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 (euros) or the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) with prices starting as low as €35 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 ICE3M BR 406 variant trains.
The ICE International train makes stops in Utrecht Central and Arnhem Central in the Netherlands then crosses the Dutch-German border at Emmerich. On the German side it stops at Oberhausen, Duisburg, Dusseldorf and Cologne (Köln) before going on to Frankfurt.
There are various options for making the change to Munich. For example, travel on the early morning 0638 ICE International from Amsterdam Central which arrives in Duisburg Hbf at 0832. Then take another ICE departing Duisburg at 0902 and this train arrives at Munich Hbf at 1512.
For Munich to Amsterdam, an ICE train departs Munich Hbf at 0747 arriving in Düsseldorf Hbf at 1237 – where you then take the 1308 ICE to Amsterdam Central which arrives at 1529.
The total journey time for Amsterdam-Munich by rail is from around 8 hours in the day.
There is also the possibility of routing on the Intercity Berlin from Amsterdam to Hanover and taking a domestic ICE service Hanover-Munich.
Amsterdam-Munich train ticket fares
The cheapest one-way ticket price for Amsterdam-Munich using ICE trains in 2nd class is €38. This is the Supersparpreis Europa fare which is only valid on the particular departure time selected and is non-changeable/non-refundable. It can be easily found if booking 2-6 months in advance.
There are more flexible fares available. The Sparpreis Europa fare from €45 one-way is changeable/refundable for a fee and includes a City ticket for Munich public transport. The fully-flexible Flexpreis fares start from €191 one-way and also includes the City ticket component.
1st class Amsterdam-Frankfurt one-way fares start from €50 (the non-changeable Supersparpreis Europa 1st class), from €59 (Sparpreis Europa 1st class, changeable/refundable for a fee) and from €312 (Flexpreis full-flex fare).
ICE (Amsterdam-Munich) train seats
2nd class on the ICE has a 2-2 seat configuration. There is often a special 6 seat family compartment (2nd class) available with adjacent baby changing facilities. A 2nd class seat reservation costs €4.90 extra and is highly recommended as the ICE trains can get busy.
Luggage racks on the ICE trains can accommodate small and medium size bags. In the middle of standard 2nd class carriages you can also find a larger luggage rack.
1st class fares include seat reservation as standard, with seating in a 1-2 configuration. 1st class carriages can also have a smaller ‘quiet zone’ compartments.
In our opinion, both the 1st and 2nd class seats on the ICE trains are extremely comfortable.
Free WiFi is available to all passengers and there are power outlets accessible from each seat.
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.
Those with a full-flex 1st class ticket can access the DB lounge at Munich Hbf station; any international 1st class ticket holders can access the NS International lounge at Amsterdam Central.
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 1900, arriving in Munich at 0706 the next day meaning a journey time of just under 12 hours.
From Munich the NightJet trains departs at 2252 and arrives the following morning at Amsterdam Central at 0959 – a journey of 11 hours 7 minutes.
One-way tickets prices for NightJet range as follows: €35-€165 for a 2nd class seat; €50-€195 for a couchette bunk (4-6 people); €80-€320 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 or at the Trainline site here
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 6x daily using Lufthansa or Lufthansa Cityline-branded aircraft – either Canadair Regional Jet 900s or Airbus A319/A320s.
Return fares start at about €230 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 €205 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 €27.
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 6 February 2024.
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