Transfer Options
Munich Airport (MUC) is located 30 kilometers northeast of the city. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by the MAC (Munich Airport Center) which houses the S-Bahn station.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Munich Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is the city’s central railway hub. Most international and high-speed ICE trains arrive here.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Munich East (Ostbahnhof) is located in the Haidhausen district. It is a major stop for trains heading to Austria and Italy (via Salzburg/Innsbruck).
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Munich Pasing serves the western side of the city. It is a mandatory stop for ICE trains coming from Stuttgart, Frankfurt, or Paris.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Luggage Storage
Lockers (Munich Airport)
Staffed Service Centers are located in Terminal 1 (Level 03) and Terminal 2 (Level 03). There are no self-service lockers at the airport for security reasons.
Lockers (Munich Central Station)
Self-service lockers are located near Platform 26 and the south exit corridor. Lockers require €1 and €2 coins. A staffed counter is also available nearby.
Lockers (Munich East)
Self-service lockers are located in the main concourse near the Orleansplatz exit.
Lockers (Munich Pasing)
A limited number of small and medium lockers are available near the South Exit corridor.
If you are visiting during shopping hours, the Pasing Arcaden shopping center located right next to the station offers additional storage.
Visitor Cards & Transit Passes
Visitors can maximize savings with the Munich Card or CityTourCard.
- The Munich Card starts at €13.90 (24h, Zone M/City) or €17.90 (Airport + City) and includes up to 70% off museums and tours.
- The CityTourCard starts at €15.50 (24h, Zone M/City) or €17.90 (Airport + City) and offers up to 50% off attractions.
- For groups (up to 5 adults), the Group Day Ticket is a bargain at €17.80 (Zone M) or €29.80 (Airport + City).
Purchase these at DB Travel Centers, Tourist Information in the Munich Airport Center (MAC), or via the official app.
Use MVGO for its official “swipe-to-pay” feature that automatically calculates the cheapest fare and integrates local bike-sharing, while Citymapper remains the superior navigator for its “best carriage” advice and precise station exit details.
Train (S-Bahn & U-Bahn)
The S-Bahn is the most efficient route to the city. Lines S1 and S8 both reach Munich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and Marienplatz in approximately 40–45 minutes. A single Airport-City-Day-Ticket costs €16.30.
From Munich Hauptbahnhof, the U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn reach the central Marienplatz in just 3 minutes. A Single Ticket (Zone M) costs €3.90, while a Daily Ticket is €9.20.
The S-Bahn (all lines) connects to Marienplatz in about 7–10 minutes. The U5 subway line also terminates here, providing a direct link to Odeonsplatz and the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest grounds).
Located in the west, this station is a major stop for ICE and regional trains. To reach the city center, take any eastbound S-Bahn (S3, S4, S6, S8); the journey to Hauptbahnhof takes approximately 12 minutes.
Tickets and Validation
Use the red DB or blue MVV/MVG machines. Select the “English” flag icon.
Check for Validation
If you buy a physical ticket from a machine, check for a timestamp. If there is no time stamp, you must insert it into the small blue “Entwerter” boxes on the platform before boarding to avoid a €60 fine. Digital tickets via MVGO do not require validation.
Bus (Lufthansa Express)
Traffic Warning
While the bus offers free Wi-Fi and luggage racks, it is subject to Munich’s heavy “A9” highway traffic. During morning or evening rush hours, always choose the S-Bahn train to ensure you arrive on time.
Rideshare
Uber and Freenow are the primary apps. Note that in Munich, rideshare vehicles are strictly prohibited from using the official ivory taxi ranks.
Pickup (MUC Terminal 1)
For arrivals at Modules A or B, follow signs across the street to Terminal Parken P1 / T1 A + B and take the elevator to the designated VTC area on Level 3.
For all other Terminal 1 modules, simply exit the baggage hall and meet your driver at the ground-level Kiss & Ride lane located directly in front of the terminal.
Pickup (MUC Terminal 2)
Follow the signs for Mietwagen or P20 and go to Level 3, where the dedicated pickup bays for app-based rides are located.
Pickup (Munich Central Station)
Drivers cannot use the main front entrance or taxi ranks. Use the side exits: Arnulfstraße (North) or Bayerstraße (South). Arnulfstraße is the most common meeting point for Uber.
Pickup (Munich East)
Meet your driver at the main front entrance at Orleansplatz. Avoid the Friedenstraße (back) exit as it is less accessible for drivers.
Pickup (Munich Pasing)
Use the South Exit (Pasinger Bahnhofsplatz) for the most reliable taxi and rideshare pickups.
Surge Pricing & Setup
Ensure your app is linked to a card with no foreign transaction fees. During major events (Oktoberfest, football), rideshare prices can triple. If the app quote is high, check the official taxi rank, as regulated prices may be lower.
Use Freenow to book official taxis that can bypass traffic in dedicated bus lanes for the fastest travel through Munich.
Use Uber for a familiar and reliable experience with consistent upfront pricing.
Bolt serves as the budget-friendly alternative with the lowest fares, though you should expect slightly longer wait times due to its smaller driver fleet.
Taxi
- At Airport: Ranks are outside Arrivals at Terminal 1 (Modules A-E) and Terminal 2. Fixed price to the city is approx. €95.
- At Central Station: Ranks are immediately outside the North (Arnulfstrasse) and South (Bayerstrasse) exits. A ride to the city center costs €10–€15.
Payment Verification
Always confirm “Karte?” (Card?) before entering. While most accept cards, some older drivers prefer cash.
ATMs and Currency
Avoid Euronet & DCC
Avoid bright blue/yellow Euronet ATMs, which charge high fees. When any ATM asks to “Convert” the transaction to your home currency, always decline to get the better interbank rate.
Accessibility
- Airport: Highly accessible. S-Bahn platforms are reached via large elevators from the MAC. Mobility Service Points are in T1 (Module B) and T2.
- Central Station: The main hall is street level. Trams stop directly in front and are often easier than the deep underground U-Bahn.
Platform Length Warning
At the Central Station, high-speed ICE trains may stop at “Section G,” a 300-meter walk from the main concourse. Allow extra time to reach your carriage.
- Munich East: Fully accessible with elevators to all platforms. Note that the walk between the U-Bahn and the long-distance platforms can be long.
- Pasing: Very accessible with modern elevators. The station is smaller and easier to navigate for those with limited mobility compared to HBF.
Safety
- At Airport: Ignore “unlicensed” drivers in the arrivals hall offering cheap rides (the “Black Cab” scam).
- At Central Station: The area immediately south (Bayerstrasse) can feel gritty late at night.
- At Munich East: Generally safe, though the Friedenstraße exit can be poorly lit at night.
- At Pasing: A very safe, residential-focused hub.
- On Transit: Genuine ticket inspectors must show ID. Never pay a fine “on the spot” in cash; real inspectors provide a printed slip.
Transfer Options
Munich Airport (MUC) is located 30 kilometers northeast of the city. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by the MAC (Munich Airport Center) which houses the S-Bahn station.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Munich Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is the city’s central railway hub. Most international and high-speed ICE trains arrive here.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Munich East (Ostbahnhof) is located in the Haidhausen district. It is a major stop for trains heading to Austria and Italy (via Salzburg/Innsbruck).
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Munich Pasing serves the western side of the city. It is a mandatory stop for ICE trains coming from Stuttgart, Frankfurt, or Paris.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Luggage Storage
Lockers (Munich Airport)
Staffed Service Centers are located in Terminal 1 (Level 03) and Terminal 2 (Level 03). There are no self-service lockers at the airport for security reasons.
Lockers (Munich Central Station)
Self-service lockers are located near Platform 26 and the south exit corridor. Lockers require €1 and €2 coins. A staffed counter is also available nearby.
Lockers (Munich East)
Self-service lockers are located in the main concourse near the Orleansplatz exit.
Lockers (Munich Pasing)
A limited number of small and medium lockers are available near the South Exit corridor.
If you are visiting during shopping hours, the Pasing Arcaden shopping center located right next to the station offers additional storage.
Visitor Cards & Transit Passes
Visitors can maximize savings with the Munich Card or CityTourCard.
- The Munich Card starts at €13.90 (24h, Zone M/City) or €17.90 (Airport + City) and includes up to 70% off museums and tours.
- The CityTourCard starts at €15.50 (24h, Zone M/City) or €17.90 (Airport + City) and offers up to 50% off attractions.
- For groups (up to 5 adults), the Group Day Ticket is a bargain at €17.80 (Zone M) or €29.80 (Airport + City).
Purchase these at DB Travel Centers, Tourist Information in the Munich Airport Center (MAC), or via the official app.
Use MVGO for its official “swipe-to-pay” feature that automatically calculates the cheapest fare and integrates local bike-sharing, while Citymapper remains the superior navigator for its “best carriage” advice and precise station exit details.
Train (S-Bahn & U-Bahn)
The S-Bahn is the most efficient route to the city. Lines S1 and S8 both reach Munich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and Marienplatz in approximately 40–45 minutes. A single Airport-City-Day-Ticket costs €16.30.
From Munich Hauptbahnhof, the U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn reach the central Marienplatz in just 3 minutes. A Single Ticket (Zone M) costs €3.90, while a Daily Ticket is €9.20.
The S-Bahn (all lines) connects to Marienplatz in about 7–10 minutes. The U5 subway line also terminates here, providing a direct link to Odeonsplatz and the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest grounds).
Located in the west, this station is a major stop for ICE and regional trains. To reach the city center, take any eastbound S-Bahn (S3, S4, S6, S8); the journey to Hauptbahnhof takes approximately 12 minutes.
Tickets and Validation
Use the red DB or blue MVV/MVG machines. Select the “English” flag icon.
Check for Validation
If you buy a physical ticket from a machine, check for a timestamp. If there is no time stamp, you must insert it into the small blue “Entwerter” boxes on the platform before boarding to avoid a €60 fine. Digital tickets via MVGO do not require validation.
Bus (Lufthansa Express)
Traffic Warning
While the bus offers free Wi-Fi and luggage racks, it is subject to Munich’s heavy “A9” highway traffic. During morning or evening rush hours, always choose the S-Bahn train to ensure you arrive on time.
Arrival Time
For international flights to North America or Asia, arrive 3 hours before departure. For European flights, 2 hours is sufficient.
Check Your Terminal
Lufthansa and its partners (including United) use Terminal 2. Most other international carriers (Emirates, Delta) use Terminal 1. They are a 5–10 minute walk apart through the MAC courtyard.
Check-in
The Satellite Terminal
If your gate starts with K or L, you are departing from the Terminal 2 Satellite. You must take a short, automated underground train after security. It runs every 4 minutes and takes only 60 seconds, but add a buffer for the walk.
Security & Screening
The 100ml Rule
Despite the advanced scanners, the 100ml limit per container still applies for liquids in hand luggage. All containers must fit inside a single, transparent 1-liter resealable plastic bag.
VAT Refunds
The Process
- Customs (Zoll) First: Take your tax-free forms and unused goods to the Customs desk before security if the items are in your checked bag, or after security if they are in your carry-on.
- Validation: The officer must stamp your forms. They may ask to see the items.
- Refund: Take the stamped forms to the Global Blue or Planet counters to receive your refund.
Don't Pack It Yet
Never pack your tax-free purchases deep in your checked luggage until after you have visited the Customs desk. If the officer cannot verify the item, they will refuse to stamp your form, and you will lose the refund.
Arrival Time
For high-speed ICE or Railjet trains, arrive 30 minutes early. For regional trains, 15 minutes is sufficient as there are no boarding gates.
Station Layout
- Main Hall (Haupthalle): Serves high-speed ICE trains (Platforms 11–26).
- Starnberger Flügelbahnhof: Located to the north (Platforms 27–36) for regional trains.
- Holzkirchener Flügelbahnhof: Located to the south (Platforms 5–10).
- Underground: The S-Bahn and U-Bahn are located deep underground.
Security & Screening
- Check the large digital boards in the main hall for your Gleis (Platform).
- Walk directly to the platform.
- Your ticket will be checked by a conductor once the train is in motion.
Section Indicators
Look for the Wagenstandanzeiger (Coach Sequence Map) on the platform. It shows exactly where your specific carriage (e.g., Coach 25) will stop in relation to sections A, B, or C. This prevents you from having to run down the platform once the train arrives.
Arrival Time
Check-in & Security
Station Layout
- Platforms 1–5 are generally for S-Bahn (commuter) trains.
- Platforms 6–14 serve regional and long-distance international routes.
- The station features a variety of bakeries and small shops in the underground passage if you need to grab a snack for your journey.
Elevator Access
Ostbahnhof has undergone significant renovations. Elevators are available for all platforms, but they are located toward the center of the platform tunnels. If you have heavy luggage, follow the “Aufzug” signs.
Arrival Time
Check-in & Security
Station Layout
- The station is divided by a central tunnel.
- North Side: Connects to the Pasing Arcaden shopping mall (excellent for last-minute travel essentials).
- South Side: Leads to the historic Pasing center and taxi stands.
A Quieter Alternative
If your hotel is in the western part of Munich (near Nymphenburg or Laim), departing from Pasing is often much more relaxing than navigating the crowds at the Hauptbahnhof. Most long-distance trains stop at both.
Accessibility
- Airport: Highly accessible. S-Bahn platforms are reached via large elevators from the MAC. Mobility Service Points are in T1 (Module B) and T2.
- Central Station: The main hall is street level. Trams stop directly in front and are often easier than the deep underground U-Bahn.
Platform Length Warning
At the Central Station, high-speed ICE trains may stop at “Section G,” a 300-meter walk from the main concourse. Allow extra time to reach your carriage.
- Munich East: Fully accessible with elevators to all platforms. Note that the walk between the U-Bahn and the long-distance platforms can be long.
- Pasing: Very accessible with modern elevators. The station is smaller and easier to navigate for those with limited mobility compared to HBF.
Safety
- At Airport: Ignore “unlicensed” drivers in the arrivals hall offering cheap rides (the “Black Cab” scam).
- At Central Station: The area immediately south (Bayerstrasse) can feel gritty late at night.
- At Munich East: Generally safe, though the Friedenstraße exit can be poorly lit at night.
- At Pasing: A very safe, residential-focused hub.
- On Transit: Genuine ticket inspectors must show ID. Never pay a fine “on the spot” in cash; real inspectors provide a printed slip.