The oldest long-distance railway line in Bavaria: from Augsburg to Munich

On 4 October 1840, the time had come: the first train rolled from Augsburg to Munich - and Bavaria made railway history! The railway line between the two cities was the first major long-distance railway line in the Free State and marked the beginning of a new era of mobility. But there was real pioneering work behind this innovation: locomotives and rails were imported from England, while the carriages were manufactured in Munich according to Prussian models. Financed by private investors, this project laid the foundations for today's Bavarian railway network.

From steam locomotives to the ICE

What was a technical sensation at the time is now one of the most modern and fastest railway lines in Germany. The first trains took around two and a half hours to complete the journey, travelling in open carriages with wooden benches. Today, modern ICE trains glide from city to city at speeds of up to 300 km/h in just 30 minutes.

A tip: If you want to experience the route at a more leisurely pace, you can also take a local train - and enjoy the Bavarian countryside at the same time.

"The most beautiful thing about Augsburg is the train to Munich"

This is what Bertolt Brecht, the famous playwright and son of the city of Augsburg, is said to have said. But anyone travelling along the route today would hardly agree with this statement: Both cities have plenty to offer culturally and historically. From the Fuggerei, the oldest social housing estate in the world, to Munich's Marienplatz and English Garden - this railway line connects not just places, but stories.

A train for the Oktoberfest

It was already clear at the opening: this line will move a lot! The very first train brought visitors directly to the Munich Oktoberfest and made the Wiesn accessible to many people from the region for the first time. To this day, the connection is one of the most important for regional and national transport - and a symbol of Bavaria's progress.

Discover the Augsburg-Munich railway line

If you use the line, you can not only enjoy the fast connection between Augsburg and Munich, but also experience a lot. From the historical sights in Augsburg, such as the Fuggerei or the magnificent Golden Hall, to Munich's vibrant city life: This railway line connects two cities that are each worth a visit in their own right.