Quick Answer
The best and most recommended way to travel from Memmingen Airport (FMM) to Ulm is by train. The journey involves a short walk to Memmingen station, then a direct regional train to Ulm Hauptbahnhof (main station). The total trip takes about 45-60 minutes and costs as little as â¬12-15 per person if using a Baden-Württemberg or Bavarian regional day ticket, especially for groups. For solo travelers on a tight budget, the FlixBus is the cheapest option, with fares starting from â¬5, taking roughly 1 hour.
By Train from Memmingen Airport to Ulm (Best Overall)
The train connection is remarkably straightforward, making it the top choice for efficiency, cost, and scenery. Memmingen Airport is uniquely situated within a 10-minute walk of Memmingenâs main railway station (Memmingen Bahnhof), eliminating the need for a connecting bus or taxi.
Step-by-Step Guide & Route Options
Step 1: Walk to Memmingen Station. Follow the clear signs from the arrivals hall. The paved path takes about 8-12 minutes.
Step 2: Take a Direct Regional Train. Services are operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) and others. Key routes include:
| Train Type | Route | Frequency | Approx. Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Express (RE) | Memmingen -> Ulm Hbf | Every 30-60 mins | ~45-50 mins | Fastest regional option, minimal stops. |
| Regionalbahn (RB) | Memmingen -> Ulm Hbf | Hourly | ~55-60 mins | More stops, scenic but slightly slower. |
Check live schedules on the DB Navigator app or website.
Tickets, Savings & The Bayern-Ticket / Baden-Württemberg-Ticket
This is where you can save significant money:
- Standard Ticket: A flexible one-way ticket costs around â¬15-â¬20.
- Savings Hack â Regional Day Tickets: For individuals or groups (up to 5 people), the Bayern-Ticket (Bavaria Ticket) or Baden-Württemberg-Ticket is unbeatable. It covers unlimited travel on all regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn) and local transport in both states for one day.
- Price: Starts at â¬12 for a solo traveler (Bayern-Ticket) if booked online in advance, â¬28 for up to 5 people. The Baden-Württemberg-Ticket is similarly priced.
- Validity: Weekdays from 9 am, all day on weekends and public holidays.
- Purchase: Buy via the DB app, ticket machines at the station, or online. Source: Deutsche Bahn Regional Tickets.
Deep Dive Analysis: While there is no high-speed ICE service on this route, the regional trains are comfortable, equipped with WiFi (on most RE trains), and offer ample space for luggage. The route passes through the picturesque Allgäu and Swabian countryside. For families or groups of 2+, the regional day ticket is almost always cheaper than individual fares.
By Bus from Memmingen Airport to Ulm (The Budget Choice)
For solo travelers prioritizing the absolute lowest cost, long-distance buses, primarily operated by FlixBus, offer a reliable alternative. However, note that buses do not depart directly from the airport terminal; a short transfer is required.
The Practical Journey: Bus Stop & Transfers
Step 1: Airport to Memmingen Central Bus Stop. You must first get to the Memmingen central bus stop (Memmingen ZOB), located near the train station. Options:
- Walk: A 15-20 minute walk from the airport.
- Local Bus: Take Stadtbus Line 2 towards Stadtmitte. It's infrequent; check the city bus schedule.
- Taxi: A 5-minute ride (â¬8-â¬12).
Step 2: FlixBus to Ulm. Buses depart from Memmingen ZOB and arrive at Ulm International Bus Stop (Ebinger StraÃe), a 15-minute walk or short tram ride to the city center.
Cost, Frequency, and Booking
- Fares: Start as low as â¬4-â¬7 if booked weeks in advance. Standard fares are â¬8-â¬15. Prices surge last-minute. Source: FlixBus.com.
- Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour, subject to traffic.
- Frequency: 2-4 direct services per day.
- Booking & Luggage: Booking online in advance is essential. One standard suitcase and one carry-on are included free.
Comprehensive Comparison: The bus is objectively the cheapest cash option for a solo traveler. However, when you factor in the transfer from the airport to the bus stop, the total door-to-door time and hassle can exceed the train. For groups, the train with a regional day ticket becomes far more economical and convenient. Night buses are not a major factor on this short route.
By Taxi or Private Transfer from FMM to Ulm
This is the most expensive method and is generally not recommended for typical tourists due to the high cost for the distance (~70 km). However, it serves specific niche needs.
Costs, Providers, and Journey Details
- Estimated Fare: â¬110 - â¬160 for a standard taxi (metered or fixed price). Prices vary based on time of day, luggage, and exact destination in Ulm.
- Journey Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes via the A7 autobahn, traffic permitting.
- Providers: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. For pre-booked private transfers, consider services like Suntransfers or KiwiTaxi for fixed-rate cars.
When Does a Taxi Make Sense?
Consider this option only in these scenarios:
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Arrivals: If your flight lands after the last train/bus has departed (typically after 10:30-11:00 PM).
- Large Groups (4+): Splitting the fare can sometimes make it comparable to train tickets.
- Significant Mobility Issues or Excessive Luggage: For direct door-to-door service.
- Business Travel: When cost is less sensitive and time is at an absolute premium.
Depth of Analysis: Always agree on a fixed price (Pauschalpreis) with the driver before departure for inter-city trips to avoid meter surprises. For a more premium experience, pre-booked private transfers offer meet-and-greet services and child seats but come at a similar price point.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Memmingen Airport to Ulm
This table summarizes all key data to help you decide at a glance.
| Transport Mode | Approx. Door-to-Door Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Regional) | 55-75 mins | â¬12 (Day Ticket)* to â¬20 | Fast, frequent, scenic, best for groups, walk from airport. | Limited validity of cheap day tickets on weekdays. | ð BEST OVERALL (Most travelers, groups) |
| Bus (FlixBus) | 75-100 mins | â¬5 - â¬15 | Cheapest solo cash fare, comfortable coaches. | Requires transfer to bus stop, fewer departures, traffic-dependent. | ð° CHEAPEST (Solo budget travelers) |
| Taxi / Private | 45-60 mins | â¬110 - â¬160 | Door-to-door, available 24/7, no transfers. | Extremely expensive for the distance. | Late arrivals, groups with lots of luggage, special needs. |
*Price for a Bayern-Ticket/Baden-Württemberg-Ticket for one person. Becomes more economical per person in a group.
Decision Aid: If your priority is a balance of speed, cost, and ease, choose the train. If you are alone and every euro counts, and you don't mind the extra leg, choose the bus. Only consider a taxi for the specific circumstances listed above.
Traveler Insights & Pro Tips for the FMM to Ulm Journey
Go beyond the basics with these practical insights from frequent travelers.
- The Airport Walk is Easy, But...: The path to the station is well-signed and paved. However, if you have heavy suitcases or it's raining, the 10 minutes can feel longer. Consider the luggage cart availability at the airport.
- Maximize Your Regional Ticket: If you purchase a Bayern-Ticket, your journey doesn't have to end in Ulm. You can continue exploring elsewhere in Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg on the same ticket for the rest of the dayâconsider a side trip to Augsburg or Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance.
- Station Facilities in Memmingen & Ulm: Both stations have shops (bakeries, convenience stores), ATMs, and waiting halls. Ulm Hbf is a major hub with excellent connections, lockers (SchlieÃfächer) for baggage storage if you arrive early, and a tourist information office.
- Connectivity Check: While DB trains often have WiFi, the signal can be patchy in rural areas. Download your ticket and any connection information to your phone before you leave the airport's free WiFi zone.
- Peak Season & Events: During Oktoberfest (late Sept-early Oct) or major trade fairs, trains and buses can be fuller. Booking a seat reservation on the train (a small extra fee) can provide peace of mind, though it's not mandatory for regional trains.
FAQs: Memmingen Airport (FMM) to Ulm Transportation
Is there a direct train from Memmingen Airport to Ulm?
No, but it's almost direct. There is no train station at the airport terminal. However, you simply walk 10 minutes to Memmingen's main station, where you can catch a direct regional train to Ulm Hauptbahnhof without any further train changes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Memmingen Airport to Ulm?
The cheapest single-operator method is the FlixBus, with advance fares from â¬5. However, for two or more people traveling together, a Bayern-Ticket or Baden-Württemberg-Ticket for regional trains often becomes the cheapest option per person.
How long is the train ride from Memmingen to Ulm?
The train ride itself takes between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the service (RE or RB). You must add the 8-12 minute walk from the airport to Memmingen station for the total door-to-door time.
Can I use the Bayern-Ticket from Memmingen Airport to Ulm?
Yes, absolutely. The Bayern-Ticket is valid on all regional trains (RE, RB) from Memmingen station to Ulm. It is also valid on the local Stadtbus in Memmingen if you choose to take the bus to the station instead of walking. It is the most cost-effective choice for groups.
Is there a shuttle bus from Memmingen Airport to the train station?
No dedicated airport shuttle bus exists. The stations are so close that a public shuttle isn't provided. The connection is designed as a walk. For those unable to walk, a taxi or the infrequent local Stadtbus Line 2 are the alternatives.
What if my flight arrives late at night? How do I get to Ulm?
If you arrive after the last train/bus (typically around 11:00 PM), your only practical options are:
- Taxi or pre-booked private transfer directly to Ulm (expensive).
- Stay overnight in a hotel near Memmingen Airport and take the train the next morning.
Is it faster to fly from Memmingen to a closer airport and then train?
No, this is not practical or faster. Memmingen (FMM) is primarily a base for European leisure airlines. There are no useful domestic flights to other German airports for reaching Ulm. The direct train or bus is always the logical surface transport choice.
Where does the FlixBus drop you off in Ulm?
FlixBus services arrive at the Ulm International Bus Stop (Bussteig Ebinger StraÃe). This is located about a 15-minute walk southwest of the main train station (Ulm Hbf) and the city center (Münster). Trams (Lines 1/2) are available from nearby to reach the center quickly.