Bike, car, e-scooter, bus, S-Bahn (suburban train) or on foot? We have collected the most important tips and information on mobility in Munich.
There are numerous ways for holidaymakers and visitors to get around Munich. But what is the easiest and quickest way to get from A to B? Shorter distances through the city centre in particular are much easier to cover on foot or by bike than by underground or car. If the weather doesn't play ball or you want to cover a longer distance, public transport is the best alternative.
In summer 2024, Munich also launched the test operation of emission-free microbuses and rickshaws, which take passengers to destinations throughout Munich's old town free of charge. The full range of AltstadtMobil services, including all stops, timetables and information, can be found on the MVG Munich Transport Association website.
But even for Munich residents, it is sometimes not so easy to keep track of all the fare zones and the corresponding ticket options when using public transport. To help you find your way quickly and easily during your visit to Munich, here are a few tips on how best to get around Munich.
- Public transport (ÖPNV) in Munich
- Underground and S-Bahn
- Bus and tram
- Special tram lines to discover Munich
- Fare zones and fare structure for public transport in Munich
- Tickets & travelcards
- Single ticket
- Day tickets and multi-day tickets
- Bike hire
- Bicycle day ticket
- Hop-on hop-off buses
- Taxi and transport services
- Car-Sharing: car hire and car rental services in Munich
- E-scooters and electric scooters
- Walking: Discover Munich on foot
The U-Bahn and S-Bahn are at the heart of Munich's public transport system. The network is well developed and connects all the main city districts and suburbs. The U-Bahn is ideal for travelling quickly from one place to another, while the S-Bahn also serves the surrounding towns and communities. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines in the underground stations or online and in the MVG app.
The MVV buses and trams are another convenient way to get around Munich. They also serve the less central areas of the city and offer a good way to explore sights. As with the U-Bahn and S-Bahn, tickets can be purchased from ticket machines or online.
All tickets for local public transport in Munich are calculated according to zones. There is a total of zone M and twelve other zones in the Munich public transport network (MVV):
You can check which zones you need for a particular route in ZonenCheck or in the network and fare plan.
Keep track of the jungle of fares and find the best tickets for your visit to Munich. Here you will find an overview of all the options for single tickets, day tickets and multi-day tickets.
Single ticket:
The single ticket is valid for a single journey in the direction of the destination. Changes and interruptions are permitted, but return journeys are not. Depending on the route, the maximum journey time is 1 to 5 hours.
Who it's for: The single ticket is suitable for spontaneous journeys. For more than two journeys within a zone per day, we recommend the day ticket.
Stripe card:
The Stripe card can be used flexibly: for several journeys by one person or for one journey by several people. Changes and journey interruptions are permitted, but return journeys are not.
Who it's for: The Stripe card is cheaper than a single ticket. One or more of the ten strips are validated as required. Adults stamp two strips, children and young people one strip. For more than two journeys within a zone per day, we recommend a day ticket.
More information: www.mvv-muenchen.de
Munich Card:
The München Card is the official guest card of the city of Munich with discounts at well-known museums and sights in Munich. It can be conveniently purchased online on our website! The München Card includes an MVV day ticket in the selected area of validity and discounts of up to 70% at numerous sights, attractions, tours, shopping and catering partners.
The München Card is available as a single or children's card and as a group card for a group of 2 to 5 people – whereby two children aged 6 to 14 count as one person. The offer is available for Zone M (entire Munich city area) or for Zone M-6 (incl. Munich Airport) and can be purchased for 1-5 days.
Single Day Ticket:
The single day ticket is valid for one person aged 15 and over. It allows any number of journeys within the selected area of validity. A children's day pass is available for children aged between 6 and 14.
Who it's for: The day pass is worthwhile for more than two journeys within one zone per day.
Children's Day Ticket:
The Children's Day Pass is valid for one child between the ages of 6 and 14. It allows any number of journeys in the entire MVV area, zone M-12. Children under the age of 6 travel free and do not require a ticket. They must be accompanied by a person aged 6 or over – provided they are not yet a schoolchild.
Who it's for: The day pass is worthwhile for more than two journeys within a zone area per day.
Group Day Ticket:
Whether girlfriend or spouse, grandma or mother-in-law. The Group Day Pass is designed for couples and families as well as groups and school classes. It allows the group to make as many journeys as they like within the selected area of validity in and around Munich.
Who it's for: The Group Day Pass is valid for a group of up to 5 people – children between the ages of 6 and 14 count as half. So ten kids fit on one ticket. Because teachers don't usually remember all their pupils' birthdays, they count as children for school trips up to and including year 9.
Airport-City-Day-Ticket:
The Airport-City-Day-Ticket is a day ticket that includes travel to/from the airport and the city area of Munich (zone M-5). It is available as a single version and as a group version for 2 to 5 people. Children between the ages of 6 and 14 count as half a person - as with the group day ticket. The ticket can also be purchased at the airport by credit card and is already validated.
Who it's for: For passengers who wish to travel from Munich Airport to the city centre and would like to make further journeys in the Zone M-5 area of validity on the same day.
Deutschlandticket:
With the Deutschlandticket for 49 euros, you can use all public transport in Munich.
Who it's for: The Deutschland-Ticket is worthwhile if you not only want to travel in Munich, but are also planning several excursions in the surrounding area.
Munich is a bike-friendly city with many cycle paths and exciting bike tours. Hiring a bike is a great way to explore the city and stay active at the same time. There are several bike hire shops in the city that rent out bikes by the hour or day. Visitors can find an overview of all providers in the city business directory!
You can also conveniently rent a bike on the go via the MVG app. Around 4500 blue MVG bikes are available in the city, and you pay 5 cents per minute. The MVG bike stations are located at many U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations!
If you want to take your bike with you on the U-Bahn or S-Bahn, you can buy a Radl-Ticket. It is valid on the entire MVV network. However, please remember the closing times during rush hour! These are from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 6 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm (except during school holidays).
Another popular option for visitors is to use the hop-on hop-off buses. These tourist buses offer a convenient way to explore the city's main sights and attractions. You can hop on and off at various stops in the city and create your own sightseeing tour. Most Hop-on Hop-off tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours.
Different tours can be found here:
For convenient and fast transport, you can use taxis or transport services such as Uber. Taxis are available everywhere in the city and can be ordered at taxi ranks or by calling. The basic fee is currently 5.50 euros, with passengers paying 2.30 euros for each additional kilometre. Transport services can be booked quickly via apps and often offer a alternative to conventional taxis.
There are numerous car-sharing providers in Munich, all of which work in a similar way: You can reserve and hire a vehicle in the neighbourhood using the relevant apps such as Miles, Sixt Share or Share Now. Billing is based on kilometres or minutes. After the journey, the car must be returned to the designated area.
If you want to take a trip out of the city, you can also book packages with the providers mentioned – here you can book a car for several hours or a day at a fixed price.
In recent years, e-scooters have become a popular means of transport in large cities. There are several providers in Munich, including Tier, Voi, Lime and Bolt. Some of them can also be booked in the MVGO app, as can the MVG bike and e-mopeds. Our author travelled through Munich on one of these electric scooters!
Munich is a city that can be easily explored on foot. Many of the sights and attractions are located in the city centre and are easily accessible on foot. Take the opportunity to stroll through the charming streets, soak up the atmosphere and perhaps even discover a hidden gem or two.
Our authors have tried out two great city walks for you: From east to west and from north to south. The tours are long, but you can also walk just a section or be inspired by our walks.
No matter which way you choose to get around, Munich offers a variety of options to get around the city comfortably and efficiently. This way you can make your stay in Munich even more enjoyable and save time and money at the same time.
