I fly into Munich next Tuesday morning. I am wondering about the best transportation means from the airport to our hotel. Are we able to catch a train into the city or should we should spring for an expensive taxi ride. My mother (age 66) and a friend's mother (72) will be traveling with us. I'd appreciate any thoughts on the topic.

Considerations are: 1) how much luggage, 2) how many transfers (Munich train/subway maps are available on the internet), and 3) how mobile is your group.

The train from the airport to downtown or the Marienplatz is straightforward, but I seem to recall (my last visit was in 2000) that it is not a short ride, which suggests that a taxi would be expensive. You can probaby find estimates of taxi fares from Rick Steve's books or, possibly, his website. He often includes this type of information.

There is also an airporter bus ("Lufthansa Bus", available to anybody) every 20 minutes from outside the main terminal area direct to the Central Train Station. One-way fare 9 Euros. Travel time 45 minutes. Bus is probably slightly more convenient than the airport train.

It takes about 40 minutes to get to Downtown Munich by the Train. It is a nice ride and you get to see a bit of the surrounding community by doing it though.

The first time my husband went to Munich was on business and they took a Taxi it cost a little over $100 USD. The train is much more affordable but you will have to do more walking.

The Munich transit system is very easy and afforadle to use though, I suggest you take advantage of it whenever you can. You can get a pass good for any bus/U/or trolly for however many days you are going to be in town that way you dont have to bother with trying to decipher the kiosks for buying individual tickets.

We took the train with 3 bags between two people and found it very manageable. The aisles are very spacious to accommodate luggage and the system is very easy to use.

Both lines S-1 and S-8 go from the airport into the city...cheaper than a taxi and a very smooth ride without traffic slowdowns..and since the trains originate at the airport there shouldn't be any problems with luggage "storage" although there aren't any racks for luggage on these trains. Access to the platform is via escalator or elevator within the airport terminal.

I took a taxi in May to a hotel from the airport directly across from the main RR station and it cost 46 Euros.

tstrat,

defintely refrain from taking a taxi if at all possible- it will cost you a fortune!

The train is okay- tickets will set you back about € 8.- per person one way.
The alternative is the Lufthansa airport bus which has already been recommended for € 9.-. They even sometimes serve refreshments on it.
If your hotel is somewhere close to Central Station, I would opt for the bus (although this sounds a bit strange). But it is more comfortable and there is even a chance that you'll be there quicker!
Enjoy Germany
hsv