How to Buy a Ticket
On each train platform (U-Trains) and each station entrance (S-Trains) is a large, orange ticket vending machine. Here you can buy a multi-day ticket, a one day ticket, or a one trip ticket among other options. The easiest thing, if you are buying a one way ticket, is to look for the destination on the list. Each station has a three digit number. You can punch that three digit number into the number pad and then the cost of your trip will show on the screen. Insert your money and a ticket (and change) will come out.
If you are only going two stations, buy a Kurz Ticket (Short Trip Ticket). Press the orange K, pay 1.10 Euro, and you are valid for two stops.
The Munich train system uses a zone system. On the ticket vending machine is a chart of all of the zones. The White Zone is the center of Munich, Munich XXL is the surrounding zone, and additional zones are listed on the vending machine. Most visitors only need a White Zone ticket.
Multiple Trips. If you will be traveling several times, through the same number of zones, you can buy a stripe ticket. One ticket is 10.50€ for 10 stripes. When you travel you use 2 stripes for each zone for each adult, one strip per zone for each child and each student under 21 (must be carrying photo ID). It costs one stripe for a short trip (2 stops).
Another option is a Single Day Ticket. This gives you unlimited rides in the zones that you paid for. It is 4.80 Euros for the White Zone, 6.50 Euros for Munich XXL and 9.50 Euros for the all zones. For visits of 3 days, the 3-Day Ticket is a good choice. The 3-Day Ticket is 11.80 Euros for the White Zone.
If you are traveling with a partner or a group the Partner Day Ticket is a great deal. For 20 Euros up to 5 adults can travel together for the day. 2 children count as one adult.
Children are half price. Unless you buy a weekly, monthly, or yearly ticket or another special fare ticket, children will need their own ticket to ride the train. Before buying, make sure you press the child button (there is also a dog on it) to get the lower fare. Children under 6 are free to ride and strollers are allowed free of charge.
Brining a dog. In Munich you can bring one dog free with your ticket purchase. Additional dogs will need to have a child ticket.
Bikes. A bike ticket is required if you cannot fold up your bike (2.50€)
The MVV, Munich Train Company, has some great user information. You can search specific trips to find out when the trains leave, what trains you have to take, etc. There is also bus information here along with more information about the special fares and special tickets.
