Servus, dear neighbours!
From Salzburg, Tyrol or Upper Austria, the Wiesn is just a stone's throw away. Still, staying overnight is often worth it – here's where and why.
Austrians know all about traditional dress, brass bands and festival tents – and still come to the Wiesn in droves every year. Many travel for the day, but after the last toast you'll notice how packed the trains to Salzburg and Kufstein are.
Staying overnight makes the Wiesn far more relaxed: no stress about the last train, no driving after beer. If you want to stay cheaply, you'll find good options on the way home too, for example in Rosenheim.
Accommodation
During Oktoberfest, Munich is the most expensive city in Germany to stay in. Pick the right category, book early, and you will still find your room.
approx. €40–130 per person/night
Tent camps, campsites, hostel dorms and simple rooms outside the city – ideal for backpackers, groups and anyone who mainly comes to party.
Our tip for you
You'll find cheap rooms in Rosenheim, Freilassing or Traunstein, right on the railway line to Salzburg. You save money and have a short trip home the next day.
approx. €150–350 per room/night
Private rooms, guesthouses and mid-range hotels – with your own bathroom, a quiet night and good connections to the Theresienwiese.
Our tip for you
Guesthouses around Ostbahnhof are ideal: trains to Rosenheim and Salzburg leave from there, and the S-Bahn gets you to the Wiesn quickly.
from approx. €350 per room/night
4- and 5-star hotels and design apartments within walking distance of the Wiesn or in the old town – with concierge, spa and breakfast until noon.
Our tip for you
A hotel within walking distance of the Theresienwiese is worth it if you've reserved a table in a tent and want to stay until closing time.
Rough guide prices for the Oktoberfest period, no guarantee. Fridays and Saturdays are the most expensive; Monday to Wednesday is often much cheaper. Booking 9–12 months ahead gives you the best choice.
Location
The Theresienwiese is central. U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains get you there quickly from almost every neighbourhood – and staying outside the city often saves a lot of money.
5–15 min on foot
Right next to the festival grounds. Perfect for walking home after the tent – but lively, loud and the first area to sell out.
10–20 min on foot
The largest choice of hotels and hostels, direct S-Bahn to the airport and long-distance trains. A little hectic around the station at night.
1–3 stops on U3/U6
Quiet residential areas with cafés and beer gardens, close to the south entrance via Goetheplatz and Poccistraße. A good balance of location and price.
15–25 min by U-Bahn
Museums, university buzz and lovely cafés. Ideal if you want to combine the Wiesn with sightseeing and a bit of calm in the evening.
15–30 min by S-Bahn
Pasing, Laim, Giesing or the area around Ostbahnhof are cheaper. Get off at Hackerbrücke – from there it is about a 10-minute walk to the Wiesn.
20–60 min by regional train
Often half the price of Munich. Plan your last train back – late-evening trains on Oktoberfest weekends are packed.
Practical tips
Saver fares from ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn sell out quickly on Oktoberfest weekends. A seat reservation is worth it for the evening journey home.
The low-emission zone inside the Mittlerer Ring also applies to Austrian cars. Without a green sticker you risk a fine. Better: Park & Ride on the outskirts.
Your dirndl or lederhosen from home are perfect for the Wiesn. Only cheap costume versions stand out for the wrong reasons.
Festival beer is usually around 6 % – more than a regular Märzen. If you have to get home, leave the car and take the train.
For clubs, brass bands and groups of regulars, group houses and apartments outside the city are often cheaper than several hotel rooms.
Your e-card works as an EHIC in Germany too. Emergency: 112, police: 110.
FAQ
Yes, with a journey time of about 1 hr 30 min it's easy to do. Check the last connection home in advance and expect very full trains at weekends.
No, German motorways are toll-free for cars. But you do need a green low-emission sticker for Munich's low-emission zone.
In Rosenheim, Traunstein or Freilassing – all with direct trains to Munich and Salzburg.
Who is it for?