Neuschwanstein Castle 2026: Shuttle, Carriage, or Walk?
Planning your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle in 2026? Find out the easiest and most scenic ways to reach this iconic Bavarian masterpiece, including prices and tips!
Getting to Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle:
Walking, Horse-Drawn Carriage, or Shuttle Bus?
Times, Costs, and Essential Tips for 2026
Hey there, fellow adventurers!
We're BG Travel, your favorite travel couple on YouTube!
Today, we're sharing our recent experience at Germany's magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, near Munich, and breaking down all the best ways to reach this fairytale fortress!
First things first, a quick review of Neuschwanstein Castle: we found that most visitors, ourselves included, come primarily for the breathtaking exterior views rather than the interior tour.
Visiting the castle interior requires advance ticket booking, and photography isn't allowed inside. So, if you're like us and love capturing every moment with photos and videos, you'll find that admiring the castle's exterior is more than enough to make your visit worthwhile!
We drove to Neuschwanstein, but for those planning a day trip from Munich, the tour linked below comes highly recommended with excellent reviews. It's a popular choice for a reason!
🏰Neuschwanstein Castle Day Tour from Munich🏰
(5-star rating: 4.9/5)
Munich Day Trip #1! A Journey Through Time to Neuschwanstein Castle (Small Group, Korean Tour)📍 Neuschwanstein Castle Address
Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle |
1. Walking, Horse-Drawn Carriage, or Shuttle Bus: Costs & Times |
2. Neuschwanstein Castle Horse-Drawn Carriage Review & Tips |
1. Walking, Horse-Drawn Carriage, or Shuttle Bus: Costs & Times
Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Germany's most iconic attractions, is nestled high in the mountains, as you can see.
Because of its elevated location, most visitors opt for the shuttle bus or a horse-drawn carriage to reach the castle, rather than walking.
And remember, to capture those postcard-perfect shots of the castle like the one above, you'll definitely need to make your way up!
📌 Walking Up to Neuschwanstein Castle
If you choose to walk, it will take you approximately 40 minutes to reach Neuschwanstein Castle. Be prepared for a fairly strenuous uphill hike – it's quite a trek!
To reach the famous Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) for those iconic views, you'll need another 15-20 minutes, bringing your total walking time to about 40-50 minutes.
We highly recommend taking the shuttle or carriage. The path is steep and challenging for a walk!
📌 Taking the Shuttle Bus Up
The shuttle bus costs ~$4 USD for a one-way trip and ~$5 USD for a round trip. Buses depart every 15 minutes and will take you close to Marienbrücke. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the castle entrance, which is totally manageable!
One crucial tip: you pay the bus driver directly, and they only accept cash. So, make sure you have some Euros on hand!
📌 Riding a Horse-Drawn Carriage Up
A horse-drawn carriage ride costs ~$9 USD for the uphill journey and ~$4 USD for the downhill journey! The ride takes about 15-20 minutes. It's worth noting that the carriage doesn't take you all the way to the castle entrance; it drops you off at the carriage stand below the castle.
From the drop-off point, you'll still need to walk to both the castle entrance and Marienbrücke. Even with the walk, the carriage ride itself was a fun and memorable experience!
2. Neuschwanstein Castle Horse-Drawn Carriage Review & Tips
We opted for the horse-drawn carriage on our way up, and honestly, we were so glad we didn't try to walk! It would have been incredibly exhausting.
Just like the shuttle, carriages also only accept cash. While there's an ATM across the street, the withdrawal fee is around ~$5 USD, which is a significant waste. So, please, make sure to bring enough cash with you!
We noticed that many people take the carriage uphill, but fewer use it for the descent. A smart strategy could be to take the shuttle up and enjoy a leisurely carriage ride down!
We hope this quick guide on how to reach Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle has been helpful!
From where I'm standing now, on the Marienbrücke, the view of the castle is absolutely unparalleled – truly the most stunning perspective!
While you can book tickets to see the castle's interior, its exterior grandeur is what truly makes it famous. Even if you only see the outside, you'll still be captivated by this beautiful German castle!
For those traveling from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle, we highly recommend the tour linked below.
And if you still need to sort out your European eSIM or SIM card, we're sharing our exclusive discount link for USIMS for cheaper bookings!
We hope this post helps you plan your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle!
Have a wonderful and safe trip!
🏰Neuschwanstein Castle Day Tour from Munich🏰
(5-star rating: 4.9/5)
🤳Europe eSIM & SIM Card USIMS Discount Link🤳
(Book 20% cheaper than the official site)
How to Use USIMS | USIMSFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk up to Neuschwanstein Castle?
It takes about 40 minutes to walk up to Neuschwanstein Castle. You should allow a total of about 40-50 minutes, including an additional 15-20 minutes to Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge).
What are the shuttle bus fares for Neuschwanstein Castle and how can I pay?
The shuttle bus costs 3.5 Euros for a one-way trip and 5 Euros for a round trip. You need to pay the bus driver directly, and only cash is accepted, so it's a good idea to prepare it in advance.
What is the travel time and fare for the horse-drawn carriage to Neuschwanstein Castle?
The horse-drawn carriage costs 8 Euros for the uphill journey and 4 Euros for the downhill journey, and the travel time is approximately 15-20 minutes. The carriage only takes you to the carriage stand below the castle, so you will need to walk to the castle entrance.
Are there any payment methods other than cash for the shuttle bus and horse-drawn carriage to Neuschwanstein Castle?
Both the shuttle bus and the horse-drawn carriage only accept cash, so you should prepare Euros in advance. There is an ATM opposite the carriage stand, but please note that the withdrawal fee is 5 Euros.
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