By train to Munich and to Oktoberfest from Hauptbahnhof
Many visitors take the train to Oktoberfest and so Munich’s stations are very busy. Double the normal number of passengers are expected at Hauptbahnhof. Extra security personnel are on duty in the S-Bahn stations.
From Munich Hauptbahnhof to Oktoberfest
Both long-distance and regional trains stop at Munich Central Station. Anyone arriving there can reach the Theresienwiese in ten to 15 minutes on foot. Under the motto "z' Fuaß samma schnella," Deutsche Bahn advertises this with posters at the main station. With large crowds at weekends and on public holidays, the walk is worthwhile. The paths are well marked with signs and floor markings. If the weather is bad, you can take the subway (U4/U5 stop Theresienwiese) one stop or the streetcar (line 18/19, stop Holzapfelstraße or Hermann-Lingg-Straße).
Taking the S-Bahn to Hackerbrücke
At the Hauptbahnhof and on the entire main line (Stammstrecke), which stretches from Pasing to Ostbahnhof, Munich's S-Bahn trains run almost every minute. With any one of them you can get to the Oktoberfest station Hackerbrücke. Thus, the S-Bahn offers additional trips to and from the Oktoberfest: On all lines, a 20-minute interval is thus also guaranteed in the evening hours from about 10 p.m. until the end of service.
From Hackerbrücke, it is only a few minutes' walk to the Oktoberfest. The route from there is signposted, but the easiest way is to follow the many people in dirndls and lederhosen.
Tips and advice from Deutsche Bahn for rail travelers
- Backpacks and bags are not allowed on the Theresienwiese. Either arrive without large bags or leave them at the lockers at the main station, Pasing or Ostbahnhof. There is an additional luggage storage facility in the former Intercity Hotel at the main station.
- For small groups, Deutsche Bahn recommends the MVV group day ticket. For 15.60 euros (Zone M, status 2022), up to five people are allowed to travel in the city for the whole day and until 6 a.m. the following day.
- It is forbidden to take beer mugs with you and this is controlled by DB security and the police. If you have bought a beer mug, please take it only packed. For security reasons, it is also not permitted to take along aluminum-coated balloons.
Deutsche Bahn’s special timetable for Oktoberfest
Deutsche Bahn has a special timetable during the Oktoberfest, after all, it is expecting an additional three million passengers for the Oktoberfest: On weekends and public holidays, for example, there are more and longer regional trains, and also until especially late at night. This ensures that every Oktoberfest visitor gets home safely.
More than 100 additional employees are on duty to ensure security at the stations, especially at the Hackerbrücke S-Bahn station, at check-in at the main station and for cleaning the train cars. DB Security is also stepping up its presence on trains and S-Bahns. The Federal Police will once again be deploying the loudspeaker van at Hackerbrücke, which will not only guide visitors to the Oktoberfest, but also ensure a relaxed atmosphere with party music.
