Munich Mountain Buses See 60% Increase in Ridership, Offering Direct Alpine Access
Munich, Bavaria, Germany – April 2, 2026 – The popularity of mountain buses in Munich is soaring, with the latest figures from the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV) revealing a substantial increase in usage. Last summer, approximately 11,500 people utilized these buses for excursions and hikes, marking a 60% surge compared to the previous year. This growing trend underscores the demand for convenient and direct transportation to the Bavarian Alps.
Efficient Alpine Connectivity for Hikers and Excursionists
Mountain buses provide a swift and efficient mode of transport for hikers and day-trippers, offering direct access to destinations that are often challenging to reach by train. While train travel typically concludes at a station, mountain buses are designed to serve specific locations deep within the Alps, bringing enthusiasts closer to their starting points for various activities.
From Munich, two primary routes are available, catering to different regions of the Alps:
- Line 396: Departs from Munich Ostbahnhof towards Bayrischzell, with stops at the Wendelstein cable car, Leitzachtal/Ursprungpass (Miesbach district), and extending to Thiersee in Tyrol.
- Line 996: Operates from Munich-Pasing to Pfronten in the Ostallgäu, including stops at Neuschwanstein Castle and Nesselwang, and continuing to Wieskirche in the Weilheim-Schongau district.
In the past year, Line 396, serving the Bavarian Oberland, attracted 5,800 passengers, while Line 996, heading to the Ostallgäu, was used by 5,650 travelers. The most frequented stops on Line 396 included Hinterthiersee Dorf, Bayrischzell, and the Wendelstein cable car. For Line 996, popular destinations were Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau (Tegelbergbahn), and Pfronten-Steinach.
Funding and Integration into Public Transport
The Munich mountain bus service is financially supported by the city of Munich and the districts of Miesbach and Ostallgäu, with additional funding from the Free State of Bavaria. What began as a pilot project by the Alpine Club Munich and Oberland has now been fully integrated into the MVV’s public transport offerings since 2024, solidifying its role as a key component of regional mobility.
This year, the Munich mountain buses will operate from Saturday, May 23, until October. Additionally, services will be available on public holidays, including Whit Monday (May 25) and Corpus Christi (June 4).
Booking and Spontaneity
Tickets for the Munich mountain buses can be conveniently booked via the MVV app. For those planning last-minute trips, buses can also be used spontaneously without prior booking, provided there is available capacity.
Augsburg’s Mountain Bus Initiatives
For residents of Augsburg looking to venture into the mountains, similar mountain bus services are available. These are organized by the DAV Augsburg in collaboration with a bus company, catering to both DAV members and non-members. These buses also target hard-to-reach Alpine regions, such as the Tannheimer Tal.
Registration for these trips is managed through the Augsburg section’s course and tour program. The summer schedule for the Augsburg mountain bus, including detailed timetables, is expected to be announced by the DAV in April 2026.
The increasing popularity of these mountain bus services in both Munich and Augsburg highlights a growing desire among the public for accessible and environmentally friendly ways to explore the natural beauty of the Alps.
