Munich
Arrival & Transport
Public transport
Munich's public transport system (MVV) is excellent, albeit complicated, with S-Bahn suburban trains, U-Bahn metros and a comprehensive network of bus and tram routes. Transport runs from around 05:00 to 01:00, and tickets are valid for all kinds of city transport. Tickets can be bought from machines by the platforms or at the MVV centre on the first floor of the Hauptbahnhof (open 06:00 - 24:00).
With a €1,10 Kurzstrecke (short distance) ticket you can travel up to two stops in one direction on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn, with transfers allowed,
or up to four stops with the tram or bus. An Einzelticket (one-way ticket) is valid for one single trip with the price depending on the zones you cross. One zone costs €2.10, two zones cost €4.20 three zones cost €6.30, four zones or more cost €8.40. Kids travel for €1. A day ticket is good value if you’re planning more than two short rides. There are two types of day tickets: the Individual and the Partner for up to 5 people (2 children from 6-14 years count as one person). Prices range from €4.50 to €18.50 depending on whether you are travelling within the city centre (Innenraum) or the outskirts (Aussenraum, including the airport), or both.
The other possibility is to buy a €9.50 Streifenkarte (stripe card) which has ten stripes that you stamp as needed. Stamp two stripes (€1.90) per zone that you are travelling. If you intend to use public transportation a lot for a few days, the best deal is the Wochenticket or Isarkarte (week card) for €9.70 to travel anywhere you want in the first two zones.The Germans are a trusting bunch and don’t check your tickets very often, but if you don’t want to risk a €40 fine, make sure you always stamp your ticket in the blue box before entering the platform. On buses and trams, single tickets can be bought from the driver. Multiple tickets, also valid for U-Bahn and S-Bahn, can be bought from vending machines, but not from the driver.
The Welcome Card is a public transport ticket that also offers reduced entrance to museums and sights; see Sightseeing for more information.
