Lindau-Insel

How to Get to Lindau-Insel

Lindau-Insel station is located directly on the historic island. For the easiest journey, book your tickets via the DB Navigator app or at red Deutsche Bahn machines (all feature an English language option and accept credit/debit cards).

From Airport

• Zurich Airport (ZRH): The most convenient international gateway. Direct trains (or those with one easy change) take approximately 1h 30m to 2h 15m. Tickets typically start from €36–€45 if booked in advance.
• Munich Airport (MUC): Take the S-Bahn to Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) or Pasing, then a regional train (RE) to Lindau-Insel. Total journey time is roughly 3h 30m to 4h. Expect prices to start around €45–€60.
• Important: You do not need specific zone tickets for these long-distance arrivals; your train ticket covers the entire journey. Always validate digital tickets in the app before boarding if required.

From City Center

• Walking: If you are staying on the island, the station is within walking distance of most hotels and the harbor.
• Local Bus: Stadtbus Lindau lines 2 and 5 serve the station forecourt, connecting you to the mainland districts in about 10–15 minutes.
• From Lindau-Reutin: If your train arrives at the mainland station (Lindau-Reutin), take a 3-minute regional train or a local bus (15–20 minutes) to reach the island station.

By Taxi

• Taxis are readily available at the station entrance. A trip from the mainland or nearby city areas to the island takes about 10–15 minutes and typically costs €15–€25, depending on traffic and exact distance.

Welcome to Lindau-Insel! As you arrive at this picturesque station on the shores of Lake Constance, you will find it to be a charming, straightforward, and compact terminal station. Unlike massive transport hubs, this station features only eight platforms, all arranged in a single, accessible row. Because it is a terminal station, all tracks end here, meaning you do not have to worry about finding the correct side of a through-track; your train will simply pull up to the buffer stop.

Think of the station layout as a simple horizontal line. When you step off your train, you are essentially at the entrance to the historic island. The station building itself, a beautiful Art Nouveau structure, sits directly at the end of the tracks. This means that walking from your train to the main exit or the harbor is exceptionally easy and takes only a minute or two, even with luggage. Because the station is quite small, there are no complex levels, underground tunnels, or confusing mezzanine floors to navigate. You will find the platform numbering clearly marked in sequence, making it very difficult to get lost.

The primary point of confusion for first-time visitors is often the distinction between this station and Lindau-Reutin. Please note that while Lindau-Insel handles regional and local train services, most long-distance ICE and EuroCity-Express trains now stop at the mainland station, Lindau-Reutin. If you are arriving by a regional train, you are in the right place to step directly into the heart of the island’s old town.

Because the platform area is compact and all on one level, you do not need to factor in extra walking time for transfers. Whether you are heading toward the historic lighthouse, the Bavarian Lion sculpture at the harbor, or into the medieval town center, you will find everything within a very short, flat walk from the platform buffer stops. If you have mobility concerns, the station is equipped to be barrier-free, allowing for a seamless transition from your carriage to the island’s scenic streets. Enjoy your arrival in Lindau!

Welcome to Lindau-Insel! Arriving on this beautiful island station is a fantastic experience, but navigating German rail travel can be intimidating for the first time. I wish someone had told me these tips to avoid the stress I faced on my first trip.

Before You Arrive

• Download the DB Navigator app: Do this before you travel. It is essential for tracking real-time platform changes and delays. It is far more reliable than relying on static station boards.
• Book tickets online: Avoid the queues and potential confusion at station machines by purchasing your tickets through the DB Navigator app or website in advance. You will have your digital ticket ready to scan, saving you time and stress upon arrival.
• Understand the station: Lindau-Insel is a charming, historic terminal station. While it is smaller and easier to navigate than a massive "Hauptbahnhof" in a major city, it is a bustling hub for regional travel.

At the Station

• Toilets: Public toilets are available at the station. Be prepared to pay the fee (usually €1) using coins, as card readers at these facilities can sometimes be temperamental or unavailable. Keep some small change handy.
• Food and Supplies: If you need snacks or drinks, look for the station kiosks. For a wider selection at better prices, check for local supermarkets within walking distance of the station area, as station-hall prices are generally higher.
• Connectivity: Use the station’s WiFi to quickly check your onward connections or download maps if you haven't already.

Common Mistakes

• Platform Changes: Never assume your platform is fixed. Platforms in Germany can change even 20 minutes before departure. Always re-check the electronic departure boards in the main hall when you arrive, rather than relying on information you checked hours earlier.
• Ticket Machine Payment: Many older ticket machines at German stations do not accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and are restricted to cash or local EC/Girocards. If you must buy a ticket at the station, look for the newer, red DB machines which are more likely to accept international credit cards.
• Follow the Train Number: Do not just look for your destination on the boards. Multiple trains may head toward the same city, but only one is your specific connection. Always match the train number on your ticket to the departure board to ensure you are boarding the correct train.

Terminus station serving Lindau, Germany. Originally opened in 1853, the current station building is a protected Art Nouveau monument constructed between 1913 and 1921. Situated directly on the island of Lindau, this station provides a vital connection between the rail network and the harbor of Lake Constance. While it previously served as the city’s main hub, most long-distance services now operate from the nearby mainland station of Lindau-Reutin. Today, Lindau-Insel primarily facilitates regional and local rail connections, maintaining its significance as a scenic and convenient access point to the historic island.

First-time visitors often worry about navigating European rail hubs, but you will find Lindau-Insel to be quite straightforward. It is not an overwhelming facility; the station features eight platforms, all accessible on a single level, making it easy to navigate even with luggage. Signage is clear, and the station is well-integrated with local bus and ferry services. To ensure a smooth journey, check your departure screens upon arrival, as platform assignments can occasionally change 30 to 60 minutes before a train's departure. The station is compact, well-signposted, and designed for easy transit, allowing you to move confidently between the train and the nearby town center.