Munich by Train
Explore Bavaria's capital by train. From beer gardens to Alpine day trips, discover the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
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 (€27 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: €27 (€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 (€27) 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 (€27)
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.
Book Your Train to Munich
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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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Munich Hauptbahnhof the only train station in Munich?
No, Munich has several stations, but München Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station) is the main hub for long-distance trains. München Ost (East) and München Pasing also serve some long-distance routes. For local transport, the S-Bahn network connects all districts.
How do I get from Munich train station to Marienplatz?
Take any S-Bahn line from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Marienplatz - it's just one stop and takes 2 minutes. Trains run every few minutes. Alternatively, it's a 15-minute walk through the pedestrian zone.
What's the best ticket for Munich public transport?
For tourists, the München City Day Ticket (€9.90 for inner zone) offers unlimited travel on S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram, and bus. The Bayern Ticket (€27 for one person, €9 per additional person) is great for day trips to Neuschwanstein or Salzburg.
Can I use my train ticket to get to Munich Airport?
No, airport transfers require a separate ticket. Take S-Bahn S1 or S8 from Hauptbahnhof to Munich Airport (45 minutes, €13.60). The Bayern Ticket includes airport transfer after 9 AM on weekdays.
Is it easy to reach Oktoberfest by train?
Yes! From Munich Hauptbahnhof, take U-Bahn U4 or U5 to Theresienwiese station (5 minutes). During Oktoberfest, trains run more frequently, and special services operate late into the night.