Getting Around in Munich

You shouldn’t have any problems getting around in Munich. The city features a sophisticated public transport network and prides itself on a well-planned web of roads and highways (Autobahns), making navigating the city smooth and easy.

That said, there seems to be constant road maintenance, and travelling by car can sometimes be a test of patience, especially during rush hours.

This is one of the main reasons residents use alternatives such as buses, trams, and trains depending on where they live and how close they are to work and school.

Public transport in Munich

Munich has an integrated public transport system consisting of buses, trams, and U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains – so you’ll be spoiled for choice in the city. While all public transport services in Munich are relatively efficient, they can be distinguished by their speed and accessibility.

The local transport authority Münchner Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (MVV) operates an integrated ticketing system that covers all modes of transport. There are various ticketing options that include single tickets, group tickets and daily, weekly and monthly passes. Ticket prices depend on how far you are travelling, and they can be bought at any U-Bahn or S-Bahn station and various other outlets.

Trams

Trams are another option for travelling around Munich. The city’s tramway network consists of 14 daytime routes and four that run through the night.

Tram services operate every 10 to 35 minutes, depending on the route. While the tram network covers a fairly large area, most people only use it to travel short distances.

Trains

The U-Bahn is Munich’s network of underground trains, and the S-Bahn is the wider network of suburban trains. Most people use these services to commute to and from work daily. The main advantage of the U-Bahn and S-Bahn is that they’re by far the fastest mode of transport. They’re also very extensive and accessible from most places in the city.

Expats in Munich should find local trains comfortable, efficient and easy to use. They’re usually on time and operate at regular intervals, with the schedule and frequency of trains differing according to the particular line.

Buses

Munich’s bus network is also quite vast, and you can use it to reach the outlying suburbs that the S-Bahn and U-Bahn don’t reach. Bus services are less regular than trains, but most of the busier routes operate 24 hours a day. The frequency of buses varies according to the route and time of day.

Travelling by bus in Munich will allow you to see more of your new home, but you should be aware that they are subject to traffic delays.

Useful links

• MVV

Taxis in Munich

You can easily spot a taxi in Munich with its beige colour and the yellow and black taxi on the roof. They can be found throughout the city centre at designated taxi ranks, hailed off the street or booked in advance – which is usually a good idea when travelling to or from the suburbs.

They’re a viable option for travelling short distances in the city centre, but fares can add up over longer distances, so they’re most cost-effective when travelling with a group. Taxis are regulated in Munich, so there are often reasonable base fares.

You can also use ride-hailing services across Munich, which may be a great option for expats who are new to the city and are unsure of street names and addresses. You can simply download the ride-hailing service’s app, link your credit card, and start riding.

Useful links

• Taxi-München eG
• IsarFunk
• Uber

Cycling in Munich

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Munich. With more than 750 miles (1,200km) of bike trails, a good network of cycle lanes, and bicycle rental outlets scattered throughout the city, Munich is certified cyclist-friendly.

If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you will especially enjoy taking to the bike paths that run alongside the Isar River and through the city’s parks.

The downside to cycling in Munich is that, even though the authorities have strict rules in place for motorists and cyclists, accidents do happen. That said, cyclists caught ignoring traffic lights, cycling under the influence, or without a light while riding in the dark risk hefty fines and even detention.

While wearing a helmet isn’t compulsory, you are advised to wear one at all times.

Useful links

• MVG Bike
• Call a Bike

Driving in Munich

Public transport is a popular and attractive option in Munich, but getting around by car has obvious benefits, including independence and ease of access. It’s also easy to rent a car in Munich, with various rental companies and car-sharing services available across the city.

Two distinguishing features of Munich’s road network make buying a car a justifiable decision:

• The Mittlerer Ring is a high-capacity road that encircles the city centre, making it easy to get around in every direction
• The Autobahn is a network of multiple-lane highways that links Munich to other cities

These networks are effective, but the city is constantly maintaining its roads, so traffic jams are a common occurrence, especially during rush hour, which is usually between 7am and 9am and between 4pm and 6pm.

Parking, especially in the city centre, can be difficult to find. And unless your employer assigns you a parking space at work, you should consider that parking fees can be quite expensive.

Driving in Munich can be a pleasurable experience, as local motorists are generally patient and courteous. But this is largely because strict traffic laws govern the city, and the Polizei patrol the city – sometimes in unmarked cars – to ensure everyone sticks to the rules.

Read Transport and Driving in Germany for more on obtaining driving licences in the country.

Useful links

• Share Now
• Sixt