Oktoberfest in Munich is the world's largest folk festival, attracting millions of visitors every year. By train, you can travel to Oktoberfest affordably and comfortably. Here you'll find all the important tips for your journey to Oktoberfest.
Essential Tips for Traveling to Oktoberfest
1. Book Early (4-6 weeks ahead)
Demand for Oktoberfest is very high, especially on weekends. Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance to get the best Saver fares.
2. Choose Weekdays
Weekdays are often cheaper and less crowded than weekends. Monday-Thursday offers the best prices and less crowding.
3. Use Direct Connections
Many cities have direct connections to Munich. ICE connections are the fastest and most comfortable option.
4. Public Transit to the Festival
From Munich Central Station, U-Bahn lines U4 and U5 go directly to Theresienwiese. The journey takes about 10 minutes.
Popular Connections to Munich
Best Booking Times for Oktoberfest
Optimal: 6-8 weeks ahead
The best Saver fares and largest selection of connections are available when you book 6-8 weeks before Oktoberfest. This is the ideal booking window.
Still possible: 3-4 weeks ahead
Up to 3-4 weeks before Oktoberfest you can still find good deals, but selection becomes smaller and prices rise, especially for weekends.
Difficult: Less than 3 weeks
Less than 3 weeks before Oktoberfest, Saver fares become very rare, especially on weekends. Flex fares are often the only option and significantly more expensive.
Oktoberfest Prices: When is it Cheapest?
| Time Period | Demand | Prices | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Day | Highest | Very Expensive | Avoid if possible |
| Weekends (Fri-Sun) | Very High | Expensive | Book early! |
| Weekdays (Mon-Thu) | Medium | Cheaper | Best prices |
| Final Week | High | Medium | Good prices still possible |
Special Tips for Oktoberfest
Getting to the Festival
From Munich Central Station, U-Bahn lines U4 and U5 go directly to Theresienwiese (stop: Theresienwiese). The journey takes about 10 minutes.
Tip: Use the MVV day ticket for unlimited travel on Munich's public transit.
Group Travel
From 6 people, you get group discounts. This can significantly reduce the cost per person, especially for larger groups.
Tip: Book group trips even earlier (8-10 weeks ahead) for the best prices.
Special Trains
Deutsche Bahn often offers additional connections (special trains) on popular routes during Oktoberfest, especially on weekends.
Tip: Subscribe to DB newsletters for early information.
BahnCard
With the BahnCard, you get additional discounts on Saver fares even during Oktoberfest. With multiple trips, the investment pays off quickly.
Tip: BahnCard 25 costs €62/year and saves more than the investment with just 2-3 trips.
Conclusion: Relaxed Travel to Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Munich is an unforgettable experience. With the right planning, you can travel affordably and relaxed by train.
The key tips: Book 4-6 weeks in advance, choose weekdays for better prices, use group discounts or BahnCard, and plan your journey to Theresienwiese by U-Bahn. This way you'll arrive relaxed and affordably at the world's largest folk festival!