Hackerbrücke S-Bahn: Important station on the main line
The Hackerbrücke S-Bahn station is an important interchange on Munich’s main line. It lies directly beneath the historic Hackerbrücke bridge. Located west of the main train station, Hackerbrücke is the last above-ground station before the S-Bahn trains enter the tunnel towards the city center and Marienplatz.
If you travel by S-Bahn in Munich, you’ll eventually pass the Hackerbrücke station. It’s one of the most important stations on the so-called Stammstrecke (main line), where almost all of the city’s lines converge. The station was opened just in time for the 1972 Olympic Games to efficiently transport the masses of visitors throughout the city. What makes this station special is its architecture: unlike most other Stammstrecke stations, which are underground, Hackerbrücke is above ground. This immediately gives you that typical “big city vibe” as you step off the train, looking directly out onto the vast expanse of tracks and the bridge’s historic steel structure.
The gateway to the Oktoberfest: state of emergency in September
Once a year, this station transforms into arguably the most famous train station in Germany. During Oktoberfest, Hackerbrücke becomes the central hub for millions of festival-goers. If you get off here at the end of September, you’ll find yourself immersed in a sea of traditional Bavarian clothing and festive cheer. The flow of traffic is clearly regulated: an ingenious one-way system guides the crowds from the platforms up onto the bridge and onward towards the Theresienwiese. Legendary during this time are the loudspeaker announcements from the police and security personnel, who, with plenty of Bavarian humor, attempt to manage the throngs of visitors. A tip for those who prefer a more tranquil experience: during Oktoberfest, the station is a real challenge for “regular” commuters – you’ll need nerves of steel and a bit of patience.
The perfect connection: Changing trains or buses made easy
The station isn’t just important for festival-goers; it’s a strategic hub for travelers. Those arriving by long-distance bus at the ZOB (Central Bus Station) only need to cross the bridge to catch the S-Bahn at Hackerbrücke. From there, you’re at the main train station in just two minutes and at Marienplatz in about five. Almost all lines (S1 to S8) run from here, meaning you practically never have to wait longer than two or three minutes for the next train during the day. The station is also ideal for tourists, as the S1 and S8 run directly to Munich Airport from here.
Accessibility and wayfinding
Although the station is a few decades old, it’s well-equipped. There are elevators that take you directly from the bridge down to the platform, which is especially important for travelers with heavy luggage from the central bus station or for parents with strollers. The platforms themselves are covered, so you can wait for your S-Bahn in the dry, even in typical Munich drizzle. A little insider tip: If you go all the way to the front of the platform (towards the main station), you’ll have a fantastic perspective for taking photos of trains arriving under the massive steel arches of the bridge – a subject extremely popular with railway enthusiasts and street photographers.
S-Bahn connection Hackerbrücke
Since you can board all S-Bahn lines at Hackerbrücke, the entire surrounding area opens up to you – from lakes and historic cities to the airport. Here are some of the best-known and most popular destinations you can reach directly from Hackerbrücke:
From Hackerbrücke, you can easily reach the famous Munich lake district ! The S6 towards Tutzing is the classic choice for a trip to Lake Starnberg : simply get off in Starnberg or Tutzing and you’re right by the water, ready for swimming, sailing, or a leisurely boat trip. My personal tip: From Tutzing, you can walk up to Ilkahöhe , where you’ll have the most beautiful view of Lake Starnberg. Also worthwhile is the hike through the Maisinger Gorge from Starnberg. You can just as easily reach Lake Ammersee with the S8 towards Herrsching , where you can stroll along the shore or take a detour to the famous Andechs Monastery – perfect for a day trip!
If you need to get to the airport, you have two top options from Hackerbrücke station: The S1 towards Freising is the classic main line to Munich Airport (MUC) . Alternatively, the S8 also goes to the airport, but via a different route (via Ostbahnhof). It’s often considered the faster connection if you’re coming from the city center and is therefore the perfect choice if you’re in a hurry.
Hackerbrücke S-Bahn station: The most important facts at a glance
| Info | Detail |
| Lines | S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, S7, S8 (almost all S-Bahn) |
| Opening | 28. April 1972 |
| Switch | Direct connection to ZOB München |
| Accessibility | Elevators to both platforms is available |
| Oktoberfest-Factor | Nearest train Station to Oktoberfest (main entrance) |
Related Links:
- all about the Hackerbrücke
- Hackerbrücke – is it worth it?
- worth knowing about the renovation of the Hackerbrücke
- close to the ZOB München