The Deutsche Bahn (DB) has released its long-distance timetable for the upcoming year, introducing several significant changes that will affect travelers to and from Munich.
The new schedule takes effect on 14 December 2025, with ticket bookings already open since 15 October.
For Munich, the update brings both good news and a few compromises — with new international routes, faster ICE services, and adjusted departure times.
More international routes from Munich
DB is expanding its cross-border services connecting the Bavarian capital with neighboring countries. A new daily EuroCity (EC) train will run from Munich via Villach (Austria) and Ljubljana (Slovenia) to Zagreb (Croatia).
According to DB, the train departs Munich at 10:16 a.m., offering passengers a direct scenic route through the Alps into the Balkans.
The existing connection from Munich to Graz via Villach and Klagenfurt will also be significantly strengthened — with five additional journeys per day.
That means travelers can now expect a nearly two-hourly service between the two cities, making trips to southern Austria more flexible than ever.
Faster ICE service to the Netherlands
Another highlight for travelers: the ICE route from Munich to Amsterdam will run earlier.
The high-speed train will now leave Munich Hauptbahnhof at 14:20, reaching Amsterdam at 21:29 — two hours earlier than before.
This adjustment aims to improve transfer options and create a smoother connection with evening departures from the Netherlands.
For Munich residents, it means one more convenient option for reaching the Dutch capital without a plane.
“Particularly fast” ICE trains on select routes
DB also confirmed that several of its so-called “particularly fast ICE trains” will operate on sections of the Munich network in 2026, though the exact routes are still being finalized. These trains are designed for optimized travel times and higher average speeds, connecting key cities with fewer intermediate stops.
Booking and availability
Tickets for all new routes are already available via bahn.de and the DB Navigator app.
As with previous years, early booking discounts apply to long-distance journeys across Germany and Europe.
The new timetable officially comes into effect on Sunday, 14 December 2025, marking the start of DB’s 2026 long-distance service.
Outlook
For frequent travelers, the changes signal another step toward DB’s ongoing modernization — expanding cross-border connectivity while improving punctuality and comfort.
Despite some schedule shifts, Munich stands to benefit as one of southern Germany’s key transport hubs — now better linked to Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and the Netherlands than ever before.
