Freising, a picturesque medieval Bavarian town, lies just 5 km south of Munich Airport. The S-Bahn reaches Freising station in 10 minutes, making it an excellent alternative base for travelers who want a quieter Bavarian experience close to the airport.

About Freising

Freising is one of Bavaria's oldest settlements, a charming university town with a history predating Munich by 500 years. The town's skyline is dominated by the Domberg (Cathedral Hill), crowned by the Freising Cathedral (Mariendom) — a Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece containing the Bestiensäule (Beast Column), a mysterious carved pillar of intertwined creatures, and the Lukasbild, a revered Byzantine icon.

The Weihenstephan hill, on the town's western edge, is home to the Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan — the world's oldest continuously operating brewery, founded as a Benedictine monastery brewery in 1040. The brewery's beer garden, overlooking the Bavarian countryside toward the Alps, is a pilgrimage site for beer enthusiasts and serves fresh Weihenstephan beers alongside traditional Bavarian food.

Freising's Altstadt (Old Town) centers on the Marienplatz (not to be confused with Munich's), a quiet square with painted Baroque buildings, outdoor cafés, and the Rathaus (town hall). The town is home to the Technical University of Munich's Life Sciences campus at Weihenstephan, giving it a youthful energy despite its medieval atmosphere. The Diözesanmuseum (Diocesan Museum) on the Domberg houses one of the largest collections of religious art in Germany.

Nearby Landmarks

Weihenstephan Brewery Freising Cathedral Domberg Freising Altstadt

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €25-35
Time 15 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At Munich Airport, take the S1 S-Bahn toward Freising/Neufahrn
2. Exit at Freising station (first stop, approximately 10 minutes)
3. Walk east from the station along Bahnhofstraße to reach the Altstadt (10 minutes)
4. For the Cathedral: continue uphill to the Domberg (15 minutes from station)
5. For Weihenstephan Brewery: walk west and uphill (20 minutes from station)
6. Single ticket from airport to Freising: approximately €2.20 (Munich Zone M-1)

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €25-35 15 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The S-Bahn from the airport to Freising runs until approximately midnight. After that, a taxi from the airport costs about €15-20. Freising is a quiet town at night, with restaurants closing by 10:00-11:00 PM. The Weihenstephan beer garden closes around 11:00 PM in summer. For late airport arrivals, several hotels in Freising offer airport shuttle services. The town is safe and walkable at any hour.

Luggage Tips

The one-stop S-Bahn ride makes luggage handling simple. Freising station is a 10-minute walk from the Altstadt on flat ground. Hotels and guesthouses in Freising are easy to reach with luggage. The Domberg (Cathedral Hill) requires a steep climb — leave bags at your accommodation before visiting. The Weihenstephan brewery is uphill from the station but manageable with light bags.

Accessibility

Freising S-Bahn station has step-free access. The Altstadt is mostly flat, though the Domberg (Cathedral Hill) is steep and the cathedral access involves stairs. The Weihenstephan brewery and beer garden are accessible via a gradual road approach. The Diözesanmuseum has an elevator. Hotels in the town center are generally accessible at ground level. Freising's small size means most destinations are within easy reach.