Oktoberfest car rental guide: Everything you need to know for driving in Munich and beyond

Oktoberfest at a glance

Welcome to Munich’s biggest celebration

Oktoberfest is more than a beer festival, it is one of Munich’s biggest annual celebrations, bringing the city to life with lively beer tents, Bavarian food, music, traditional outfits and carnival rides. It’s Munich at its most festive.

Held at Theresienwiese, the festival is celebrated from late September to the first week of October, with dates varying each year. It is a bucket-list event for beer lovers and travelers, but there is a lot to experience here than just the beer.

With millions of people attending the festival, roads around the city get busier than usual. If you are planning to rent a car for your Oktoberfest trip, knowing where to pick it up, where to park and how to get around Munich can make your journey easier.

And if you are staying longer, a rental car can also give you the freedom to explore Bavaria's castles, alpine towns and scenic roads beyond the festival. Here is everything you need to know before hitting the road.

Is renting a car for Oktoberfest a good idea?

Oktoberfest may be the reason for your Munich trip, but the city has plenty more to offer. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore Munich and beyond at your own pace. Here is why having a car can really work in your favour:

Useful for exploring beyond Munich

As we mentioned, Oktoberfest may be the reason you are visiting Munich, but it does not have to be the only thing on your itinerary. Having a car makes it easier to turn the festival into a wider Bavarian trip, exploring Neuschwanstein Castle, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden, the Bavarian Alps and other scenic destinations.

More freedom for families and groups

Traveling with family or a group means more luggage and more stops along the way. A car keeps everyone in one place i.e., you and your family travel together instead of depending on multiple train or bus connections. For families with children, a car offers comfort and smooth travel, especially when traveling beyond Munich.

A convenient place to leave your extra luggage

Oktoberfest has strict bag restrictions i.e., backpacks and larger bags are generally prohibited, while permitted bags must be no larger than 20 × 15 × 10 cm or 3 litres. There are paid luggage-storage facilities at several entrances, but capacity can become limited during busy periods. If you are traveling with extra clothes, jackets, shopping bags or road-trip luggage, leaving what you do not need in your rental car can be convenient.

Top car rental pickup locations in Munich

Munich offers plenty of flexibility when it comes to picking up your rental car. You can pick your vehicle as soon as you land at Munich Airport or wait until you are ready to leave the city and pick it up from a downtown location.

The right choice depends on your itinerary, where you are staying and whether you are planning to explore Bavaria after Oktoberfest. Speaking of which, you have the following options to pick your rental car from.

Munich Airport (MUC)

Munich Airport offers a wide choice of rental cars from leading suppliers, making it a good option if you want plenty of vehicles to choose from and prefer to pick up your car as soon as you land. You can check available car rental deals at Munich Airport on VIP Cars.

The airport is around 40 km from Theresienwiese, so you can easily continue to the festival by public transport after picking up your vehicle. Some of the top global and local suppliers are SIXT, Keddy by Europcar, Alamo, and Enterprise.

If you plan to drive around Bavaria after Oktoberfest, picking up your rental at the airport also means you can start your road trip directly from there.

Getting to Oktoberfest: Take the S-Bahn from Munich Airport towards the city and connect to the U-Bahn for Theresienwiese (U4/U5), or use another public transport connection to reach the festival grounds.

Munich City Centre

Picking up your rental car in central Munich gives you the flexibility to enjoy the city first and pick your vehicle when you are ready to explore beyond it. This can work well if Oktoberfest is a key part of your Munich stay, as you can easily get around the city by public transport before starting your road trip.

Keddy by Europcar and Budget are some of the major suppliers available here. Supplier’s availability and opening hours vary between city-centre branches, so check your booking voucher for the exact details and timings of the rental branch.

Getting to Oktoberfest: Depending on your supplier's location, Theresienwiese may be within walking distance or a short U-Bahn ride away, making public transport or walking a convenient way to reach the festival grounds while keeping your rental car ready for the rest of your trip.

Munich Central Railway Station

This is one of the most convenient locations if your Munich trip begins at Hauptbahnhof, as it is only about a 15 minute walk from Theresienwiese. It is one of the convenient pickup locations before heading out to explore Munich and the surrounding Bavarian region.

Getting to Oktoberfest: You can simply walk towards the grounds or use the U-Bahn. If you are driving your vehicle, leave the car parked at a nearby parking area and continue from there as suggested.

Munich Obersendling

Obersendling is around 5 to 7 km from Theresienwiese, giving you an alternative to the more central rental offices, especially if you are staying in southern Munich. Enterprise is one of the major suppliers available there with a location at Aidenbachstrasse 30.

Getting to Oktoberfest: Take the U-Bahn towards Theresienwiese/U4 or U5. The exact route will depend on your supplier's branch and your accommodation.

Munich Maxvorstadt

Maxvorstadt can be a convenient pickup area if you are staying in this part of central Munich. Rental availability in this area depends on the supplier, so check the exact office address and opening hours mentioned in your booking voucher.

Getting to Oktoberfest: Theresienwiese is close enough so you can walk or use public transport.

What type of rental car should you choose for Oktoberfest?

They say, "come for Oktoberfest, stay for Bavaria". After all, there is much more to Bavaria than just the excitement of Oktoberfest. From lively urban streets to scenic countryside drives, your choice of rental car can make all the difference in how comfortably you experience both.

Economy cars

If you are driving solo or as a couple and Munich is your main destination, economy cars are for you. It makes sense when you are using the car mainly for getting to and from Munich or making short trips around Bavaria. It is smaller in size, which makes it easier to drive in Munich’s busy streets and park in tighter spaces, especially during Oktoberfest.

Compact cars

It is a good option for couples or small groups planning Oktoberfest and day trips together. You get a little more legroom and boot space than an economy car without having to choose a larger vehicle. Compact cars are well-suited for itineraries that include Munich’s city streets and drives to places such as Lake Starnberg, Andechs or Augsburg.

SUVs

SUVs make more sense when your Oktoberfest plans also include exploring Bavaria - Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle or the Romantic Road. The extra cabin and luggage space can be useful, especially when you are traveling with family or children and have bags (or gear) for a longer trip.

Luxury cars

For travelers turning Oktoberfest into a special occasion or a lavish Bavarian getaway, a luxury car can be the cherry on top. It is perfect for an itinerary that goes beyond the beer tents, whether that means staying at a high-end hotel in Munich, enjoying an elegant city break in Wurzburg, or a lakeside retreat around Chiemsee.

Minivans & Vans

These are the practical choice for larger groups traveling to Oktoberfest together, especially when everyone wants to stay in the same vehicle rather than driving multiple cars. They also work well for groups attending the festival and heading out on a multi-day Bavaria road trip afterwards, giving everyone enough room for luggage, backpacks, or whatever they would carry along the way.

Driving and parking in Munich during Oktoberfest

Munich gets busy during Oktoberfest, and the roads around Theresienwiese are managed differently to accommodate the crowds. If you are renting a car, you can still use it to explore Munich and the surrounding region, but it helps to know where driving is restricted and where you can leave the vehicle before heading to the festival.

Traffic and road restrictions

Managing a large number of people attending Oktoberfest leads to temporary road closures and traffic restrictions around Theresienwiese. Keep an eye on local traffic updates and follow temporary road signs when driving in the area as the exact restrictions can change throughout the festival. And, the festival grounds themselves are pedestrian-focused, so plan to leave your car before reaching Theresienwiese.

Parking for Oktoberfest

There is no parking available at Theresienwiese during Oktoberfest, so if you are arriving by rental car, you need to park elsewhere. You can choose a public car park with a convenient connection to the U-Bahn or S-Bahn. Next, continue towards the festival by public transport or on foot, as per your preference. Here’s what you need to check while choosing a parking facility:

• Opening and closing hours
• Parking fees and maximum stay
• Overnight parking availability
• Vehicle restrictions for larger categories such as an SUV, van or minivan
• Distance and public transport connection to Theresienwiese

Parking in Munich city centre

If you are staying in central Munich, public parking garages are the best place to park your rental car while you explore the city. Choose a garage depending on where you are staying and how you plan to spend the day.

For Oktoberfest, look for a location with an easy U-Bahn or walking connection to Theresienwiese instead of choosing one just because it is close to your accommodation.

Sometimes, travelers leave their car parked overnight. In that case, check the car park’s official website or booking page for overnight parking rules and height restrictions.

Park-and-Ride options

If you are driving into Munich from outside the city, Park & Ride can be the best alternative to taking your rental car into the centre.

Munich's P+R facilities are close to public transport stations, allowing you to park your car and continue to Oktoberfest by U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban train) or other public transport.

Turn your Oktoberfest trip into a Bavarian road trip

While the beer tents bring you to Munich, a rental car ensures your journey does not stop there. After having a good time at the festival, you can begin with your Bavarian adventure, exploring castles, mountain towns, lakes and historic cities. Depending on how many days you have, these routes offer different ways to extend your stay beyond the festival.

Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Distance: ~120 km
Drive time: ~2 hours (one way)

Highlights: Visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, explore Hohenschwangau and enjoy the scenery around Alpsee. If you have more time, add Hohenschwangau Castle or the nearby town of Fussen to your day.

Road conditions & car recommendation: The route is mostly made up of motorways and major roads, followed by quieter country roads as you head towards Hohenschwangau. An SUV is a perfect choice if you are traveling with family and children, planning a full-day trip with multiple stops, or carrying luggage. Allow some extra time for traffic when leaving Munich during Oktoberfest.

Stops & fuel: There are plenty of fuel stations, service areas and cafes along the main route from Munich. Consider fueling up before reaching Hohenschwangau so you can spend more time exploring once you arrive.

Parking & getting to the castle: You cannot drive directly to Neuschwanstein Castle. You will have to leave your rental car at one of the visitor car parks in Hohenschwangau, near the village centre. From there, you can reach the castle by shuttle bus, horse-drawn carriage or on foot. The shuttle takes you up towards Marienbrucke, from where the castle is still a short walk away. The horse-drawn carriage also does not go directly to the castle entrance, so anyhow you will need to walk to the castle.

Tickets: You can only enter Neuschwanstein at your scheduled time, so booking your castle ticket in advance is recommended. Plan your departure from Munich around your entry time and leave enough buffer for traffic, parking and getting from Hohenschwangau to the castle.

Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Distance: ~90 km
Drive time: ~1 to 1.5 hours (one way)

Highlights: Explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen's charming old streets, visit Partnach Gorge and, if you have enough time, take the cable car or cogwheel train towards Zugspitze. The area is ideal for combining a scenic drive with outdoor experiences.

Road conditions & car recommendation: The route mainly follows the A95 motorway before transitioning to roads around Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A compact car is ideal for the main route, while an SUV is a good choice if you are planning to explore beyond the town and carry hiking gear or luggage. Check local conditions before heading out, especially in colder weather.

Stops & fuel: You will find fuel stations and service areas along the A95, with cafes and restaurants once you reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Consider fueling up before heading into the surrounding mountain areas.

Parking & getting around: Parking is available in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and near major attractions. For Partnach Gorge, park in the designated parking area at the Olympic Ski Stadium and continue on foot. If you are heading towards Zugspitze, leave your car at the relevant valley station and continue by cable car or mountain railway rather than driving further into the mountains.

Munich to Berchtesgaden and Konigssee

Distance: ~160 km
Drive time: ~2 to 2.5 hours (one way)

Highlights: Explore Berchtesgaden before continuing to Konigssee for its famous lake scenery and boat trips. If you have time, you can also visit nearby viewpoints and mountain attractions around the Berchtesgaden region.

Road conditions and car recommendation: The route is largely motorway driving on the A8 before continuing onto regional roads towards Berchtesgaden and Konigssee. An SUV works well for this longer road trip, especially if you are traveling with a family or group of 5 to 7 people, and planning multiple stops along the way.

Stops & fuel: The A8 has regular service areas, fuel stations and places to make a quick stop. It is advisable to refuel before heading into the Berchtesgaden area, where stops become less frequent.

Parking & getting around: For Konigssee, drive to Schonau am Konigssee and leave your rental car in the designated visitor parking area near the lake. From there, the lakeside promenade and boat departure point are within walking distance. You cannot drive along the lakeshore, so the boat is the main way to explore Konigssee. For Berchtesgaden town, use the public car parks and explore the centre on foot.

Munich to Salzburg

Distance: Around 145 km
Drive time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours (one way)

Highlights: Explore Salzburg's historic Old Town, visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens, see Hohensalzburg Fortress and follow in the footsteps of the city's most famous musical connections. The route also gives you the option of extending your trip with stops around the Salzburg region.

Road conditions: The drive is mostly straightforward motorway driving via the A8, making this one of the easier longer-distance routes from Munich. An SUV is a comfortable choice if Salzburg is the highlight of your road trip, while a compact car works well if you are traveling with 2 to 4 people with less luggage.

Stops & fuel: There are regular service stations, fuel stops and rest areas along the A8 in Germany. If you are continuing into Austria, consider fueling up before or after the border depending on your route and fuel needs.

Parking & getting around: You cannot drive into Salzburg's pedestrianised Old Town areas. Instead, you will need to leave your rental car at a public parking garage or Park & Ride facility and continue into the centre on foot or by public transport. This also makes sightseeing easier, as you will not have to go through the city's central traffic.

Tolls: This route crosses into Austria, meaning, Austrian motorway vignette is required for standard passenger cars. Before leaving Munich, confirm with your rental supplier whether they allow cross-border travel into Austria and whether the vehicle already has the required vignette or you need to arrange one.

Oktoberfest car rental tips

Oktoberfest is one of Munich’s busiest times of year, so a little planning can make a big difference when booking your rental car. We have listed down important points to consider.

Book your rental car in advance

Oktoberfest is attended by millions of people every year. Because of this huge crowd, demand for rental cars in Munich increases, especially for SUVs, luxury cars, and minivans/vans. Book at least 3 to 4 months prior to Oktoberfest for wider choice of vehicles and affordable deals.

Choose your pickup location wisely

If you are flying into Munich and heading out on a Bavarian road trip, Munich Airport can be a convenient place to pick your rental car, with a wide variety of suppliers and vehicle categories. If you are staying in the city for Oktoberfest first, a central pickup location makes more sense. You can pick the car when you are ready for the road trip.

Read rental terms carefully

Rental terms explain everything about the vehicle you book, inclusions, and exclusions. Read them carefully and if you have any doubt, clear it out before hitting the road to avoid last-minute hassle. For example, rental age requirements vary by supplier and vehicle category, so if you are a young driver (under 21), you will have to pay Young Driver Surcharge.

Check cross-border requirements

If you plan to extend your Oktoberfest trip to Salzburg or another destination in Austria, get prior permission from your supplier. Check what documents and requirements you need to cross the border with your rental car, and make sure you have everything with you beforehand.

You may want to know

• Is it worth renting a car for Oktoberfest?

  If you plan to explore Munich and nearby destinations, a car is worth renting. You can browse through a wide range of vehicles on our site and choose the ride that fits best with your budget and needs.

• Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Munich?

  Depending on your country of residence and driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid licence. Check the requirements of your rental supplier before traveling.

• Can I return my rental car outside the supplier’s opening hours?

  Some rental locations offer after-hours returns, but the process varies by supplier and its operating location. Check your booking voucher for the specific return process and where to leave the keys and vehicle.

• Are petrol stations easy to find around Munich and Bavaria?

  Yes, petrol stations are easily available along major roads and around towns. If you are heading into more rural or mountainous areas, it is a good idea to refuel beforehand.

• Can I rent a one-way car from Munich for my Oktoberfest trip?

  Yes, one-way rentals may be available if you want to start your road trip in Munich and return the car at another location. Availability and one-way fees depend on the supplier, pickup and drop-off locations.