Munich to Berlin by Train
Direct high-speed service · from €74.49
Route Overview: Munich to Berlin
Travel from Munich to Berlin by ICE high-speed train in as little as 3 hours and 53 minutes. Up to 29 Deutsche Bahn ICE services run daily on Germany's busiest long-distance rail corridor, including 16 ICE Sprinter trains that stop only in Nuremberg.
The journey covers 623 km by rail, using the VDE 8 high-speed line completed in December 2017. This infrastructure project cut travel time from over 6 hours to under 4 hours by routing trains via Erfurt and the Nuremberg-Ingolstadt high-speed section at up to 300 km/h.
Tickets start from €17.99 per person one way in 2nd class (Super Sparpreis, advance booking). Two classes of service are available: 2nd Class with free WiFi and power outlets, and 1st Class with additional legroom, at-seat catering and DB Lounge access.
How Long Is the Munich to Berlin Train?
The direct Deutsche Bahn from Munich to Berlin takes approximately 3h 53min, with multiple daily departures.
How Much Does a Munich to Berlin Train Ticket Cost?
Tickets start from €74.49 when booked in advance. Prices vary by date, time, and availability.
How Many Trains Run Daily from Munich to Berlin?
Up to 29/day trains operate daily on the Munich to Berlin route.
Train Operator
Deutsche Bahn
Direct high-speed service · 3h 53min max
Which Stations Serve the Munich to Berlin Route?
Munich Hauptbahnhof
- Location: Bayerstrasse 10a, Central Munich
- S-Bahn (all lines), U-Bahn (U1, U2, U4, U5, U7, U8), Tram (16, 17, 19, 20, 21), Bus. Nearby: Munchen-Pasing (western Munich, some ICE stop here first)
Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Location: Europaplatz 1, Central Berlin (Mitte district)
- S-Bahn (S3, S5, S7, S9), U-Bahn (U5), Tram (M5, M8, M10), Bus (120, 142, 147, 245, TXL). Nearby: Berlin Sudkreuz (some ICE services), Berlin Ostbahnhof
What Classes Are Available on Munich to Berlin Trains?
2nd Class (Standard)
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at seats
- Fold-down tables
- Children's compartment on some trains
- Bordrestaurant/Bordbistro car
1st Class
- More legroom
- Quieter carriages
- At-seat catering service
- Free newspapers/magazines
- Access to DB Lounges at major stations
- Seat reservation included with Flexpreis
How to Book the Munich to Berlin Train?
Starting Price
Per person, one way in 2nd Class (Standard) class. Prices shown are indicative and based on recent availability. Actual fares may vary.
Book Early
Tickets are available up to 6 months in advance. Advance bookings offer the best prices.
Children & Youth
Children 4-11 may qualify for reduced fares. Youth discounts may be available. Infants under 4 travel free
Luggage
Standard luggage allowance applies
What Should You Know About Munich to Berlin Trains?
Germany's Busiest Rail Corridor
The Munich-Berlin route is Germany's most-travelled long-distance rail corridor. In the 2026 timetable, Deutsche Bahn expanded ICE Sprinter services to 16 per day on this route. Sprinter trains stop only in Nuremberg, completing the journey in under 4 hours.
No Check-in or Passport Required
Unlike cross-border Eurostar services, domestic German ICE trains require no check-in, no security screening and no passport. Simply walk into the station, find your platform on the departure board and board the train before departure.
High-Speed Line: VDE 8
The journey uses the Verkehrsprojekt Deutsche Einheit Nr. 8 (VDE 8) high-speed line, completed in December 2017. This infrastructure project cut the Munich-Berlin travel time from over 6 hours to under 4 hours by routing trains via Erfurt and the Nuremberg-Ingolstadt high-speed section at up to 300 km/h.
BahnCard Discount System
Deutsche Bahn offers BahnCard discount cards: BahnCard 25 gives 25% off all fares, BahnCard 50 gives 50% off Flexpreis fares. These are subscription-based annual cards popular with frequent travellers. Children aged 6-14 travel free when accompanying a paying adult (must be added at booking).
DB Lounges
First-class Flexpreis ticket holders can access DB Lounges at Berlin Hbf and Munchen Hbf, with complimentary WiFi, refreshments including beer and wine, and quiet work areas. Lounges are typically open 07:00-21:00.
Seat Reservation Recommended
Seat reservation is optional on domestic ICE routes (€4.90 in 2nd class, €6.90 in 1st class). However, it is strongly recommended on the Munich-Berlin corridor, especially during weekday mornings and Friday/Sunday evenings when trains fill up quickly. Without a reservation, you may sit in any unreserved seat -- check the LED display above each seat.
Bordrestaurant and Bordbistro
Most ICE trains on this route feature a full Bordrestaurant (sit-down restaurant car) with German specialties, hot meals and beverages. Some trains have a Bordbistro (bar/snack car) instead. In 1st class, a steward takes food and drink orders at your seat.
Bikes on Board
Standard ICE 4 trains have dedicated bicycle spaces (reservation required, limited availability). Older ICE 1 and ICE 2 trains do NOT carry bicycles unless semi-dismantled and placed in a zip-up bike bag. Check the specific train type before booking with a bicycle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Munich to Berlin
The fastest ICE Sprinter trains complete the journey in 3 hours and 53 minutes with one stop in Nuremberg. Standard ICE services take approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes on average.
Advance Super Sparpreis tickets start from €17.99 in 2nd class. Last-minute Flexpreis fares can be €100 or more. Booking 3-6 weeks ahead typically secures the best prices.
Up to 29 trains per day, including 16 ICE Sprinter services (2026 timetable). The first departure is around 05:17 from Munich / 05:42 from Berlin, with the last train at approximately 23:37.
Most trains depart from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Hbf), Germany's largest station, located in the city centre. Some services also stop at Berlin Sudkreuz.
Munchen Hauptbahnhof (Munich Hbf) in the city centre. Some trains also stop at Munchen-Pasing in western Munich.
No. This is a domestic German route -- no passport, no check-in and no security screening required. Simply board the train with your ticket.
Yes. Free WiFi is available in both 1st and 2nd class on all ICE trains. WiFi is best for browsing, email and messaging; streaming may be limited in some areas.
Yes. There are no formal baggage limits on ICE trains. Overhead racks accommodate backpack-size items, and floor-standing racks near seats hold larger suitcases. You manage your own luggage.