Munich is a popular tourist destination and busy city, and as is the German way, there are plenty of efficient and environmentally-friendly ways to get around. Since I’m a student, I’m eligible for the discounted rate of the newly re-introduced Deutschland-Ticket, which allows ticket holders unlimited use of regional trains and city transportation, such as buses, trams, and subways, for only €29 a month. So with my e-ticket loaded onto Munich’s public transportation app in case there’s a random ticket check, I can get to class, explore the city, and take day trips to the surrounding area.
The most common form of public transportation I use is the subway, or U-Bahn, but I also try to take the tram or bus whenever I can because there’s a better view. There’s usually an U-Bahn running every 10 minutes, and there are plenty of color-coded signs in the station to make navigation easier, and especially to make sure that you can enter and exit at the station at the closest, most efficient point to your destination.
Certain U-Bahn lines get especially crowded during rush hours, and it’s not uncommon to be crammed shoulder to shoulder with parents pushing strollers, students carrying large backpacks, and locals with armfuls of groceries. It’s also important to remember when there’s a large concert or soccer game happening in the city, otherwise you might find yourself fighting for a spot on a subway car already at full capacity, along with thousands of other fans riding to the stadium.
While there’s no guarantee against delays, cancellations, or strikes, I’ve really enjoyed the convenience of public transportation, and will miss my early morning commutes on the U-Bahn.