Train from Munich to Salzburg - should I book in advance?

[SabrinaThwaite]

Just that really - we’re travelling next week, should we book in advance or buy a ticket on the day?

You can buy on the day if you need flexibility. There are various tickets and operators. DB/ÖBB are the main operators, but there is also Westbahn and you can possibly save more money by using local trains if you are not in a hurry and buying a Bayern Ticket (for ticketing purposes, because Salzburg is the border station, it counts as being included in the Bayern region).

If you buy online only use the official sites for DB/ÖBB/Westbahn and not any of the rip-off booking sites that charge additional, extortionate fees.

All the above, but if using local trains isn't an option, or not one you want to take, then definitely book in advance - it's likely to be significantly cheaper (but does mean you are then committed to taking that train and that one only).

Thank you both.

I was thinking of booking the flexpreis ticket as that means we can take any train on the day rather than being limited to a particular one.

But the Bayern ticket looks like great value and so a bit of a no brainer - so thank you for highlighting that. We’re not in any great hurry so local trains are fine, and I quite like the slower trains.

Also spotted that you can buy the Bayern ticket online in advance so that sounds super easy!

I bought my ticket on the Trainline app either the night before or on the day. Very straightforward, plenty of trains running.