Hofbräuhaus Munich Layover Guide: Here’s How to Do It Right

When you think of Munich, beer halls, bratwurst, and Bavarian charm instantly come to mind. For me, the city has always been synonymous with some of the best beer I’ve ever had. So on a recent overnight flight from Montreal to Munich before heading on to Toulouse, I found myself with a six-hour window. Naturally, I had one mission: to see if I could squeeze in a visit to the original Hofbrauhaus Munich location during my Munich layover.

Spoiler alert: not only is it possible, it might just be the best use of a layover in Europe.

My Beer-Fueled Motivation for the Run to Hofbrauhaus München

Germany takes beer seriously. Like really seriously. The country has over 1,500 breweries and adheres to the Reinheitsgebot, a purity law dating back to 1516 that regulates how beer is made.

This deep-rooted culture is reflected in every pint served at the Hofbrauhaus München beer hall, which originally opened in 1589. Even though it’s touristy, it holds a special place in my heart. I’ve bounced around Munich’s many breweries before, but there’s something about sitting in that hall with its wooden benches, vaulted ceilings, and oom-pah band soundtrack that just feels right.

Also, I have a thing for their dunkel.

Arriving Early: From Plane to Pint

My Lufthansa A330-900 flight landed in Munich just after 7AM. I was running on minimal sleep but motivated by malt. After deplaning, I made my way to the Lufthansa Business Class Lounge for a shower and a quick bite. Since I travel with just a carry-on, storing my bag was easy. That said, I found out it’s technically not allowed to leave bags unattended in the lounge; however, no one seems to monitor this, so I decided to risk it.

For those without lounge access, you’ll find left-luggage lockers near Terminal 2 (central area) starting at around €5 EUR ($5.40 USD) for a few hours.

Refreshed and ready, I headed for the S-Bahn.

Getting from Munich Airport to Hofbrauhaus Munich

Let’s clear this up: Hofbrauhaus Munchen is not near the airport. The beer hall is about 38km (24 miles) away in the city center, and despite my groggy brain assuming otherwise, it takes some time to reach. The easiest option is the S8 or S1 train lines. I opted for the S8 which runs direct to Marienplatz, which runs every 10 minutes and takes about 40 minutes. Round-trip fare cost me around €13 EUR ($14 USD).

Alternatively, an Uber or taxi will take you 30 minutes, depending on traffic of course.

I ran into a snag halfway through. One of the trains stopped unexpectedly, and announcements were only in German. Confused tourists milled about until a helpful attendant told us the next train would continue the journey. Within 5 minutes, we were moving again.

Once in Marienplatz, it was like stepping back in time. The historic buildings, the hum of street performers, the morning sun on cobblestones—this is the kind of layover you brag about. There’s nothing like emerging from a European underground and into the past.

A short 5-minute walk from there brought me to the Munich Hofbrauhaus.

Arriving at the Munich Hofbrauhaus

It was just after 11AM when I arrived. No lineups, no crowds. The Hofbrauhaus Munich opens daily at 11AM and gets packed quickly, especially in the evenings or on weekends. If you plan to come later in the day, you should absolutely make reservations.

Since it’s a beer hall, finding a private table is unlikely and, honestly, not encouraged. I found a seat next to a solo traveler from Texas, and we chatted while waiting for our drinks.

What I Ordered: Munich Hofbrauhaus Menu Picks

No messing around: I ordered a 1L Hofbrau Dunkel, my go-to. Rich, smooth, and slightly toasty—it hit the spot.

From the Munich Hofbrauhaus menu, I chose the Leberkäse, a type of Bavarian meatloaf. Honestly? It tasted more like hot bologna. Not my favorite in this form, but I’ve loved it as a sandwich while visiting various Christmas markets in Europe.

A small Oompah band played classic Bavarian tunes, filling the vaulted room with a festive hum. The atmosphere is half the fun here.

A Quick Look at Hofbrauhaus Munich History

Hofbrauhaus Munchen dates back to 1589, when it was founded as a brewery for the royal family. Today, it welcomes over 35,000 visitors daily, making it one of the most famous beer halls in the world . Beer culture in Munich is so revered that locals can rent lockers to store their personal steins, some of which have been passed down through generations. It’s that serious.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into Bavaria’s beer culture, check out this Munich beer tour review for more intimate and educational experiences.

Closing Off This Munich Airport Layover

After finishing my dunkel and half of the Leberkäse, I took a final stroll through Marienplatz before jumping back on the S-Bahn. I made it back to the airport with about 90 minutes to spare.

Security was smooth. I retrieved my carry-on and headed to a smaller Lufthansa lounge closer to my gate. I managed to sneak in one last pint of German pilsner before boarding, capping off an excellent Munich airport layover.

So, Is a Munich Airport Layover Enough Time to Visit Hofbrauhaus?

Absolutely—if you have 6+ hours to spare. That gives you:

• 1.5 hours each way for transport (with buffer)
• 2 hours to enjoy the Hofbrauhaus and Marienplatz
• 1 hour for security/check-in at the airport

It’s tight but doable, and worth it for anyone who wants to taste Bavarian beer culture in a historic setting.

Plus, it’s a great way to stretch your legs and swap airplane air for bratwurst and brass bands.

Planning something similar? Consider pairing your trip with a day tour from Munich or even splurge on Lufthansa Allegris Business Class to make your layover that much more relaxing.

READ MORE: How Does Beer in Cologne Compare?

Munchen Hofbrauhaus Layover FAQ

What are your
thoughts on this Hofbrauhaus Munich layover?
Let’s hear it!

For more reviews from Europe and beyond see HERE.