Getting to Oktoberfest
U-Bahn, S-Bahn or taxi? Here is how to reach Theresienwiese quickly and stress-free.
U-Bahn — The Fastest Way
The U-Bahn (subway) is the most convenient way to reach Oktoberfest. Four stations are within walking distance of Theresienwiese. Our tip: the closest station is not always the best choice!
Theresienwiese
U4 / U53 minutes walkVery crowdedThe closest station, but also the most crowded. Expect long waits at the exit on weekends. Use the exit towards Bavariaring for a less congested route.
Goetheplatz
U3 / U68 minutes walkModerateOften the better choice! Less crowded than Theresienwiese and you arrive at the southern entrance — perfect for the Oide Wiesn.
Schwanthaler Höhe
U4 / U510 minutes walkLowInsider tip! Very few visitors use this station. You arrive at the western entrance with the shortest queues.
Poccistraße
U3 / U612 minutes walkLowAnother hidden gem. Especially convenient if you are coming from the south of München.
S-Bahn & Regional Trains
If you are coming from outside München or from the airport, S-Bahn and regional trains are your first stop.
Hackerbrücke
S1–S8 (all S-Bahn lines)10 minutes walkThe best S-Bahn station for Oktoberfest. Just one stop from the main station. The walk takes you over the Hackerbrücke bridge with a great view of the rail yards.
München Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
All S-Bahn, regional trains, ICE15–20 minutes walkFrom the main station it is about a 15-minute walk. Just follow the crowds heading south.
From München Airport (MUC)
München Airport is located about 35 km northeast of the city. Here are your options:
S-Bahn (recommended)
Take the S1 or S8 to the main station, then transfer to the U4/U5 to Theresienwiese. Runs every 10 minutes. The cheapest and most reliable option.
Lufthansa Express Bus
Direct bus to München main station. Comfortable, but slower than the S-Bahn in traffic. Tickets available online or at the machine.
Taxi / Uber
Convenient but expensive, and often slower in traffic. During Oktoberfest, the drive through the city can take significantly longer.
Parking — Please Don't!
Strong Recommendation: Do NOT drive!
There are virtually no parking spaces near Theresienwiese during Oktoberfest. Streets are closed off, resident parking zones are strictly enforced and tow trucks are on constant patrol. Parking tickets and towing fees can easily exceed 300 EUR.
If You Really Must Drive: Park & Ride
P+R Fröttmaning
U6 towards Goetheplatz
P+R Messestadt Ost
U2, transfer at Sendlinger Tor
P+R Garching-Hochbrück
U6 towards Goetheplatz
P+R Studentenstadt
U6 towards Goetheplatz
Special Schedules During Oktoberfest
München's MVG significantly expands public transport during the festival weeks:
U-Bahn Night Service (Fri/Sat)
On Fridays and Saturdays, U-Bahn trains run all night at 20-minute intervals. Regular last trains around 1:30 AM, then continuous night service throughout.
Additional S-Bahn Services
Extra S-Bahn trains run in the evening and late at night, especially on lines S1 to S8 from Hackerbrücke and the main station.
Increased Frequency Mon–Thu
Even on weekdays, U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains run more frequently during Oktoberfest, particularly in the evening hours from 6 PM to midnight.
Night Buses
Night bus lines N40 to N45 supplement the service after midnight. Especially useful for destinations not directly on the U-Bahn.