S-Bahn & U-Bahn
To get around Munich we suggest sticking to the S-Bahn and U-Bahn – the lines that appear on subway maps posted in every station. Free maps of the network are available at most stations and hotels, the airport, and here.

S-Bahn means Schnellbahn (fast train) and is the fastest way to cover big distances. Many S-Bahn lines cut right through the city center and connect, for instance, Munich’s Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) to Ostbahnhof (East Station), with hot tourist destinations like Marienplatz and Karsplatz in between. S-Bahn lines begin with an “S” (for example, S1) and are color-coded. U-Bahn means underground train. Lines are color coded and are indicated with a “U” (for example, U2). To figure out the direction a train is going, check the name of the final destination on the sign hanging above the track.

Tickets
Train tickets (valid for all forms of public transportation) are available from machines dotted throughout the stations. You only need to worry about two different types of ticket: Innenraum (inner city) and XXL (city outskirts). If you plan on staying in the city center, the Innenraum is for you. If you also plan on visiting places like Dachau Concentration Camp, buy an XXL ticket. Here are some of the ticket options:

// Kurzstrecke (short distance) €1.10: one journey up to two stops in one direction, valid for one hour
// Einzelfahrschein (single ticket) €2.20: one journey in one zone, valid for three hours
// Tageskarte Innenraum (day ticket) €4.50 Innenraum, €6 XXL: valid all day until 6 am the following day
// Partnerticket (group ticket) €8 inner city, €10.50 outskirts: for up to five people, valid all day until 6 am the following day

Always validate your ticket at one of the blue stamping machines placed near the platforms. Tickets only need to be validated the first time you travel. The fine for being caught traveling without a valid ticket is €40. If you don’t have the cash on you, they’ll take you to a cash machine or call the police.

Hours & Night Transportation
Public transportation runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Regular public transportation lines usually run until about 2 am, which is when Munich’s extensive and reliable network of night buses and trams takes over. Look for routes designated with an “N” at bus and tram stops (for example, N17).

To and from the Airport
There are two lines that connect the Franz-Joseph-Strauss Airport and Hauptbahnhof: S-1 and S-8. In both cases, the journey takes about 40 minutes.

The Welcome Card
With the Welcome Card, you can use all forms of public transport free of charge and get discounts of up to 50% at over 100 museums and other attractions. Prices vary depending upon which Welcome Card you buy and how many people you’re with. They’re available at Tourist Information Offices at Marienplatz or Hauptbahnhof as well as in many hotels, travel offices, and wherever you see a Welcome Card poster.