What is the travel time from Munich to Salzburg by train?

The estimated travel time by train from Munich to Salzburg is about 1 hour and 50 minutes each way.

Where can I have breakfast in Salzburg?

The plan suggests having breakfast at Café Tomaselli, a historic café on Alter Markt, for coffee and a pastry after your train journey.

Are there Christmas markets included in this plan?

Yes, this plan includes visits to the Mirabellplatz Adventmarkt and the Domplatz Christkindlmarkt, timed to enjoy them after dark.

Is dinner included, and do I need a reservation?

The plan includes dinner at Sternbräu, a historic brewery-restaurant near Kapitelplatz. It is recommended to reserve a table, especially on weekday evenings, to guarantee seating.

What evening entertainment is suggested?

The plan includes attending an evening performance at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre, with tickets costing $20–$45 per person. Confirm current pricing and book in advance.

Salzburg's old town and the Salzach river in winter

Photo: Joël de Vriend / Unsplash

Day plan

Salzburg Christmas Markets Day Trip from Munich

Immerse yourselves in the festive magic of Salzburg's Christmas markets and charming Old Town.

Leave: 8:00 AM
Back by: 9:00 PM
Travel: About 1 h 50 min each way
Travelers: Couples

Drive times estimated from distance · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Salzburg from Munich: about 1 h 50 min each way by train · best for a couple · hours checked for Saturday.

$40–$90

The total covers getting around and tickets and tours for the whole party, plus food, gas and parking estimated in the breakdown below.

Things to do

Salzburg Cathedral (Dom) (Day 1)
Stroll · Kapitelplatz and Residenzplatz arcades (Day 1)
Mirabellplatz Adventmarkt (Day 1)
Evening performance · Salzburg Marionette Theatre (Day 1)
Back in Munich (Day 1)

Want this day on your date?

Make this yours — free, no account, no card.

Plan a day like this

Why this plan works

A compact Altstadt walking loop that visits the cathedral, a warm classic Austrian lunch nearby, and two Christmas markets while leaving time to enjoy the lights before your train home.

Open this day in Google Maps

8:00 AM
Head out · Munich → Salzburg
8:00 AM
About 1 h 50 min (estimated travel time). Leave Munich by 8:00 AM, arrive around 9:50 AM.
10:15 AM
Breakfast · Café Tomaselli
10:15 AM
Close to the cathedral and a classic Salzburg breakfast spot to begin your Altstadt stroll.
Historic café on Alter Markt for coffee and a pastry to warm up after the train; quick, iconic and right in the Altstadt to start your walk.
11:05 AM
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
11:05 AM
A central historic anchor of the Altstadt and the main site for the Domplatz Christkindlmarkt nearby.
Visit the cathedral interior and the Baroque square; allow time to linger inside and enjoy the façade and nearby Residenzplatz statues.
12:15 PM
Lunch · Gasthaus Zwettler's
12:15 PM
Nearby, reliably open at lunchtime and serving the classic warm Austrian dishes you requested.
Traditional Austrian lunch a short walk from the cathedral offering roast meats, dumplings and warm soups in a cozy interior away from outdoor stall cold.
2:00 PM
Stroll · Kapitelplatz and Residenzplatz arcades
2:00 PM
An easy, scenic link that keeps the day unhurried and brings you back toward Domplatz as lights come on.
Leisurely walk linking Mirabell and the cathedral area, viewing the Residenz façades and the open Kapitelplatz space before the markets light up.
2:50 PM
Mirabellplatz Adventmarkt
2:50 PM
A short, atmospheric market visit that fits the moderate pace and sits between your lunch and the evening markets.
Stroll the Mirabellplatz market for handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and mulled wine in a compact, pretty square near the Mirabell Gardens.
4:50 PM
Dinner · Sternbräu
4:50 PM
Large, bookable dining room very close to Kapitelplatz so you can dine warm and return to the Domplatz market when lights come on.
Book ahead · Call ahead: most restaurants open tables about a month out, and large parties often need longer
Historic brewery-restaurant near Kapitelplatz serving hearty Austrian fare and quick seasonal plates—reserve a table to guarantee seating before the evening markets.
5:45 PM
Evening performance · Salzburg Marionette Theatre
5:45 PM
A compact indoor show that keeps the evening lively and ends early enough for the late Christkindlmärkte.
Book ahead · Seats usually go on sale 3–6 months ahead; the good ones go in the first week
Catch a short evening puppet performance in the historic theatre close to Kapitelplatz; an indoor, atmospheric Salzburg evening activity before the markets.
6:40 PM
Head back · Salzburg → Munich
6:40 PM
About 1 h 50 min (estimated travel time).
8:30 PM
Back in Munich
8:30 PM
30 min to spare before 9:00 PM.

If you fall behind

What to cut if you fall behind: Mirabellplatz Adventmarkt

Plan a day like this

Bookings & costs

$40–$90

0 of 2 bookable items booked

Food not included: about $200, listed below

0 of 2 bookable items booked

Locked in

paid or reserved

Still to book

$70

est. $40–$90 · 2 items

Gas & parking

est. $0

Booked prices are exact. Everything else is an estimate.

Know before you go

Practical notes for this trip — the things worth sorting before you leave.

Set up before you go

Buy your Munich–Salzburg round-trip train ticket from ÖBB or Deutsche Bahn in advance and have a mobile ticket ready; regional trains sometimes require validating or seat reservations on IC/EC services.
Time-sensitiveTrain · Salzburg Hbf → München Hbf

Booking windows & timing

St. Confirm the venue's current policy when you book.
Time-sensitiveSt. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Crowds & timing

Markets light up after sunset; schedule your Mirabellplatz and Domplatz visits in late afternoon then linger after dusk for the illuminated stalls and atmosphere.
Time-sensitiveChristkindlmarkt on Domplatz & Residenzplatz

Getting around & transport

Salzburg is compact and easiest on foot; use S-Bahn or short bus rides from Salzburg Hbf if you prefer less walking between the station and Altstadt.

Want this day from your own starting point?

Make this yours — free, no account, no card.

Plan a day like this

Questions about this plan

What is the travel time from Munich to Salzburg by train?: The estimated travel time by train from Munich to Salzburg is about 1 hour and 50 minutes each way.
Where can I have breakfast in Salzburg?: The plan suggests having breakfast at Café Tomaselli, a historic café on Alter Markt, for coffee and a pastry after your train journey.
Are there Christmas markets included in this plan?: Yes, this plan includes visits to the Mirabellplatz Adventmarkt and the Domplatz Christkindlmarkt, timed to enjoy them after dark.
Is dinner included, and do I need a reservation?: The plan includes dinner at Sternbräu, a historic brewery-restaurant near Kapitelplatz. It is recommended to reserve a table, especially on weekday evenings, to guarantee seating.
What evening entertainment is suggested?: The plan includes attending an evening performance at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre, with tickets costing $20–$45 per person. Confirm current pricing and book in advance.