Mastering Munich's Public Transport for Meetups

A guide to finding spots that are actually easy for everyone to get to.

The problem with "central" spots...

Marienplatz feels central, right?

But if you're coming from Moosach and your friend is from Giesing, it's not a fair trip.

True fairness is about travel time, not just geography.

Step 1: Identify Your Lines

This is the foundation.

  • What U-Bahn or S-Bahn line are you on?
  • What line is your friend on?
  • Look for the intersection points. This is your starting zone.

Step 2: Don't Trust the Map Blindly

A short distance on the map doesn't always mean a short travel time.

  • The S-Bahn Stammstrecke (the main east-west tunnel) is fast. Stations look far apart but are quick to travel between.
  • U-Bahn lines, especially the U3 and U6, have stations that are very close together in the city center.

Step 3: Factor in the "Transfer Tax"

Changing lines costs time. Sometimes, a one-train journey to a slightly "off-center" spot is faster for both of you than a two-train journey to a "perfectly" central one.

  • The Golden Rule: A direct ride is always better.
  • Prioritize hubs like Sendlinger Tor, Hauptbahnhof, or Odeonsplatz where transfers are (usually) quicker.

Case Study: Schwabing vs. Sendling

Someone lives near Münchner Freiheit (U3/U6). The other lives near Harras (U6/S7).

  • The obvious choice: Marienplatz. Both have to take the U6. Looks fair.
  • The smart choice: Sendlinger Tor. It's one stop closer for the person from Harras, but it balances the journey perfectly and avoids the Marienplatz crowds.
  • The result: A 5-minute difference in travel time that makes the whole meetup feel more balanced.

Fairness is just a click away.

Stop the mental math. midway@ finds the sweet spot based on real-time transit data.

Find Your Fair Midway Point