Getting There & Away: Regensburg

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Munich Airport (MUC), approximately 100 km south of Regensburg, is the main international gateway for Bavaria. Nuremberg Airport (NUE), about 100 km northwest, serves European routes.

Airline Presence

MUC is a major hub for Lufthansa and many international carriers.
NUE includes airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Eurowings.
Direct flights from global hubs are common to MUC.

Airport Transfers to Regensburg

From Munich Airport (MUC), direct bus services like FlixBus or Airportliner run frequently. From Nuremberg Airport (NUE), take the U-Bahn (U2) to Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof, then a regional train.

Transfer Options

Bus from MUC: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Train from MUC (via Munich Hbf): 1.5 to 2 hours.
Rental car: Approximately 1 hour from both airports.

Summer Prices

Flight prices are highest during summer (June-August) and major holidays.

Shoulder Season Value

Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) often offer better value.

Winter Savings

Winter months (Jan-March, Nov) generally have the lowest prices (excluding Christmas).

Airport Facilities

Munich Airport MUC

Extensive shopping, including duty-free.
Numerous restaurants and cafes.
Car rental agencies available.
Currency exchange services.

Nuremberg Airport NUE

Provides similar, though smaller, facilities.
Dining options present.
Essential services and car rentals available.
Provides a wide range of passenger services.

Travel Apps for Flights

Dollar Flight Club

Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner for comparing flight options.

AirHelp

AirHelp for flight compensation assistance.

Land Transportation

Train Services Deutsche Bahn

Germany's national railway company, Deutsche Bahn (DB), operates a comprehensive train network. Regensburg Hauptbahnhof is a major regional hub.

Connections & Booking

Direct regional and intercity trains connect to major German cities.
Reach Munich, Nuremberg, and Passau directly.
Purchase tickets online via bahn.de/en, at stations, or via the DB Navigator app.

Long-Distance Buses FlixBus

FlixBus is the dominant long-distance bus provider in Germany and across Europe. It has numerous connections from Regensburg to cities throughout Germany and neighboring countries.

Routes & Booking

FlixBus services depart from Regensburg Arnulfsplatz.
Book tickets online via the FlixBus website or app.
Often a more affordable alternative to trains, especially if booked early.

Self-Driving & Requirements

To drive in Germany, you need a valid national driver's license. For non-EU/EEA residents, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required alongside your national license.

Driving Facts

Minimum driving age is typically 21 (sometimes 25 for certain car types).
German roads are excellent and well-maintained.
Drive on the right, overtake on the left. Seatbelts are mandatory.

Parking & Road Conditions

Finding parking in Regensburg’s Old Town can be challenging and expensive. The Old Town is largely pedestrianized or has restricted vehicle access.

Parking & Hazards

Use multi-story car parks on the periphery of the Old Town.
Winter months see snow and ice, making driving challenging.
Winter tires are legally required in certain conditions.

Border Crossing Note

Germany is a member of the Schengen Area.
Internal border checks with Schengen neighbors are generally absent.
Authorities conduct random identity checks, carry your passport or valid ID.

No general border controls when traveling by train or bus from Schengen countries.
Regensburg has no environmental zone, but other German cities might.
Always keep a safe distance from other vehicles on Autobahns.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Cruises & Ports

Regensburg is an important port city on the Danube River and a common stop for multi-day Danube river cruises. These cruises connect Regensburg with cities like Passau, Vienna, and Budapest.

Cruise Details

Cruise ships typically dock near the Old Town.
Local boat tours offer scenic views of the city from the water.
Longer trips extend to attractions like Walhalla.

Immigration & Connections

For international river cruises arriving from outside the Schengen Area, standard Schengen immigration procedures apply at your first entry into the Schengen zone.

Port Access

Cruises within Schengen generally involve no further immigration checks.
River cruise docks are typically within walking distance of Old Town.
Short taxi or bus rides also connect to the Old Town and Hauptbahnhof.

River Cruise Hub

Regensburg is a stop for Danube river cruises.

Scenic Tours

Local boat tours offer great views of the city from the water.

Convenient Access

Docks are close to the Old Town and main train station.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing travelers from Germany, other than those typically included in your airline ticket price.

Timing for Departure

For international flights: arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
For domestic/Schengen flights: 1.5-2 hours before departure.
For trains/buses: arrive 15-30 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Munich Airport (MUC) has extensive shopping (including duty-free), various restaurants, cafes, and lounges for departing travelers.

Available Amenities

Nuremberg Airport (NUE) provides similar, though smaller, facilities.
Regensburg Hauptbahnhof features shops, eateries, and waiting areas.
Allow ample time for security checks and walking to your gate.

Affiliate Resources for Travel

Final Tip

Plan to park your car on the periphery and explore Regensburg's Old Town entirely on foot for the best experience.

Getting There & Away