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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Bavaria, Germany

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Passau

Passau does not have its own international airport, but several major airports are within reasonable distance for international arrivals.

Nearest International Hubs

  • Munich Airport (MUC): Approximately 160 km (100 miles) west of Passau.
  • Linz Airport (LNZ), Austria: Approximately 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Passau, fewer international connections.
  • Nuremberg Airport (NUE): About 220 km (137 miles) northwest of Passau.

Transfer Options to Passau

Efficient ways connect major airports to Passau city center or accommodation.

Connecting from Airports

  • From MUC: Train via Munich Hauptbahnhof (2-3 hours).
  • From MUC: FlixBus offers direct bus connections.
  • From MUC/LNZ/NUE: Car rental services available directly at airports.

Airline Connections

Munich (MUC) is a major hub for Lufthansa and Star Alliance. Linz (LNZ) serves European destinations. Nuremberg (NUE) has various European carriers.

Flight Price Fluctuations

High season (summer, Christmas) means higher prices. Shoulder season (spring, autumn) offers competitive prices. Lowest prices during winter (excluding Christmas).

Airport Facilities

Major airports (MUC, NUE) offer duty-free, restaurants, car rentals, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.

Direct Flight Options

From Global Hubs to Munich MUC

  • North America: Direct flights from New York, Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles.
  • Asia: Direct flights from Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore.
  • Europe: Frequent direct flights to most European capitals and major cities.
  • Find flight deals with Dollar Flight Club or use Skyscanner.

Alternative Airport Transfers

  • From Linz (LNZ): Regular train connections from Hörsching station to Passau (1.5-2 hours).
  • From Linz (LNZ): Taxi or private transfer for the fastest option.
  • From Nuremberg (NUE): U-Bahn to Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof, then train to Passau (2.5-3.5 hours).
  • For car rentals, consider DiscoverCars.com.

Airlines and Typical Routes

Munich Airport MUC

Major hub for Lufthansa and Star Alliance airlines. Offers numerous direct flights from global hubs and across Europe.

Linz Airport LNZ

Mainly serves European destinations, with connections often via larger hubs. Airlines include Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Ryanair.

Nuremberg Airport NUE

Airlines serving Nuremberg include Lufthansa, Ryanair, Eurowings, and Turkish Airlines, with connections to various European cities.

Land Transportation

Train Connections and Services

Germany's national railway company, Deutsche Bahn (DB), operates an extensive network. Passau Hauptbahnhof is a significant hub in the region.

Train Travel in Germany

  • Direct Intercity (IC) and Eurocity (EC) trains connect Passau to major German cities and Vienna.
  • Regional Express (RE) trains link to Munich, Regensburg, and Linz.
  • Book tickets online via Deutsche Bahn, at stations, or ticket counters.

Long-Distance Bus Options

FlixBus is the major long-distance bus operator in Germany and Europe. It offers connections to Passau from various German and European cities.

Bus Travel in Germany

  • Passau's central bus station (ZOB) is next to the main train station.
  • Book bus tickets online through the FlixBus website or mobile app.
  • Offers connections across Germany and other European cities.

Self-Driving Considerations

You need a valid driver's license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested if your domestic license is not from an EU/EEA country.

Driving in Germany

  • Minimum driving age is 18; rental companies often need drivers to be 21-25.
  • Use a GPS navigation device for Europe or a reliable smartphone app.
  • Autobahn has no general speed limit; recommended 130 km/h (80 mph).

Road Conditions and Safety

German roads are generally well-maintained and of high quality. Traffic rules are strictly enforced.

Driving Safety Tips

  • Winter tires are mandatory in winter conditions (snow, ice).
  • Passau's Old Town has narrow, pedestrianized streets, making driving challenging.
  • Parking can be difficult and expensive in the city center.

Border Crossing Information

  • Germany is part of the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across borders with neighboring Schengen countries (e.g., Austria, Czech Republic).
  • Random checks can occur; always carry your passport or national ID card.
  • No formal border controls are typically present.
  • No exit fees or taxes are levied directly on travelers departing Germany.
  • Any applicable taxes and fees are typically included in your airline ticket price.
  • For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure; for European flights, 1.5-2 hours.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

Passau is a significant role as a port city on the Danube River. It serves as a popular starting or ending point for numerous Danube river cruises.

River Cruise Lines

  • Many river cruise lines, like Viking River Cruises and A-ROSA, operate itineraries that begin or conclude in Passau.
  • These cruises offer multi-day journeys to destinations like Vienna, Budapest, and further down to the Black Sea.
  • The cruise ship docks are within walking distance or a short taxi/bus ride from Passau Hauptbahnhof.

River Transportation Options

Beyond long-distance cruises, Passau offers local boat tours to explore the city's unique river setting.

Local Boat Experiences

  • Short "Three Rivers Tours" depart frequently from the confluence area.
  • These tours offer panoramic views of the city from the water, appreciating Passau's geography.
  • Some local operators offer longer boat trips to nearby towns along the Danube, like Engelhartszell in Austria.

Immigration Procedures

For river cruise passengers from within the Schengen Area, no specific immigration procedures are typically needed upon arrival in Passau.

Connections to Land Transport

Cruise lines usually arrange transfers for their passengers to and from the port to Passau's train station or city center.

Departure Preparation

Follow specific departure instructions and timing recommendations from your river cruise line for a smooth disembarkation.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Taxes

Germany does not charge specific exit fees or taxes directly on travelers departing the country. Any applicable taxes and fees are typically included in your airline ticket price.

Financial Aspects of Departure

  • No unexpected charges upon departure.
  • Transparency: All fees are typically upfront in ticket cost.
  • Simplifies budgeting for your return journey.

Departure Procedures

Plan your arrival time at the airport or station with ample buffer for check-in and security.

Recommended Timing

  • Airport: 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for European flights.
  • Train Station: 15-30 minutes before departure for ticket purchase, platform finding, and boarding.
  • River Cruise: Follow specific instructions from your cruise line for disembarkation.

Airport and Station Facilities

Passau Hauptbahnhof

Offers waiting areas, restrooms, small shops, restaurants, and information desks.

Munich Airport MUC

Extensive facilities including a wide range of shops, duty-free shopping, and dining options for departing passengers.

Nuremberg Airport NUE

Comprehensive services for travelers, similar to Munich Airport, for comfortable departures.

Smooth Departure Note

Allocate sufficient time for your departure, especially for international flights, to navigate check-in and security without rush.