Munich (München) is a major economic hub in Bavaria in the south of Germany and lies 660km south-east from Amsterdam.
Let’s look at the options for travel between Amsterdam and Munich by train, air and bus.
1. Amsterdam-Munich by Train
The Amsterdam to Munich trip can be easily done by rail during the day using the ICE International train plus a change to a domestic German ICE service. Or take the direct NightJet service overnight. The trips can be easily booked via the NS International site with prices starting as low as €30 one-way.
By DAY: ICE International is jointly operated by DB (German Railways) and NS (Dutch Railways) and runs 6x daily between Amsterdam and Frankfurt (Main) using modern ICE3 trains.
There are various options for making the change. For example, travel on the early 0638 ICE International from Amsterdam Central which arrives in Dusseldorf Hbf at 0850. Then take another ICE departing Dusseldorf at 0924 and this train arrives at Munich Hbf at 1427.
For Munich to Amsterdam, an ICE train departs Munich Hbf at 0728 arriving in Frankfurt Airport at 1106 – where you then take the 1142 ICE to Amsterdam Central which arrives at 1553.
The total journey time for Amsterdam-Munich by rail is from around 8 hours in the day.
By booking well in advance you may find one-way fares of €37.90 (2nd class) and €59.90 (1st class).
2nd class fares do not include a reserved seat on the ICE. You can reserve a seat for €4 per person for each one-way Amsterdam-Munich trip. It is not obligatory to make a seat reservation, however it can be worthwhile if the train is busy. Seats are in a 2-2 configuration.
1st class fares include seat reservation as standard, with seating in a 1-2 configuration. Those with a full-flex 1st class ticket can access the DB lounges.
The ICE trains have a Bordbistro restaurant-bar carriage serving hot meals at extra charge. 1st class passengers can order and get served at their seats.
By NIGHT: It is also possible to do the trip by comfortable sleeper train. Austrian Railways ÖBB operates a NightJet nightly train service both ways between Amsterdam and Munich.
The Amsterdam-departing train runs via Utrecht, Arnhem, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Frankfurt. It continues to Nuremberg where the train splits into a Munich-bound section (via Augsburg) and a Vienna-bound section via Linz.
The train departs from Amsterdam at 1930, arriving in Munich at 0711 the next day meaning a journey time of just under 12 hours.
From Munich the NightJet trains departs at 2250 and arrives the following morning at Amsterdam Central at 0959 – a journey of 11 hours 9 minutes.
One-way tickets prices for NightJet range as follows: €30-€109 for a 2nd class seat; €60-€139 for a couchette bunk (4-6 people); €90-€169 for a sleeper cabin for 1, 2 or 3 people.
How to book online: Amsterdam-Munich train tickets can easily be booked at the NS International site. By booking online you avoid any booking fees charged at the international service desks at stations.
2. Amsterdam-Munich by Air
Non-stop flights between Amsterdam Schiphol airport (AMS) and Munich Frans Jozef Strauss airport (MUC) are operated by KLM and Lufthansa. The scheduled flight time is 90 minutes. Whilst the plane is quicker, train travel offers a more relaxed experience.
Lufthansa (Star Alliance) flies up to 4x daily using Lufthansa Cityline-branded aircraft – either Canadair Regional Jet 900s or Airbus A319s.
Return fares start at about €135 excluding checked luggage but you should book well ahead. Munich airport is one of Lufthansa’s principal hubs.
Dutch airline KLM (Skyteam) currently flies the route up to 6x daily using Boeing 737s or KLM Cityhopper-branded Embraer 190 aircraft. Prices also start at around €150 return not including checked luggage.
Germany and the Netherlands are both members of the Schengen Zone so it is (normally) not necessary to go through passport control when travelling between Amsterdam and Munich.
3. Amsterdam-Munich by Coach
German coach company Flixbus runs multiple daily direct services between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Munich Bus station (next to Munich Hbf) with a journey time of 11-15 hours. There are also trips which require a connection. Direct singles start from €30.
Amsterdam Resources
Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? Check out the stylish Kimpton-De Witt which is a short walk from the station. For those on a budget the Ibis Amsterdam Centre is literally on top of the western edge of the station platforms.
The Iamsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam museums and attractions. It also includes a free public transport pass, a canal cruise and bike rental as well. You can order your Iamsterdam City Card online here
Munich Resources
In Munich you can book your hotel with Booking.com here. For a selection of activities and attractions in Munich book with GetYourGuide here
This article was originally published in 2013 and has been continuously updated since then. Last update 10 June 2022.
