Getting Around Munich: An Overview
Munich's innermost districts are compact and walkable, while the outer fringes are better suited to a car. For everything in between, visitors rely on an excellent public transport system. The network is integrated, meaning a single ticket is valid across all modes of transport, so you can interchange freely between trains, metros, trams and buses without buying a new fare each time.
The Rail, Metro and Tram Network
Munich's public transport is built around three rail-based modes, each with its own colour-coded symbol, plus a tram network that fills in the gaps.
- S-Bahn (suburban trains): Look for a white "S" on a green background. These bring you from the airport into the city centre and are the backbone of the regional network. All lines run east–west through the Hauptbahnhof (main station), the Altstadt and Ostbahnhof before fanning out to the suburbs. The central tunnel section suffers from line congestion, and a second tunnel is under construction, which causes some upheaval along its route.
- U-Bahn (underground): Signed with a white "U" on a blue background. These are the way to travel north–south, for instance to the University and Kunstareal art districts, Olympiapark and the Allianz Arena. They also run east to the Messe trade fair halls.
- Trams: Trams circle the inner city and are the way to reach Nymphenburg Palace. They're also a good option east of the river, where Max-Weber-Platz acts as a secondary hub.
Because the system is integrated, you can switch between S-Bahn, U-Bahn and tram on one ticket, which makes it easy to combine modes for a single journey.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Buses connect the spaces between the rail and tram routes, so they are more useful in the outer suburbs. Most visitors won't need them, as the rail and tram network covers the main sights. That said, bus stops sit just outside the Hauptbahnhof alongside the tram stops, so they're easy to pick up if a route happens to suit you.
Tickets and Passes
Which ticket to buy comes down to three questions: single versus day (or longer) ticket, one rider versus group ticket, and how many zones you need. The network is divided into fare zones, and the price depends on how many you cross.
- A single trip within the central "M" zone costs €4.20 for an adult (as of April 2026). It's valid for an hour, but not for return trips — even if you found the place closed and turned straight back. A second single ticket to come back works out slightly cheaper than a day ticket, though you may need to factor in having coins ready.
- Virtually every attraction in the city lies within the M zone, but a journey from the airport requires a five-zone ticket, costing €14.30.
- Children aged 6–14 pay a single fare of €1.90 for anywhere in the system, and accompanied under-6s ride free. Discounts for 15–20 year olds are available on the MVV website.
- A day ticket is automatically validated from the time of issue until 06:00 the following morning.
You must validate your ticket before you travel; the machine may do so automatically. For network maps, fare zones, prices, timetables, a journey planner and Park & Ride parking lots, check the Munich MVV website.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available, and at the airport fares are fixed rather than metered. As of 2022, you pay €106 to or from the Hauptbahnhof and €94 to or from the Messe. For travel within the city, taxis are a convenient but pricier alternative to the integrated public transport network.
Walkability
The innermost city is walkable, which makes it easy to explore the Altstadt and central sights on foot. For anything beyond the centre, the public transport system is the practical choice, and the outer fringes are where a car makes the most sense.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Munich Airport (MUC) lies northeast of the city centre near Freising. It has two terminals connected by a walkway: Lufthansa and its partners use Terminal 2, while other airlines, including budget carriers, use Terminal 1. The airport is efficient, modern and spacious, with the usual facilities.
- By S-Bahn: The S1 or S8 trains take 40–50 minutes to the city centre. They run every 15 minutes during the day and at a reduced frequency all night. You need a five-zone ticket for this journey. Both the S1 and S8 run to the Hauptbahnhof.
- By regional train: A regional train also runs from the airport to Regensburg.
- By bus: Intercity buses from Munich may stop at the airport.
- By taxi: Fares are fixed, as noted above.
Note that "Munich West" (Memmingen Airport, FMM) is a misleading name — it lies well to the west of the city. A shuttle bus runs from that airport to Memmingen bus and railway station, and Ryanair sometimes offers a direct bus to Munich connecting with their flights; the hourly train from Memmingen takes 60–90 minutes. Frankfurt Airport may be a better choice for intercontinental routes, with direct trains to Munich.
Arriving by Train or Bus
All mainline trains run to the Hauptbahnhof, Munich's principal station. Many terminate there, but on its lower levels are through-platforms plus S-Bahn suburban and U-Bahn underground lines; the S1 and S8 from the airport both run here. Tram and bus stops are just outside. The station has cafes, news stands, tourist information and a Deutsche Bahn ticket and travel agency office, plus left-luggage lockers (coins only). Be aware that the Hauptbahnhof and its surrounds are disrupted by construction of a new S-Bahn tunnel, though all trains and station facilities continue to operate, with some makeshift premises. The main entrance facing east is blocked, so use the north or south entrances depending on your tram line, and note that the Holzkirchner Bahnhof side suits rail tracks 5 to 10.
Other stations include Ostbahnhof in the Haidhausen district, served by trains from Hungary and Austria via Salzburg, with S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram and bus connections; and Pasing station in the southwest, where many long-distance trains stop en route to and from the Hauptbahnhof, with S-Bahn, tram and bus services.
Long-distance buses arrive at the Munich Central Bus Station (ZOB) on Arnulfstraße, only a short distance west of the Hauptbahnhof. Signage is clear, and security and cleanliness are reasonable. There are ticket offices for individual bus lines, cafes, an ATM and a supermarket, plus left luggage for a small fee. Trams and buses run along Arnulfstraße just to the north.