Your Guide to Reaching Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is located near the charming villages of Schwangau and Füssen in Germany’s beautiful Allgäu region.

To start your adventure, you’ll first need to reach the village of Hohenschwangau, which is the gateway to the castle.

Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany. Get Directions.

The Neuschwanstein entry ticket is the cheapest way to see the castle, which attracts a million visitors annually. The full-day trip from Munich includes castle entry and transport, while the Neuschwanstein & Linderhof tour offers a guided experience of both fairytale castles.

Traveling by Train

A popular and convenient way to get to the castle area is via public transportation.

Begin by taking a train to Fussen — the nearest train station to Neuschwanstein.

If you are traveling from Munich, the regional train ride takes about two hours. Check train schedules

Traveling by Bus

From Füssen station, board bus number 73 or 78 to Hohenschwangau.

The bus stop you need is called “Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau,” and the bus ride takes roughly 10 minutes. Check bus routes and timetables

Traveling by Taxi

Alternatively, a taxi ride from Füssen to the castle’s ticket office takes about 10 minutes.

Check your Taxi options to get to Neuschwanstein Castle.

For those who enjoy walking and want to soak in the countryside, it’s possible to walk from Füssen to Schwangau in just over an hour.

Driving or Traveling by Coach

If you’re driving, follow the A7 motorway towards Ulm-Kempten-Füssen to its end.

From Füssen, take the B17 road to Schwangau and follow signs to Hohenschwangau.

Another scenic route involves exiting at Kempten and taking the B12 to Marktoberdorf, then the B16 to Roßhaupten, followed by the OAL I to Buching, and finally the B17 to Schwangau and Hohenschwangau.

This Route Planner will help you get to your destination, no matter which scenic route you choose.

Please note that parking in Hohenschwangau is private and limited, so you will need to use designated parking lots in the village.

Getting from Hohenschwangau Village to the Castle

Once you arrive in Hohenschwangau at the parking lot or ticket center, you’ll need to make your way up to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Keep in mind that cars and bicycles are not permitted on Neuschwansteinstraße, the road leading directly to the castle. 

Cyclists must use a designated bike path that branches off shortly after the village.

Here are your options for reaching the castle from Hohenschwangau:

Walking

A scenic but steep 1.5 km (1 mile) uphill walk takes 30 to 40 minutes.

The path includes some gravel sections and can be challenging for those with limited mobility.

Horse-Drawn Carriage

Carriages depart from Hotel Müller on Alpseestraße in Hohenschwangau.

They take you close to the castle but stop about 450 meters away. From there, a 10–15 minute uphill walk remains to reach the entrance.

Tickets are purchased directly from the driver (€8 uphill and €4 downhill).

Please note that there are no reservations, and carriages do not have wheelchair ramps.

Shuttle Bus

The shuttle departs from parking lot P4 near Hohenschwangau Palace. It travels to the Jugend lookout point (Marienbrücke), offering stunning views over the castle.

From there, it’s a 10–15 minute downhill walk to the castle entrance.

The bus fare is approximately €3.50 one way, and tickets can be bought on board.

Note that buses do not operate during snow or icy conditions.

Both carriage and shuttle services run year-round and operate on demand without a fixed schedule.

Important Tips for Your Visit

Neuschwanstein Castle welcomes over a million visitors annually, so summers, especially July and August, can be very crowded.

Consider visiting in spring or autumn for a quieter experience.

Advance online ticket booking is strongly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

The castle is open daily except for December 24th, 25th, 31st, and January 1st.

Choose the best transport option for you and get ready to experience the magic of this iconic fairy tale castle!