Travel Guide: Bavaria From London

There are many ways to get to Bavaria from London, including by plane, train, bus, car, car train, night train, or car ferry. The fastest way to travel between the two locations is by plane, which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the cheapest option is by bus, which costs between $40 and $120. The distance between London and Bavaria is approximately 547 miles.

Travel by plane

Flying is the quickest way to get from London to Bavaria, taking approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. There are several airlines that offer direct flights from London to Bavaria, including Lufthansa, British Airways, and Eurowings. Here is some information to help you plan your trip:

Airports and Airlines

There are multiple airports in London and Bavaria that you can choose from, depending on your preferences:

• London Heathrow (LHR) to Munich (MUC) or Nuremberg (NUE)
• London Stansted (STN) to Nuremberg (NUE)
• London Gatwick (LGW) to Munich (MUC)
• London City (LCY) to Frankfurt (FRA)

Airlines that service these routes include Lufthansa, British Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Eurowings.

Booking Tips

To find the best deals on flights, consider the following:

• Book early: By booking in advance, you may find cheaper fares, with one-way flights from London to Bavaria starting from £43 and round-trip flights from £95.
• Flexible dates: Compare prices for different dates using Expedia's search engine.
• Fly on cheaper days: Tuesdays and Mondays tend to have lower-cost fares, while Saturdays are usually the most expensive.
• Choose the right time of year: February is the most affordable month to fly to Bavaria, while December is the most expensive.

Alternative Routes

If you cannot find a direct flight or are looking for a cheaper option, you can also consider flying to a different airport and then taking a train or bus to Bavaria. For example, you could fly from London to Frankfurt and then take a train to Würzburg, or fly to Stuttgart and then take a train to Ulm. These options will add some travel time but may be more cost-effective.

Travel by train

Travelling by train from London to Bavaria is a comfortable and scenic option. The journey will take at least nine hours, but it offers a unique way to see the changing landscapes of England and mainland Europe. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your train journey:

The first step is to take a train from London to Brussels, Belgium. The Eurostar high-speed train service connects London's St. Pancras International Station with Brussels Midi Station in just under two hours. This modern and efficient train will get you to the continent quickly and comfortably. Once you arrive in Brussels, you'll have to change trains to continue your journey to Bavaria.

From Brussels, you can board a high-speed train operated by Deutsche Bahn, the German national railway company. These trains are known for their comfort and efficiency. You will travel through Belgium and into Germany, passing by charming towns and beautiful countryside. The journey from Brussels to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the specific train and route. Along the way, you may need to make a connection or two, commonly in the German cities of Cologne or Frankfurt. These connections break up the journey and offer you a chance to stretch your legs and explore a new city, even if it is briefly.

When booking your tickets, consider purchasing a German Rail Pass before you leave. This pass offers excellent value and flexibility for train travel within Germany. You can choose between consecutive day passes or flexible day passes, depending on your itinerary. The German Rail Pass is valid on all Deutsche Bahn trains, including the high-speed InterCity Express (ICE) trains, which offer the fastest travel times between cities. Remember to make seat reservations in advance, especially during peak travel times and on popular routes, to ensure a comfortable journey.

As you approach Bavaria, you will be greeted by stunning Alpine landscapes and charming Bavarian villages. The region is well-connected by local trains and regional rail services, making it easy to explore. Munich, often the gateway to Bavaria, boasts excellent rail connections to other Bavarian destinations, including Nuremberg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Füssen, the town closest to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. So, whether you're interested in history, culture, or stunning natural scenery, travelling by train from London to Bavaria is a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Travel by bus

If you're looking to travel from London to Bavaria by bus, there are a few different routes you can take. One option is to take a bus from London Victoria Coach Station to Frankfurt central train station, and then take a second bus from Frankfurt central train station to Munich central bus station. This journey will take around 22 hours and you can book tickets through Flixbus.

Another option is to take a bus from London Victoria Green Line Station to Leonberg Bus Station, and then take a second bus from Stuttgart Airport Bus Terminal to Munich central bus station. This journey will also take around 22 hours.

You can also travel directly from London to Munich by bus. This route takes just over 20 hours and is served by National Express and Eurolines.

It's worth noting that while bus travel is often cheaper than flying or taking the train, it can be much slower. However, it is a more environmentally friendly option.

Travel by car

The most direct way to get to Bavaria from London by car is to take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais-Fréthun. You can then drive from Calais-Fréthun to Munich, which is around an 8-hour drive.

Alternatively, you can take a car ferry from Dover to Dunkirk or Calais. The former route is around a 10-hour drive, while the latter is around 9 hours.

Please note that driving in Germany may require a valid driver's license and additional documentation. It is also important to be aware of and follow German traffic regulations, including yielding to vehicles on the right and stopping for pedestrians at crossings.

Travel by ferry

To travel from London to Bavaria by ferry, you will first need to drive to the Port of Dover and take a car ferry to Calais. From Calais, you can then drive to your destination in Bavaria. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Drive from London to the Port of Dover: The distance from London to Dover is approximately 74 miles (119 km). The drive typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your starting point in London.
• Take the car ferry from Dover to Calais: There are several ferry operators offering crossings between Dover and Calais. The journey usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will need to book your ferry ticket in advance, and arrive at the port in good time to complete check-in and boarding procedures.
• Drive from Calais to Bavaria: The distance from Calais to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is approximately 600 miles (960 km). The drive will take you through Belgium, passing through Brussels, and into Germany. The total driving time will depend on your exact destination within Bavaria, but you can expect it to take at least 9 hours. Make sure you are familiar with the driving regulations and requirements in each country you pass through.

Please note that this option involves a significant amount of driving and may not be the most direct or fastest way to travel from London to Bavaria. It is important to consider factors such as traffic conditions, potential delays, and the cost of fuel when planning your journey. Additionally, make sure you are prepared for any border crossings and have the necessary documentation.

Remember to review the latest travel advisories and guidelines before your trip, as border crossing requirements and travel restrictions may change.

Frequently asked questions