Private car transfer from Zurich to Munich

This transfer requires 3.5 hours of driving, making it the perfect distance for one of two stops to castles that inspire fairytales and UNESCO-recognized cities frozen in time, such as St. Gallen. Their old-world charm makes for an interesting contrast when you arrive in Munich, a city known for its modern style.

Munich is distinctly Bavarian

In southern Germany, the Free State of Bavaria has a distinct identity from the rest of the German-speaking regions in Europe. Their accent is usually the first hint that someone is from Bavaria, as well as their tendency to be Catholic, unlike the rest of Germany’s Protestant (specifically, Lutheran) religious leanings. Munich is the capital of Bavaria and was founded by monks in the 8th century, giving it the name Munchen, or “to the monks.” It moved in and out of broader European empires for centuries but still retains its distinct Bavarian identity.

Munich is for makers

Munich is a hub for scientific and technological innovation. Famous brands and products like BMW, the MP3 player, modeling clay, and self-driving cars all got their start in Munich. Bavaria also boasts a long-held tradition of brewing beers that are exported all over the world for their rich, bodied flavor. There are 60 beer gardens in Munich for you to kick back and sample local brews. Some beers may even be as local as your own street, as Munich has 6 major breweries.

Munich is modern

Much of Munich was leveled during WWII and as a result, the Munich of today looks much more modern that other cities in Switzerland and Germany. The original city layout was preserved as much as possible while still accommodating modern traffic patterns. Today it is home to 6 million people and is one of the most upscale areas in Germany to live and work.

Double-check your Oktoberfest dates

Although the name suggests otherwise, Oktoberfest occurs mostly in September. Weekends bring crowds and surges in hotel prices, so if you can make your visit on a weekday, go for it!

Plan for Sunday slowdowns

Switzerland and Germany both have labor protections for retail workers on Sundays. If your Zurich to Munich transfer is scheduled for a Sunday, expect most grocery stores, malls, and retail shops to be closed. However, restaurants, cafes, and bars are usually open on Sundays.

Private drivers from Zurich to Munich

Driving is the fastest way to travel from Zurich to Munich and has the added benefit of being able to customize your journey. Leave on your own schedule and skip the logistics of finding a taxi or bus to the train station. The drive takes 3.5 hours and Daytrip is the simplest way to plan out both your transfer and any planned stops along the route.

Your Daytrip driver will escort you from your address in Zurich across the plains of southern Germany to Munich. Along the way, you have the opportunity to visit lakeside towns with colorful buildings, such as Lindau Island and Landsberg am Lech. These spots are perfect for vacation photos before picking out a restaurant for lunch.

After a day of sightseeing and traveling, you’ll be glad to get right to your address in Munich without needing to first learn the S-bahn and U-bahn systems or haul luggage all over the city. Daytrip makes traveling easy, starting at just $108 (€100) per seat.

Buses from Zurich to Munich

Flixbus operates more than 10 direct buses per day between Zurich and Munich. The journey lasts from 4 to 5.5 hours, and tickets are between $23 to $45 (€21-€42). Tickets need to be bought ahead of time online and include one piece of luggage.

Trains from Zurich to Munich

SBB is Switzerland’s national rail service. They have direct high-speed trains every day from Zurich to Munich. Trains leave every 2 hours from 7:33 AM to 7:33 PM, and the trip takes 3 hours and 31 minutes. Tickets start at $88 (€81), and there are no night train options, given the short travel distance.

Flights from Zurich to Munich

SWISS and Lufthansa operate daily nonstop flights from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Munich International Airport (MUC). If you purchase your tickets at least a month ahead of time, economy class tickets are as low as $224 (€207).

Flight time is 55 minutes, but when you add up the time spent in security and the transportation to and from the city centers, this journey takes 4 to 5 hours.

The BMW Museum and BMW World

Are you a total gearhead? Tour the BMW Museum and BMW World! See the birth and evolution of BMW into a world-renowned brand at the BMW Museum, then head over to BMW World to see the latest models from BMW, Rolls-Royce, and MINI.

FC Bayern’s Allianz Arena

Come see the home of FC Bayern, Germany’s most successful football (soccer) club in sports history. The Allianz Arena tour takes you through the team’s rise to fame and the building of the arena for the 2006 World Cup.

The Deutsches Museum Munich

Easily one of the largest science museums in the world, the Deutsches Museum in Munich has something for everyone. Journey through the evolution of aviation, human health, math, chemistry, space exploration, IT, and more! This family-friendly museum has hours of entertainment value and makes for a great rainy day activity. You may even have to come back a second day to see all of the exhibits.

The Englischer Garten (English Garden)

Munich may be known for its highly technical industries and modern infrastructure, but it also has one of the largest urban parks in the world. The Englischer Garten has over 900 acres of scenic walking paths, streams and lakes, beer gardens, playgrounds, and sports fields. It is even larger than New York City’s Central Park!

Bring your bathing suit and surf on the Eisbachwelle (a man-made river wave), go rafting, or sunbathe along the river banks. After such an exciting day, take a break and savor one of Munich’s many locally brewed beers at the Chinese Tower beer garden.