If you’re coming to Munich from abroad, you’ll be happy to know that the city’s rail lines are wunderbar.
If you’re coming to Munich for Oktoberfest, then you’ll be really giddy that public transportation means drinking with zero driving (or car rides).
And it all starts with München Hauptbahnhof. Here’s your guide to Munich train station, including what’s inside, which subways it serves, and how to get to the train station from Munich airport.
Image Credit: ShevchenkoAndrey. Image Location: Munich Central station, Munich, Germany
Everything you need to know about Munich train station
Circle München Hbf on your map: it’s the Munich Central Station that connects you to high-speed Deutsche Bahn trains and the S-Bahn.
How many train stations in Munich?
There are a handful of train stations in Munich: Munich East (or München Ost), Heimeranplatz, Munich-Pasing, Donnersbergerbrücke, and Munich Central station (or München Hbf). That’s a lot to remember when you add in all of the other transit stations for the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, etc. So just focus on this: Munich Central station is the main train station in Munich.
Where is Munich Central Train Station?
Munich Central train station is located on the western edge of Old Town. Walk east out of Munich Hbf and the Karlsplatz will welcome you to München. The Marienplatz is only another 10 minutes farther by foot.
How far is Munich train station from airport?
Munich International Airport (MUC) is around 22 miles from Munich Hbf by car, so you’re talking about at least 45 minutes cramped in the back of a cab. Your legs will thank you when you take a more bein-friendly mode of transportation: the train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, imagenavi. Image Location: Munich Central station, Munich, Germany
Does Munich airport have a train station?
Yes, Munich International Airport (MUC) does have a train station serving the S-Bahn railway system. Both the S1 and S8 S-Bahn lines stop at the Munich Airport.
How to get to train station from Munich airport?
Getting to the Munich train station from Munich airport is very straightforward. The train station is right between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the airport; follow the signs with the Green ‘S’. Both the S1 (blue) and the S8 (gold) lines will take you straight to Munich Hbf in 45 mins.
What’s inside Munich Hbf?
Germany’s railways are efficient and so are its railway stations. Munich Hbf has luggage lockers, wifi, a travel lounge, and plenty of shopping and dining. Pommes Freunde is our go-to for food: fries, hot dogs, currywurst, burgers, and veggie versions of all of the above will get you good and ready to snooze on a train ride. Rubenbauer-Genusswelten has kebab covered; you’ll also find global chains like Dunkin, Starbucks, and McDonald’s inside. On the shopping side, Press & Books, T.H.Kleen, Claire’s, and Calzedonia have a few items to peruse if you’re so inclined.
Image Credit: Getty Images, coco194. Image Location: Munich Central station, Munich, Germany
Munich hotels near train station
You’ve got loads of Munich hotels near the train station to choose from. The Charles Hotel is the glossy five-star spot for an afternoon at the day spa. Sofitel Munich Bayerpost is another stunner with a heated pool and sauna in its spa. 25hours Hotel München The Royal Bavarian is a mouthful and gives you an eyeful of Munich Central Station across the street. For low budget needs, look to Euro Youth and The 4You Hostel nearby.
What to do in Munich near the Munich Hbf train station?
You’ve already got your sights set on the sights, so here are a two lesser-visited attractions near the Munich central train station to consider: the interactive Kindermuseum München if you’re traveling with kids in Europe, and the Alter Botanischer Garten, which has a beer garden in summer and curling in the winter.
What brings you to Munich? The magical Christmas Markets, surfing the Eisbach wave, and sipping beer at the Hofbräuhaus are just a drop in the stein when it comes to things to do in Munich.
Maximize your time in Bavaria with a quick day trip from Munich; download the Trainline app to book your tickets before you arrive.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Ggeorgeclerk. Image Location: Munich Central station, Munich, Germany