The MVV is the Munich public transport system. The abbreviation stands for "Münchner Verkehrs Verein". Literally translated this is "Munich Transport Union".
It is a "union" because all the different modes of transport operated by numerous operators are combined under one ticketing scheme. A ticket for the bus is also valid for the U-Bahn (subway) or tram (Strassenbahn) or S-Bahn (Suburban trains).
Somewhat confusing is the existence of the MVG. This stands for "München Verkehrs Gesellschaft" or "Munich Transport Company". This is owned by Munich city and operates the u-bahns, trams and many of the buses within Munich - and is itself a member of the MVV.
The Munich U-Bahn, bus, and tram networks are operated by the MVG. The S-Bahn network is operated by Deutsche Bahn. Both the U-Bahn and S-Bahn operate within the MVV combined ticketing scheme.
On the U-Bahn tickets are checked by the MVG ticket inspectors. The tickets for the S-Bahn are checked by a different set of inspectors. Both these sets of inspectors usually operate in plain-clothes. The uniformed guards seen on both networks rarely check tickets. They are present primarily to keep peace and order. The MVG uniformed guards wear blue and are armed with live-firing weapons. The S-Bahn guards wear a distinctive red beret and are unarmed but instead carry a truncheon.
Click to see the: Munich U-Bahn and S-Bahn map
This is the MVV web site: www.mvv-muenchen.de
All the information about public transport in Munich is to be found there. This includes timetables and route maps for the U-Bahn, Strassenbahn (trams), S-Bahn, and busses.
Here is a handy direct link to the: Itinerary planner
In the itinerary planner you don't need to know the names of the stops that you want to go to. Instead simply type in the start and destination addresses.
