How to Get to Zugspitze from Munich & Garmisch, Germany

Quick Overview: How to Get to Zugspitze from Munich & Garmisch

• Zugspitze Location: Germany’s highest mountain (2,962 m), near Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the Bavarian Alps
• Closest Cities: Munich (1.5–2.5 hours) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (20–30 minutes)
• Main Access Points: Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train, Eibsee cable car, or Gletscherbahn from the glacier plateau
• Organized Tour Options: From Munich: Private Tour to Zugspitze & Lake Eibsee
• From Munich: Small Group Zugspitze Tour
• From Munich: Zugspitze + Neuschwanstein & Austria Tour
• From Garmisch: Private Tour to Zugspitze with Lunch
• By Train: Regional train from Munich to Garmisch, then connect to the Zugspitzbahn
• By Rental Car: Drive to Eibsee or Garmisch; paid parking available at both base stations. Book your rental car from Munich here.
• Open Year-Round: Zugspitze is accessible in all seasons, but routes may vary with weather
• Related Reads: Zugspitze Complete Travel Guide, Lake Eibsee Travel Guide, Best Things to Do in Garmisch

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them — at no extra cost to you.

If you’re planning to visit Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, you’ve got a few solid options — whether you’re coming from Munich for a day trip or staying nearby in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. I spent a few days based in Garmisch and made several visits to Lake Eibsee, waiting for the clearest weather before heading up to Zugspitze — and I’m glad I did. If your schedule allows, having a bit of flexibility is ideal.

That said, a day trip from Munich is totally doable, especially if you go with a small group or private tour. Honestly, if I hadn’t already been staying in Garmisch, I probably would’ve booked one of the guided tours — it’s just easier to sit back and enjoy the day without worrying about train connections or driving in the mountains. Still, if you’ve got a rental car or don’t mind navigating public transport, getting there on your own is very straightforward.

How to Get to Zugspitze from Munich

Munich is the most common starting point for travelers heading to Zugspitze. You can get there by organized tour, train, or car, depending on how much time and flexibility you want.

By Organized Tour

If you don’t want to mess with train connections, tickets, or alpine driving, a guided tour from Munich is hands-down the easiest way to visit Zugspitze. These tours include transportation, Zugspitze summit tickets, and often a local guide to help you make the most of the day.

Here are a few of the best options:

• From Munich: Private Tour to Zugspitze & Lake Eibsee
  A full-day private experience with flexible timing and stops at both Zugspitze and the beautiful Lake Eibsee. Book here!
• From Munich: Small Group Zugspitze Tour
  Perfect if you’re traveling solo or as a couple — relaxed, affordable, and all logistics handled. Book here!
• From Munich: Zugspitze + Neuschwanstein & Austria Tour
  Great if you want to see more in a single day. Includes Zugspitze, Germany’s fairytale castle, and a quick hop into Austria. Book here!

Why book a tour?
If I hadn’t been based in Garmisch, I honestly would’ve booked one of these. It takes the stress out of figuring out train schedules, buying multiple tickets, and navigating between stations. Plus, on a clear day, the guide will make sure you’re maximizing those views — and not wasting time.

By Car

Driving from Munich to Zugspitze is fast and flexible, especially if you’re planning to visit other spots in the region like Lake Eibsee, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or even cross into Austria for the day.

Renting a Car in Munich

If you’re not already traveling by car, you can easily rent a car in Munich for the day. Most rental agencies are located near Munich Hauptbahnhof (main train station) or at Munich Airport. This gives you full flexibility to explore Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee, and other alpine towns at your own pace — without worrying about train schedules.

Planning to drive from Munich? Find your Munich rental car on Rentalcars.com!

Route & Timing

• Take the A95 motorway south from Munich toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From there, follow signs to Grainau and Eibsee, where the main cable car station is located.
• Driving time: About 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic

Parking Options

• Eibsee-Seilbahn (Cable Car): Large paid lot right at the base station — fastest route to the summit
• Zugspitzbahn (Garmisch Station): Paid parking available if you’re taking the cogwheel train up instead
• Tip: Parking fills up early on clear summer days and weekends — arrive before 9 AM if possible

By Train

Taking the train from Munich to Zugspitze is a scenic and surprisingly straightforward option. It’s also one of the most popular ways to reach the summit — especially for travelers without a rental car.

Here’s how it works:

• Start at Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station) and take a regional train (RB) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen — about 1 hour 20 minutes. Trains typically run every hour.
• From Garmisch, walk across the platform and board the Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train, which winds its way up through alpine villages and forests to the Zugspitze Glacier Plateau (Zugspitzplatt).
• At the glacier station, transfer to the Gletscherbahn cable car for the final ascent to the summit.
• Total travel time: Around 2.5 hours one way
• Tickets: You can purchase a Zugspitze round-trip ticket that includes both the cogwheel train and summit cable car. Available online, at Garmisch station, or at Munich’s main station.
• Bayern Ticket Option: If you’re on a budget or traveling in a group, the Bayern Ticket is a great way to save on the regional leg from Munich to Garmisch.

How to Get to Zugspitze from Garmisch

If you’re already in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, getting to Zugspitze is quick and easy — and you have two main options: take the Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train or drive to Eibsee and ride the cable car straight to the summit. Both options give you stunning alpine views and work year-round.

By Cogwheel Train + Glacier Cable Car

This is the most classic way to reach Zugspitze from Garmisch. The Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train departs from the station in Garmisch and slowly climbs up through forests and mountain villages. You can also take the train from Lake Eibsee station.

• The train ends at Zugspitzplatt, just below the summit
• From there, you take the Gletscherbahn cable car up to the top
• Total time: About 75–90 minutes

By Eibsee Cable Car

If you’d rather skip the cogwheel train, you can drive or take a bus from Garmisch to Eibsee and board the Eibsee-Seilbahn — a direct cable car that goes all the way to the summit in just 10 minutes. It’s an exhilarating experience and one I highly recommend.

• Eibsee is about 15–20 minutes from Garmisch by car or local bus
• The cable car is modern, fast, and offers incredible views on the way up
• It’s the quickest way to the top

This is a great option if you’re short on time or want to combine your visit with a walk around Lake Eibsee afterward.

You can buy a Zugspitze round-trip ticket that includes both the train and cable car. It’s best to start early if you’re visiting during peak season or weekends — this route is popular with both tourists and locals.

Local Transport from Garmisch to Eibsee

If you’re not driving, you can still get from Garmisch to Eibsee easily:

• Bus 9706 runs regularly between Garmisch and Eibsee (about 35 minutes)
• You can also take the Zugspitzbahn for a scenic ride to the Eibsee stop

Either way, the stations are well-connected, and signage is clear.

Tips for Visiting Zugspitze

• Check the weather before you go – Clear skies make all the difference. Use the official Zugspitze live webcam to see summit conditions in real time.
• Go early – Cable cars and trains fill up fast, especially in summer and on weekends. Aim to arrive at the base station before 9 AM.
• Buy tickets in advance – If you’re not on a tour, you can buy Zugspitze round-trip tickets online or at the station. This saves time in line and helps avoid sold-out time slots on busy days.
• Bring layers – It’s significantly colder at the summit, even in summer. Windbreakers, hats, and gloves are smart to pack.
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen – The reflection off the snow/glacier is intense, even on cloudy days. Be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen.
• Bring snacks or water – There’s a restaurant at the summit, but prices are high and options can be limited during peak season.
• Visit Lake Eibsee after – If you took the cable car from Eibsee, stick around and walk part of the lake loop — it’s one of the most scenic spots in the region.
• Plan 4–6 hours total – Even if you’re not hiking, the full round-trip (plus time at the top) takes a good portion of the day.
• Don’t forget ID – You’re right near the Austrian border, and some tours briefly cross it. Bring your passport just in case.

Final Thoughts on Getting to Zugspitze

Visiting Zugspitze is one of those experiences that really sticks with you — not just for the views at the top, but for the journey getting there. Whether you take the slow, scenic route on the cogwheel train or hop on a cable car from Eibsee, the whole experience is pure Bavarian Alps magic. If you’re based in Munich and short on time, a guided day tour is a stress-free option that handles everything for you. But if you’re staying in Garmisch or have a rental car, getting to Zugspitze on your own is just as rewarding, especially if you want to explore at your own pace.

When I visited, I waited for the clearest weather day and took the time to do it slowly — and I’m glad I did. That said, not everyone has that flexibility, so planning ahead is key. No matter how you get there, just make sure you go — Zugspitze is one of those places that really earns its reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Zugspitze

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