Munich to Airport

I'd say S-bahn is your best bet.

According to the site, S-Bahn is around 50 minutes. I assume there is less chance of "traffic jams" with a train. :-)

Is that why you recommend it? I'm sure it would be cheaper too. I'm not opposed to the extra 12 minutes. I would just hate to get on the wrong train and end up in Calcutta because I don't speak German. LOL

No worries about the S Bahn. It is clearly marked and others will help you. Make sure to validate your ticket prior to boarding.

I recommend it because it is cheaper, easier, simpler and probably faster as well. Since you haven't given any information on where you'll be staying we can only provide general information, but the S-Bahn takes you from Marienplatz station to the airport in 36 minutes. And the train won't get stuck in rush hour traffic jams. Just note that there are two lines to the airport, from the old central parts the S8 will be the fastest, but you can take the the S1 as well.

And no, you won't end up in Calcutta (unless your flight is heading there of course…). All trains have a destination sign and there are signs on the platforms as well. Just look for a train where the sign says "S8 Flughafen". This is what the trains look like, you can clearly see the train's destination: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ET_423_244_MHAB.jpg

I've only ever taken the Sbahn to and from the airport. Not sure I'd want to be taking a taxi during rush hour. I will guarantee it would be much cheaper than a taxi, and finding the correct train is simple if you do a wee bit of research in advance. The airport is the final stop for both the S1 and S8.

Double check your check in requirements. If this is your flight home, you may be advised to check in 3 hours before your flight. You'll need to clear both security and Passport control.

Thanks everyone!

I think the S-Bahn is the best option. I will assume 3 hours to check-in and an hour for the train (to round up). Which means I need to leave the hotel no later than 7:00 AM. But since there are shops, etc. in the airport I will probably leave at 6:00 AM. Assuming the train runs that early.

I'm looking at the S8. Does anyone know how often it runs and how early? I can't seem to find that information listed.

Thanks

The first S8 to the airport departs Marienplatz 3:19, is that early enough for you? Then there are three departures every hour, XX:19, XX:39 and XX:59 from Marienplatz. You can find all information you need at www.mvv-muenchen.de

Thanks!
This is most helpful

If flying to Paris, it is a domestic flight and an hour and half to two hours should be more than adequate check in time.

I would just hate to get on the wrong train and end up in Calcutta

I'm assuming you will take the S-bahn to the airport; the S-Bahn doesn't go to Calcutta.

In five departures from MUC since 2001, I've left left from Munich 3 times and taken the S-Bahn and from Freising twice and taken a bus.

Twice I stayed in the suburbs and took the S-Bahn from a suburban station; one time I stayed on the east side of the old town and took the S-Bahn from Karlsplatz.

There are two S-Bahn going through the central tunnel below Munich to the airport. The S1 goes around the west end of Munich to the airport; the S8 goes from the east end to the airport.

There are basically four S-Bahn stations near/in the old town, Hauptbahnhof (tief=deep), Karlsplatz, Marienplatz, and Isartor. Three of them are one track level stations with tracks going both directions. Marienplatz has two track levels, each with a track going only one direction.

Sound like Marienplatz will be the closest station for you. It's a three level station. The uppermost level, one flight below street level, is a mezzanine with ticket machines, etc. The S8 to the airport leaves from the next level down (Gleis 1); the S1 to the airport leaves from the lowest level (Gleis 2).

You want to go down the stairs to Gleis 1 and take the S8. 95% of the time, that will get you to the airport the soonest.

Here is a walk through of the Marienplatz station.

Thanks everyone.

Oh, and the "Calcutta" reference was a joke. :-)

When you get to the platform, there will be a large sign over it with the next four trains, in order from the top, with the approx. time until they get to the station. The sign will list the line number (S8, etc) and the destination. I think there is also a smaller sign(s) with the current or next train's information. When a train comes into the station, it will also have the line number and destination displayed on the front.

You want the train that says "S8 Flughafen". If it ways "S1 Ostbahnhof", don't get on it, it's coming from the airport.

If one comes in that says "S1 Flughafen" you're on the wrong level, but that doesn't matter, it will get you to the airport sooner. Get on it. There is only one minute in the 20 minute cycle for which the S1 will get you to the airport sooner, but if you happen to be in the station at that time, take it.

I have also been reading these replies with great interest for my own trip in August. We will be staying at Hotel Schlicker so the Marienplatz station should work well for us.
My question...do you have to purchase time specific tickets? Or are you able to get on the next train...similar to how a subway works? Buy a ticket, get on any train.
Thanks

You tube videos are your friend in almost any transport situation. This link goes to one about how to get to the airport from Munich
https://youtu.be/JKdAMe9KnZ0

The tickets are not train specific. Buy it when you want, once you validate it you have 3 hours to complete your journey, so plenty of time to miss several trains.

That video was very informative.

Thanks!

@Badger
How do you validate your tickets?

Very helpful video.
Since there are 2 terminals at Munich Airport, do you need to get off train at the correct terminal? Or is it all one station that services both terminals, I.e. you can walk to both terminals.

The station is between the terminals. In the direction of travel of the train = Terminal 2, against the direction of travel = Terminal 1. Short distances in both cases.

I believe the tickets that come from ticket machines in the S-Bahn station are already time stamped and don't have to be cancelled. The way to tell if a ticket needs to be cancelled is to see if one end has the words "Hier entwerten" (lit. Here devalue) written on one end and arrows (triangle actually) showing how you put the ticket into the machine. The tickets that are time stamped and don't need to be cancelled are also too wide to go in the slot in the cancelling machine.