Munich: Ways to the Oktoberfest and back home – Munich
The fact that the Oktoberfest has been taking place on the Theresienwiese in the heart of Munich since 1810 is also a logistical challenge. Especially now, after a two-year break, the rush will be huge. Then millions of people have to get to and from the festival site in the middle of the city. The advantage of the central location: There are many different ways to get here. Public transport is recommended in any case (regardless of alcohol limits). An overview.
Roadblocks shortly before and during the Wiesn
During the Oktoberfest, also from September 17 to October 3, 2022, there are two barriers around the Theresienwiese. The outer includes the areas around the Theresienwiese up to Paul-Heyse-Strasse, Lindwurmstrasse, Hans-Fischer-Strasse, Ganghoferstrasse, Heimeranstrasse and Schwanthalerstrasse. Only authorized residents, such as residents or suppliers, are allowed to drive into this blocking ring.
The so-called Middle Barrier Ring starts at Theresienhöhe and runs along the Bavariaring directly around the site. If you want to go there by car, you need to apply for a permit beforehand and have to deal directly with Oktoberfest logistics.
By car to the Oktoberfest
Similar to the closures, the already sparse parking spaces are restricted to residents with licenses; in some cases, parking around the Wiesn is completely forbidden. No good prospects for certain people who would like to drive to the marquee by car.
Car travelers are one of the 38 Park and ride car parks in and around Munich recommended – there is at least one on every Autobahn that leads to Munich.
There and away by public transport
It makes much more sense to use public transport from the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV) than coming by car.
Contrary to a widespread misconception, there is not only the Theresienwiese underground station (U4/U5). The following stops are also within walking distance:
- By S-Bahn: Hauptbahnhof and Hackerbrücke, a little further away Donnersbergerbrücke and Heimeranplatz
- By underground: Schwanthalerhöhe (U4/U5), Poccistraße and Goetheplatz (U3/U6)
- By tram: Hermann-Lingg-Straße stop (tram 18 and 19)
- By bus: Theresienhöhe stop (Bus 134), Schwanthalerhöhe stop (Bus 53, for example, from Harras or Rotkreuzplatz), Stop Hans-Fischer-Straße (Bus 62, for example, from Heimeranplatz, Hirschgarten or Sendlinger Tor) or Georg-Hirth-Platz stop (Circular line 68/58, for example, from Kolumbusplatz)
More information on ticket prices, departures and clocks at www.mvg.de
With the e-scooter to the Oktoberfest?
Even if e-scooters are quite present in the cityscape, they are forbidden inside the festival area. However, collection points have been set up inside and outside the Outer Barrier Ring where they can be handed in.
For the police, however, the e-scooters are likely to entail additional work during the Wiesn: Some like to use the scooters for the last mile from partying home – to everyone’s chagrin. Depending on body weight and size, even a pint of beer could spoil the fun of driving with a fine or, in the worst case, a complaint. (More information on the alcohol limit on e-scooters and the consequences.)
Taxi ranks around the Theresienwiese
So that Oktoberfest visitors die drunk on e-scooters without losing their driving license or life, there are taxis available around the Theresienwiese (which generate more sales during the Oktoberfest than ever before in a year). Temporary taxi ranks have been set up in three places: on Schwanthalerstrasse near Hermann-Lingg-Strasse, on Kaiser-Ludwig-Platz and on Hans-Fischer-Strasse.
Arrival by train or long-distance bus
If you take the train to Munich, it is best to walk from the main train station to the Wiesn. That’s not far – squeezing for a station in one of the crowded subways is hardly worth the time. The path is well signposted for those who are not familiar with the area.
For those arriving by train, Deutsche Bahn uses additional regional trains on some routes at weekends and on public holidays (October 3). More information about the tickets on www.bahn.de
The long-distance bus companies also have special offers for the Wiesn. Flixbus or IC Bus lure with offers around 20 euros, for example from Berlin to Munich. However, the places at the weekend are likely to be very popular. The Oktoberfest is just a few minutes’ walk from the central bus station (ZOB) on Arnulfstraße.
By bike to the Oktoberfest
Cyclists can get to the Wiesn very comfortably – right up to the fence around the festival area. Parking the bike there is risky; it could be soiled by excretions from other Wiesn visitors. Better to park a little further away.
Is it worth taking a rickshaw ride?
Every year, hundreds of rickshaw drivers come to Munich for the Oktoberfest. A ride with them is nice, some also offer a small city tour. However, the prices can be quite high – so agree in advance! Fixed stands for rickshaws can be found in several places in the north and east of the festival area and at the south entrance to the main station.