Munich faces record commuting levels and Oktoberfest transport surges

Munich is experiencing significant shifts in commuting and transport logistics. According to the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Planning (BBSR), the number of commuters traveling to Munich for work reached a record 461,400 in 2025. This increase is attributed to a strong job market coupled with high housing costs and a shortage of local apartments, forcing workers to live further in the surrounding regions.

Simultaneously, Deutsche Bahn is preparing for the 191st Oktoberfest, which is expected to bring an additional 100,000 passengers to the city daily. To manage the crowds and mitigate congestion caused by ongoing construction at Munich Central Station, the railway is pausing certain construction projects, opening additional tracks, and increasing security personnel by 250 members. The company is also deploying specialized software and over 500 additional S-Bahn trips to ensure smooth passenger flow during the festival.