Mittenwald

How to Get to Mittenwald

Mittenwald is best reached via the regional rail network. While Innsbruck (INN) is the closest airport, most international travelers fly into Munich Airport (MUC) due to its superior connectivity.

From Munich Airport (MUC)

There is no direct train to Mittenwald. You will need to take the S-Bahn to Munich Central Station (München Hbf) and transfer to a regional train.

• The Route: Take the S1 or S8 S-Bahn from the airport to München Hbf (approx. 45 minutes). From there, take the Werdenfelsbahn (regional train) directly to Mittenwald (approx. 1 hour 50 minutes).
• Tickets & Cost: Purchase a "Regio-Ticket Werdenfels" at the station. Prices start at approximately €29 for one person, with significant discounts for additional passengers (up to 5 people).
• Payment: Use the red Deutsche Bahn (DB) machines found at the airport station. They have an English interface and accept major credit cards and cash.
• Important: Do not worry about "zones" like in Berlin or Munich city travel; the Werdenfels ticket is a regional flat-rate pass that covers this entire journey.

From Munich City Center

• By Train: Take the regional train from München Hbf directly to Mittenwald. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• By Bus: FlixBus occasionally operates direct coach services from Munich to Mittenwald, taking roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes. Check the FlixBus app for the most current schedule.

By Taxi or Car

• Taxi/Private Transfer: A taxi from Munich Airport to Mittenwald is expensive, costing roughly €200–€300, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on traffic.
• Driving: Take the A95 autobahn south toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then follow the B2 to Mittenwald. This is a scenic, straightforward drive.

Platform Guide & Layout

Mittenwald station features a straightforward, compact layout that is very easy for first-time visitors to navigate. Unlike large metropolitan transit hubs, this station is small and serves as a vital through-station on the scenic line connecting Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany to Innsbruck in Austria. You will find a total of three platform tracks here, rather than the two often cited in simplified databases.

Think of the station layout as a simple "side-plus-island" arrangement. Platform 1 is a side platform located directly adjacent to the station building, primarily serving local and regional trains heading toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Munich. Platforms 2 and 3 are situated on a single island platform, which is separated from the station building by the tracks. These platforms handle both regional services and the international trains traveling between the Bavarian Alps and the Austrian border.

Because the station is small, you do not need to worry about complex numbering systems or long walking times. Whether you are arriving from Munich or heading south toward the Austrian border, all tracks are centrally located and easily accessible. The island platform (Platforms 2 and 3) is connected to the station building via a pedestrian underpass equipped with both stairways and an elevator, ensuring that passengers with luggage or limited mobility can move between the station building and the island platform without difficulty.

The station’s simplicity is its greatest asset for newcomers. Once you exit the station building onto the Bahnhofplatz, you are immediately in the heart of the town, with the stunning Karwendel mountain range serving as a constant orientation point. There are no confusing wings or distant platform zones to navigate; simply check the digital departure boards in the main hall or on the platforms to confirm which track your train is arriving on. Given the station's small size, you only need to allow a few minutes to walk from the station entrance to any of the platforms, making it a stress-free experience even if you have a tight connection. Just remember that if you are arriving on an international service from Austria, you will likely arrive at the island platform and will need to use the underpass to reach the main station exit.

Traveling to Mittenwald is a highlight of any Bavarian trip, but navigating the station for the first time can feel a bit daunting. I wish someone had told me these things before I arrived; it would have saved me so much stress. Don’t worry, though—the system is precise and once you know the rules, you’ll navigate it like a pro.

Before You Arrive

• Download the DB Navigator app: This is essential. It provides real-time track information and platform changes. It is far more reliable than relying solely on station displays, especially if you are prone to travel anxiety.
• Ticket strategy: For regional trips within Bavaria, you don’t need to book in advance. Buying from the station machines on the day is perfectly fine. If you are traveling with a group or planning multiple regional hops, look into the "Bayern Ticket," which can be much cheaper than individual point-to-point fares.

At the Station

• Facility details: The station is compact but functional. There is a public toilet in the main building. For snacks or water, don't rely solely on the station; the town center is a short walk away and has better options.
• Accessibility: Platform 1 is level with the station building. Platforms 2 and 3 are on an island platform accessible via lift and stairs, making it manageable if you have heavy luggage.
• Cash is king: While machines take cards, many local businesses and smaller restaurants in Mittenwald still prefer or strictly require cash. Always carry Euros for quick purchases.

Common Mistakes

• Platform checking: Never trust the platform listed on your ticket or the app hours in advance. Platforms can and do change, sometimes 20–30 minutes before departure. Check the main station departure boards frequently, and match your train number, not just the destination, to ensure you are on the right train.
• Payment card issues: The older ticket machines often struggle with non-European credit cards (especially those without a PIN). If a machine rejects your card, use the DB Navigator app or look for the newer, red DB machines which are generally more compatible with international cards.

Through station serving Mittenwald, Germany. Originally opened in 1912, the station underwent a comprehensive modernization in 2012 to celebrate the centenary of the Mittenwald Railway. As a smaller regional facility, it features three platform tracks rather than two, providing a straightforward layout that is easily navigable for first-time international travelers. It serves as a vital link for regional trains connecting Munich to Innsbruck, Austria, making it a key transit point for those crossing the Bavarian-Austrian border.

If you are nervous about navigating a foreign rail system, rest assured that Mittenwald is not a large or confusing hub. The station is well-signposted, and the clear, compact design makes it very manageable even if you are unfamiliar with German rail procedures. You will find standard amenities, including a small shop and café, within the main building. As with any station in the region, keep in mind that platform assignments can occasionally change 30 to 60 minutes before a train’s departure. Always verify your specific platform on the digital departure displays upon arrival, and allow yourself a few extra minutes to transition between the station building and your platform if you have heavy luggage.