Travel To Bavaria From The Us On A Budget

how to get to bavaria from the us for cheap

Bavaria, the southeast federal state of Germany, is one of the most wealthy parts of the country to travel and live within. The previously-known Kingdom of Bavaria is famous for its own unique culture, the state’s Catholic majority, and Oktoberfest, a festival that attracts thousands of beer drinkers traveling to Germany during late September.

For cheaper Bavarian experiences, there are several possible ways to cut down on your travel budget in the capital city of Munich. You can take a free walking tour, visit a palace, visit a museum, visit a church, and chill at a beer garden.

In addition, there are cheap flights to Germany from the US. The cheapest ticket to Germany from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $107 one-way, and $309 round-trip. The most popular route is Newark to Frankfurt am Main and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $489.

Characteristics	Values
Transport	Bayern Ticket, Car, Plane
Accommodation	Hotels, B&Bs, Hostels, Airbnbs, Farm stays
Food	Bratwurst, Leberkase, Pretzels, Sauerkraut, Potato Salad, Leberka, Schnitzel, Currywurst, Doner Kebab, Beer

Travel by train within Bavaria

Bavaria has an extensive, easy-to-use, and affordable train network. The Deutsche Bahn AG online services will help you find the best route within Germany, with all connections. The Deutsche Bahn website will also help you plan your train connections.

The Bayern Ticket is a great option for travelling within Bavaria. It is a special regional train ticket for the German state, which allows you unlimited travel for a day on regional buses and trains. The ticket is priced at €25 for the first passenger, then €8 for each additional passenger, up to five adults in total. So, for a group of five people, each person would pay €11.40 per day.

The Bayern Ticket is valid from 9 am to 3 am the following day on weekdays, and from midnight to 3 am on weekends and holidays. There is also a Bayern Ticket Nacht (Night), which is valid from 6 pm to 6 am the following day on Sundays to Thursdays, and 6 pm to 7 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays.

You can buy the Bayern Ticket online, at a DB vending machine, or at DB sales kiosks (although there is a €2 surcharge for the latter option). You can also easily buy the ticket from a red DB Ticket Machine. First, activate the English menu by clicking on the British flag. Then select the number of passengers and your class. The main difference between first and second class is that first class will be less crowded and it will be easier to find a seat. Next, select the date of your travel and choose whether to collect Bahn points. Check over the details and pay—then you're ready to go!

The Bayern Ticket is valid on local trains (including RE, RB, and IRE trains), S-Bahn (suburban trains), U-Bahn (underground metro trains), and buses. It does not cover high-speed or long-distance trains, such as the ICE, IC, EC, and Railjet trains.

The ticket covers all cities, towns, and villages in Bavaria, as well as some stations in neighbouring regions, including Salzburg Central Station in Austria, Ulm Central Station, and Crailsheim in Baden-Württemberg.

You can use the Bayern Ticket to get to many tourist spots in Bavaria, including Neuschwanstein Castle, the Partnachklamm, and the lakes surrounding Munich.

Bavarian Food: A Cultural Culinary Experience

You may want to see also

Fly to Munich

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is served by Munich Airport (MUC). It is one of the most popular destinations in Germany for travellers flying from the US. The airport is conveniently located just 28km from the city centre and is easily accessible by public transport.

Choosing your airline

There are several airlines that fly directly to Munich from the US, including Lufthansa, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines.

Finding the best deals

The best time to find cheap flights to Germany is during the low season, which is generally from November to March. The summer months, especially July and August, are the most popular time to visit, so flight prices tend to be higher.

If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can use the 'Price Forecast' tool on KAYAK to predict whether flight prices are likely to rise or fall.

You can also set up price alerts on travel booking sites like Expedia, which will notify you when prices drop for your desired route.

Getting to the city centre from the airport

There are several transport options to get from Munich Airport to the city centre:

The S-Bahn (suburban train) lines S1 and S8 run from the airport to the city centre in around 45 minutes. Tickets cost €12.80 for a single journey and can be purchased from the ticket machines in the arrivals hall.
The Lufthansa Express Bus runs between the airport and Munich Central Station in around 45 minutes. Tickets cost €17.50 for adults and €10 for children.
Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall and cost around €60-70 to the city centre. The journey takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Car rental services are available at the airport if you prefer to drive yourself.

Tips for finding cheap flights

Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying on weekdays, as weekends tend to be more expensive.
Try to avoid flying during peak seasons, such as summer holidays and Oktoberfest.
Consider using budget airlines or indirect flights with layovers, as these can often be cheaper than direct flights.
Sign up for price alerts on travel booking sites to stay informed about price changes.
Compare prices on different travel booking sites before booking your flight.
Bring your own food and drinks onto the plane to save money, as buying food and drinks onboard can be expensive.
Consider joining an airline's loyalty program to earn miles and redeem them for future flights or upgrades.

Happy travels to Bavaria!

Exploring Upper Bavaria: How Far is Munich Airport?

You may want to see also

Take a free walking tour

Walking tours are a great way to explore a new place, especially when you're travelling on a budget. Luckily, there are several companies that offer free walking tours in Bavaria, including in the region's capital, Munich. These tours are usually led by passionate local guides who provide in-depth knowledge of the area's history and culture. While the tours are free, it's customary to tip your guide, so be sure to bring some cash along.

GuruWalk offers several free walking tours in Munich that cater to history buffs, beer aficionados, and curious explorers. Their World War II history tour delves into Munich's turbulent past, visiting sites related to the rise of Nazi Germany. For those interested in Bavaria's beer culture, GuruWalk also offers a beer tour that explores the origins and evolution of Munich's beer traditions, including a visit to the legendary Hofbräuhaus beer hall. Their comprehensive city tour provides an overview of Munich, covering key attractions such as Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, and the English Garden.

If you're looking for a more active holiday, Macs Adventure offers self-guided walking holidays in Germany, including several tours in Bavaria. Their walking tours allow you to explore the region's themed trails, nature, and cultural highlights. One of their featured tours is the King Ludwig Way, a hike through Upper Bavaria to Neuschwanstein Castle. They also offer a unique Alpine crossing from Füssen to Meran, perfect for first-time Alpine walkers.

For those who want to explore Bavaria's famous castles, monasteries, and medieval towns, as well as its beautiful countryside, Macs Adventure's Walking in Bavaria tour is a great option. This tour includes hiking in the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps, with the option to cross into Austria. Along the way, you'll soak in mountain vistas and explore charming alpine towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

If you're looking for a more relaxed walking experience, consider the Complete Lech River Trail offered by Macs Adventure. This trail meanders through the tranquil and colourful Tyroler-Lech Nature Park, abundant with wildflowers and green pastures.

No matter which walking tour you choose, you're sure to have a rich and immersive experience of Bavaria's culture, history, and natural beauty.

Cuckoo Clockwork Mechanics: Bavarian Timekeeping Secrets

You may want to see also

Visit a palace

Bavaria is home to some of the most stunning palaces in Germany. Here are some of the best palaces to visit:

Nymphenburg Palace: This former royal palace, located in western Munich, is a vast museum complex that once served as the summer residence of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria. The palace is about 700 metres in length and is surrounded by beautiful grounds, ponds, streams, and other structures.
Schloss Neuschwanstein: This famous castle, located in the Bavarian Alps, is one of the most popular attractions in Germany, with over 1.3 million visitors each year. Built by King Ludwig II, the castle is known for its extravagant and fairytale-like architecture, which served as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland. While photography is not permitted inside, the exterior offers plenty of opportunities for capturing the unforgettable castle.
Hohenschwangau Castle: Located about a kilometre away from Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle was the childhood home of King Ludwig II. Although not as famous or fairytale-like as Neuschwanstein, it is still worth a visit, especially if you are interested in the life of King Ludwig II and the history of Bavaria.
Residenz Palace: Located in the heart of Munich, the Residenz Palace was once the royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria. The palace is now a museum, showcasing the technical development of cars and motorcycles, as well as exhibits about the history of the company.
Linderhof Palace: This palace, located in the village of Linderhof, was another creation of King Ludwig II. While smaller than Neuschwanstein, Linderhof is no less extravagant, with stunning architecture and intricate details.

To get to these palaces, you can make use of the Bayern Ticket, a special regional train ticket for the German state of Bavaria. This ticket offers unlimited travel for a day on regional buses and trains, at a very affordable price.

Using Visa Gift Cards at Bavarian Inn: What You Need to Know

You may want to see also

Visit a museum

Bavaria is home to a plethora of museums, ranging from art to history, and many of them are quite affordable to visit. Here are some recommendations for museums to visit during your time in Bavaria:

BMW Museum: This museum is a must-go for car enthusiasts, showcasing the history of BMW and the evolution of the brand. Tickets start at $62.
Alte Pinakothek: This art museum houses an extensive collection of European master paintings from the 1300s to the late 1800s. It also has a café with excellent food and a wide selection of cakes.
Deutsches Museum: With exhibits covering a range of scientific and technological topics, this museum is perfect for those seeking an educational experience. According to a review, you could easily spend 2-3 days exploring everything it has to offer.
Staatliche Museum Ägyptischer Kunst: This museum boasts a large collection of ancient Roman sculptures and Egyptian artefacts. Tickets are reasonably priced at €8, and it's free for children under 18. However, it tends to get crowded on Sundays, so it's recommended to visit on another day.
The Palatinate Museum: Located in Heidelberg Castle, this museum features an eclectic collection of art, furniture, and historical items. While some exhibits may be more relevant to locals, it's still worth a visit to explore the Roman history rooms and 20th-century art.
Technoseum Mannheim: An interactive science museum that's great for both kids and adults. It offers hands-on exhibits and usually isn't too crowded.
German Pharmacy Museum: Showcasing the history and evolution of chemistry, this museum in Heidelberg provides an insightful look into the world of pharmaceuticals.
Kunsthalle Mannheim: A contemporary art museum featuring masterpieces from renowned painters.
Bayerisches Nationalmuseum: This museum is described as a "hidden gem", offering visitors a glimpse into genuine Bavarian history and culture.

To save money on transportation while museum-hopping in Bavaria, consider purchasing the Bayern Ticket, a special train ticket that grants you unlimited travel on regional trains, buses, U-Bahns, and more within Bavaria for a day at a low price. The more people travelling with you, the cheaper it gets!

A Bavarian Slice: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Eating Guide

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from the US to Germany cost?

The price of a flight from the US to Germany can vary depending on the time of year and where you fly from and to. The cheapest ticket to Germany from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $107 one-way, and $309 round-trip.

What are the most popular destinations in Germany?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Frankfurt am Main (52% of total searches to Germany). The next most popular destinations are Munich (23%) and Berlin (11%).

What are some tips for finding cheap flights to Germany?

Here are some tips for finding cheap flights to Germany:

- Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Germany flight deals.

- Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER) is widely preferred as the arrival airport for most travelers flying from the US to Germany because of its close proximity to Berlin, the country's capital city.

- Passengers traveling this route have the choice of flying on indirect flights with just one layover at Zurich Airport (ZRH) for SWISS Airlines or Copenhagen Airport (CPH) for Scandinavian Airlines, among others, from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

- A majority of travelers who plan to tour Germany from the USA’s east-coast region depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to different destination airports in Germany.

- Those who indent to take the shortest time possible from the US to Germany should consider following the JFK to Munich International Airport (MUC) route.

- Consider using Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) if you are planning on traveling to Germany from the central regions of the USA.

- Consider landing at airports like Hamburg Airport (HAM), Hannover Airport (HAJ), or Bremen Airport (BRE), if you are planning on visiting any of the cities located in the northern region of Germany.

- Traveling throughout the entire area, you can book your return flight out of Munich to save time.

- For easy access to both southern Germany and Austria, it can be beneficial to book your flight to Germany via Munich Airport (MUC).

- Flying into Prague can be an option if you’re sticking to attractions in eastern Germany and the Czech Republic.

- Oktoberfest, one of the most internationally famous festivals in Germany, generally runs from the last week of September to early October. Flight prices can surge during these few weeks, so unless you’re traveling to Germany specifically for Oktoberfest, it can save you money to book your flights outside of these dates.

What are some tips for flying to Germany?

Here are some tips for flying to Germany:

- Children up to the age of 12 who are shorter than 1.5 meters (59 inches) are required by German law to ride in an authorized car seat or booster.

- MUC Airport serves several other nearby cities that can be easily accessed by public bus services, a rented car, or a cab. Some of the nearby cities to MUC that you should consider visiting on your visit to Germany include Freising, Neufahrn, Erding, as well as Eching in addition to Munich.

- Travelers who wish to enjoy airport lounges before boarding their preferred airlines from the US to Germany should consider flying from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

- A majority of travelers who plan to tour Germany from the USA’s east-coast region depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to different destination airports in Germany.

- Those who indent to take the shortest time possible from the US to Germany should consider following the JFK to Munich International Airport (MUC) route.

- Consider using Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) if you are planning on traveling to Germany from the central regions of the USA.

- Flying into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) can be a good option if you’re going to be visiting Stuttgart and Rothenburg.

- Flying into Prague can be an option if you’re sticking to attractions in eastern Germany and the Czech Republic.

- Be prepared to wait in long lines for border control.

- Make sure your passport isn’t expiring within 6 months of your flight.

- Get an e-visa.

- Make sure luggage can make a connecting flight.

- Bring small luggage of supplies in case your bags are lost or delayed.

- Bring snacks.

- Make sure to follow luggage guidelines.

- Be early rather than on time for unexpected delays.

- Get ear plugs.

- Bring a sleeping pill and an eye shield.

- Book with Lufthansa.

- Pay extra for a little better seating.

- Get some good food.

- Do the transfers right.

- Get to the airport at least 1.5 hours early.

- Be prepared for a mad rush for your connecting flight if you have to go through passport control.

- Be aware that the incoming flight may be delayed so boarding won't happen on time.

- You may be offloaded on the tarmac and bussed to the main terminal.

- There will be a spot for your carry-on rollie bag, so relax until the line is down to board the plane.

- Make sure to check in online.

- Air tags provided great comfort to know your luggage’s proximity.

- Upgrade from economy to business class for less money.

- Search for other airlines with better baggage fees.

- Be aware that the Frankfurt terminal can be confusing.

- Get ear plugs, I got ear pain on this flight.

- Bring a small luggage of supplies in case your bags are lost or delayed.

- Be aware that the crew may disappear for a long time.

- The food and drinks were not good.

- The seats are uncomfortable and there was no power to recharge a phone.

- Be aware that your luggage may not make it to your connecting flight.

- Be aware that the crew may be rude and incompetent.

- Be aware that the Frankfurt terminal can be a total chaos.

- Be aware that the crew may be rude and uninformed.