Munich to Paris by train- my experience: TGV high-speed train or nighttrain
Looking for the best was to travel from Munich to Paris? Whether you prefer speed, comfort, or an overnight journey, this guide will help you compare all options, from the high-speed TGV to the Nightjet sleeper train.
OVERVIEW of TRAVEL Options from Munich to Paris
| Option | Direct TGV | Night Train | Daytime train with Transfer | Flight (Lufthansa) | |
| Travel Time | 5h 45 min | 9h 31min | ~6-7 hours depending on transfer time | ~5h 30 min (1h to Munich Airport + 1h airport check-in/security + 1h 40min flight + ~30 min from plane to RER train + ~1h RER to Paris center) | |
| Frequency | once daily | 3 times per week | Several options daily | Multiple daily flights | |
| Stops | Direct | Direct | One transfer (e.g., Stuttgart or Mannheim) | Direct | |
| Costs starting from | €39.90 (2nd class) | €29.90 (seat), €59.90 (couchette), €89.90 (sleeper cabin) | €39.90 | 100-200 Euro | |
| Comfort | Comfortable in both 1st and 2nd class, spacious first-class seats available | Best in sleeper cabin, includes breakfast | Depends on connection and train type | Strict baggage policies | |
| Luggage | No strict limits, but limited space onboard | No strict limits, limited space in cabins | No strict limits, but limited space onboard | Strict baggage policies | |
| Special features | Double-decker train: quiet lower deck, scenic upper deck | Sleep overnight, arrive rested | Flexible timings | Fastest air travel time but with added transfer times | |
| Booking via | RailEurope, Trainline | RailEurope, DB | RailEurope, Trainline | Lufthansa |
Overview:
Hey, I'm Matthias.
Travel is my favourite topic - as a certified tour guide, a flight attentendant and through my website Pinguin-Ecotrips.de.
Last year, I traveled almost 17,000 km on long-distance trains - and I'm here to assist you in planning sustainable train travel across Europe.
Do you have suggestions or questions? You can reach me via Instagram Instagram and at matthias@pinguin-ecotrips.de
I've had the pleasure of traveling from Munich to Paris by train many and was able to enjoy bot the high speed train TGV as well as the night train Nightjet on several occasions. From my experience, spending the night in the Nightjet's sleeper car can be quite comfortable - however, for the Munich to Paris route, the daily TGV connection is often a very good and usually cheaper alternative.
✓ Paris can be easily reached by train from Munich without having to change trains once a day with the TGV with a journey time of 5 hours and 45 minutes . Based on my experience I recommend the high-speed TGV connection over the night train! ✓ The Nightjet 468 leaves Munich East on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 00:12, heading to Paris ✓ It arrives at Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:43 ✓The connection is paused due to construction work until October 29th. ✓You can travel comfortably in a sleeper car starting from €89.90, or more affordably in a couchette car from €69.90, and in a seat from €29.90. (*) ✓ The return trip departs Paris on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 19:58. ✓ The easiest booking option is via raileurope.com (*)
Having visited Paris many times, both as a tourist and as a tour guide, I also have some hotel and activity recommendations for you. My top hotel recommendations are the Hotel de Roubaix (*) in the Marais and the stylish Hotel Okko right next to Gare de l'Est (*).
In the article you will find all the information about arrival and booking. As I have had the privilege of visiting Paris many times, both as a tourist and as a tour guide, you will also find my recommendations for hotels and activities here.
Compared to flying, you'll save 150kg CO2 per person on a one-way trip - 300kg CO2 on the return trip - enough to save almost 1m2 of arctic ice.
The links marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called affiliate links. If you click on such an affiliate link and make a booking or purchase via this link, I will receive a small commission from the provider concerned. The price does not change for you.
With high-speed train TGV 9576 from Munich to Paris
General Information and times
As someone who has traveled this route numerous times, I can confidently say that the daily TGV from Munich to Paris is the fastest and most reliable option. Departing every morning at 06:46 from Munich Central Station, the train arrives at Gare de l'Est in Paris at 12:31 after a comfortable journey of 5 hours and 45 minutes.
You can board the train at several stops along the way, including Augsburg Hbf (07:16), Ulm Hbf (08:02), Stuttgart Hbf (09:10), and Karlsruhe Hbf (09:53).
The easiest way to buy tickets for these journey is via raileurope.com (*) and trainline.com (*).
It's quick, easy, reliable - and comfortable, especially since you can often get first class tickets for quite affordable fares.
With an arrival only 2 hours after the night train on the same route i do personally find that the TGV is the more time-efficient option compared to the night train.
Comfort On Board: Why choose first class?
The TGV offers two travel classes, similar to the German ICE: first class and second class. In second class, there are four seats per row, while first class offers more space and comfort with three seats per row—two on one side of the aisle and one on the other. From my experience, with a journey time of nearly six hours, upgrading to first class for an additional 20 to 30 euros is well worth it for the significantly increased comfort.
First class also features single seats, which are ideal for solo travelers, and vis-à-vis seating arrangements, perfect for couples. Although there are no strict baggage limits, space on board is somewhat limited. Luggage racks are located near the entrances, so it’s wise to remove valuables—unfortunately, I’ve had the experience of a suitcase being stolen from the TGV.
The TGVs on this route are double-decker trains. The upper deck offers better views, while the lower deck is notably quieter, as the passage between carriages is on the upper level. There's also a café car on board where you can purchase drinks and snacks, although it's more of a stand-up café rather than a full dining car like those found on German ICE trains.
Booking and Prices
With the saver price, you can book tickets for a single journey in second class from Munich to Paris from €39.90 - realistically, you will find prices between €60 and €70 when you book two months before departure.
Basically, the earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets - although peak travel times such as the summer holidays tend to be more expensive. You can usually buy tickets for this route 6 months before departure.
You can find prices and book via raileurope.com (*) and trainline.com (*)
or direchtly at the German railways company DB (*).
Night train: the Nightjet from Munich to Paris
General information and timetables:
You can travel three times a week from Munich or Rosenheim to Paris while you sleep.
The train starts at 19:38 in Vienna at the main station, at 22:18 in Salzburg Hbf, at 23:29 in Rosenheim and finally at 00:12 at Munich Ostbahnhof. Strasbourg is reached at 05:50 in the morning, and Paris Gare de l'Est at 10:24
Timetable Nightjet Vienna - Munich - Paris
| Wien Hbf | Salzburg | Rosenheim | München Ost | Straßburg |
Paris Gare de l'Est |
| 19:38 | 22:18 | 23:41 | 00:12 | 05:50 | 10:24 |
| Mon, Wed, Fri | Mon, Wed, Fri | Mon, Wed, Fri | Tue, Thu, Sat | Tue, Thu, Sat | Tue, Thu, Sat |
Timetable Nightjet Paris - Vienna - Munich
|
Paris Gare de l'Est |
Straßburg | München Ost | Rosenheim | Salzburg | Wien Hbf |
| 19:12 | 23:42 | 05:46 | 06:18 | 07:30 | 10:13 |
| Tue, Thu, Sat | Tue, Thu, Sat | Wed, Fri, Sun | Wed, Fri, Sun | Wed, Fri, Sun | Wed, Fri, Sun |
Please note that the excat times for the night train may change regularly. It's best to check the exact times for your travel day at raileurope.com (*) or bahn.de (*)
Comfort & Travel classes: Why you should choose the sleeper car
The cheapest and most basic way to travel is the seated car. Here you will be seated in a reclining seat, usually in a compartment with up to 6 persons.
In order to arrive really rested, we definitely recommend booking a place in the couchette or sleeping car - but whats the difference between the two?
You can think of the couchette as a dorm in a hostel and the sleeper cabin as a hotel room:
In a couchette car you travel with a total of up to 4 or 6 people per compartment. If your travelling with several people you can reserve the compartment privately for you - otherwise you will be mixed with other travellers. Please keep in mind that other travellers might start and end their journeys in different train stations, so you might find you companions already sleeping while you enter the compartment - or they might get dressed and ready while you are still trying to sleep. However, you will have a bunk bed with linen, so you will be able to get some sleep.
If you are travelling alone or as a couple and want to get a decent amount of sleep i would always recommend to opt for the sleeping car. Here I was usually able to sleep and rest well. In the sleeping car you travel in more comfortable beds for 1 to 3 persons per cabin - for a small surcharge, single cabins and cabins with private shower and toilet can also be booked. You will sleep in a real bed and be undisturbed, just like in a hotel room.
In the couchette and sleeping cars, breakfast is already included in the price.
You can find prices and book via raileurope.com (*) and trainline.com (*)
or direchtly at the German railways company DB (*).
Prices and Booking
First of all: just as with air travel, prices can be very fluctuant, so these numbers are just an indication. All prices are per adult person one-way.
In the seating car prices for nonflexible tickets start at 39.90 Euro - while 60 to 70 Euro is a more realistic price range.
Ticket prices for the couchette car start at 69.90 Euro. Realistically you should expect prices of around 100 Euro,
For the sleeper car, prices start at 89.90 Euro - but realistically you may expect prices between 100 and 200 Euro.
You can find prices and book via raileurope.com (*) and trainline.com (*)
or direchtly at the German railways company DB (*).
Please note that the excat times for the night train may change regularly. It's best to check the exact times for your travel day at raileurope.com (*) or bahn.de (*)
Timetable for the night train between Paris, munich and Vienna
Travelling with a Stopover in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is right on the way from Munich to Paris - so why not spend a few days in the European capital with its historical architecture, cosmopolitan flair and its very own cuisine.
Step 1- Munich to Strasbourg:
You can travel to Strasbourg by train from Munich in under 4 hours - either with the direct TGV in the morning at 06:46 - or with one of 4 connecting services per
day.
You can find prices and book via raileurope.com (*) and trainline.com (*)
or direchtly at the German railways company DB(*).
Hotel tip in Strasbourg:
The Hotel Tandem (*) is located directly at the train station, pays particular attention to sustainability and you can rent bikes to explore the city. I recently stayed here before taking an early morning TGV to Paris - and enjoyed the stylish rooms and the closeness to the train station: you literally just cross the street to reach the stations entrance. Rooms from 79 EUR on booking.com (*) Buchung ab 79 EUR unter booking.com (*)
Step 2 - from Strasbourg to Paris:
From Strasbourg there is a TGV connection every 30 minutes, which takes you to Paris in just under 2 hours without changing trains.
Once you’ve decided on the best train option for your journey from Munich to Paris, it’s time to plan the rest of your trip. From where to stay to how to make the most of your time in the city, here are my top recommendations for accommodations and activities in Paris
The links marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called affiliate links. If you click on such an affiliate link and make a booking or purchase via this link, I will receive a small commission from the provider concerned. The price does not change for you.
Accommodations in Paris
| Hotel Okko Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est (*) | Hotel de Roubaix (*) | Hotel les deux Gares (*) | Hotel Solar (*) | Hotel Gavarni (*) | |||
| Categorie | 4 stars **** | 2 stars ** | 4 stars **** | 2 stars ** | 3 stars *** | ||
| Location | Between Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord | Le Marais, central Paris | Next to Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord | Quartier Latin, University district |
|
||
| Distance to Gare de l'Est | 100 meters |
1,4 km, 9 min by metro |
100 meters |
5,4 km, 26 min by metro |
6,6 km, 37 min by bus |
||
| Features | Stylish design, fitness room, sauna, free hot drinks, soft drinks, and snacks available 24/7; spacious and well-equipped rooms; diverse breakfast buffet | Individually designed with themes like comics, music, and art; good breakfast buffet | Retro style, bold colors, sauna | Solar panels, energy saving, free bicycles, organic breakfast | CO2 neutral, renewable energy, organic and fair-trade products | ||
| Why this hotel? | Ideal location, comfort, and additional amenities | Small, beautifully designed, very central location | Stylish and perfectly located for train travelers | Sustainable and affordable | Sustainable, high quality, close to major sights | ||
| Price per night | from 139 Euro via booking.com (*) | from111 Euro via booking.com (*) | from 180 Euro via booking.com (*) | from 88 Euro via booking.com (*) | from 119 Euro via booking.com (*) |
My
recommendation next to Gare de l'Est: Okko Hotel Paris Gare de l'Est*
In January 2024, I had the pleasure of staying at the Hotel Okko Paris Gare de
l'Est* , and I was thoroughly impressed by my experience. This hotel stands out not only for its perfect location for train travelers
but also for its exceptional amenities, including a fitness room and sauna. Situated just 100 meters from the side entrance of Gare de l'Est, the hotel offers a peaceful and relaxing retreat,
despite being so close to the hustle and bustle of the station.
From the moment you step in, the staff greets you with warmth and professionalism, and the hotel's stylish interior creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The rooms are impressively spacious and equipped with all the essentials—a rarity in a city like Paris. The light pastel tones used in the décor give the rooms a charming and appealing ambiance.
One of the highlights of the stay is the lobby, where guests can enjoy complimentary hot drinks, soft drinks, and snacks 24/7. The breakfast buffet is another standout feature, offering an extensive and varied selection. For those seeking to stay active or unwind, the hotel's fitness room and sauna provide the perfect balance of exercise and relaxation.
Overall, the Okko Hotel Paris Gare de l'Est is an excellent choice for any visit to Paris, whether you're traveling for business or leisure.
You can book rooms starting at €139 per night via booking.com*.
MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION IN THE CENTER: Personal, good value for money, with its own charm and centrally located: Hotel de Roubaix (*)
I was lucky enough to stay in this small beautiful hotel in 2018: the hotel is perfectly located for exploring the city in the beautiful and lively Le Marais district, and there is a great selection of restaurants, cafes bars and shops in the surrounding area.
The hotel is small with an intimate atmosphere - and both the rooms and the public areas are nicely and individually designed and decorated on themes of comics, music and art.
In the morning there is a small, but by parisian standards quite diverse breakfast buffet.
Stylish Hotel next to the train station: Hotel les deux Gares (*)
This 4-star hotel is perfectly located for those arriving by train: right next to the two train stations Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord, where all trains from Germany, London and Brussels arrive.
The hotel is tastefully decorated in a retro style with bold colors and offers a sauna (a rarity in Paris) to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
You can book this hotel from approx. EUR 180 per night via >>here<< via booking.com (*) - or via booking.com/hotellook (*):
With it's own solar panels and free bycicles: Hotel Solar (*)
This small two-star hotel in the university district pays particular attention to sustainability: the facade is equipped with solar cells, great attention is paid to saving energy and bicycles are available to guests free of charge. Breakfast with organic products is already included in the room price from 88 euros per double room.
Sustainable and in the heart of Paris: Hotel Gavarni (*)
This 3-star hotel is located west of downtown, very close to the Seine, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées. Sustainability is particularly important here: The hotel has been awarded the European Ecolabel, is 100% CO2-neutral, draws its electricity exclusively from renewable energies and only uses cleaning agents with the Ecolabel. Fair trade and organic products await you at breakfast.
Rooms are available from 130 EUR per night via booking.com(*)
You'll find more accommodations close to the train stations Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord on this map(*) :
Discover Paris
If you are in Paris for the first time, you probably want to explore the classic sights first, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées or the Louvre.
It pays to do a little planning in advance - Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world for a reason.
One of the best ways to see the beauty of the city from the water is to take a Seine River cruise (*). My personal favorite among the operators is "Vedettes de Paris (*)" as they offer smaller boats that create a relaxed atmosphere. Instead of impersonal tape announcements as with other providers, local guides provide exciting explanations along the route. Boats depart every 30 to 45 minutes, allowing for flexibility in planning your itinerary.
An absolute must on your trip is of course the Eiffel Tower, the unmistakable symbol of Paris. I recommend taking the elevator to the second floor where you can enjoy amazing views. And for the descent, the stairs are ideal for enjoying the experience to the full. Note, however, that the waiting times at the Eiffel Tower are often very long. To save time and avoid disappointment, be sure to book tickets in advance.
Of course, the Louvre (*) is at the top of the list for many Paris visitors. As the largest museum in the world, it offers an amazing collection of works of art. In order for you to fully enjoy this cultural experience, I recommend you allow enough time or even plan in advance what you want to see and where you want to go. Again, book your tickets in advance(*) to avoid long waits and get the most out of your visit.
Another impressive museum - and perhaps my personal favorite - is the Musée d'Orsay (*), which specializes in works from the 19th and early 20th centuries and is housed in a former train station. The Art Nouveau architecture gives this place a unique atmosphere. As with the Louvre, it is advisable to book tickets in advance (*) to avoid long waiting times and immerse yourself in the world of art undisturbed.
For me personally, no visit to Paris would be complete without experiencing the impressive Sainte Chapelle(*) church, which is undoubtedly one of the most impressive religious buildings in the city. The beauty of this Gothic masterpiece, known for its stunning stained glass windows that tell biblical stories, never ceases to amaze me. In order to avoid long waiting times and to admire the magnificent stained glass windows and fascinating architecture of the Sainte Chapelle in peace, it is advisable to book tickets in advance(*).
A highlight in Paris for me is a visit to the Opéra Garnier (*). Here you dive into one of the most magnificent theaters in the world and walk in the footsteps of Arsène Lupin and the Phantom of the Opera. The opera can be visited daily. You can book tickets in advance (*) - you should definitely take an audio guide on site.
Walks through Paris:
The best way to discover Paris away from the main sights is to explore the individual districts on foot. If you want to explore the neighbourhoods with local guides, these tours through Montmartre (*), Marais or Ile-de-la Cité might be interesting for you.
You also have a number of options on site to make your stay sustainable, e.g. exploring the city by bike and public transport, second-hand shopping and vegan restaurants:
Explore Paris by bike:
Even if you don't immediately think of bike tours when you think of Paris city traffic, Paris is becoming more and more bike-friendly and there are more and more bike paths running through the city. You will find Velib' stations all over the city, where you can easily rent a bike or e-bike and return it in any other city.
You register once and then pay either per ride (EUR 3 for 45 minutes) or per day (EUR 5 for unlimited use of normal bikes for 24 hours, EUR 10 for e-bikes). With the day passes, you don't rent a bike for a day, you can always return the bike and get a new one at any station. But you can also get to know the most important sights (*) or hidden corners of Paris (*) on a guided city tour by bike.
By public transport through Paris:
With the metro, the Paris subway, and the RER (equivalent to the German S-Bahn) you can explore every corner of Paris. Riding the metro has its own charm, because there is hardly any other place where you can observe city life as well as here, where tourists and Paris meet in close proximity. You can buy tickets for the location, e.g. a 10 carnet (10 single journeys) for EUR 16.90. The Next Stop Paris app helps with navigation.
Buy second hand:
There are plenty of opportunities to buy used products in Paris. You can get second-hand fashion, for example, in the Kilo Shops, which have several branches in Paris and where you pay for used clothing by the kilo. You can find a nice overview of second-hand shops on still-in-paris.com.
You can find used souvenirs such as old books and comics at the Bouqinistes, who have been setting up their stalls on the Seine since the 19th century. You'll find more about it here.
Vegan restaurants:
In general, vegan cuisine is not that widespread in France. In Paris, however, with a little searching you will find a variety of vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants, e.g. the restaurant Le Potager de Charlotte or the concept store, coffee shop and restaurant Aujourd'hui Demain.
Continue your journey from Paris
From Paris, you can travel by train to virtually any destination in France, as well as many destinations in the UK and Spain - see the linked articles for more info.
So you can reach London with the Eurostar in 2 hours and 26 minutes.
If you are drawn to Scotland, you can choose between Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fort William from Paris. Edinburgh and Glasgow can be reached in around 8 hours during the day, or by night train from London.
In France you can reach Marseille and the Côte Bleue in just under 3-4 hours.
Or you travel on to Barcelona in a good 6 hours.
You can easily book tickets for trains from Paris within France and to other countries at raileurope.com (*)
FAQs - Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest train connection from Munich to Paris?
The fastest option is the direct TGV train, which takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. It departs daily from Munich Central Station and arrives at Paris Gare de l'Est.
How much does a train ticket from Munich to Paris cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of train and class. TGV tickets start at €39.90 for second class and €69.90 for first class if booked in advance. Nightjet tickets start at €29.90 for a
seat, €59.90 for a couchette, and €89.90 for a sleeper cabin.
Is it better to take the TGV or the Nightjet?
The TGV is faster and more time-efficient, ideal for those traveling during the day. The Nightjet allows you to sleep during the journey and save on accommodation costs but takes longer (about
9.5 hours).
Can I bring luggage on the train from Munich to Paris?
Yes, trains do not have strict luggage limits, but space is limited. Luggage racks are available near the doors, and it's recommended to keep valuables with you.
Are there any scenic views on the train ride from Munich to Paris?
The TGV route offers lovely views of the German and French countryside, especially if you choose a seat on the upper deck of the double-decker train.
How far in advance should I book my train tickets?
Train tickets are usually available up to 6 months in advance. Booking early is recommended to secure the best prices, especially for TGV saver fares and Nightjet cabins.
What is the difference between first and second class on the TGV?
First class offers more space and comfort with wider seats and fewer passengers per row (3 seats vs. 4 in second class). It also includes quieter carriages and options for solo or vis-à-vis
seating.
Is there food available on the train?
Yes, the TGV has a café car offering snacks and drinks. However, it's more of a stand-up café than a dining car. The Nightjet provides breakfast for sleeper and couchette passengers.
How do I book tickets for trains from Munich to Paris?
Tickets can be booked online through platforms like RailEurope, Trainline, or directly on the Deutsche Bahn website.
Can I stopover in Strasbourg on the way to Paris?
Yes, you can stop in Strasbourg by booking a connection with a transfer. It's a great way to explore the European capital with its unique architecture and charm.
What is the best time of year to travel from Munich to Paris by train?
Trains operate year-round, but spring and autumn are ideal for avoiding peak summer crowds and enjoying scenic views along the route.
Is the Nightjet suitable for families?
Yes, the Nightjet is a good option for families. You can book an entire couchette or sleeper cabin for privacy, ensuring a comfortable journey.
What happens if my train is delayed?
Delays are rare but possible. European rail services like Deutsche Bahn and SNCF typically offer compensation for significant delays. Check the terms and conditions of your ticket for more details.
