Understand from bahn website that there are 2 S-bahn lines S1 & S8 for going from Hauptbahnhof to Munich Airport.

What is the cheapest tickets for 2 adults and 2 children of 11 years. From the some previous posts we gather that the S1 splits into 2 directions. Is is free seating or fixed seating? Does S8 go directly to the airport or does it split into 2 directions. Do not want to get into a wrong coach.

Any inputs will be much appreciated.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

The S-8 does not split. The S-1 splits at Neufahm; make sure you take the train going to the Munmich Flughafen and not the train going to Freising.

s-bahns are free seating - first come first seated - I think either route would cost the same and each takes about the same time IME of doing both routes - take whichever one comes first, heading Dukey's warning about getting on the right S-1 train that should be labeled Flughafen on overhead signs on the platform. Both S-bahns go directory to the airport terminals.

Each of the two routes takes about 45 minutes to get to the airport.

You can also take the bus from the train station to the airport.

I took it in the opposite direction... airport to train station. Worked great for me... no steps to drag luggage on or off as it is stored under the bus.

http://www.airportbus-muenchen.de/cms/en/home/

Thanks all for the quick clarity. We will be staying close to the Haupbahnhof so the option of bus seems to be quite good too.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

The airport bus will be more expensive:
2 adults + 2 children = €32

S-Bahn ("Partner Airport-City Day Ticket"; do not buy four single ride tickets!
up to 5 people = €20

Most of the S1 trains split at Neufahrn.
The last unit of each 2-3 unit train always goes to the airport. The outside and inside displays designate "Flughafen/Airport" as destination.
If you sit in the wrong unit, don't try to change hectically at next station but wait till you get to Neufahrn. You have several minutes of scheduled layover time there to switch without running to the unit going to the airport if necessary.

You can take this leaflet with you if you want:
http://www.mvv-muenchen.de/fileadmin...012_Screen.pdf
Unfortunately, the prices for the tickets have gone up a bit since this brochure went into print.

took it in the opposite direction... airport to train station. Worked great for me... no steps to drag luggage on or off as it is stored under the bus>

well the S-Bahn is just as easy or easier with bags - you have your bags with you and just hop off right in the terminals itself - bus obviously stops outside and you have to wait to get your bags out of the bottom storage area of the bus - and me I love to keep my bags with me all the time - in eye sight.

LOL! Maybe the S-Bahn is just as easy, really can't say as I didn't take it.

But, with only 3 passengers on the bus and no stops between the airport and the train station, I really didn't have to worry about my bags being stolen or delays in retrieving my bags.

To each his/her own way of traveling.

Not to elaborate or drag this out... but also my hotel was close by so I didn't have to spend time getting out of the train station... I was, as you mention, already outside of the train station.

Just sayin'... different strokes for differnt folks.

Thanks all for the clarity.

Cowboy1968 - Thanks for the link. As suggested have taken a printout to avoid confusion.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

joannye - good points about the bus - stopping perhaps by one's hotel and thus more convenient - I was myopic in thinking only from the main train station though S-Bahns stop at several stations in Munich that may also be closer to your hotel than having to go to the main station - in fact I would suggest boarding the S-Bahn at a small station vs the hectic Hauptbahnhof (S-bahns use generally the lower level there - up top being for longer distance proper trains.