The U-Bahn (short for Untergrundbahn, meaning underground railway) is Munich’s rapid transit system. It consists of 9 lines serving 96 stations across the city and provides an affordable and efficient way to get around Munich. The U-Bahn is operated by Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG), Munich’s public transport company. This article will provide an overview of U-Bahn ticket prices in Munich, looking at single journey tickets as well as day passes and longer-term travel cards. We’ll also compare the U-Bahn with other transport options like the bus and tram.
Single Journey Tickets
If you’re only planning on taking one or two journeys, single tickets offer the best value. Here are the main types of single U-Bahn tickets available in Munich and how much they cost:
Short Journey Ticket
Cost: €2.90
Valid for: 4 stops or less
This ticket covers you for up to 4 stops in one direction. It’s best for shorter trips within the inner city.
Standard Single Ticket
Cost: €3.40
Valid for: Unlimited stops in one direction
This ticket allows you to travel as far as you like on the U-Bahn network, as long as you don’t change lines. It’s good for longer cross-city trips.
XXL Single Ticket
Cost: €6.90
Valid for: Unlimited stops including changes
The XXL ticket gives you full flexibility to take as many journeys as you like, including transfers and changes of lines. It’s the most expensive single ticket option but gives you total freedom to explore Munich’s U-Bahn network.
Day Passes
If you’re planning on making multiple journeys in one day, a day pass often works out cheaper than buying multiple single tickets. Here are the main day pass options:
City Day Ticket
Cost: €7.40
Valid for: Unlimited travel on all MVG transport including U-Bahn, bus, tram and city rail within Munich city limits. Valid from the time it is first used until 6am the next day.
Partner Day Ticket
Cost: €13.40
Valid for: Same as City Day Ticket but also valid on additional regional transport like Deutsche Bahn trains as far as Munich airport.
XXL Day Ticket
Cost: €9.40
Valid for: Same as City Day Ticket but allows you to take extra people with you – valid for up to 5 adults.
Day passes offer great value if you’ll be hopping on and off public transport frequently throughout the day. The Partner version is good if you need to travel to Munich’s outskirts and airport. The XXL Day Ticket is ideal for groups and families.
Weekly and Monthly Passes
For regular commuters and longer-term visitors, weekly and monthly passes are available. These offer unlimited U-Bahn travel and can save you money compared to buying daily tickets.
Weekly Pass
Cost: €17.80
Valid for: 7 consecutive days
The weekly pass gives you a full week of unlimited travel. It’s a good option if you’re in Munich for more than just a couple of days.
Monthly Pass
Cost: €63.90
Valid for: Calendar month
The monthly pass covers you for a whole calendar month. It’s great value if you live in Munich or are staying for an extended period.
The main types are:
- Basic Monthly Pass – Valid on all MVG transport
- Monthly Partner Pass – Also valid on regional transport including Deutsche Bahn
There are also reduced fare monthly passes available for students, seniors and the unemployed.
Children’s and Group Tickets
Special discounted tickets are available for children and groups:
Children’s Tickets
– Kids under 6 travel free without a ticket
– Single tickets for children 6-14 years cost €1.50
– Day passes for children 6-14 years cost €3.70
Group Tickets
– Groups of 2-5 people can get a 20% discount on day passes
– Groups of 6 or more get a 40% discount on day passes
Travelling with kids or in a group can quickly get expensive, so make use of these reduced fares to save money.
Buying Tickets and Validation
U-Bahn tickets can be purchased from vending machines found in every U-Bahn station. They accept coins and cards. You can also buy tickets from bus drivers and MVG sales centers. Day and weekly/monthly passes need to be validated with a time stamp when you first use them. This is done by inserting them into validation machines found at each station. Single journey tickets don’t need validation. Make sure to validate your ticket or you could face a €60 fine if inspected!
Travel Tips
Here are some useful tips to get the most out of the Munich U-Bahn:
- Plan journeys using the MVG app or the interactive network map on the MVG website
- Buy and validate tickets before boarding – inspectors can issue fines
- Remember your ticket is valid for 2 hours if you need to change lines
- Check for disruptions before setting out as lines can be affected by closures
- Rush hour is 7-9am and 4-6pm on weekdays – expect busier trains
- All stations have lifts, escalators and wheelchair access
- Trains run Sunday-Thursday 4:30am-1:30am and Friday-Saturday all night
- Dog and bicycle friendly – look for designated carriages
Comparing the U-Bahn with Other Transport
The U-Bahn is one of several public transport options in Munich. Here’s how it compares with buses and trams:
U-Bahn
- Fast, frequent service on underground lines
- Limited network compared to buses and trams
- Operates 4:30am-1:30am, all night Friday-Saturday
- Ticket prices €2.90-€6.90 for singles, day passes €7.40-€13.40
Bus
- Extensive network across Munich but slower than U-Bahn
- Daytime only service, less frequent at nights and weekends
- Useful for neighborhoods not served by U-Bahn
- Tickets cost the same as for the U-Bahn
Tram
- Safer and more scenic than underground U-Bahn
- More extensive network than U-Bahn
- Runs 4:30am-1:30am
- Tickets cost the same as U-Bahn tickets
The U-Bahn is best for speedy cross-city trips. Buses fill in gaps in neighborhoods, while trams offer ground-level routes. All use the same ticketing system.
Conclusion
Munich’s U-Bahn offers an affordable and efficient public transport option. Single tickets cost €2.90-€6.90 depending on distance, while day passes allow unlimited travel from €7.40. Weekly and monthly passes offer discounts for regular users. Children, groups and seniors can also save money on fares. With trains every few minutes most of the day and night, the U-Bahn is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to explore Munich. Comparing favorably with buses and trams, the U-Bahn should be your first choice for getting around the city.
