Wide variety of transportation means in Munich appears to be very useful during your stay in the city.
By Bicycle
Munich and its environs are easily navigated on two wheels. The city is threaded with a network of specially designated bike paths, and bikes are allowed on the S-bahn. A free map showing all bike trails is available at all city tourist offices.
You can rent bicycles from Radl-Discount Benediktbeurerstr. 20-22, Phone: 089/724-2351; Trappentreustr. 10, Phone: 089/506-285) and at Aktiv-Rad (Hans-Sachs-Str. 7, Phone: 089/266-506).
Bikes can also be rented from April through October at the Hauptbahnhof (Radius Touristik, opposite platform 31, Phone: 089/596-113) and at some S-bahn and mainline stations around Munich. A list of stations that offer this service is available from the Deutsche Bahn. The cost is EUR3.06-EUR4.09 a day if you've used public transportation to reach the station; otherwise it's EUR5.11-EUR6.14, depending on the type of bike.
By Car
Gasoline (petrol) costs are between EUR.77 and EUR1.02 per liter. Most German cars now run on lead-free fuel. Some models use diesel fuel, so if you are renting a car, find out which fuel the car takes. Some older vehicles cannot take unleaded fuel. German filling stations are highly competitive and bargains are often available if you shop around, but never at autobahn filling stations. Self-service, or SB-Tanken, stations are cheapest. Pumps marked Bleifrei contain unleaded gas.
Car Rentals
Rates with the major car-rental companies begin at about $45 per day and $220 per week for an economy car with a manual transmission and unlimited mileage. This does not include tax on car rentals, which is 16%.
Volkswagen, Opel, and Mercedes are some standard brands of rentals; most rentals are manual, so if you want an automatic, be sure to request one in advance.
If you're traveling with children, don't forget to arrange for a car seat when you reserve.
Car Rental Offices
All rental offices in the Hauptbahnhof (train station) are in the mezzanine-level gallery above the Deutsche Bahn information and ticket center. Rental offices at the airport are in the central area (Zentralbereich).
Avis (Airport, Phone: 089/975-97600; Hauptbahnhof, Phone: 089/550-2251; Nymphenburgerstr. 61, Phone: 089/1260-0020; Balanstr. 74, Phone: 089/403-091).
Europcar (Airport, Phone: 089/973-5020; Hauptbahnhof, Phone: 089/550-1341; Hirtenstr. 14, Phone: 089/557-145).
Hertz (Airport, Phone: 089/978-860; Hauptbahnhof, Phone: 089/550-2256; Nymphenburgerstr. 81, Phone: 089/129-5001).
Sixt (Airport, Phone: 089/526-2525; Hauptbahnhof, Phone: 089/550-2447; Seitzstr. 9, Phone: 089/223-333).
Requirements
Formalities for motorists entering Germany are few: All you need is proof of insurance, an international car-registration document, and your own driver's license.
An International Driver's Permit is a good idea; it's available from the American or Canadian automobile association and, in the United Kingdom, from the Automobile Association or Royal Automobile Club. These international permits are universally recognized, and having one in your wallet may save you a problem with the local authorities.
If you or your car are from an EU country, Norway, or Switzerland, all you need is your domestic license and proof of insurance. All foreign cars must have a country sticker.
In Germany you must be 21 to rent a car, and rates may be higher if you're under 25.
Rules of the Road
In Germany you drive on the right, and road signs give distances in kilometers.
There is no speed limit on autobahns, although drivers are advised to keep below 130 kph (80 mph). Speed limits on country roads vary from 80 to 100 kph (50 to 60 mph).
Alcohol limits are equivalent to two small beers or a quarter of a liter of wine (blood-alcohol level.05%).
Note that seat belts must be worn at all times by front- and backseat passengers.
Passing is permitted on the left side only. Headlights, not parking lights, are required during inclement weather.
By Public Transportation
Munich has an efficient and well-integrated public transportation system, consisting of the U-bahn (subway), the S-bahn (suburban railway), the Strassenbahn (streetcars), and buses. Marienplatz forms the heart of the U-bahn and S-bahn network, which operates from around 5 AM to 1 AM. An all-night tram and bus service operates on main routes within the city. For a clear explanation in English of how the system works, pick up a copy of Rendezvous mit Munchen, available free of charge at all tourist offices.
Fares are uniform for the entire system. As long as you are traveling in the same direction, you can transfer from one mode of transportation to another on the same ticket. You can also interrupt your journey as often as you like, and time-punched tickets are valid for up to four hours, depending on the number of zones you travel through. Fares are constantly creeping upward, but a basic Einzelfahrkarte (one-way ticket) costs around EUR1.84 for a ride in the inner zone and EUR.92 for a short journey of up to four stops.
If you're taking a number of trips around the city, save money by buying a Mehrfahrtenkarte, or multiple strip ticket. Red strip tickets are valid for children under 15 only. Blue strips cover adults. EUR7.67 buys a 10-strip ticket. All but the shortest inner-area journeys (up to four stops) cost two strips (one for young people between 15 and 21), which must be validated at one of the many time-punching machines in stations or on buses and trams.
For a short stay the best option is the Tageskarte ticket, which provides unlimited travel for up to five people (maximum of two adults, plus three children under 15). It is valid weekdays from 9 AM to 6 AM the following day and at any time on weekends. The costs are EUR6.65 for an inner-zone ticket and EUR13.29 for the entire network.
The Welcome Card covers transport within the city boundaries and includes up to 50% reductions in admission to many museums and attractions. The card, obtainable from visitor information offices, costs EUR13.30 for one day and EUR14.82 for three days. A three-day card for two people costs EUR21.47.
All tickets are sold at the blue dispensers at U- and S-bahn stations and at bus and streetcar stops. Bus and streetcar drivers, all tourist offices, and Mehrfahrtenkarten booths (which display a white "K" on a green background) also sell tickets. Spot checks are common and carry an automatic fine of EUR30 if you're caught without a valid ticket. Holders of a EurailPass, a Youth Pass, or an Inter-Rail card can travel free on all suburban railway trains.
By Taxi
Munich's cream-color taxis are numerous. Hail them in the street or call 089/21610 (there's an extra charge of EUR1 if you call). Rates start at EUR2.55. Expect to pay EUR6-EUR7 for a short trip within the city. There is a EUR.50 charge for each piece of luggage.
