For travelers from the United States, flexibility is key when planning a trip to Munich. While direct flights to Munich may not be the most economical option, consider flying to another European city or country. From there, a short train or car ride to Munich can be as affordable as driving from Chicago to Pittsburgh. This approach not only saves money but also allows you to experience the diverse beauty of Europe along the way
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
There are many options for travel to Munich. We wanted to share our favorite travel tips and tricks for international travel. From flight options, ground travel, hotel & Airbnb options, you can find them here.
Continue browsing below for great websites and maps for you European traveling needs. Click on the links to navigate each site.
Flights
Momondo: Momondo is a metasearch engine known for its comprehensive search results and attractive design. The “Can’t decide where to go” option opens up a map of the world which allows you to navigate the globe looking for cheap flights
Skyscanner: Skyscanner is a search engine that compares flights from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies. It’s known for its flexible search options, which allow you to filter flights by price, duration, number of stops, and more.
Google Flights: Google Flights is another popular metasearch engine that offers a user-friendly interface and powerful search tools. It’s known for its price tracking feature, which alerts you to price drops for flights that you’re interested in.
Ground
Auto Europe: Auto Europe is a car rental company that partners with top suppliers to provide unbeatable rates and a wide selection of vehicles in over 180 countries. They offer a best-rate guarantee, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Trainline: Trainline is a great all-around option for booking train travel in Europe. They have a wide selection of tickets from all major rail operators, and their website is easy to use. They also offer a price match guarantee, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Eurail: Eurail is a popular option for travelers who want to see as much of Europe as possible by train. They offer a variety of rail passes that allow you to travel unlimited miles on trains in up to 31 European countries.
Stays
Booking.com is a great all-around option with a wide variety of properties to choose from, including hotels, apartments, vacation rentals, and more. It also has a user-friendly interface and excellent customer service
Airbnb is a popular option for travelers who want to experience a more local stay. It offers a wide variety of apartments, houses, and unique accommodations
VRBO is a great option for travelers who want to stay in a vacation rental. It offers a wide variety of apartments, houses, and villas in Munich, all of which are fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Hostelworld is a great option for budget-minded travelers. It offers a wide variety of hostels in Munich, all of which are clean, safe, and centrally located
HotelTonight is a great option for last-minute travelers. It offers a wide variety of hotels in Munich at discounted rates, all of which are available to book on the same day.
Attire
Bavaria Trachten is a reputable online store that has good quality Oktoberfest wears. Be sure to navigate to their “Outfit Builder” page to view all the options available.
For those of you in the Chicagoland area, Fashions by Ingrid in Lincoln Square has been my “go-to’ for years. Some of her clothing can be pricey but, Ingrid’s personal service and knowledge plus the amazing quality, are worth the price.
Amazon has several reasonably priced options for both Dirndles and Lederhosen. While Lederhosen is traditionally worn by the gentlemen, women are known to rock that style in their own way. some of my ‘go-to’ stores are Alte Liebe and Edelnice, or for a more cost friendly Dirndle, GloryStar. Since the dress should be snug on top, it you may want to order early just in case you need to exchange for a different size. And for the men, leather is king.. you don’t need to have the most expensive deer leather to look the part, but avoid cotton or felt lederhosen.
Beyond the Beer Tents:
Where to Stay Near & Far for Your Oktoberfest Adventure
Choosing the perfect Oktoberfest accommodation can feel as daunting as navigating a crowded beer tent. Worry not, budget-conscious traveler! Below are a few blogs packed with insider tips on the best areas to stay in Munich, from charming hostels tucked away in cobbled streets to luxurious hotels with rooftop views of the festivities. Whether you’re a seasoned stein-swinger or a first-time reveler, these guides will help you find the perfect home base for your unforgettable Oktoberfest adventure.
Bonus Tip: Consider staying outside of Munich to score better deals and avoid the Oktoberfest crowds. Some charming nearby towns like Freising and Dachau offer easy access to the festival by train or S-Bahn
*** Just a few blogs to help guide you to your best accommodation ***
The main celebration will be in the area know as Theresienweise.
The Theresienwiese is filled with gigantic tents, each bearing the name of a renowned Bavarian brewery, sprout like colorful mushrooms. The air crackles with the anticipation of clinking glasses and boisterous laughter. The aroma of roasted sausages and sweet pretzels mingles with the heady scent of hops, creating an olfactory symphony that sends taste buds into overdrive.
Beyond the tents, a veritable amusement park takes shape. Daring souls defy gravity on towering Ferris wheels, while families squeal with delight on whimsical carousels. Laughter and adrenaline fill the air, creating a carnivalesque atmosphere that’s simply infectious.
Additional Useful Links:
Passport – Start the process ASAP; you do not want to pay for the expedited fee. Also, check your current passport; it must be at good for at least 6 months in most countries.
Global ID / Known Traveler – Most credit cards offer discounts or cover the fee for the US Global ID, its just $22 more than TSA precheck
Euros – Go to your bank and grab euros for your trip. Keep an eye on the current exchange rate and grab those $$ when you see the rate in your favor. Some banks take a few days to process so do not wait until the last minute