You have worked out what the Eagle’s Nest is and that you want to see it. But how do you actually get there? Do you need tickets? What about the bus that is running to the top of the mountain?
It is very important that you understand the „last mile“ to the Eagle’s Nest and how to master it. For while the area is no longer off-limits, you cannot just drive up to the front gate. Instead, you have two options: You can take a special bus and elevator, or you can walk.
Walking takes about four hours. Most people therefore choose the bus and elevator. Read on to learn how to buy tickets and what you will experience.
Bus & Elevator Overview
The Eagle’s Nest sits on top of the Kehlstein mountain, about 850 meters/ 2790 feet above the Obersalzberg. A special red bus runs from the Obersalzberg to an upper bus stop just below the building. There, an elevator cut into the mountain awaits you for your final ascent.
This is not a regular public bus. Therefore, any public-transportation ticket you may be holding including the Bayern Ticket is not valid on this bus.
For this special bus, you need to buy a special ticket. The fare includes the elevator ride.
The Bus Ride Explained
The special Eagle’s Nest buses run on a fixed schedule. Because of the steep mountain road, they require (pretty much) everybody to be seated during the journey. That makes your time on the bus a lot less crowded than, for instance, the shuttle bus at Neuschwanstein. But it limits the number of available tickets.
To manage the flow of visitors, passengers are assigned specific departure times for their journey up and down. That means you cannot just take any bus you like. You are also assigned to a specific bus (up to six buses will run simultaneously) for the trip up to avoid overcrowding.
On the return, you can board any bus (except those reserved for tour groups).
Where Do the Special Buses Leave From?
When you arrive at the Obersalzberg, you will see coaches parked in the parking lot. But these coaches do not run to the Eagle’s Nest. They only transport tourists to the Obersalzberg.
Lower Stop – Obersalzberg
The special buses to the Eagle’s Nest leave from the bus stop that is just down the stairs from the Obersalzberg parking lot – in the photo above, these stairs are behind you.
This is what you see when you turn around and look down:
There is plenty of signage around the Obersalzberg, pointing toward the bus stop.
Upper Stop – Eagle’s Nest Tunnel
For the return trip, the buses leave from where they dropped you off – right outside the tunnel to the elevator.
How to Buy Tickets
Online booking is strongly recommended, especially in high season. This will give you the best availability.
You can also buy tickets on site, but there may be lines and waiting times. The ticket windows are right by the bus stops. See photo above for details.
If you are on an organized day trip, the bus ride and elevator are either included in your tour price, or you can purchase tickets through your guide. In either case, your guide will get the tickets for you. You don’t have to do anything – and in fact, you should not buy your own tickets, as you don’t know which time slot to buy.
Ticket Costs
In 2026, a regular adults return trip is €34.70. There is a slight discount for anyone presenting a guest card (i.e., staying in a hotel or other tourist accommodation in the area).
One-way tickets are cheaper, but you will have to walk downhill (or up, for that matter).
Eagle’s Nest Bus FAQs
Do I need to book Eagle’s Nest bus tickets in advance?
There is no obligation to book in advance. However, it may be advisable: If you arrive without a prior booking, you may have to wait in line at the ticket window, and you may find the next available bus is at an inconvenient time, much later in the day. Worst case, tickets might be sold out for the day.
To book your ticket, visit the official Kehlsteinhaus ticket shop. (Kehlsteinhaus is the German name for Eagle’s Nest.)
Can I just take any bus I like?
No. Your ticket is for one specific departure time, going uphill and also downhill. Uphill, you are also assigned to one specific bus.
If you want to change your uphill departure time, speak to the staff at the Obersalazberg ticket window. It helps to be polite rather than demanding. Remember you are not entitled to a change.
For the downhill departure time, you will find terminals at the Eagle’s Nest where you can change your ticket to a different time – if there is availability.
Where can I buy Eagle’s Nest bus tickets?
You can buy tickets online or in person at the Obersalzberg ticket windows. The ticket windows are located right by the bus stop, down the stairs from the Obersalzberg parking lot.
Does the bus ticket include the Eagle’s Nest elevator and admission?
Yes, the bus ticket includes the elevator ride.
There is no separate admission charge to the Eagle’s Nest.
The Eagle’s Nest today houses a restaurant. You will have to pay for anything you order – food and drinks are not included in your ticket.
Can I drive to the Eagle’s Nest instead of taking the bus?
No, you cannot. The access road is closed to all traffic except for the special buses.
However, if you just don’t want to take the bus, you can also walk up to the Eagle’s Nest. It will take you a few hours.
How early should I arrive for my bus?
The official recommendation is that you arrive 30 minutes before the departure of your bus.
What happens if I miss my bus?
Your ticket is only valid for a specific departure time. If you miss your bus, you do not get a refund and have no right to change your booking. You will have to buy a new ticket.
How does the return bus work, and can I change my return time?
When you purchase your ticket, you are automatically assigned a return departure time. This is the time at which the bus leaves from the upper bus stop, not the time you should line up for the elevator ride down!
If there is availability, you can change your return time. Find one of the self-service terminals at the Eagle’s Nest (or the upper bus stop) and follow the intructions.
How much time should I allow for the Eagle’s Nest?
The official recommendation is to allow about two hours for the entire Eagle’s Nest experience, including the bus journey up and back down. Your return bus is automatically scheduled for two hours after your uphill departure. If you’d like to stay longer or return earlier, you can change your return time at the self-service terminals at the Eagle’s Nest or the upper bus stop.
If you would like to visit the very good Dokumentation Obersalzberg to learn more about the role Obersalzberg played in the Third Reich (strongly recommended!), add at least one hour. If you have more time, allow more. There is a lot to see, and you can easily spend 2-3 hours there.