Munich Airport connects to München Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) via the S-Bahn suburban railway, covering the 38 km distance in approximately 40 minutes. Two S-Bahn lines provide frequent, reliable service throughout the day.

About München Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)

München Hauptbahnhof is Bavaria's largest railway station and one of the busiest in Germany, serving as the hub for long-distance ICE high-speed trains to Berlin (4 hours), Frankfurt (3.5 hours), Hamburg (5.5 hours), and international services to Vienna, Zurich, and Prague. The station is currently undergoing a massive reconstruction project, with the new station building expected to modernize the facility while maintaining rail services.

The station sits at the western edge of Munich's city center, with the pedestrianized shopping streets of Kaufingerstraße and Neuhauser Straße stretching east toward Marienplatz. The immediate area features the Karlsplatz (Stachus) gate, a major transportation hub where the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus networks converge. Hotels, restaurants, and the Augustiner Bräustuben (one of Munich's classic beer halls) cluster around the station.

The station area also provides quick access to the Theresienwiese — the vast open grounds where Oktoberfest takes place every September-October, drawing over 6 million visitors. The nearby Alte and Neue Pinakothek art museums, the Glyptothek, and the Brandhorst Museum form the Kunstareal (art quarter), one of Europe's finest concentrations of art museums, just a 15-minute walk north of the station.

Nearby Landmarks

Karlsplatz (Stachus) Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest) Kunstreal Museums Augustiner Bräustuben

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €70-90
Time 35-45 minutes

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

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Follow signs to the S-Bahn station at Munich Airport (connected to Terminal 2 and MAC Forum)
2. Take the S1 (via Neufahrn) or S8 (via Ismaning) toward München city center
3. Both lines reach München Hauptbahnhof in approximately 40 minutes
4. Purchase a single ticket or Airport-City Day Ticket (€13.60) at the machine
5. Exit at Hauptbahnhof for hotels, ICE connections, or the city center
6. Alternative: Lufthansa Express Bus from Terminal 2 to Hauptbahnhof (€13, 45 min)

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €70-90 35-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last S-Bahn from the airport departs around midnight, with the first morning service at approximately 4:00 AM. Between midnight and 4:00 AM, the Lufthansa Airport Bus runs limited night services. Taxis from the airport cost approximately €70-80 to the city center. Uber is not widely available in Munich (legal restrictions). During Oktoberfest, late-night transport demand spikes dramatically — plan ahead and consider pre-booking.

Luggage Tips

S-Bahn trains have vestibule areas near doors for luggage. München Hauptbahnhof has luggage lockers (Schließfächer) on the lower level for €4-7 per day depending on size. The station also has a staffed luggage storage (Gepäckaufbewahrung). When connecting to ICE trains, all platforms are accessible from the underground passage with elevators. The walk from the station to Marienplatz is flat and cobblestone — manageable with rolling bags.

Accessibility

Munich Airport is fully accessible with elevators, tactile guidance, and assistance services. The S-Bahn trains have wheelchair spaces and low-floor sections. München Hauptbahnhof has elevators to all platforms (though construction may temporarily affect some routes — check the DB Navigator app). The city center is mostly flat with excellent curb cuts. DB offers free Mobilitätsservice (mobility assistance) with 24-hour advance booking.