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Vienna-Munich: Train vs. long-distance bus vs. plane – who wins?

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The route between Vienna and Munich is one of the most important connections in Central Europe. Travelers can choose between several modes of transport: long-distance bus, train and plane. Each of these modes of transport offers specific advantages and disadvantages in terms of operating costs, emissions and ticket prices. This article compares the above aspects in detail and highlights the economic and operational differences.

To calculate the operating costs per passenger kilometer, the total operating costs per kilometer are divided by the number of passengers that each mode of transport transports on average. To make it easier to compare, both the Stadler Kiss III of the Westbahn and the ÖBB Railjets are scaled down to a capacity of 400 people. The Embraer 195 is calculated with 120 seats and the Setra double-decker bus is assumed to have 80 people.

operating costs per kilometer or passenger kilometer

Flugthings:

Austrian Airlines frequently uses the Embraer 195 on the Vienna-Munich route, a short- and medium-haul jet with a seating capacity of around 120 passengers. According to industry reports, the operating costs of the Embraer 195 are around 5,40 euros per kilometer. This figure includes fuel costs, maintenance, crew and airport fees.

  • Operating costs per kilometer: 5,40 Euros
  • Capacity: 120 passengers

The operating costs per passenger kilometer for the Embraer 195 of Austrian Airlines are 0,045 Euros.

Note: The operating costs mentioned do not include airport fees, taxes and all variable costs. The value mentioned is an average value that can fluctuate considerably on a daily basis depending on fuel purchasing prices.

Embraer 195 (Photo: Jan Gruber).

long-distance bus:

The Setra double-decker bus, a popular model at Flixbus, offers around 80 seats. Operating costs average 1,30 euros per kilometer. These costs include diesel consumption, maintenance and drivers. Compared to other modes of transport, long-distance buses are significantly more cost-efficient, which is mainly due to the low fuel consumption per passenger.

  • Operating costs per kilometer: 1,30 Euros
  • Capacity: 80 passengers

The operating costs per passenger kilometer for the Setra double-decker bus from Flixbus are 0,01625 Euros.

Note: The operating costs mentioned do not include station fees that must be paid to the operators of bus stations or road pricing. Furthermore, the operating costs can fluctuate due to various factors such as daily fuel prices, leasing and/or financing costs and so on. This is therefore a rough guideline and not a binding figure.

Flixbus (Photo: Robert Spohr).

Train:

Different types of trains are used on the route between Vienna and Munich. The ÖBB Railjet has operating costs of around 10,50 euros per kilometer because it has higher energy costs and more complex maintenance requirements.

The Westbahn uses the Stadler Kiss III, whose operating costs are around 7,50 euros per kilometer. However, both train models score points with a high capacity of up to 400 seats, which reduces the cost per passenger.

train (ÖBB Railjet)

  • Operating costs per kilometer: 10,50 Euros
  • Capacity: 400 passengers

The operating costs per passenger kilometer for the ÖBB Railjet are 0,02625 Euros.

Locomotive of an ÖBB Railjet (Photo: Jan Gruber).

train (Stadler Kiss III – Westbahn)

  • Operating costs per kilometer: 7,50 Euros
  • Capacity: 400 passengers

The operating costs per passenger kilometre for the Stadler Kiss III of Westbahn are 0,01875 Euros.

Note: The operating costs mentioned do not include station fees that must be paid to the operators of railway stations (e.g. ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, NB Netz AG) or track access fees. Furthermore, the operating costs can fluctuate due to various factors such as daily energy prices, leasing and/or financing costs and so on. This is therefore a rough guideline and not a binding figure.

Stadler Kiss 3 of the Westbahn (Photo: Jan Gruber).

Summary of operating costs: The long-distance bus wins

  • Aircraft (Embraer 195 – Austrian Airlines): 0,045 euros per passenger kilometer
  • Long-distance bus (Setra double-decker bus – Flixbus): 0,01625 euros per passenger kilometer
  • Train (ÖBB Railjet): 0,02625 euros per passenger kilometer
  • Train (Stadler Kiss III – Westbahn): 0,01875 euros per passenger kilometer

The long-distance bus has the advantage of the highest cost efficiency, with the lowest operating costs per passenger kilometer, followed by the Westbahn, the Railjet and finally the airplane, whose operating costs per passenger kilometer are significantly higher.

Carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometer: Rail wins

Carbon dioxide emissions are a relevant factor in the discussion about means of transport. For comparison purposes, emissions are calculated per passenger kilometer, which reflects the efficiency of the respective means of transport.

  • Aircraft (Embraer 195): 115 g CO₂ per passenger kilometer
  • Long-distance bus (Setra double-decker): 30 g CO₂ per passenger kilometer
  • Train (Railjet and Stadler Kiss III): 12 g CO₂ per passenger kilometer (when using electrical energy from conventional sources)

In this comparison, the train is the most efficient mode of transport, followed by the long-distance bus. The plane performs significantly worse due to the high energy consumption and the short flight time.

It should be expressly pointed out that carbon dioxide emissions from trains can be significantly higher if the traction current comes from coal-fired power. This is often the case in Germany, for example. Electric trains were also compared in this comparison. When diesel traction is used, which can happen under the overhead wire on this route for a variety of reasons, the carbon dioxide balance looks completely different. However, since this is the exception and not the rule, this was not taken into account in the calculation.

Average ticket prices: The long-distance bus wins

Assuming you book two weeks in advance, the following average prices apply for a one-way trip on the Vienna-Munich route:

  • Long-distance bus (Flixbus): 25–35 euros
  • Train (ÖBB, DB, Westbahn): 40–70 euros (depending on connection and provider)
  • Airplane (Austrian Airlines): 120–180 euros

The price differences show that the coach is the most cost-effective option for travellers, while the train is a mid-range option. The plane is by far the most expensive option, but is often preferred when it comes to saving time.

It should be noted that these are rough guide prices. All providers regularly have specials with significantly lower prices. However, depending on demand and capacity, the prices quoted can be several times higher than the average prices mentioned.

Comparison of average travel times according to transport companies

1st aircraft (Austrian Airlines – Embraer 195)

  • Flight time: The flight time from Vienna to Munich is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
  • Additional time at the airport: As a rule, you should arrive at the airport 1 to 1,5 hours before departure (check-in, security checks, boarding).
  • Transfer to and from the airport: Vienna Airport (Schwechat) is located about 18 km from the city center. The journey by S-Bahn or City Airport Train (CAT) takes about 20 to 30 minutes. In Munich, passengers must take the S-Bahn or taxi from the airport to the city center (e.g. Hofbräuhaus), which also takes about 40 to 50 minutes.

Total travel time:

  • Flight time: 1:10 hours
  • Transfer and waiting time: approx. 2:30 to 3:00 hours
  • Total time: approx. 3:00 to 3:30 hours

2. Long-distance bus (Flixbus – Setra double-decker bus)

  • driving time: The average travel time by coach from Vienna to Munich is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Additional time: Long-distance buses usually run directly without long stops, but delays can occur due to traffic. In Vienna, the journey time from a central point (e.g. Schwedenplatz) to the bus station (e.g. Stadion Center) can be between 10 and 20 minutes. In Munich, the bus then goes directly to the city center.

Total travel time:

  • Travel time: 4:30 hours
  • Transfer to and from the bus station: approx. 30 minutes
  • Total time: approx. 5:00 hours

3. Train (ÖBB Railjet)

  • driving time: The direct connection from Vienna Central Station to Munich Central Station with the Railjet takes about 4 hours.
  • Additional time: In Vienna you have to go to the main train station, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes by subway from Schwedenplatz. In Munich you have to go from the main train station to the Hofbräuhaus, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic and the means of transport chosen.

Total travel time:

  • Travel time: 4:00 hours
  • Transfer to and from the main station: approx. 30 to 40 minutes
  • Total time: approx. 4:30 to 4:40 hours

4th track (Westbahn – Stadler Kiss III)

  • driving time: The Westbahn also takes about 4 hours for the route between Vienna Westbahnhof and Munich Hauptbahnhof.
  • Additional time: The Westbahn stops at several stations, but the journey time is similar to that of the Railjet. The transfers to and from the station are also around 30 to 40 minutes, just like with the ÖBB.

Total travel time:

  • Travel time: 4:00 hours
  • Transfer to and from the main station: approx. 30 to 40 minutes
  • Total time: approx. 4:30 to 4:40 hours

Practical comparison of real travel times including feeder or transfers

Now let’s look at the actual travel times, starting on Schwedenplatz in Vienna and ending on Hofbräuhaus in Munich.

1st plane

  • Shuttle to Vienna Airport (Schwedenplatz – Vienna Airport):
    • By S-Bahn (S7) or CAT it takes about 30 minutes.
  • Airport stay:
    • Check-in, security checks, boarding – about 1 to 1,5 hours.
  • Flight time:
    • Approximately 1:10 hours.
  • Transfer from Munich Airport to the city center:
    • By S-Bahn it takes about 40 minutes.

Realistic total travel time (airport stay and transfers included):

  • Schwedenplatz to Vienna Airport: 30 minutes
  • Airport stay: 1:30 hours
  • Flight time: 1:10 hours
  • Transfer from Munich Airport: 40 minutes
  • Total: approx. 3:50 hours

2. Long-distance bus

  • Shuttle to Vienna Bus Station:
    • From Schwedenplatz to the bus station (e.g. main station, Erdberg) it takes about 20 minutes.
  • Travel time by long-distance bus:
    • Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.
  • Transfer from Munich bus station to Hofbräuhaus:
    • It takes about 20 minutes from the central bus station in Munich (e.g. ZOB) to the city center.

Realistic total travel time (including feeder and transfers):

  • Schwedenplatz to the bus station: 20 minutes
  • Long-distance bus ride: 4:30 hours
  • Transfer from Munich bus station: 20 minutes
  • Total: approx. 5:10 hours

3. Train (ÖBB Railjet)

  • Shuttle to Vienna Central Station:
    • From Schwedenplatz to the main station it takes about 20 minutes by subway.
  • Travel time with the Railjet:
    • About 4 hours.
  • Transfer from Munich Central Station to Hofbräuhaus:
    • About 20 minutes by subway or taxi.

Realistic total travel time (including feeder and transfers):

  • Schwedenplatz to the main station: 20 minutes
  • Railjet ride: 4:00 hours
  • Transfer from Munich Central Station: 20 minutes
  • Total: approx. 4:40 hours

4th track (Westbahn – Stadler Kiss III)

  • Shuttle to Vienna Central Station:
    • 20 minutes by subway.
  • Travel time with the Westbahn:
    • About 4 hours.
  • Transfer from Munich Central Station to Hofbräuhaus:
    • About 20 minutes.

Realistic total travel time (including feeder and transfers):

  • Schwedenplatz to the main station: 20 minutes
  • Westbahn journey: 4:00 hours
  • Transfer from Munich Central Station: 20 minutes
  • Total: approx. 4:40 hours

Fastest mode of transport and best price-performance ratio

Fastest mode of transport:

  • The air traffic is the fastest mode of transport if you take into account the travel times and transfers. The total travel time is around 3:50 hours, although the long-distance bus and train are significantly slower at around 4:30 to 5:10 hours. The flight time and the short transfer to Vienna Airport and Munich Airport in particular make the plane the fastest option.

Best price performance ratio:

  • The long-distance bus offers the best value for money. Despite its longer travel time of around 5 hours, the ticket price is often a fraction of the price of plane or train tickets. For travelers who are in less of a hurry and prefer a cost-effective option, the long-distance bus is the most attractive choice.

Summary:

  • Vienna Airport – Hofbräuhaus Munich: The fastest means of transport is the plane with a total time of 3:50 hours.
  • Most cost-effective option: Although the long-distance bus takes more time, it is the cheapest means of transport on this route.

Note: The travel times stated assume that there are no delays and that connections are made. In practice, the travel time may therefore be longer. This was not taken into account in the comparison, which is based on publicly available flight schedule and timetable data.

Overall conclusion: Comparison of transport modes on the Vienna-Munich route

There are several ways to travel between Vienna and Munich: by plane, long-distance bus or train. Each of these modes of transport has its own advantages and disadvantages, which mainly depend on the individual needs and priorities of the travelers. After a detailed comparison of travel times, operating costs and CO₂ emissions, the following overall conclusion can be drawn:

Speed:

  • Airplane (Austrian Airlines): With a total travel time of around 3 hours 50 minutes, the plane is the fastest mode of transport on this route. The actual flight time is only around 1 hour 10 minutes, but additional time is required for check-in, security checks and transfers to and from the airport. For travelers who value a quick arrival, the plane is the best choice.
  • Train (ÖBB Railjet / Westbahn): The train takes about 4:30 to 4:40 hours, including transfer times to the train stations in Vienna and Munich. The train journey is therefore faster than the long-distance bus, but slower than the plane. The Westbahn and the Railjet offer a comfortable, but less fast, alternative to the plane on the Vienna-Munich route.
  • Long-distance bus (Flixbus): With a total time of around 5 hours, the coach is the slowest mode of transport. The journey time of 4 hours 30 minutes plus transfer times makes the coach the least time-efficient option, although it can be a good choice for travelers who are not in a hurry.

Cost:

  • Airplane: The plane usually has higher ticket prices, especially for short-term bookings or during peak season. For travelers who have little flexibility in their travel times, prices can quickly rise with airlines like Austrian Airlines. However, if you book early, you can get a cheaper price, although this is usually still higher than the price of a train or long-distance bus.
  • Train: The train ticket price is higher than the long-distance bus, but often cheaper than the plane, especially if tickets are booked in advance. The Railjet offers a comfortable but not the cheapest option. The Westbahn has similar prices but offers slightly less luxurious amenities, so the train is a good option for travelers who are willing to pay a little more to not sacrifice comfort and convenience.
  • long-distance bus: The coach is by far the cheapest mode of transport on the route. Flixbus, in particular, offers very low prices, making it the preferred choice for budget-conscious travelers. Even though the coach involves a longer travel time, it is ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

CO₂ emissions and sustainability:

  • Airplane: Aircraft have the highest CO₂ emissions per passenger kilometer. Even though modern aircraft such as the Embraer 195 are relatively efficient, air transport remains a major CO₂ emitter compared to other modes of transport.
  • Train: The train is the most environmentally friendly option in terms of CO₂ emissions. The Railjet and Westbahn in particular rely on electrification, which significantly reduces emissions compared to airplanes and buses.
  • long-distance bus: The long-distance bus has lower CO₂ emissions per passenger compared to the airplane, but is not as environmentally friendly as the train. Nevertheless, the long-distance bus is significantly more efficient in terms of CO₂ compared to the airplane.

Which mode of transport is best?

  • For fast travelers: The plane is the best choice if speed is of the essence. It offers the fastest travel time, especially if you book flights in advance and accept short transfer times.
  • For travelers who prefer comfort: The train is a solid compromise between travel speed, comfort and cost. The Railjet and Westbahn offer comfortable seating and services that make travel more pleasant and are a good option when time and comfort are equally important.
  • For budget-conscious travelers: The long-distance bus is the cheapest option. If travelers are not in a hurry and are willing to accept a longer travel time, the long-distance bus is the best choice in terms of value for money.

Overall, the choice of transport depends largely on the personal priorities of the traveler. If you are in a hurry, the fastest way to get to your destination is by plane. On the other hand, if you value comfort and a relaxed journey, the train is an attractive option. The long-distance bus remains the best choice for price-conscious travelers who do not have to compromise on travel time.

From an economic point of view, the long-distance bus offers the lowest operating costs per kilometer and is therefore the cheapest alternative for travelers. The train, especially the Westbahn, scores points with low carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometer and remains competitive in terms of comfort and reliability. The plane proves to be the fastest, but more expensive and less environmentally friendly option.

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