Oktoberfest Guide for Munich Districts and Arrival
When Munich awakens in dirndls, the location of your accommodation determines short commutes, quiet nights—and whether you can quickly nip to your hotel between two beer tents. Here you'll find the Oktoberfest guide for city districts, relaxed arrival, surrounding alternatives with train connections, and camping tips—ideal for both gourmet and slow travelers.
Quickly continue:
• Recommended hotels & accommodations: “Oktoberfest Hotels Munich"
• Train tickets* / Book tours* (Anzeigen)
Dates 2025 in the Wiesn Guide
- Date: 20.09 May – 05.10.2025 May XNUMX
- It is particularly busy in the evenings and on weekends.
It is quieter in the early afternoon and on weekdays. - The Old Oktoberfestbecause it appears more relaxed.
Where to stay? The Munich district guide for Oktoberfest:
Ludwigsvorstadt/Isarvorstadt (close & lively)
The Ludwigsvorstadt/Isarvorstadt district is very close to Theresienwiese. You can usually walk there or take two short subway stops. The district offers many restaurants and bars.
Discover: Hotel ideas in the article “Oktoberfest Hotels Munich".
Westend (local & casual)
The Westend is directly adjacent to the Wiesn and has a laid-back feel. Here you'll find good cafés and local cuisine. You can often reach the tents on foot in just a few minutes.
Discover: Hotel ideas in the article “Oktoberfest Hotels Munich".
Altstadt-Lehel (classic & high-quality)
Altstadt-Lehel is centrally located and ideal for cultural activities. You can quickly reach Theresienwiese by subway or S-Bahn. For those who enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle, there are also many high-quality hotels here.
Discover: Upscale hotels in the article “Oktoberfest Hotels Munich".
Maxvorstadt / Schwabing (creative & museum)
Maxvorstadt and Schwabing are creative and urban. You can usually reach the Oktoberfest in 10 to 20 minutes by subway. Museums, boutiques, and bars are also close together here.
Discover: Selection in the article “Oktoberfest Hotels Munich".
Haidhausen (cozy at the Ostbahnhof)
Haidhausen has a cozy feel and is well-connected. From the Ostbahnhof (Eastern Train Station), for example, you can quickly get to Hackerbrücke. From there, you can easily reach the Oktoberfest on foot or by tram.
Discover: “Oktoberfest Hotels Munich".
Sendling & Giesing (cheaper)
Both Sendling and Giesing are authentic and affordable. The subway takes you to Theresienwiese in just a few stops. Families especially appreciate the quieter streets and fair prices.
Discover: “Oktoberfest Hotels Munich".
Pro tip: Along the main S-Bahn line (e.g. near Hackerbrücke) you can quickly reach the Oktoberfest – it can be busy there in the evenings.
Wiesn Guide for the surrounding area with direct train connection (relaxed & often cheaper)
starnberg
Starnberg combines a lakeside idyll with a fast S-Bahn connection to Munich. You can swim in the lake in the morning and travel to the Oktoberfest in the evening.
Tegernsee / Gmund / Bad Wiessee
These three places offer nature, wellness and a convenient connection by Train*This way, you can combine relaxation and festive atmosphere without stress. Even if you don't stay overnight, Day trips from Munich there.
Herrsching (Ammersee) & Dießen
S-Bahn/Regional train*Herrsching as well as Dießen are located on Lake Ammersee with a beautiful promenade.
Freising / Erding
Near the airport or thermal baths, good connection by train* into the city. Both locations are also close to the city. The thermal spa in Erding is also ideal for a relaxing day.
Dachau
Dachau has a historic old town and a S-Bahn connection. You can travel to the Oktoberfest in a relaxed manner and still sleep soundly.
Wiesn Guide for Camping & Pitches
Plan your place early and check the free travel by public transport* (Advertisement). This way you can conveniently park your car away from the Oktoberfest.
Camping Thalkirchen is popular and well connected.
Checklist: electricity, late arrival, safe journey home (taxi/public transport), weatherproof gear.
Wiesn Guide for Arrival & Mobility (low-stress)
Zug
You can travel comfortably by train to the main train station. From there, you can take the subway or walk to your destination.
Local public transport with pro tips in the Wiesn Guide
The subway stops at Theresienwiese, Goetheplatz and Poccistraße.
The S-Bahn at Hackerbrücke is also convenient.
Tip: Weekdays and early times are more relaxed.
Pro tip: Free local transport with the Munich CityTourCard* (Advertisement)
Taxi
Useful for late hours. Be sure to plan meeting points away from the road closures.
Cars
Avoid if possible and use Park+Ride instead.
Accessibility
Check for barrier-free access to the subway and S-Bahn, as well as elevators to Theresienwiese, before your arrival.
Wiesn Guide for safety, reservations & enjoyment
Tent reservations at the Oktoberfest
Often months in advance. Tent reservations at the Oktoberfest are helpful, but not absolutely necessary. You can also visit smaller tents. Without a reservation, the best time to get in is early on weekdays.
Families & all those who want it quieter
For families, the Oide Wiesn is particularly suitable. There, too, you can Oktoberfest delicacies .
Payment
Payment by card is becoming more common, but cash remains practical.
Enjoyment instead of hectic
Choose your tent carefully, share delicacies (chicken, radish, Obatzda, or Austrian sausage). Also, plan breaks in the fresh air to keep the day relaxing.
Enjoy alcohol-free
Non-alcoholic beers, lemonades and water are always a good idea.
More tips & bookings in the Wiesn Guide
• Check hotels for the Oktoberfest online early: “Oktoberfest Hotels Munich"
• Train tickets* (advertisement) to Munich
• Guided Tours & Experiences* (eg Brewery tour*, City tour*, Day trips*) (Show)
• Airport transfers*/CityCards* (Anzeigen)
FAQ – The Wiesn Guide has answers
How early should I book?
Get to the Oktoberfest as early as possible. If you're short on time, it's best to stay overnight in the surrounding area with train connections.
Which neighborhoods are within walking distance?
Ludwigsvorstadt/Isarvorstadt and Westend are the closest. Altstadt-Lehel is quickly accessible by subway and S-Bahn.
How much does a hotel cost during the Oktoberfest?
Prices are rising significantly. Early bookers and those in the surrounding area save money – camping is cheaper.
Do I need to reserve a tent?
Helpful, but not essential. Best on weekdays and early mornings.
Are there quieter areas?
Yes, the Old Wiesn seems quieter. Check the program and dates in advance.
More things to know
Source: own on-site research. We lived in Munich for 38 years and therefore know the city very well. Our opinions remain, as always, our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well TWO
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Video: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
