Marienplatz, the historic heart of Munich and home to the famous Glockenspiel, is approximately 40 km from Munich Airport via S-Bahn. The 45-minute train ride delivers travelers directly to the central square of Bavaria's capital.

About Marienplatz (City Center)

Marienplatz has been Munich's central square since 1158, serving as the city's marketplace, tournament ground, and gathering place for over eight centuries. The square is dominated by the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), a spectacular neo-Gothic building whose façade features the famous Glockenspiel — a mechanical clock that performs a 15-minute show of jousting knights, dancing coopers, and chiming bells daily at 11:00 AM, noon, and 5:00 PM (March-October).

The square serves as the nexus of Munich's pedestrian shopping zone, with Kaufingerstraße stretching west to Karlsplatz and the elegant Residenzstraße leading north to the Residenz (the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach dynasty, now a magnificent museum of 130 rooms). The Viktualienmarkt, Munich's beloved daily food market since 1807, lies just south of Marienplatz, offering Bavarian cheeses, sausages, bread, flowers, and an outdoor beer garden under chestnut trees.

From Marienplatz, the city's treasures unfold in every direction: the twin onion-domed towers of the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady, Munich's iconic silhouette), the Hofbräuhaus (the world's most famous beer hall, a 10-minute walk east), the sprawling English Garden (one of the world's largest urban parks, with a standing wave for river surfers), and the Residenz complex. Underground, the junction of S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines makes Marienplatz the most connected station in Munich.

Nearby Landmarks

Neues Rathaus Glockenspiel Frauenkirche Viktualienmarkt Hofbräuhaus

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €75-95
Time 35-50 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 or S8 S-Bahn toward the city center
2. Ride through to Marienplatz station (approximately 45 minutes)
3. Exit the station via the escalators to the square level
4. The Glockenspiel is on the north side (Neues Rathaus tower)
5. For the Viktualienmarkt, exit south and walk 2 minutes
6. Munich Airport-City Day Ticket (€13.60) covers all zones including the S-Bahn

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €75-95 35-50 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The S-Bahn and U-Bahn serve Marienplatz until approximately midnight. After that, night buses (Nachtlinien) depart from the surrounding streets. The area around Marienplatz is safe at night, with restaurants and beer halls open until 11:00 PM-midnight. The Hofbräuhaus closes around 11:30 PM. Taxis can be found on Rindermarkt and Tal streets near the square. Late-night taxis to the airport cost €70-80.

Luggage Tips

Marienplatz station has no luggage storage — use the lockers at Hauptbahnhof instead (2 stops away on the S-Bahn). The pedestrianized streets around Marienplatz are flat and paved, easy for rolling luggage. The Viktualienmarkt has narrow aisles between stalls that are difficult with bags. Hotels in the Altstadt (Old Town) near Marienplatz are within a 5-10 minute walk. Some historic hotels lack elevators — confirm before booking.

Accessibility

Marienplatz S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations have elevator access. The square itself is flat and cobblestoned, navigable by wheelchair. The Neues Rathaus has an elevator to the tower viewing platform. The Viktualienmarkt is accessible but narrow between stalls. The Residenz has wheelchair access to most ground-floor rooms. The Hofbräuhaus ground floor is accessible. The Frauenkirche is step-free at the main entrance.