries.

    The ferry sails from Bari at 19:30 on Mondays-Saturdays, arriving Patras at 13:00 next day (Day 3).

    On Sundays the ship sails at 13:30, too early to make connections from Verona.

    You can check sailing times & dates at using the Direct Ferries website or at www.superfast.com or www.ferriesingreece.com.

    You should check in at the Superfast desk on the ground floor of the cruise terminal (Terminal Crociere) at Bari port with passport & booking number to get your boarding pass, ideally 3 hours before departure in summer, although in practice 2 hours or even 1½ hours is normally fine.

    You then walk 500m from check-in to the ferry, board the ferry via the foot passenger gangway at the stern and head up the escalator to the main lounge and reception desk to get your cabin key.

    The ship is comfortable, with self-service restaurant, lounge, bar and sun deck.  You can book a deck place (a good & cheap option in summer if you have your own sleeping bag), a reclining seat or various types of cabin, all with private shower & toilet.  Strolling the decks in the morning sun as the ship cruises past the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca is the nicest part of the trip, and it's a wonderful way to arrive in Greece.

    In Patras, the ferry arrives at the new South ferry terminal a few km from the town centre.  Bus 18 links the port with the Patras bus station every hour on the hour, fare €1.20 or you can hop in a taxi for around €9, journey time 15-20 minutes.

  • Day 3, travel from Patras to Athens by Greek Railways bus/train combo.

    Hellenic Train (Greek Railways) operate an integrated bus/train service from Patras to Athens every hour or two, total journey time 3h02, fare around €18.  No prior reservation is necessary, just buy a ticket to Athens at Patras railway station ticket office.

    For example, at the time I write this, buses leave from outside Patras railway station at 14:15, 15:15, 16:00, 17:15 & 18:15, taking 90 minutes to reach Kiato railway station near Corinthos.  At Kiato they connect with a modern air-conditioned regional train taking 78 minutes to Athens Larissa Station in downtown Athens.  You can check Patra to Athens bus/train times using the journey planner at www.hellenictrain.gr.

Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Boarding the ferry from Italy to Greece   Lounge and reception desk on the ferry to Greece

The passenger gangway, onto the ferry.

 

Reception desk & lounge on the ferry.

Lounge & bar on the ferry from Italy to Greece   Self-service restaurant on the ferry from Italy to Greece

Lounge and bar on the Superfast II.

 

Self-service restaurant.

En suite toilet & shower on ferry to Greece   Cabin on ferry from Italy to Greece

Private cabin with en suite toilet & shower.

Scenic views from the ferry from Italy to Greece

The ferry passes Cephalonia & Ithaca then approaches mainland Greece.  This is what travel to Greece should be like!

The ferry from Bari arrives at Patras

The ferry approaches the new port of Patras.

Option 2, Munich to Athens overland by train via Munich & Belgrade

  • There are no international trains to or from Greece, so this route is currently not viable.

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Munich to Istanbul & Turkey

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Hotels in Munich & other cities

For advice on hotels near the station or in the centre, see the hotels section on the Munich Hbf page.

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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