From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle by Bus with Alpine Bike Ride

Tour highlights, prices, & timings

Tourists riding the bikes near Neuschwanstein Castle with the Alpine views

Step into a fairytale on this 11-hour full-day guided tour from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle and the Bavarian Alps.

Traveling in a luxury coach with onboard Wi-Fi, you’ll head toward Hohenschwangau, a charming village near the Austrian border.

Get ready to fall in love with Bavaria!

This tour combines stunning scenery, engaging guides, and the freedom to go beyond a typical castle visit—with options like alpine biking, lakeside swimming, or exploring the equally charming Hohenschwangau Castle.

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.

Tour Highlights

This 11-hour guided day trip starts in Munich, where you’ll board an air-conditioned luxury coach equipped with Wi-Fi.

Along the way, you’ll pass picturesque villages and scenic stretches of the Romantic Road, soaking up views of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps.

The commentary from your guide will prepare you for what’s ahead—stories of King Ludwig II, Bavaria’s beloved and mysterious “fairy tale king.”

Upon arrival at Hohenschwangau, the morning is yours to tailor! Most travelers opt for the alpine bike ride, which begins at Schwangau Castle Brewery after a brief safety session.

The bike route is mostly flat and easy, making it suitable for all fitness levels. You’ll cycle through alpine meadows, past grazing cows, and stop at Lake Schwansee, where you can take photos—or even a swim during summer months.

After the bike ride, you’ll return to the brewery for an optional pre-ordered lunch. Many guests enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes and locally brewed beer at the beer garden, which offers breathtaking views of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles.

Neuschwanstein Castle seen from Schwansee lake at the golden hour
Image: Ostrichtrails.com

Reaching the Castle

Post-lunch, the group heads to the Neuschwanstein Castle area. You can hike up to the castle, a steep but rewarding 30-minute walk through the forest, or pay a small fee (€3.50 one-way) to take a shuttle bus to Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrücke)—a popular photo spot with sweeping views of the castle.

In peak season, lines for the bridge may get long, so your guide may lead you to a “secret spot” for great photos without the wait.

From there, you’ll proceed to the castle entrance with skip-the-line tickets, which you purchase directly from the guide on the bus in the morning (note that you must bring cash for this).

The guided interior tour of Neuschwanstein lasts around 20 minutes, giving you a glimpse into the grand but unfinished vision of King Ludwig II. Though brief, the tour highlights key rooms and architectural details while telling the story of the king’s fascinating—and tragic—life.

After the tour, you’ll walk back downhill to the coach and return to Munich by early evening, filled with stories and stunning memories.

Ticket price

Adult (16-65 years): €75
Senior (66-78 years): €70
Youth (9-15 years): €73
Child (2-8 years): €73
Infant (0- 1 year): Free

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Itinerary of Neuschwanstein Castle by Bus with Alpine Bike Ride

Your Bavarian adventure begins at 8.30 AM from Munich, as you board a luxury coach for a scenic journey to the Alps. Here’s the estimated schedule for your day:

TimeActivity
8.30 AMDepart Munich
10.30 AMArrive in Hohenschwangau
11 AMAlpine Bike Ride with stops at Lake Schwansee
1 PMReturn to Schwangau Castle Brewery
2 PMMarienbrücke for panoramic photos, then walk to the Neuschwanstein Castle entrance
2.45 PMNeuschwanstein Castle interior tour
3.15 PMFree time to explore
4 PMReturn journey to Munich
7.30 PMArrive back in Munich

Inclusions & Exclusions

✅Round-trip transportation from Munich on a luxury coach with Wi-Fi

✅English-speaking professional guide

✅Use of a bicycle and helmet

✅Live commentary throughout the journey

❌Entry to Neuschwanstein Castle (€18.50–€26.50 depending on fees and season; Must be paid in cash)

❌Lunch at the brewery

❌Entry to Hohenschwangau Castle (optional, with extra charges, approx. €22–€27.50)

❌Shuttle bus to Mary’s Bridge (€3.50 one-way)

Day Trip Details

Duration: Around 11 hours

Departure Location: Bräuhausstraße 10, 80331 Munich

Departure Time: 8.30 am

Language: Live tour guide in English

Return Time: 7.30 pm

Things to know before your visit

This tour lasts approximately 11 hours. The castle interior tour is short—about 20 minutes—but the journey and surrounding experience make up for it.

The bike ride is easy, suitable for all skill levels, and includes stunning views of the alpine landscape.

The walk to the castle is not recommended for those with back, knee, or heart conditions, although the shuttle bus is a good alternative.

The tour is conducted in English only.

If it rains on the day of your visit, don’t worry, indoor seating is available.

Pack for a day outdoors! Bring comfortable walking shoes if you choose to go on the hike. The walk up can be steep.

Remember to bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.

Sunglasses, sunscreen, rain gear, and a water bottle will save your day, so pack them beforehand!

And most importantly, bring cash for incidentals like lunch and castle tickets.

Should You Visit Neuschwanstein Castle with Transport or Go on Your Own?

If you prefer convenience and a stress-free day, book a guided tour with transport, like the Neuschwanstein Castle Bus & Alpine Bike Ride. While it’s possible to visit Neuschwanstein on your own, this guided experience adds so much more.

You’ll get round-trip travel from Munich on a comfy coach, bike rental, and skip-the-line ticket assistance from your guide.

You’ll have access to expert local guides, who not only share rich historical context but also help you navigate busy areas and photo spots, optimizing your day.

What makes this tour unique is the flexibility. Whether you want a relaxing bike ride, a castle-only itinerary, or a cultural experience with food and views, you can personalize your visit.

It’s also perfect for groups of friends or families with different interests—everyone can enjoy the day their own way and regroup for the main highlight, Neuschwanstein Castle.

If you go independently, you’ll need to arrange your travel by train to Füssen, pick up your ticket at the station, and manage the journey to the castle—about 90 minutes, including an uphill walk or shuttle bus to the castle.

Book your Neuschwanstein Castle Alpine Bike Tour today and create memories you’ll treasure forever.

This is more than a castle tour—it’s a full Bavarian day of adventure. Whether you’re biking through meadows or standing on Mary’s Bridge with the Alps behind you, you’ll understand why Neuschwanstein is one of the most photographed places in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions tourists ask while planning to visit Neuschwanstein Castle by bus from Munich.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is optional and paid for on the day. You’ll dine at a local brewery with castle views.

Can I do all the activities?

Do I need to bring cash?

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Is the castle accessible for people with reduced mobility?

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Researched & Written by
Mary Bency thrives on the beauty of starry skies, the rhythm of poetry, and the thrill of cultural exploration. As a traveler with a deep curiosity for history and hidden gems, she immerses herself in the cultures and traditions of every place she visits. She is passionate about astronomy and poetry. Inspired by the destinations she explores, Mary writes, capturing their essence in verse. Mary's natural curiosity and knack for connecting with people allow her to infuse her writing with a dynamic and relatable perspective, engaging her stories. Favorite travel movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Next destination: Chefchaouen, Morocco.

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