We are planning our next bucket list trip. We’ve settled, I think, on Munich>Vienna>Budapest>home, ideally spending 3-4 days in each location. What is public transportation in Munich like? We are toying with being there during Octoberfest, knowing that is a busy time, but still would like to experience it.
Posted by
Belgium
515 posts
I think this article would be a good place to start
https://www.muenchen.de/en/transportation/public-transport/munich-public-transport-how-get-around-munich
Posted by
West Michigan
818 posts
Being in Munich during Oktoberfest, and visiting Oktoberfest, would be a great experience, IMHO. But be aware that hotel prices in Munich will be much higher during that time.
And the public transportation is excellent in Munich. The subway (U-bahn) goes everywhere. If you fly into Munich, it's very easy to take the S1 or S8 surface train into the heart of the city (Marienplatz). Load the MBB app on your phone to see all the transportation schedules. No reservations anywhere, just get on and off.
Posted by
Belgium
515 posts
In case you didn't know, Oktoberfest closes around 10 p.m.
The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams run until 1 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Service begins every day at 4 a.m.
There are also special night trams and night buses running throughout the night.
Posted by
72 posts
I’m researching same info! What is MBB app? Thanks
Posted by
West Michigan
818 posts
I’m researching same info! What is MBB app? Thanks
Oops, my mistake. I meant the Munchen Navigator app. It's by the Deutsche Bahn, and is excellent for travel in Munich. There's another app called "MVV-App", which is by the MVV, which sells tickets, and also shows routing. I don't know which of those two would be better for you.
There is also a DB app (Deutsche Bahn), which covers the whole country.
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
1186 posts
As has been stated, Munich has an excellent public transport system with U- & S-Bahns, Trams, and Busses. Each morning during breakfast I get the Day Pass on the MVGO app on my phone and ride where and when I want without thinking about getting a ticket for each trip.
My personal experience with crowds during Oktoberfest is that they are not a significant issue. Yes, the transport stops that serve the Theresienwiese will be busy, but not so busy that you can't get on board. There may be 250,000 people each day at Oktoberfest, but unlike a sporting event or concert at a stadium, people arrive and depart "all day" and have multiple entry and exit points from different transport lines. Public spaces like Marienplatz will have crowds, but again, not so bad that you won't be able to stand and watch the glockenspiel.