How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle From Munich
This blog will cover how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich if you are basing yourself here during your trip to Germany.
My top reason for visiting Germany was due to my decade-long dream of seeing the rumored inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle - Neuschwanstein Castle. Located just an hour and a half from Munich, this centuries-old castle stands tall among the Bavarian Alps.
After taking close to two decades to build, King Ludwig II of Bavaria only lived in it for six months before passing away. He became so introverted by that period in his life that he never hosted any parties or many visitors to the grand palace into which he poured all of his life savings.
Nowadays, the castle attracts numerous visitors and is the perfect excursion from Munich. Continue reading to discover the quickest and easiest way to get to the castle from Munich!
P.S. Check out my itinerary for 3 days in Munich here!
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How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle From Munich
There are a few different ways to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, the first of which is by far the most convenient.
Take a Tour From Munich
I strongly recommend booking a tour from Munich to the Neuschwanstein Castle. I booked this tour through GetYourGuide and absolutely loved it! It included round-trip transportation from Munich, a notable guide, and a fun group of individuals to experience the castle with.
You’ll meet at Radius Tours in Munich and will have the chance to purchase entrance into the castle in addition to your tour (20€), which I HIGHLY recommend. You won’t want to miss out on the Renaissance design, extravagant throne room, and cave-like hallway, just to name a few of the castle’s fun quirks.
Your comfortable bus ride will be stocked with beverages available for purchase and will include some occasional commentary from your knowledgeable guide. Once arriving, you’ll have some time to grab a snack before being given the option to hike up to the castle or take a bus. Although I was thinking of hiking up initially, I was glad I decided on the short bus ride after seeing how sweaty the others from my group got when they met us at the top.
During your visit, make sure to get in line for the Marienbrücke, a bridge sandwiched between two mountains that offers the most stunning view of Neuschwanstein Castle. You can do this before or after going inside the castle, depending on the time your ticket is for. Your entrance ticket is only valid for 5 minutes after the designated time, as they segment the entrance times for traffic purposes, so you’ll want to make sure you’re there and ready to scan in.
After exploring the castle, you’ll likely have time to either souvenir shop, grab a bite to eat, or explore some more shops in the village at the foot of the mountain before meeting up with your group to depart. I suggest grabbing some German hot dogs at one of the quick-service restaurants. They’re to die for!
This entire day was so easy from start to finish and is my top recommendation when I’m asked how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich. The ease of it all makes it an obvious choice.
Click here to book!
Drive From Munich
Alternatively, you can always reach the Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich by car. If you plan on having a rental car throughout your trip, you could opt for driving here on your own. The drive is a little over an hour and a half without traffic and is generally easy once you make it out of Munich.
Of course, you’ll have to ensure that you feel comfortable driving out of Munich and finding parking once you get to the village of Hohenschwangau near the castle. There are four parking lots throughout the village, costing a total of 7€ for 6 hours of parking, which is more than enough time.
From here, you can either walk up to the castle (30-40 minutes on a steep uphill road) or catch the bus that our tour guide led us to. These buses can be found toward the end of the village at the parking p4 station. The uphill trip costs 3€, while the downhill trip costs 2€. However, walking downhill is quite easy and possible for the majority of visitors. You can pay your fare on the bus.
Take Public Transportation
While public transportation is always an option, I do not recommend it. When looking at public transportation options, I realized it would take anywhere from 2.5-4 hours just to get to the village from Munich. This was due to available train times, transfer times, etc., leading me to panic buy a last-minute tour to the castle the night before. Once I saw how easy it made everything, I was so glad I spent the money to do this, especially as it would have added a few more hours to get back to Munich. After being on your feet exploring the castle, the last thing you’ll feel like doing is taking a combination of buses and trains to return to Munich.
Take it from an experienced traveler who has taken public transportation in various countries - trying to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich on public transportation is not worth it!
Is There a Train That Goes to Neuschwanstein Castle?
Yes, there is a train that can take you part of the way to Neuschwanstein Castle. To visit the castle from Munich, you can take a train to the town of Füssen, which is about two hours away. From Füssen, you’ll need to take another bus ride (bus 73 or 78) to Hohenschwangau, where the castle is located. Keep in mind that the train doesn’t take you directly to the castle, though.
As mentioned, I really do not recommend this, even to seasoned travelers. But if you’re up for it, then be my guest!
Is the Neuschwanstein Castle Worth Going To?
Absolutely! I dreamed of seeing this castle in real life ever since it came across my Pinterest feed. It was even more magical in person, especially when viewed from the Marienbrücke. This is an iconic photo spot you cannot miss.
After making the journey there, you won’t just want to stare at the castle for 5-10 minutes from the bridge and call it a day. I originally was only going to view the castle from outside, but I decided to book an entrance ticket through my tour group once I realized everyone else on my tour was doing the same. I’m so glad I did this!
Touring the inside of the castle is a must-do. No pictures are allowed inside, so it’s a bit of a fun mystery. I’ve been inside my fair share of castles and palaces at this point in my travels, and this was unlike any others I’ve seen.
How Much Time Do You Need at Neuschwanstein Castle?
You’ll typically need about 3 to 4 hours to fully experience Neuschwanstein Castle. Here’s a breakdown of how that time can be spent:
Getting There and Getting Up to the Castle (1 to 1.5 hours): From the ticket center in Hohenschwangau village, it’s a 30- to 40-minute uphill walk to the castle, or you can take a shuttle bus or horse-drawn carriage. Plan some extra time for transportation and the queue, especially during peak seasons.
Castle Tour (30 to 45 minutes): The guided tour inside the castle lasts around 30 minutes. You’ll explore several rooms, learn about King Ludwig II, and see the grand Throne Hall and the lavish Singer’s Hall.
Exploring the Surrounding Area (1 to 1.5 hours): After the tour, take time to visit the Marienbrücke bridge for the iconic view of the castle. The area offers several scenic walking paths and viewpoints that are worth exploring.
Overall, planning for 3 to 4 hours allows you to enjoy the castle tour, take in the stunning surroundings, and avoid feeling rushed.
Do You Need to Buy Tickets in Advance for Neuschwanstein Castle?
Yes, it is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance for Neuschwanstein Castle, especially during the busy tourist season. The castle is one of the most popular attractions in Germany, and tickets can sell out quickly, often days or even weeks ahead.
Purchasing tickets online allows you to secure your preferred time slot for the guided tour, which is the only way to enter the castle. Alternatively, if you booked a tour like the one I suggested, you can purchase your entry ticket through them and have it all taken care of ahead of time.
Booking in advance also helps you avoid long waits at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau, where same-day tickets are first-come, first-served.
How Much Does Neuschwanstein Castle Cost?
As of 2024, adult tickets cost 20€ when booked online in advance. This is the same rate I paid through Radius Tours. Children under 18 are free to enter, but there is a booking fee of 2.50€ when purchased online in advance, which is recommended.
Can I Go to Neuschwanstein Castle Without a Tour?
While you can visit the grounds and exterior of Neuschwanstein Castle without a ticket, you cannot enter the interior of the castle without joining a guided tour. The guided tour is the only way to see the rooms inside, and it covers the castle’s history and the life of King Ludwig II.
You can still enjoy views of the castle, explore the nearby walking trails, and visit viewpoints like Marienbrücke without a tour. However, if you want to see the grand interior, which I highly encourage, you’ll need to book a tour in advance.
What Is the Closest Major City to Neuschwanstein Castle?
The closest major city to Neuschwanstein Castle is Munich, Germany. Located about 75 miles away, Munich is a popular starting point for day trips to the castle.
As mentioned, my top recommendation on how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich is to take a tour. However, you may feel so inclined to drive yourself or take public transportation. Whatever you decide on, I hope you have a fantastic time exploring this preserved gem!