The train is convenient because you can take it from city center to city center, but it tends to be the most expensive option. It's much cheaper to travel by bus, and sometimes by plane.

In 2026, the choice between flying and taking the train depends on whether you value speed or total travel "smoothness." The high-speed ICE train (Intercity-Express) is widely considered the superior choice for most travelers; it takes roughly 4 to 6 hours and delivers you directly to Berlin Hauptbahnhof in the city center. This avoids the 45-minute trek to Munich Airport and the similar journey from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) into the city. Flying is technically faster in the air (about 1 hour and 10 minutes), but when you add 2 hours for security and check-in plus transit time, the "door-to-door" difference is often less than an hour. In 2026, many business travelers prefer the train because it offers consistent Wi-Fi, more legroom, and a lower carbon footprint, though flying can occasionally be cheaper if booked months in advance via Lufthansa or discount carriers.