Oktoberfest - ein Fest der Landeshauptstadt München
Photo: Anette Göttlicher

Taking the train to Munich for Oktoberfest

By train to Munich and to Oktoberfest from Hauptbahnhof

Many visitors take the train to Oktoberfest and so Munich’s stations are very busy. Double the normal number of passengers are expected at Hauptbahnhof. Extra security personnel are on duty in the S-Bahn stations.

From Munich Hauptbahnhof to Oktoberfest

Both long-distance and regional trains stop at Munich Central Station. Anyone arriving there can reach the Theresienwiese in ten to 15 minutes on foot. Under the motto "z' Fuaß samma schnella," Deutsche Bahn advertises this with posters at the main station. With large crowds at weekends and on public holidays, the walk is worthwhile. The paths are well marked with signs and floor markings. If the weather is bad, you can take the subway (U4/U5 stop Theresienwiese) one stop or the streetcar (line 18/19, stop Holzapfelstraße or Hermann-Lingg-Straße).

Which S-Bahn to take to the Wiesn?

At Hauptbahnhof and on the whole main line, which goes from Pasing to Ostbahnhof, Munich S-Bahns come almost every minute. Any of them will take you to Hackerbrücke. From there it is just a few minutes walk to Oktoberfest. The route is signposted but the easiest thing is to follow the people wearing Dirndls and Lederhosen. Prices, times and journey planners for the S-Bahn can be found on https://www.mvv-muenchen.de/en/index.html.

Tips and advice from Deutsche Bahn for rail travelers

- Backpacks and bags are not allowed on the Theresienwiese. Either arrive without large bags or leave them at the lockers at the main station, Pasing or Ostbahnhof. There is an additional luggage storage facility in the former Intercity Hotel at the main station.
- For small groups, Deutsche Bahn recommends the MVV group day ticket. For 15.60 euros (Zone M, status 2022), up to five people are allowed to travel in the city for the whole day and until 6 a.m. the following day.
- It is forbidden to take beer mugs with you and this is controlled by DB security and the police. If you have bought a beer mug, please take it only packed. For security reasons, it is also not permitted to take along aluminum-coated balloons.

Deutsche Bahn’s special timetable for Oktoberfest

Deutsche Bahn has a special timetable during the Oktoberfest, after all, it is expecting an additional three million passengers for the Oktoberfest: On weekends and public holidays, for example, there are more and longer regional trains, and also until especially late at night. This ensures that every Oktoberfest visitor gets home safely.

More than 100 additional employees are on duty to ensure security at the stations, especially at the Hackerbrücke S-Bahn station, at check-in at the main station and for cleaning the train cars. DB Security is also stepping up its presence on trains and S-Bahns. The Federal Police will once again be deploying the loudspeaker van at Hackerbrücke, which will not only guide visitors to the Oktoberfest, but also ensure a relaxed atmosphere with party music.

Which U-Bahn to take to Oktoberfest?

The lines U4 and U5 travel directly from Hauptbahnhof to the station Theresienwiese (one stop), which is directly at the Oktoberfest venue. Lines U3 or U6 to Goetheplatz are also a good choice. From here you can get to the east entrance of the Wiesn in a few minutes.

You can get tickets for the U-Bahn at all MVV ticket machines and also via the app MVG Fahrinfo. Further information on prices and departure times for the U-Bahn can be found on the MVG Website.