General
Overview
Munich Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is the city’s primary intercity rail terminus, serving most ICE and regional trains, and directly connected to U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus lines.
Use DB Navigator to book ICE and regional train tickets and access your digital QR code ticket offline.
Transfer Options
Luggage Storage
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.
Visitor Cards and Passes
Munich offers two official tourist guest cards and the CityTourCard, each combining public transit with attraction discounts.
Munich Card
The Munich Card provides reductions of up to 70% at museums, tours, and attractions, with an optional transit pass. Prices per adult (1 day):
- No transit: from €5.90
- Zone M (city): €16.90
- Overall area (incl. airport): €28.90
- Group (2–5 persons, Zone M): €29.90
Munich City Pass
The Munich City Pass includes free entry at 40+ top attractions plus optional unlimited transit. Adult prices: from €39.90 (no transit), €55.90 (Zone M), or €66.90 (overall area incl. airport).
CityTourCard
The CityTourCard bundles unlimited transit (Zone M, M-6, or M-12) with up to 50% discounts at 100+ partners. Available for 24h to 6 days as a single or group ticket (up to 5 adults). Buy via the MVGO app or MVG ticket machines.
Purchase the Munich Card and City Pass online or at the Tourist Information at Marienplatz.
Munich Card & City Pass – Official Prices CityTourCard MunichUse MVGO for its “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.
Public Transit
S-Bahn and U-Bahn
From Hauptbahnhof, the U-Bahn and S-Bahn reach Marienplatz in just 3 minutes. A single ticket costs €4.20 (Zone M); a day ticket starts at €10.10.
Tickets and Validation
Use the blue MVG or red DB machines. Select the English flag.
If you buy a physical ticket from a machine, check for a timestamp. If there is none, 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 need validation.
Accessibility & Safety
- Accessibility: Munich Central Station has step-free access throughout, with lifts serving all platforms. The DB Mobility Service Centre (☎ 030 65212888, Mon–Fri 06:00–22:00, Sat/Sun/holidays 08:00–20:00) can arrange boarding and alighting assistance on request. Mobile service staff in burgundy caps are on hand throughout the station for immediate help.
- Safety: The area immediately south of the station (Bayerstrasse exit) can feel unsafe late at night. Stick to the main hall and well-lit routes after dark. Genuine ticket inspectors must show ID — never pay a fine “on the spot” in cash.
High-speed ICE trains sometimes stop at Section G, up to 300 metres from the main concourse. Check the departure board for your platform allocation before the train arrives and allow extra walking time.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The DB Lost & Found Office is located at Munich Central Station. Report your loss within 7 days — found items are held for one week. ☎ 089 13086664 · Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 07:30–19:00 · Wed 15:00–19:00 · Sat, Sun & holidays 08:00–18:00
DB Lost & Found – Munich Central StationFirst Aid
In any medical emergency, call 112. Ambulances respond to all stations across the city.
Pharmacy
Internationale Hauptbahnhof Apotheke is at Bayerstrasse 27, just outside the station’s south exit — step-free access with an automatic door. Open Mon–Sat 08:00–20:00. Staff speak multiple languages including English.
Internationale Hauptbahnhof ApothekeArrival
Official Taxi
Ranks are immediately outside the North (Arnulfstrasse) and South (Bayerstrasse) exits. A ride to the city center costs €10–€15.
Always confirm “Karte?” (Card?) before entering. While most accept cards, some older drivers prefer cash.
Rideshare
Uber and Freenow are the primary apps. Note that in Munich, rideshare vehicles are strictly prohibited from using the official ivory taxi ranks.
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.
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.
ATMs and Currency
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.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive 30 minutes before long-distance ICE, EC, or Railjet departures. For regional trains, 15 minutes is enough — there are no boarding gates or check-in counters.
Check the digital departure boards in the main hall for your Gleis (platform number). If you have a digital ticket with a reservation, use DB’s Komfort Check-In in the DB Navigator app — the conductor will not need to check your ticket on board.
Look for the Wagenstandanzeiger (coach sequence map) on the platform — it shows exactly where each carriage stops in sections A, B, or C. This saves you from sprinting down the platform once the train arrives.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
There is no security screening at German rail stations. Walk directly from street level to your platform — no X-ray, no bag scan. Your ticket will be checked by a conductor after the train departs.