Munich by Train

Getting to Munich

München Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station)

Munich’s main station is one of Europe’s busiest, serving over 450,000 passengers daily.It’s the gateway to Bavaria and the Alps, with excellent connections throughout Europe.

Key Train Connections:

• Berlin: ICE trains hourly, 4 hours
• Frankfurt: ICE trains every 30 minutes, 3h 30min
• Hamburg: ICE trains hourly, 5h 45min
• Vienna: Direct trains, 4 hours
• Salzburg: Trains every hour, 1h 30min
• Zürich: Direct trains, 4 hours

From Munich Airport (MUC)

Munich Airport is connected by S-Bahn lines S1 and S8.Both lines take about 45 minutes to reach Hauptbahnhof.S1 goes via the west (Moosach), S8 via the east (Ismaning).Tickets cost €13.60 (4 zones).

Alternative Stations

München Ost (East): Serves some long-distance trains and is closer to eastern suburbs.
München Pasing: Major junction in the west, some ICE trains stop here.

Pro Tip

Book your Munich trains 2-3 weeks in advance for Sparpreis tickets starting at €17.90.The Bayern Ticket (€34 for one person) is perfect for day trips across Bavaria - it includes all regional trains and Munich public transport.

Munich Public Transport

S-Bahn & U-Bahn

Munich has 8 S-Bahn lines and 8 U-Bahn lines, providing excellent coverage of the city and suburbs.Key routes from Hauptbahnhof:

• S1/S8: To Munich Airport (45 min)
• S-Bahn (all): Pass through Hauptbahnhof and Marienplatz
• U1/U2: Connects to Olympiapark and BMW Welt
• U4/U5: To Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest)

Ticket Options

• Single Ticket (Inner Zone): €3.90 - valid for 3 hours
• Day Ticket (Munich XXL): €9.90 - unlimited travel in inner zone
• 3-Day Ticket: €20.40 - best value for short stays
• Bayern Ticket: €34 (€9 per additional person) - includes all of Bavaria

Zone System

Munich uses a ring zone system (M, 1-6).Most attractions are in the M zone (inner city).The airport requires a 4-zone ticket.Day tickets include all zones within their validity.

Important

Validate your ticket at the blue stamping machines before boarding!Even if bought from a machine, it must be stamped.Fines for fare evasion are €60.

Must-See Munich Attractions

Marienplatz

Transport: S-Bahn/U-Bahn to Marienplatz
From Hbf: 2 minutes by S-Bahn

Munich’s central square.Watch the Glockenspiel at 11 AM and noon daily (plus 5 PM March-October).

English Garden

Transport: U3/U6 to Universität or Giselastraße
From Hbf: 10 minutes

One of the world’s largest urban parks.Watch surfers at Eisbach and relax at beer gardens.

BMW Welt & Museum

Transport: U2/U3 to Olympiazentrum
From Hbf: 15 minutes

Free entry to BMW Welt showroom.Museum ticket: €10.Adjacent to Olympic Park.

Nymphenburg Palace

Transport: Tram 17 to Schloss Nymphenburg
From Hbf: 25 minutes

Baroque summer residence with stunning gardens.Combined ticket: €15 (palace + park buildings).

Viktualienmarkt

Transport: S-Bahn to Marienplatz, 5 min walk
From Hbf: 10 minutes total

Daily food market since 1807.Perfect for Bavarian specialties and fresh produce.

Hofbräuhaus

Transport: S-Bahn to Marienplatz + 5 min walk
From Hbf: 15 minutes

World’s most famous beer hall (since 1589).Experience authentic Bavarian atmosphere.

Best Day Trips from Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle

Duration: 2 hours to Füssen, then 10 min bus
Ticket: Bayern Ticket (€34) covers train + bus

Disney’s inspiration!Book castle tickets online weeks in advance.Combine with Hohenschwangau Castle.Take early train to beat crowds (7 AM departure recommended).

Salzburg, Austria

Duration: 1h 30min by train
Ticket: From €19.90 (Sparpreis) or Bayern Ticket + €5 supplement

Mozart’s birthplace with stunning Alpine backdrop.Visit fortress, old town (UNESCO site), and Sound of Music locations.Consider BayernTicket+Salzburg for unlimited travel.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Duration: 1h 20min by train
Ticket: Bayern Ticket (€34)

Alpine paradise at the foot of Zugspitze (Germany’s highest peak).Perfect for hiking in summer, skiing in winter.Cable car to Zugspitze summit takes 10 minutes from Eibsee.

Nuremberg

Duration: 1 hour by ICE
Ticket: From €17.90 (Sparpreis) or Bayern Ticket

Medieval old town with impressive castle, famous Christmas market, and WWII history.Try Nuremberg bratwurst and gingerbread.Easily combinable with Bamberg or Rothenburg.

Frequently Asked Questions