Are you planning a trip to but have no idea how to get around Munich? Then don’t worry, we’ve put together a complete guide on the subject. This way, you’ll know how to get around Munich.
What are the public transportation models in Munich?
As the public transport model throughout Germany is somewhat different, we’ll first introduce you to each form of transportation there. The first of these is the subway, called the U-Bahn.
In addition, the whole of Germany has a train called the S-Bahn, which connects the larger cities with the smaller ones, as if it were a subway serving longer distances.
Little known to tourists, the Tram is one of the most common means of transportation in all of Europe. This is a form of rail transportation that shares space with cars and buses and can be compared to a cable car.
Last but not least, another form of transport in Munich and throughout Germany is the bus, which always indicates the next stop on the dashboard, rather than the final destination, as we are used to.
- Important tip: Munich is a city that has many museums, attractions and tours. Always buy the tickets in advance. We always buy everything on this website that has the best price.
About the metro in Munich
Along the same lines as many other European cities, the metro in Munich is very good, with clean stations and new trains. It’s worth noting that delays are very rare in Munich, and that all means of transportation have a sign indicating the next station.
Another very different point is that in Munich there are no turnstiles at the station entrances. In the case of metros, you’ll need to validate your ticket before boarding, while on buses and trams, validation takes place inside the vehicle.
Organization of the Munich metro: it is divided into four zones: white, green, yellow and pink. The white zone is called the Inner District and is one of the most used by tourists, as it reaches all of Munich’s main attractions.
The green zone is called Munich XXL and serves the city’s suburbs. The yellow and pink zones are called the Outter District and do not serve the city center or, consequently, Munich’s main attractions.
This city also has what we can call a “global zone”, which covers all the colors and is called the Entire Network, which serves those going from the center to Munich airport.
Metro ticket in Munich: as mentioned above, you need to validate your ticket before accessing any of the stations. How do I buy my ticket? Then our tip is to buy the ticket for the zone in which you are staying, usually the Inner District or Munich XXL. Which ticket should I buy? In Munich, you’ll find the single pass, which is only valid for one trip.
Another more advantageous option is the Day Ticket, available in 1 or 3 day versions, with the 24-hour version valid until 6am the day after the first use. There is also the possibility of purchasing the CityTourCard or QueerCityPass, which are tourist pass options that cost a little more but offer discounts on some of the city’s attractions.
- Important tip: To make the most of your trip, staying in the best area is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the best region, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
More information about metro tickets in Munich: like other tourist cities in Germany, Munich has group tickets, i.e. public transport passes that are valid for groups of up to 5 adults. If you’re traveling with children, it’s worth noting that two children between the ages of 6 and 14 count as one adult and under these ages don’t pay.
Another point worth noting is that every ticket must be validated and kept with the person responsible throughout the journey. Validation takes place in blue boxes. Simply insert your ticket all the way to the end and it will be stamped with your boarding time.
Buying Munich metro passes: buying Munich metro passes takes place at automated machines, but be aware that as soon as you touch the screen you will see the option to select a language other than German. After changing the language, you will have to choose the type of ticket: Single, 1 Day or 3 Days, selecting the number of people and/or children. Please note that if you are carrying a bicycle, you will have to buy a ticket for it as well.
After selecting the type of pass and the number of days, you’ll have to choose the zone of validity. Our tip is to opt for the Inner Zone, the global option that covers most of the city’s tourist attractions. Payment for any ticket can be made with debit or credit cards at the end of the purchase, just put the card or cash in the place indicated by the machine.
Save money on your trip to Munich:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Munich cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your Munich tickets in the cheapest and safest way – for parks, museums and ticket combos. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Munich. You will find out the best area and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
