Getting to Oktoberfest from Munich Airport: How to Avoid the Crowds

For two to three weeks in autumn, Munich plays by its own rules. Around six million guests visit Oktoberfest, and many of them arrive via the airport. If you do not plan for it, you end up queuing at the taxi rank or squeezed into an S-Bahn full of lederhosen.

How busy does it really get?

On Oktoberfest weekends, the airport is noticeably busier from Thursday to Sunday. Queues form at the taxi rank after large arrivals, rental car stations are fully booked and city-centre hotels charge top prices. The Theresienwiese is right in the middle of the city – so traffic around the main station and Schwanthalerhöhe is heavy.

From the airport to your hotel

A pre-booked transfer takes you straight to your hotel or holiday apartment – at a fixed price that also applies on Oktoberfest days. The chauffeur knows the diversions around the festival grounds and heads straight for the hotel entrance. If you want to go to the festival right away: have your luggage dropped at the hotel, then head to the Wiesn.

Straight to the Theresienwiese?

Possible, but with a caveat: the grounds themselves are closed off over a wide area. We drop you at one of the designated stopping points within walking distance – which one makes sense depends on your tent and the time of day. The chauffeur will arrange this on the spot.

The ride back after the tent

The bigger problem is getting back. When the tents close, thousands of people look for taxis at the same time. Our recommendation:

• Pre-book the ride back – agree a meeting point and time, and the chauffeur will be there.
• For groups, book the van: up to six people, one fixed price.
• For companies inviting clients: an hourly booking, so the vehicle is available all evening and takes guests back to their hotels one after another.

Book early

During Oktoberfest our vehicles are booked up weeks in advance, especially on the two weekends. If you know your flight, reserve your transfer straight away.

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All about our Wiesn service: Oktoberfest shuttle Munich. For corporate events: Shuttle for corporate events. Vehicle and chauffeur by the hour: Hourly booking.