By Public Transit in Munich

By Public Transit

Munich has an efficient and well-integrated public-transportation system, consisting of the U-bahn (subway), the S-bahn (suburban railway), the Strassenbahn (streetcars), and buses. Marienplatz forms the heart of the U-bahn and S-bahn network, which operates from around 5 AM to 1 AM. An all-night tram and bus service operates on main routes within the city. For a clear explanation in English of how the system works, pick up a copy of Rendezvous mit München, free at all tourist offices.

Fares are uniform for the entire system. As long as you are traveling in the same direction, you can transfer from one mode of transportation to another on the same ticket. You can also interrupt your journey as often as you like, and time-punched tickets are valid for up to four hours, depending on the number of zones you travel through. Fares are constantly creeping upward, but a basic Einzelfahrkarte (one-way ticket) costs EUR 2 for a ride in the inner zone and EUR 1 for a short journey of up to four stops. If you're taking a number of trips around the city, save money by buying a Mehrfahrtenkarte, or multiple-strip ticket. Red-strip tickets are valid for children under 15 only. Blue strips cover adults -- EUR 9 buys a 10-strip ticket. All but the shortest inner-area journeys (up to four stops) cost two strips (one for young people between 15 and 21), which must be validated at one of the many time-punching machines at stations or on buses and trams. For two to five people on a short stay the best option is the Partner-Tageskarte, which provides unlimited travel for one day (maximum of two adults, plus three children under 15). It's valid anytime except 6 AM to 9 AM on weekdays. The costs are EUR 7.50 for an inner-zone ticket and EUR 15 for the entire network. The day card exists in single version for EUR 4.50 for the inner city, EUR 9 for the whole network. A three-day card is also available, costing EUR 11 for a single and EUR 17.50 in the partner version.

The Welcome Card covers transport within the city boundaries and includes up to 50% reductions in admission to many museums and attractions in Munich and in Bavaria (including lifts to the Zugspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen). The card, obtainable from visitor information offices, costs EUR 6.50 for one day and EUR 15.50 for three days. A three-day card for two people costs EUR 22.50. You can also get a partner card that includes airport transport fare for EUR 38.

All tickets are sold at the blue dispensers at U- and S-bahn stations and at some bus and streetcar stops. Bus drivers have single tickets (the most expensive kind). There are ticket-vending machines in trams, but they don't offer the strip cards. Otherwise tourist offices and Mehrfahrtenkarten booths (which display a white k on a green background) also sell tickets. Spot checks are common and carry an automatic fine of EUR 30 if you're caught without a valid ticket. Holders of a EurailPass, a Youth Pass, or an Inter-Rail card can travel free on all suburban railway trains (S-bahn).