Munich Airport (MUC) is Germany's second-busiest airport and getting to the city center is straightforward. The airport has its own S-Bahn station with direct connections to Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station) and the city center.
Your Options: S-Bahn S1 or S8
🚇 S-Bahn S1 (via Ostbahnhof)
- ✅ Price: €13.20 (Airport-City-Day-Ticket)
- ✅ Time: ~45 minutes to Hauptbahnhof
- ✅ Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- ✅ Route: Airport → Ostbahnhof → Hauptbahnhof
- ✅ Best for: If you're staying near Ostbahnhof
🚇 S-Bahn S8 (via Hauptbahnhof)
- ✅ Price: €13.20 (Airport-City-Day-Ticket)
- ✅ Time: ~45 minutes to Hauptbahnhof
- ✅ Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- ✅ Route: Airport → Hauptbahnhof (direct)
- ✅ Best for: Most tourists (goes directly to main station)
💡 Recommended: S8 is usually the best choice for tourists as it goes directly to Hauptbahnhof.
Step-by-Step: Using S-Bahn (Easiest Option)
Find the S-Bahn Station
After collecting your luggage, follow signs to "S-Bahn". The station is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, easily accessible from both terminals.
🗺️ Tip: Look for green S-Bahn signs. The station is well-marked and easy to find.
Buy Your Ticket
At the ticket machine, select "Airport-City-Day-Ticket" (from €13.20, prices subject to change). This ticket is valid for the entire journey and includes all public transport in Munich for the day.
💳 Payment: Cash or card accepted. Machines have English language option.
💡 Alternative: You can also buy a regular MVV ticket (€11.20), but the Airport-City-Day-Ticket is better value if you plan to use public transport in Munich.
Validate Your Ticket
Important! If you have a paper ticket, validate it in the blue Entwerter machine before boarding. Insert your ticket, wait for the stamp, then remove it.
⚠️ Warning: If you forget to validate, you could be fined €60!
📱 Note: If you have a mobile ticket (bought via app), you don't need to validate.
Board the Train
Take S-Bahn S1 (via Ostbahnhof) or S8 (direct to Hauptbahnhof). Check the departure board for the next train. They run every 20 minutes.
🚉 Platform: Usually platform 1 or 2. Check the board for the correct platform.
💡 Tip: S8 is recommended for most tourists as it goes directly to Hauptbahnhof without transfers.
Arrive at Hauptbahnhof
After about 45 minutes, you'll arrive at Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station). From here, you can walk, take a taxi, or use public transport to your final destination.
🗺️ City center: Hauptbahnhof is in the city center. Many hotels and attractions are within walking distance or a short U-Bahn/tram ride away.
Ticket Options
Airport-City-Day-Ticket (Recommended)
- ✅ Price: from €13.20
- ✅ Valid for: Entire journey + all public transport in Munich for the day
- ✅ Best for: Tourists who will use public transport in Munich
- ✅ Includes: S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, buses in Munich
💡 Value: This is excellent value if you plan to explore Munich by public transport!
Regular MVV Ticket
- ✅ Price: from €11.20
- ✅ Valid for: Airport to city center only
- ✅ Best for: If you're only going to the airport and back
Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (e.g., bahn.com or omio.com).
Alternative: Taxi or Uber
If you prefer not to take the train:
- 🚕 Taxi: approximately €50-70, 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic)
- 🚗 Uber: Similar price, book via app
- ⚠️ Note: Much more expensive than the train, but door-to-door service
Continuing Your Journey
If you're traveling onward to another German city (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt), you can take an ICE or IC train directly from Munich Hauptbahnhof. Book your entire journey (airport → final destination) in one ticket for convenience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting to validate: Always validate your paper ticket before boarding!
- ❌ Taking the wrong train: Make sure it's S1 or S8, not a regional train going elsewhere.
- ❌ Buying wrong ticket: Make sure you buy an Airport-City-Day-Ticket, not just a regular ticket.
Pro Tips
Buy Airport-City-Day-Ticket
It's only €2 more but includes all public transport for the day.
Validate Immediately
Validate your ticket as soon as you buy it, before you forget.
Check Train Times
S-Bahn runs every 20 minutes, so you won't wait long.
Choose S8
If going to Hauptbahnhof, S8 is direct and faster than S1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Munich Airport to the city center?
Take the Airport Express (FEX) train from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station). Alternatively, you can take the S-Bahn S1 or S8, which takes about the same time.
How much does a ticket from Munich Airport cost?
A single ticket costs approximately €13.30. The Airport-City-Day-Ticket costs approximately €15.30 and includes all public transport in Munich for the entire day.
Do I need to validate my ticket?
Yes! If you buy a ticket at the machine, you must validate it in the red/yellow Entwerter machine before boarding. If you forget, you could be fined €60.
Which train is faster: FEX or S-Bahn?
Both take approximately the same time (45 minutes), but FEX (Airport Express) is more comfortable with dedicated luggage areas. S-Bahn is slightly cheaper and runs more frequently.
Where is the train station at Munich Airport?
The train station is located in the basement level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Follow signs to "Bahnhof" or "Train Station". Both terminals are connected to the station.
From Hauptbahnhof to Your Hotel
Once you're at Munich Hauptbahnhof, you can:
- 🚶 Walk: Many hotels are within 10-15 minutes walking distance
- 🚇 U-Bahn/Tram: Take U-Bahn or tram to your destination (Airport-City-Day-Ticket is valid)
- 🚕 Taxi: Taxi stand right outside the station