S8
approx. 40 min
Via Ostbahnhof and Marienplatz to Central Station and on to Hackerbrücke – ideal for the city centre and the Wiesn.
Safely landed in Bavaria
Flights to Munich and getting from the airport into the city
Munich Airport is one of Europe's major hubs. Find out the fastest way into the city, what the alternatives are and how to book your Oktoberfest flights wisely.
- Oktoberfest 2027: September 18 – October 3, 2027
- Theresienwiese, Munich
Munich Airport (MUC) is about 30 kilometres north-east of the city and a Lufthansa hub. There are direct flights from all over Europe and from many destinations in North America, Asia and the Middle East.
During Oktoberfest, weekend flights are in high demand and more expensive. Booking early, being flexible with your travel days or using an alternative airport often saves a lot of money.
Airport → city
How to get from the airport into the city
The S-Bahn station is below the central area between Terminal 1 and 2.
S1
approx. 45 min
Through northern Munich to Central Station, also stopping at Hackerbrücke. Good for accommodation in the north and west.
The right ticket
zones M–5
You need a ticket that includes the airport zone, e.g. a single ticket M–5 or the Airport-City-Day-Ticket for the whole day. The Deutschlandticket is valid too.
Lufthansa Express Bus
approx. 45 min
Runs regularly to Central Station (Arnulfstraße) – comfortable with lots of luggage, but can get stuck in rush-hour traffic.
Taxi & ride-hailing
from approx. €90
40–60 minutes into the city centre depending on traffic. An option for groups with luggage or late arrivals.
Rental car & shuttle
right at the airport
All major car rental companies have desks at the airport. Groups can book a private shuttle in advance.
Alternatives
Alternative airports
If flights to Munich are expensive or sold out – times are to Munich.
Memmingen (FMM)
approx. 1.5–2 hrs
Allgäu Airport is served mainly by low-cost airlines. Continue to Munich by bus or train.
Nuremberg (NUE)
approx. 1.5–2 hrs
Take the U-Bahn to Nuremberg Central Station and the ICE to Munich in about an hour.
Salzburg (SZG)
approx. 2 hrs
Bus to Salzburg Central Station, then about 1.5 hours by train – and see Salzburg on the way.
Frankfurt (FRA)
approx. 3.5–4 hrs by ICE
A major hub for long-haul flights. ICE trains run directly to Munich from the airport's long-distance station.
Booking flights
Tips for booking flights for Oktoberfest
Book early
Flights on Oktoberfest weekends get expensive fast. Book your flight and accommodation early and ideally at the same time.
Choose your travel days
Midweek is cheaper. The Monday after the last Oktoberfest day is especially busy – that's when visitors and staff leave.
Flight times
From Europe 1–2.5 hours, from the US East Coast about 8, from the West Coast about 11, from Asia and Brazil 11–14 hours. From Australia, over 22 hours with a stopover.
Luggage
Dirndls and lederhosen take up space – or buy them in Munich. Pack souvenir mugs well in your checked luggage.
Late arrival
If you land late, hotels around the airport (e.g. Freising or Hallbergmoos) are an affordable first night.
First beer at the airport
The airport even has its own brewery, Airbräu – a good place to get in the Oktoberfest mood.
Arrival day
Your arrival day in Munich
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Before landing
Buy your ticket in the app
Install the MVG or MVV app and buy your ticket before you fly – then head straight to the S-Bahn after landing.
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About 45 minutes later
Arrive in the city
The S8 or S1 takes you quickly to Central Station or Marienplatz. Many places to stay are just a few minutes' walk away.
-
Luggage
Check in first, then celebrate
Large bags and suitcases are not allowed at the Wiesn. Take your luggage to your accommodation or a locker at Central Station.
-
In the evening
Take it easy
After a long flight, head to a beer garden or traditional inn – you'll enjoy the Wiesn more the next day, well rested.
FAQ
Questions & answers
What's the fastest way from Munich Airport to Oktoberfest?
Take the S8 or S1 to Hackerbrücke (approx. 45 minutes) and walk about 10 minutes from there. Drop your luggage at your accommodation first – large bags are not allowed at the Wiesn.
How much is a taxi from the airport to the city centre?
From around €90 depending on destination and traffic. For individual travellers, the S-Bahn is much cheaper and often just as fast.
Which airports are alternatives to Munich?
Memmingen for low-cost flights, Nuremberg and Salzburg with good rail connections, and Frankfurt as a major long-haul hub with ICE trains to Munich.
Trip planning
Plan your whole trip
Oktoberfest is the highlight – but Munich and Bavaria have so much more to offer. Everything about getting here, getting around and day trips.
Accommodation
Places to stay in three price ranges
During Oktoberfest, Munich is the most expensive city in Germany to stay in. Pick the right category, book early, and you will still find your room.
Budget & sociable
approx. €40–130 per person/night
Tent camps, campsites, hostel dorms and simple rooms outside the city – ideal for backpackers, groups and anyone who mainly comes to party.
- Oktoberfest tent camps and campsites
- Hostel dorm beds
- Simple rooms in nearby towns with train links
Comfortable & personal
approx. €150–350 per room/night
Private rooms, guesthouses and mid-range hotels – with your own bathroom, a quiet night and good connections to the Theresienwiese.
- Private rooms („Zimmerfrei“) with local hosts
- Guesthouses (Pensionen) and 3-star hotels
- Apartments for groups of friends
Premium & central
from approx. €350 per room/night
4- and 5-star hotels and design apartments within walking distance of the Wiesn or in the old town – with concierge, spa and breakfast until noon.
- Walk to the Theresienwiese
- Concierge help with restaurants and day trips
- Large suites and apartments for families
Rough guide prices for the Oktoberfest period, no guarantee. Fridays and Saturdays are the most expensive; Monday to Wednesday is often much cheaper. Booking 9–12 months ahead gives you the best choice.