U-Bahn & S-Bahn
The backbone of the city. All S-Bahn lines run along the main line through Central Station, Marienplatz and Ostbahnhof; the U-Bahn covers the neighbourhoods.
Getting around Bavaria
Getting around Munich: public transport, rental cars & more
Buses and trains are all you need for the city and the Wiesn – for the Alps, castles and lakes a rental car can pay off. Here's what works best when.
- Oktoberfest 2027: September 18 – October 3, 2027
- Theresienwiese, Munich
Munich has one of the best public transport systems in Germany: U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses run frequently under one shared MVV fare system. On Oktoberfest days it's the only sensible choice anyway – there's no parking, and nobody drives after beer.
For a road trip through Bavaria, however, a rental car can save a lot of time. We explain tickets, rental conditions and the most important driving rules for Germany and Austria.
Public transport
Buses & trains in Munich
Trams & buses
Trams are ideal for short trips with a view. At night, night trams and night buses take over.
Tickets by app
Buy tickets in seconds in the MVG or MVV app. Mobile tickets are valid immediately and don't need to be validated.
Single, day & group tickets
A day ticket pays off from two or three rides a day. Group day tickets are valid for up to five adults.
Validate paper tickets
Strip tickets and some paper tickets must be stamped at the blue machines before you travel. Travelling without a valid ticket costs €60.
Deutschlandticket
A monthly subscription for all local transport in Germany (approx. €63 a month, as of 2026). Ideal for Oktoberfest staff and longer stays – cancellable monthly.
To the Wiesn
How to get to the Theresienwiese
U4 / U5
Theresienwiese station right at the main entrance, or Schwanthalerhöhe on the west side of the grounds.
U3 / U6
Goetheplatz or Poccistraße – a few minutes' walk to the south entrance. Often less crowded.
S-Bahn Hackerbrücke
All main-line S-Bahn trains stop here. From Hackerbrücke it's about a 10-minute walk to the Wiesn.
On foot
It's around 15 minutes from Central Station – often faster than the packed U-Bahn.
Getting home
Stations are extremely busy at closing time, and Theresienwiese station is sometimes closed temporarily. Use Hackerbrücke or Goetheplatz instead.
No car
There is no parking around the Wiesn and many streets are closed. Leave the car at your hotel or at a P+R car park.
Rental cars
Rental cars: when they pay off
You don't need a car in the city. For the Alps, castles and lakes, though, a rental car is often the most flexible option.
When it's worth it
For road trips through Bavaria, several destinations in one day and families. Tip: pick the car up only after your Munich and Wiesn days.
Requirements
A valid driving licence, usually a minimum age of 21 (with a young driver surcharge) and a credit card in the driver's name. For licences from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit is often required.
Pick-up
All major rental companies have desks at the airport and Central Station. One-way rentals, e.g. returning in Salzburg, often cost extra.
Transmission
Manual cars are standard in Germany. If you only drive automatics, book an automatic explicitly.
Insurance
Look for comprehensive cover with a low or zero excess, and check what your credit card already covers.
Fuel & return
Usually „full to full“. Use the right fuel (diesel or petrol) – for electric cars, check the charging cards.
Driving rules
Driving in Germany & Austria
Autobahn
Many sections have speed limits; elsewhere the recommended speed is 130 km/h. Overtake on the left only, and keep right when the lane is free.
Low-emission zone
Inside the Mittlerer Ring ring road you need a green emissions sticker. German rental cars usually have one.
Alcohol
The limit is 0.5 per mille; for new drivers and drivers under 21 it's zero. After the Wiesn: leave the car.
Vignette for Austria
Austrian motorways require a vignette, also available digitally. German rental cars usually don't have one – buy it before a trip to Salzburg or Tyrol.
Winter tyres
Germany requires winter tyres in wintry conditions. In the Alps it can snow as early as October – ask your rental company about suitable tyres.
Parking
City-centre car parks are expensive and many streets are residents-only. Park & Ride at outer stations is cheap and relaxed.
More options
Taxis, bikes, coaches & trains
Taxis & ride-hailing
Find taxis at taxi ranks or via app, plus ride-hailing services such as Uber or FreeNow. At Oktoberfest closing time, waits are long and prices high.
MVG Rad
Rental bikes at many stations across the city. Munich is flat with plenty of cycle lanes – only on the festival grounds themselves is cycling not allowed.
E-scooters
The same alcohol limits apply as for cars. So after the Wiesn they're off-limits – and riding on pavements is forbidden.
Long-distance trains
ICE connections to Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Berlin, Zurich, Vienna and more. Book saver fares early and reserve a seat during Oktoberfest.
Coaches
Cheap long-distance coaches from all over Europe stop at the Central Bus Station (ZOB) at Hackerbrücke – just a few minutes' walk from the Wiesn.
FAQ
Questions & answers
Do I need a car in Munich?
No. For the city and the Wiesn, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses are faster and cheaper. A rental car only pays off for trips to the Alps or a road trip.
Which ticket do I need for Oktoberfest?
For the city centre and the Wiesn, a day ticket for zone M is usually enough. For groups of up to five adults, the group day ticket is good value.
Can I drive in Germany with my foreign driving licence?
As a tourist, usually yes. EU licences are fully valid; for other licences, rental companies often also require an International Driving Permit. Check before booking.
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.