Top ways to navigate Munich

With an excellent public transport network, extensive bike lanes, and a rise in shared mobility options, getting around Munich is not just simple, but also a pleasure.

Although Munich is famous for its cars—being the home of BMW—they're often not the best choice due to traffic congestion and limited parking.

Much of Munich's historic center and old town can be explored on foot, while nearby neighborhoods and expansive parks will surely boost your daily steps. Here’s how to navigate Munich.

Wander through the city’s neighborhoods on foot

Munich is an exceptionally walkable city. You can easily explore the old town and nearby areas on foot, including all of the city’s parks, and the main shopping district is entirely pedestrian-friendly. Neighborhoods like Haidhausen, Maxvorstadt, and Isarvorstadt are just a stone's throw from the center, allowing you to easily expand your walking adventure. No matter how you choose to explore, Munich’s inner neighborhoods are perfect for leisurely strolls.

Discover more of Munich via train, tram, or bus

Munich’s public transport system consistently helps you travel from one point to another—most of the time. The U-Bahn (subway) connects numerous locations within the city, while trams and buses fill in the remaining gaps. Eight S-Bahn (urban rail) lines run through the city center before extending to the suburbs and areas beyond.

As long as you travel in the same direction, you can use tickets interchangeably across various modes of transport within specified time limits. Prices and conditions vary by zone, but most attractions are located in the central area, known as Zone M.

A single ticket (Einzelfahrkarte) for Zone M costs €3.90 and is valid for two hours in one direction; shorter trips are cheaper and valid for one hour. While this may seem confusing at first, ample information is accessible on the MVV website.

There are no ticket barriers or manual inspections at stations, but you may encounter random spot checks while on board. Inspections are conducted by plain-clothed staff and typically occur once your journey has started, so there's no escaping hefty fines.

Tickets can be purchased from machines at stations, and where these aren’t available—often at bus and tram stops—you can buy them on board. Note that some machines accept cash only, while others may require coins. If you lack small change, tickets are also available through the MVV app, but you'll need to register first and have your ID handy. Don’t forget to validate (entwerten) your ticket if needed, using the blue boxes found at stations or on buses and trams.

Consider getting a day ticket or transport pass

If you plan to take more than two single trips in one day, a day ticket (Tageskarte, €9.20) is a cost-effective choice, available for individuals or groups. For longer stays, the IsarCard, valid for a week or a month, can help you save even more. Alternatively, a stripe ticket (Streifenkarte) is perfect for infrequent public transport users during their trip.

There are also tourist packages that offer unlimited public transport along with discounts or free entry to many attractions. The Munich Card provides savings at around 100 sights and tours, while the Munich City Pass grants free admission to 45 attractions.

Want more tips for saving money? Check out our guide to exploring Munich on a budget

E-scooters are a favored mode of transport

E-scooters have been permitted in Germany since 2019. Capable of reaching speeds up to 20 km/h (12.5 mph), they’re especially popular among younger users for zipping around the city. With multiple operators available, scooters are easy to find and rent. Both Tier and Voi are official partners of the Munich Transport Company (MVG), and their scooters can be located through the new MVGO app, which also shows other nearby transport options. Each operator has its own app as well.

The minimum age to ride is 14, so no driver’s license is necessary, but there are several regulations. Riders should use bike lanes when available and the road when not, while sidewalks and pedestrian areas are off-limits. The same alcohol laws apply as for cars, so be cautious with drinking. Wearing a helmet is optional but strongly recommended.

Electric moped-sharing services, such as Emmy, are also available, complete with helmet provision.

How to pay for an e-scooter: Typically, there's a fee to unlock the e-scooters, followed by a per-minute charge. Some operators provide day passes for around €10, offering a set amount of free time for each ride.

Bike along the dedicated cycling paths

Cycling is one of the best ways to navigate Munich. The city features an extensive bike lane network, with several paths winding through parks and along the river. Many locals prefer this mode of transport, using bicycles to commute to work, enjoy dinner outings, or transport their children.

You can rent bikes, including the increasingly popular e-bikes, for your entire stay or explore bike-sharing programs. Key operators include Deutsche Bahn (look for red and silver bikes) and MVG (silver and blue bikes). Instead of relying on docking stations for pick-up and drop-off, you can simply leave them parked on the street when finished. While this is quite convenient, it sometimes means the bike you see on your app might actually be hidden away in someone’s backyard.

It's best to avoid driving in Munich

While driving in Munich is feasible, it’s often unnecessary. Public transport or cycling can be just as quick, if not quicker. Traffic congestion is notorious, and finding parking can test your patience. If you wish to explore outside the city, you can rent cars from various locations in the city or at the airport. Alternatively, for shorter trips, consider joining a car-sharing service like MILES (charged per kilometer) or SHARE NOW (charged by the hour).

Eager to venture beyond central Munich? Check out our guide to the best day trips

Opt for comfort with a taxi

Munich’s cream-colored taxis are plentiful. You can flag one down if the light is on, visit a taxi stand, or use an app like FREENOW to book a ride. While they offer convenience, taxis are not the most economical choice. Fares are strictly regulated by the city and cannot be altered. Expect a standard minimum fare of just under €5, with charges based on the distance traveled.

Accessible transport options in Munich

Munich’s public transport system is well-regarded for its accessibility. All U-Bahn stations provide barrier-free access to platforms, and about 85% of S-Bahn stations do as well. More than 90 stations are specifically designed to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges.

If you need help boarding or disembarking from the S-Bahn or U-Bahn, position yourself near the front carriage so the driver can assist you. On buses, press the red button near the middle doors for help.

For comprehensive information, visit the barrier-free access section on the MVV website, which features a map detailing the services available at each station.