Getting There & Away: Berchtesgaden

Air Travel Options

Main Airports

Major airports serving Berchtesgaden.

Nearest Hubs

Salzburg Airport (SZG), Austria: Approximately 25-30 km (15-19 miles) from Berchtesgaden. It is the closest and most convenient international airport.
Munich Airport (MUC), Germany: Approximately 180 km (112 miles) from Berchtesgaden. This is a larger international hub offering more flight options.
Airlines and routes: SZG serves Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair, easyJet, Austrian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. MUC is a major hub for Lufthansa and Star Alliance, with extensive international and domestic routes. Direct flights from major global hubs mainly land at MUC. Dollar Flight Club | Skyscanner.

Airport Transfers

Transfer options from airports to city/accommodation.

Travel to Berchtesgaden

From Salzburg Airport (SZG): Take bus line 2 to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station). Then, take a train to Freilassing (Germany), and change for a train to Berchtesgaden Hbf. Total travel time is approximately 1.5-2 hours. A direct taxi or pre-booked private shuttle is also an option, approximately €60-€80.
From Munich Airport (MUC): Take the S-Bahn (S1 or S8) to Munich Hauptbahnhof. Then, take a regional train (Bayerische Regiobahn - BRB) to Freilassing, and change for Berchtesgaden Hbf. Total travel time is approximately 3-4 hours.
Rental Car: Car rental agencies are available at both airports. Driving time from MUC is approximately 2-2.5 hours.

Direct Flight Availability

Direct flights mainly land at Munich Airport (MUC). Salzburg typically requires a connection within Europe. From Europe, direct flights to both SZG and MUC are common from various European cities.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Prices tend to be highest during peak summer (July-August) and winter holidays (December-January). Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) often provide better deals.

Airport Facilities

Both airports provide standard facilities including car rental, taxis, shops, restaurants, currency exchange, and ATMs. Munich Airport is larger and offers more amenities.

Vehicle Rental Options

Car Rental

Car rental agencies are available at the airports. Major international companies like Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget operate. DiscoverCars.com
Requirements: Minimum age, usually 21, sometimes 25 for certain car categories, with young driver surcharges. Valid national driver's license. For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended or required. Major credit card for deposit.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
In winter, winter tires (M+S or Alpine symbol) are legally required in wintry conditions (snow, ice, slush).

Driving in Germany

Roads are well-maintained. Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. The alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. Use headlights in tunnels.
Motorways (Autobahnen) have no general speed limit for cars unless otherwise indicated, but a recommended limit of 130 km/h (80 mph) exists. Secondary roads typically have speed limits of 100 km/h outside towns and 50 km/h within towns.
Parking can be challenging and costly in popular areas like Königssee or the town center; use designated parking lots.
Mountain roads around Berchtesgaden can be winding and steep; drive carefully, especially in adverse weather.

Border & Local Connections

Border Crossing

Berchtesgaden lies very close to the Austrian border. Since both Germany and Austria belong to the Schengen Area, routine passport checks at the border are generally absent. However, always carry your ID, which means your passport or national ID card, for identification purposes.

Train Services

Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) serves as the main train station. Regional trains (Bayerische Regiobahn - BRB) operate from Freilassing. Freilassing functions as a regional hub with connections to Salzburg Hbf and Munich Hbf via Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains. Book tickets online via the Deutsche Bahn website, at train stations, or from ticket machines.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance bus travel (like FlixBus) typically serves larger cities like Munich or Salzburg. From there, transfer to regional trains or buses to reach Berchtesgaden. Direct long-distance bus connections to Berchtesgaden are limited.

Local Navigation Insights

Walking & Cycling

Berchtesgaden's natural landscape makes walking and cycling popular ways to explore.

Pedestrian & Bike Friendly

Berchtesgaden town center is very walkable. The area around Königssee and the Zauberwald (Magic Forest) in Ramsau offers excellent walking opportunities. Numerous well-marked hiking trails suit various fitness levels.
Dedicated cycling paths exist in some flatter valley areas. Many roads have shoulders suitable for cycling. Mountain biking trails are also popular. Always wear a helmet.
No-go areas: Certain high-altitude mountain trails may be restricted or dangerous for pedestrians or cyclists due to weather, rockfall, or avalanche risk. Motorways (Autobahnen) are strictly off-limits for cyclists and pedestrians.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis provide a direct transport option in Berchtesgaden, as ride-sharing services are not common.

Taxi Information

Licensed taxis are typically cream-colored or black sedans with a "Taxi" sign on the roof. Find them at designated taxi stands, like Berchtesgaden Hbf. You can hail them on the street if the "Taxi" sign is illuminated, or call them by phone.
Fares are metered. Short trips within Berchtesgaden town might cost €8-€15. A trip to Königssee from the town center might be around €15-€20. Cash is always accepted; some taxis accept credit cards, so ask beforehand.
Ride-sharing services like Uber are generally not active in smaller towns like Berchtesgaden. Taxis serve as the main on-demand car service.

Specialized Transport

Beyond standard public and private options, Berchtesgaden offers unique ways to experience its landscape.

Unique Experiences

Tour buses: Local RVO buses serve all main tourist points. Specialized tour buses operate to the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) from the Dokumentation Obersalzberg parking area, as private vehicles are not permitted on the final stretch of road.
Boat taxis: Electric passenger boats operate year-round, weather permitting, on Königssee from Schönau am Königssee. They stop at St. Bartholomä and Salet (summer only). A very short, small rowboat ferry crosses Obersee to the start of the Röthbachfall trail (summer only).
Cable cars: Jennerbahn, a modern cable car system near Königssee, provides access to hiking trails and panoramic views of the Watzmann and Königssee. It operates year-round, with maintenance breaks. Predigtstuhlbahn, an historic cable car in Bad Reichenhall, offers impressive views.

Accessibility & Mobility

Accessibility services for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Support

Many tourist attractions, including modern cable cars like the Jennerbahn and the Königssee boats, provide improved accessibility.
However, mountainous terrain and historical sites, like the Salt Mine with its slides, can present challenges.
Check specific attraction websites or contact them directly for detailed accessibility information.

Important Departure Information

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied when departing Germany by air or land.
Airport Departure: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, and 1.5-2 hours for domestic or Schengen flights. Check-in online if possible.
Train Stations: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure for regional trains. Platforms usually have clear signs.

Airport/station facilities for departing travelers: Standard facilities include shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free shopping at airports for non-EU destinations.
Always confirm your flight or train status before heading to the airport/station.
Keep your passport and boarding pass readily accessible.

Local Transit Tip

Utilize your Berchtesgaden Guest Card for complimentary bus travel, which simplifies local movement and saves on costs.

Getting There & Away