How to get from Munich Airport to Marienplatz
Munich Airport (MUC) to Marienplatz is easy and well-signposted. The fastest and best-value choice is the S-Bahn (S1 or S8) direct to Marienplatz. You can also take the Lufthansa Express Bus to Hauptbahnhof, a taxi/rideshare, a prebooked private transfer, or a rental car. Pick based on luggage, budget, and arrival time.
At A Glance (Munich Airport to Marienplatz)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 S-Bahn S1/S8 (Airport → Marienplatz) | ~38–45m (direct) | Fast, frequent, low cost |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€12–15 adult (zones M–5) » MVV ticket info | ||
| 🚌 Lufthansa Express Bus (Airport → Hbf) + U/S to Marienplatz | ~45–60m total | Those preferring buses or staying near Hbf |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€13–15 one-way » official bus | ||
| 🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door) | ~35–55m (traffic) | Heavy luggage, door-to-door ease |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€85–100 per car + tip (metered) | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & greet) | ~35–55m | Families, guaranteed pickup |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€75–140 per vehicle (size/time) » Welcome Pickups | GetTransfer quotes | GYG transfers | Klook | ||
| 🚘 Rental Car (Self-drive) | ~40–60m drive | Road-trippers, onward journeys |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€50–90/day + parking/fuel » compare rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & best value: S-Bahn S1/S8—frequent, direct to Marienplatz.
- Prefer a bus or staying near Hauptbahnhof: Lufthansa Express Bus then hop one stop by S/U to Marienplatz.
- Most convenient with kids/bulk gear or late night: Taxi or private transfer.
- Planning day trips by car right away: Rental car—but parking in the old town is limited.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Contactless works on MVV: You can buy tickets at machines/app; validate where required. Day tickets are often cheaper than singles if you’ll ride more.
- Luggage storage: If rooms aren’t ready, stash bags via Radical Storage Munich and explore Marienplatz luggage-free.
- Hotel zone: Marienplatz is pedestrian; many hotels sit a short walk away—compare options on Booking.com near Marienplatz.
- Onward mobility: For bikes/scooters later in your stay, compare rentals on BikesBooking (Munich).
🚆 Option #1 — S-Bahn S1 or S8 (Fastest & Best Value)
Every ~10m Direct to Marienplatz Budget-friendly
- Overview: From MUC, take S1 or S8 toward the city; both stop at Marienplatz. Journey ~38–45 minutes.
- How to book (with price): Buy a single or day ticket (~€12–15) at MVV machines or via the MVG/MVV app. Official info: MVV Airport S-Bahn.
- Pros: Fast, frequent, traffic-proof. Cons: Standing room at peak times; watch luggage during station stops.
Step-by-step: S-Bahn S1/S8
- From arrivals, follow signs to the S (S-Bahn) in the airport basement; ticket machines accept cards/cash.
- Buy your ticket/day ticket; enter the platform for S1 or S8 toward the city center.
- Ride to Marienplatz (~38–45 minutes). Keep bags clear of doors.
- Exit toward the Rathaus/Neues Rathaus exits to emerge right on the square.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport S-Bahn & Marienplatz)
- Airport platforms: Under Terminals 1/2, signed “S-Bahn.” Elevators/escalators available.
- Marienplatz exits: Follow “Marienplatz / Rathaus” signs; lifts available for strollers/luggage.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Lufthansa Express Bus to Hauptbahnhof + short hop to Marienplatz
Frequent Good with big bags One transfer
- Overview: Coach from both terminals to Munich Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) in ~40–50m; then 1 stop by S/U to Marienplatz (or ~15–20m walk).
- How to book (with price): ~€13–15 one-way; buy online or at bus stops. Official: Lufthansa Express Bus. For private/shared alternatives, browse GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Pros: Big luggage bays, simple route. Cons: City traffic; requires a short transfer to Marienplatz.
Step-by-step: Lufthansa Express Bus
- Follow “Airport Bus” signs outside Terminal 1/2; buy a ticket at the kiosk or online (scan QR to board).
- Ride to Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) stop (~40–50m).
- From Hbf, take S-Bahn S1/S2/S3/S4/S6/S7/S8 or U-Bahn U4/U5 → one stop to Marienplatz, or walk ~15–20 minutes.
- Exit at Marienplatz to the square.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus stops & Hbf)
- Airport stops: Clearly signed at both terminals; staff often on hand.
- Hbf transfers: Follow “S/U” signs downstairs for the one-stop ride to Marienplatz.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)
No transfers 24/7 Pricey
- Overview: Taxis queue outside each terminal. Expect ~35–55 minutes to Marienplatz depending on traffic.
- How to book (with price): Metered ~€85–100 to the center. For an English-language app & meet-point, consider Welcome Pickups or compare quotes on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Door-to-door, great with heavy bags or kids. Cons: Costly vs. S-Bahn; can be slower at rush hour.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare
- Exit arrivals to the signed taxi rank; if prebooked, meet your driver at the named meeting point.
- Share your destination as Marienplatz (pedestrian zone) and your hotel’s entrance/nearest drop-off street.
- Pay by card or cash; many cars accept contactless.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport forecourts & Marienplatz)
- Airport ranks: Outside T1/T2; marshals help with queues and larger vehicles.
- Old Town access: Vehicles drop on perimeter streets; short walk into the square.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Fixed Price)
Meet in arrivals Child seats on request Higher than S-Bahn
- Overview: Driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to your hotel near Marienplatz.
- How to book (with price): ~€75–140 per vehicle (size/time). Compare services on Welcome Pickups, instant quotes on GetTransfer, or browse GetYourGuide transfers / Klook.
- Pros: Easy for families/elderly, fixed price, larger vans available. Cons: More expensive than public transport.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Prebook online with flight number and luggage count.
- After landing, message your driver via app/Wi-Fi and meet at the designated point with name-board.
- Ride directly to your hotel’s door or nearest access street to Marienplatz.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals meet points & Old Town)
- At MUC: Providers indicate a precise pillar/door in arrivals; follow their instructions.
- Old Town hotels: Some streets are restricted; drivers know nearest drop-offs.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #5 — Rental Car (Only if You’ll Drive Onward)
Flexibility Good for day trips Parking limits
- Overview: Pick up at MUC’s car-rental center and drive into the center. Parking around Marienplatz is limited/expensive; consider garages just outside the pedestrian zone.
- How to book (with price): From ~€50–90/day plus fuel/parking. Compare providers on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Ideal if continuing to Neuschwanstein/Lakes. Cons: City traffic, parking costs, low emission rules to note.
Step-by-step: Rental Car
- Follow “Car Rental” signs in the terminal; complete pickup and verify fuel/insurance/excess.
- Set GPS to a central garage near Marienplatz (e.g., Parkhaus am Hofbräuhaus) and walk 5–10 minutes to the square.
- If staying centrally, check your hotel’s parking arrangements in advance.
Getting to the main embarking points (MUC Rental Center & Central Garages)
- Pickup: On-airport rental center connected to terminals.
- Parking: Choose a garage outside the pedestrian zone; keep your ticket for re-entry.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Munich Airport to Marienplatz)
Which S-Bahn should I take?
S1 or S8—both reach Marienplatz. Take whichever comes first.
Can I pay by card for tickets?
Yes—machines accept cards; apps allow in-app purchase. Day tickets can be better value if you’ll ride more than twice.
Is the S-Bahn step-free?
Yes at the airport; at Marienplatz, look for lifts signed with the wheelchair symbol if you have luggage or a stroller.
How late do options run?
S-Bahn runs from early morning to late night; night services exist but are less frequent. Taxis/private transfers operate 24/7.
Where exactly is Marienplatz?
In Munich’s Altstadt (Old Town). The S/U station exits open directly onto the square by the Neues Rathaus (Town Hall).