Munich Airport is Germany’s second-busiest airport, and if you’re flying in for Oktoberfest, there’s a good chance you’ll land here.

Even though we lived near Nuremberg, Munich Airport was always our go-to for international travel.

But there’s one thing to keep in mind—it’s not exactly close to the city center.

The airport is about 40 km (25 miles) from the Oktoberfest grounds. Luckily, there are plenty of transport options to get to Oktoberfest and and you could be raising your first Maß of beer less than an hour after you land.

From affordable S-Bahn trains to taxis and private transport, this guide will walk you through all your options.

  • What’s the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to reach Oktoberfest?
  • Should you take public transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus)?
  • Is a taxi or private transfer worth the extra cost?

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💡 Short Answer

a man holding a suitcase at the airport and calling someone with a cellphone
  • Fastest – Taxi / Uber 40 minutes (Munich Airport to Theresienwiese)
  • Cheapest – S-Bahn Train + U-Bahn 60+ minutes (€14,30 per adult via MVV App)
  • Most Comfortable – Uber /  Taxi (€55 to 90)
  • Hassle Free Option – Private Transfer (€80–€100 per person)

Best Ways to Get from Munich Airport to Oktoberfest

Transport MethodCostTimeBest For
S-Bahn + U-Bahn€1460 minBudget travelers, solo travelers
Lufthansa Bus + U-Bahn€12 + U Bahn ticket45–50 minTravelers with luggage
Taxi/Uber*€85–€10040 minGroups, comfort seekers
Private Transfer*€80–€12040 minNo-stress arrivals, business travelers
Rental Car*~€50/day40 minRoad trippers leaving Munich
Close-up of hands holding and toasting with beer mugs at a wooden Oktoberfest table.

1. How to Get to Oktoberfest by Public Transport

S-Bahn Train + U-Bahn (Fast & Budget-Friendly)

💰 Cost: €14.30 per adult
⏳ Time: ~60 minutes

Taking the S-Bahn (tram) + U-Bahn (subway) is the cheapest way to get from Munich Airport (MUC) to Theresienwiese (the Oktoberfest grounds).

We recommend downloading the MVV app (Munich’s public transport app) or using Google Maps for easy navigation. Munich’s public transport operates in zones, and the airport is in Zone 5. The MVV app will always suggest the correct ticket for your journey.

This is how to

  1. Take the S-Bahn from Munich Airport (MUC):
    Take S1 (direction: Leuchtenbergring) or S8 (direction: Pasing). Both S-Bahn trains run every 10 minutes and go via Munich central station
  2. Switch to the U-Bahn (Subway):
    Transfer from Munich central station to either U4 (Westendstraße) or U5 (Laimer Platz). Get off at “Theresienwiese” station – That’s Oktoberfest!
  3. Exit & Walk to the Oktoberfest Grounds
    As soon as you exit Theresienwiese station, you’ll see the festival entrance within a short walk!

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to explore Munich beyond Oktoberfest, consider buying a Day Pass (€16.30 for a Single Tageskarte) for unlimited travel within the city and airport zones.

Inside view of a Munich subway train with passengers sitting on dark blue seats.

Lufthansa Express Bus: A Comfortable Alternative

💰 Cost: €12 (one-way)
⏳ Time: ~45 minutes

If you prefer a comfortable ride instead of taking the S-Bahn, the Lufthansa Express Bus is a great alternative to reach central Munich.

✅ How It Works:

  • Runs every 20 minutes from Munich Airport to Munich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).
  • The bus is comfortable, with plenty of luggage space—ideal if you’re carrying heavy bags.
  • Once at Hauptbahnhof, you must transfer to the U-Bahn (subway):
  • Take U4 (direction: Westendstraße) or U5 (direction: Laimer Platz).
  • Get off at Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest stop).
  • From there, it’s just a short walk to the festival grounds.

🚇 Important: Unlike the S-Bahn option, the Lufthansa Express Bus does not cover public transport tickets, so you’ll need to buy an additional U-Bahn ticket.

2. Taking a Taxi or Uber from Munich Airport to Oktoberfest

💰 Cost: ~€85–€100
⏳ Time: ~40 minutes (but can be longer during peak Oktoberfest hours)

If you don’t want to deal with public transport or have heavy luggage, taking a taxi or Uber is a very convenient option.

It’s a door-to-door service, meaning no need to carry bags across train stations or worry about walking long distances.

✅ Taxi & Uber Prices:

  • Daytime Fare: ~starting from €55
  • Evening & Weekend Fare: ~€90–€100
  • Uber/FreeNow (app-based taxis): Usually a bit cheaper than regular taxis.

💡 Important: During Oktoberfest, Munich traffic can be heavy—especially near Theresienwiese. A taxi might take longer than the S-Bahn during peak hours, so factor in possible delays.

Bright and colorful Oktoberfest fairground attractions in Munich, featuring a massive Ferris wheel and a lively swing carousel with people soaring through the air under a blue sky.

3. Should You Book a Private Transfer? (Hassle Free Option)

💰 Cost: ~€80–€120 per person
⏳ Time: ~40 minutes

For those who want to skip the hassle and prioritize comfort, convenience, and a stress-free arrival, booking a private transfer is a great option. It’s a door-to-door service, so you won’t have to worry about navigating public transport, handling heavy luggage, or dealing with crowded trains.

✅Where to Book:

  • Viator* – Trusted platform with easy online booking and reviews.
  • Welcome Pickups – Flat rates, English-speaking drivers.

4. Renting a Car from Munich Airport: Do You Need One?

💰 Cost: ~€50/day + fuel & parking
⏳ Time to city center: ~40 minutes

Munich is a walkable city with excellent public transportation, so renting a car isn’t necessary for most visitors. The city’s U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses make getting around easy, fast, and affordable.

However, if you’re planning a road trip after Oktoberfest—whether it’s to Neuschwanstein Castle, Nuremberg or Garmisch Patenkirchen—then renting a car makes sense. In that case, check if your hotel has a reserved parking space, as parking in central Munich is limited and expensive.

✅Where to Rent?

A smiling family in a rental car in Germany, with a man driving, a woman in the passenger seat, and a young girl sitting in the back. They appear to be enjoying their journey, all wearing seatbelts, highlighting a safe and pleasant road trip experience while renting a car in Germany.

What If You Arrive Late at Night? Best Hotels near Munich Airport

If you land super late and don’t want to deal with transport, staying near the airport might be the best call.

Final Thoughts: Best Way to Get from Munich Airport to Oktoberfest

Getting from Munich Airport to Oktoberfest is simple. The S-Bahn is the most efficient option, taking you straight to the city without delays.

Prefer a more direct ride? Taxis and shuttles are readily available too. No matter which option you choose, you’ll be celebrating at Oktoberfest in no time.

Here are the options at a glance:

🚀 Your Next Steps:

👉 Need a hotel near Oktoberfest? Read Closest Hotels to Oktoberfest

👉 Not sure what to pack for Oktoberfest? Check out our Ultimate Oktoberfest Packing List

👉 Struggling to find the perfect Instagram captions? Check out 100+ Ready To Use Instagram Captions For Oktoberfest

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Anna and Anne are the founders of Germany Things To Do. They grew up in Germany and have traveled all 16 regions in Germany from North to South and East to West.

They share their local tips with you to explore the authentic and beautiful parts in Germany.