Oktoberfest 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Oktoberfest is one of the largest and most popular festivals in the world. Millions of tourists visit Munich for an authentic celebration and the true festive spirit. Wondering how to get to Oktoberfest and what to expect in 2025? Here’s your complete guide to dates, events, and travel tips. Read on to find a special promo code for tickets to Germany!

What Is Oktoberfest: Historical Context

Oktoberfest has been one of the key German festivals for over 200 years. Its history dates back to 1810, and since then, it has been an annual highlight of the city. It was first hosted at the Theresienwiese to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The public loved the idea, and it quickly became an annual tradition.

Oktoberfest — When and Where 

Traditionally, Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Germany, starting in late September and ending on the first Sunday in October. The 190th edition of the festival runs from September 20 to October 5 — you still have plenty of time to plan your trip to Munich and join the celebration. 

The city is already buzzing with festive energy — tourists from around the world come to celebrate one of the most popular events in Europe. Entry is free, and you only pay for food, drinks, and rides — the main highlights of Oktoberfest. The only paid area is the “Oide Wiesn” (Old Oktoberfest), which charges a small admission fee. 

📅 When: September 20 – October 5 

📍 Where: Munich, Germany

🎟️ Entry: free 

Oktoberfest in Numbers 

This major European event attracts millions of visitors and breaks records year after year. It’s fascinating to look at Oktoberfest in numbers: 

   🔹 6.7 million people visited the festival in 2024 

   🔹 7 million liters of beer — that’s how much beer was consumed in 2024 

   🔹 3,500 items were handled by the lost and found office in 2024

   🔹 9% more food was sold in 2024 compared to 2023

These numbers confirm why Oktoberfest is considered the world’s largest folk festival. The majority of tourists come from the USA, the UK, Italy, Austria, Poland, and France. 

How to Get to Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is hosted in the Theresienwiese area in Munich. You can get there by multiple transport options, including buses, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams. You can reach Theresienwiese by: 

   🔹 Underground: The U4 (green) and U5 (yellow) lines — Odeonsplatz, Karlsplatz/Stachus or Hauptbahnhof to Theresienwiese. The U3 (orange) and U6 (blue) lines — Odeonsplatz, Marienplatz, or Sendlinger Tor to Goetheplatz. 

   🔹 S-Bahn: The main line (S1 to S8) runs to Hackerbrücke, followed by a 10-minute walk. 

   🔹 Bus: MetroBus line 53 — Schwanthalerhöhe stop, line 58/68 — Georg-Hirth-Platz, Beethovenplatz or Goetheplatz, line 62 — Hans-Fischer-Straße, Poccistraße or Herzog-Ernst-Platz stop.

   🔹 Tram: Line 18/19/29 — Holzapfelstraße or Hermann-Lingg-Straße stop, lines 16/17 — Hackerbrücke, plus a 10-minute walk. 

Reaching Oktoberfest is easy — Munich has excellent public transport connections. You just need to get to Munich, which is possible by bus, train, or plane. For international travelers, INFOBUS offers convenient bus, train, and flight routes to Munich. Search tickets, compare prices, and book your trip with ease. 

Oktoberfest: What Is On in 2025

The festival is known for its key features — beer and food. But there’s much more to do and explore during Oktoberfest in Munich. The main highlights of the festival are tents — there are 14 large tents, 21 small tents, and 3 tents at the Oide Wiesn. Tents offer indoor and outdoor seats, serve beer and food, and host the main celebration. So visiting the tents is the top thing to do at Oktoberfest. 

There are also some fascinating events: 

   🔹 On September 20, Oktoberfest kicks off with the Parade of the landlords and breweries. At noon, the Lord Mayor of Munich taps the first beer barrel, officially opening the festival.

   🔹 On September 21, thousands of visitors participate in the costume and hunters’ parade — costumes, music, and dancing set the festive mood. 

   🔹 On September 25, visitors can join the traditional church service at Oktoberfest.

   🔹 On September 26, following the church service, a commemorative event will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1980 Oktoberfest attack. 

   🔹 On September 28, the Oktoberfest landlords’ concert will gather more than 300 musicians — a great option to celebrate and enjoy the music. 

   🔹 On October 5, the festival ends with the gun salutes near the Bavaria statue at 12 p.m. 

Oktoberfest combines traditional Bavarian culture with modern attractions, offering endless food, lively music, thrilling rides, and unforgettable festive experiences.

Family-Friendly Areas and Attractions

In addition to the main events, Oktoberfest offers countless rides for children and adults, allowing everyone to experience the joy of the festival. The renowned “Kettenflieger Kalb” dates back to 1919, but it’s still as charming as it is safe. Most rides cost around €1.00–€1.50 per person. 

The Limogarten offers a perfect place for families with babies and children who are looking for a calm stay. There are changing areas, children’s toilets, and a fountain with unlimited lemonade for €1. The Museumszelt offers a glimpse into the history and past of the festival, with options for children to take part in quizzes, get their make-up done, and enjoy balloon artists. 

Best Day to Go to Oktoberfest

The best day to visit depends on what you’re looking for. In general, there are some tips to keep in mind: 

   🔹 Weekdays are calmer and less crowded

   🔹 Saturday is one of the busiest days 

   🔹 Sunday evenings are good to visit 

   🔹 Mornings are much quieter

   🔹 Tuesday is Family Day, offering discounts and special programs 

   🔹 Choose event days if you’re interested in participating 

If you are looking for bustling tents and prefer noisy parties, consider going on weekends — crowds, lots of food, music, and beer. If you want to get a more authentic experience, avoid long queues and enjoy a calmer atmosphere, we suggest going on a weekday. 

Oktoberfest 2025 Beer Prices

“What is the Oktoberfest beer price?” is a popular question from those seeking to try German beer and join the traditional celebration. Beer prices are not set by the city — each tent sets its own rate. In 2025, Oktoberfest beer prices range from €14.50 to €15.80 per liter, depending on the tent. Non-alcoholic drinks cost around €10.95 for water and €12.11 for lemonade.

Travel to Oktoberfest with INFOBUS

If you wonder how to get to Oktoberfest — rely on INFOBUS. We offer hundreds of routes from various carriers across Europe to reach Munich. Book bus, train, or flight tickets in just a few clicks and head to Munich for the world’s biggest beer festival. 

There are convenient bus routes from many destinations in Europe, train connections, and flights from around the world — choose what works best for you. Compare prices, view route details, and book tickets with ease. 

Also, INFOBUS is offering special discounts on routes to Germany until the end of September. Travel to Oktoberfest and save on your trip with us — just enter the promo code OKTOBERFEST2025 at checkout to get 5% off your tickets. Hurry, the offer is valid only through September!

Start your Oktoberfest journey with INFOBUS — your ticket to Munich’s biggest celebration. 

If you need assistance, the INFOBUS support team is available 24/7 to help.

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Sincerely, INFOBUS!