Celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich: Your Essential Travel Guide

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is renowned for its blend of historic architecture, vibrant cultural scene and proximity to the Alps. Each year, the world’s largest beer festival—Oktoberfest—draws over six million visitors to the sprawling fairgrounds known as Theresienwiese. What began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration has grown into a 16‑day extravaganza of beer tents, traditional music, carnival rides and hearty Bavarian cuisine. For first‑time travelers, understanding Munich’s layout, transport options and festival logistics is key to making the most of this iconic event.

By Air
Munich Airport (MUC) is well‑connected to major hubs across Europe, North America and Asia. From the airport, the S1 and S8 S‑Bahn lines run every ten minutes to Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) in about 40 minutes. A single‑ride ticket costs around €11.

By Train
Germany’s Deutsche Bahn network offers high‑speed ICE trains from Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg. From neighboring countries like Austria and Switzerland, direct Railjet and EuroCity services arrive at Hauptbahnhof. Advance bookings can start at €29 one‑way.

By Car
Drivers from within Germany or neighboring countries can follow the A8 autobahn directly into Munich. Parking near Theresienwiese is limited during Oktoberfest—expect to pay €3–€5 per hour. Consider park‑and‑ride facilities on the city outskirts for €1–€2 per day plus a short train ride.

Central Munich Hotels
For easy access to Theresienwiese, consider hotels in Ludwigsvorstadt or Sendling. Mid‑range options like Hotel Metropol and Hotel Torbräu start at €150 per night in late September. Upscale choices such as Bayerischer Hof can exceed €300 per night but include breakfast and city views.

Budget Hostels
Backpackers and budget travelers can find dorm beds at Euro Youth Hostel or Wombat’s City Hostel for €30–€60 per night. Facilities often include communal kitchens, free Wi‑Fi and group events—ideal for meeting fellow festival‑goers.

Airbnb and Apartments
Private rooms and entire apartments are available across Munich. Expect to pay €80–€150 per night for a centrally located one‑bedroom. Booking at least three months in advance is strongly recommended to secure prime locations.

Beer Tents and Breweries
Sixteen large tents hosted by Munich’s historic breweries offer 1‑liter steins (Maß) of beer for around €12–€13. Each tent has its own atmosphere—Hofbräu Festzelt is popular with international visitors, while Augustiner-Festhalle attracts locals for its traditional wooden kegs.

Rides and Games
The festival grounds transform into a fairground with over 100 attractions: roller coasters, Ferris wheels, shooting galleries and traditional carousels. Ride tickets range from €5 to €10, with combo passes available for €30–€50.

Traditional Music and Parades
Daily parades showcase Bavarian costume and rifle clubs, horse‑drawn brewery wagons and marching bands. The Costume and Riflemen’s Parade on the first Sunday draws over 8,000 participants—an unmissable cultural highlight with free viewing along Sonnenstraße.

Classic Bavarian Dishes
Oktoberfest food is as legendary as its beer. Roast chicken (Hendl) costs around €12–€15, pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe) €16–€18 and giant pretzels (Brezn) €5. Many tents also offer vegetarian options like cheese spaetzle for €10–€12.

Sweet Treats and Snacks
For a midday sugar boost, try apple strudel (€6) or chimney cakes (Schmalzkuchen) at €4 for a handful. Sausage stands serve currywurst for €8–€10.

Local Breweries and Beer Sampling
Beyond the tents, Munich’s breweries welcome visitors year‑round. Brewery tours cost €10–€15 per person, often including a beer sample. If time allows, schedule a visit to Paulaner am Nockherberg or Hacker-Pschorr for behind‑the‑scenes insights.

Accommodation
Mid‑range hotel: 3 nights × €200 = €600
Hostel alternative: 3 nights × €50 = €150

Food and Drink
Beer (3 steins per day): 3 × €13 × 3 = €117
Meals (lunch and dinner): €25 × 3 days = €75

Transportation
Airport transfer round‑trip: €22
Public transport day passes: €6 × 3 = €18

Entertainment and Miscellaneous
Rides and games: €50
Souvenirs and tips: €50

Total Estimated Cost
Hotel stay: €600 + food/drink €192 + transport €40 + extras €100 = €932
Hostel stay: €150 + food/drink €192 + transport €40 + extras €100 = €482

Booking in Advance
Hotels and tents fill up quickly. Reserve accommodation at least three months ahead and tent tables if traveling with a group of six or more.

Crowd Management
Peak hours (5–8 pm) see the highest attendance. Arrive early or visit during weekday afternoons for shorter lines and easier seating.

Weather Preparedness
Late September in Munich can be unpredictable—pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Temperatures range from 10 °C to 20 °C.

Safety and Health
Pickpockets operate in crowded areas—keep valuables secure and carry minimal cash. Always designate a sober meeting point and use public transport rather than driving after beer consumption.