What Messestadt Ost Is
Messestadt Ost is a district in eastern Munich and a principal access point to Messe München, a major trade fair and congress center. Built on the former Munich-Riem Airport site, the quarter combines residential and commercial development, public spaces, green areas, and direct U-Bahn connections.
The Munich Trade Fair Center (Neue Messe München) is directly accessible from the U2 terminus at Messestadt Ost station. For official travel and event information, see the messe-muenchen.de and mvv-muenchen.de websites.
History and Urban Development
Munich-Riem Airport operated from 1939 to 1992. After its closure, the city redeveloped more than 560 hectares as a mixed-use district under the “Perspective Munich” urban plan. The development integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, including energy-efficient, mixed-height buildings, open plazas, and community centers.
Messe München opened in 1998. Messestadt Ost U-Bahn station, designed by Busse & Partner, opened in 1999. Its architecture and materials also reflect the area’s aviation history.
What to See
Riemer Park and Messesee
Riemer Park spans 210 hectares and includes an artificial lake, a bathing lake, lawns, walking trails, and playgrounds. It offers space for walking and recreation, with scenic views across its landscaped areas.
The park is listed as open daily from dawn to dusk. Public areas are also described as freely accessible and always accessible.
Messe München
Messe München hosts over 11 major international trade fairs annually, including Bauma, IFAT, and Electronica. Its exhibition complex has 18 halls and 614,000 m² of exhibition space. The trade fair center has modern architecture and expansive halls connected to public transport.
Reported visitor numbers for major events include:
- Bauma the world’s largest construction fair, with 600,000+ visitors.
- IFAT environmental technologies, with 140,000+ visitors.
- Electronica electronics industry, with 80,000+ visitors.
Messestadt Ost U-Bahn Station
The station is beneath Willy-Brandt-Allee and serves Messe München, Riem Arcaden, and the residential area of Messestadt Riem. Its “refined raw construction” combines exposed concrete, aluminum, and glass. Architectural details include linear light tubes, a central granite platform, and corrugated aluminum wall panels.
At the Messe entrance, a funnel-shaped sundial by Blasius Gerg channels sunlight and casts shadows inside that indicate the time. The eastern mezzanine concourse displays photographs of the station’s construction and the development of Messestadt Riem.
The station’s light, concrete textures, and sundial are notable photography subjects. The station itself does not offer tours, though Messe München events may include guided experiences.
Practical Visiting Information
Hours and Tickets
Messestadt Ost station: One listing gives daily hours of approximately 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, aligning with U-Bahn schedules. Another gives 4:30 AM–1:30 AM daily.
Messe München: Most events run 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, but hours depend on the event. Check the specific event details.
Tickets: Riemer Park and most public spaces are free. Trade fair events require tickets, available online or at the venue. Public transport is not always included with an event ticket, so check its benefits; many event tickets do include MVV transport, and the MVV logo indicates this. Standard Munich public transport fares apply when transport is not included.
Station tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or through the MVG app. Transport tickets are also available at MVV stations, through the MVV MobileTicket app, at airport kiosks, or online. For trade fair visitors, see the MVV Visitor Guide.
Getting There
- U-Bahn Take the U2 to Messestadt Ost, the line’s terminus. It provides a direct connection from Hauptbahnhof. Journey estimates given are about 20 minutes from Munich Central Station, under 20 minutes from Hauptbahnhof, and 20–25 minutes in the transport summary. Peak service is described as every 5 minutes in one listing and every 3 minutes in another.
- From the airport by S-Bahn and U-Bahn Take the S1 or S8 to the city, then the U2 to Messestadt Ost; the estimated journey is 45–60 minutes. Taxi and shuttle services are also available.
- Airport shuttle The shuttle runs between the airport and Messe München’s North Entrance, takes about 45 minutes, costs €11 one-way or €17 return, and runs every 15 minutes during events.
- Other S-Bahn routes Take the S2 to Riem and Bus 190 to Messestadt Ost, an estimated 30–40-minute journey. Another option is the S4 to Trudering, then the U2.
- Taxi City or airport journeys are estimated at 25–45 minutes. Fixed fares are available for the airport route; taxis can be convenient for groups.
- Car Use the A94 motorway, exiting at Exit 5 (München-Riem) or Exit 6 (Feldkirchen-West). There are 5,000 parking spaces, ample parking, dynamic guidance, and over 80 e-charging stations.
- Park and Ride Park+Ride facilities support car-to-subway transfers and are recommended to minimize traffic.
- Cycling and e-scooters Dedicated parking and infrastructure support these forms of transport. E-scooters are allowed around Munich but not inside Messe grounds.
Interactive maps are available on the Messe München website; the MVV app also provides station maps and travel planning.
Accessibility and Visitor Services
Messestadt Ost is designed for accessibility. Stations, trains, and exhibition halls are barrier-free, with elevators, ramps, tactile guidance paths, accessible restrooms, and clear signage. Pedestrian pathways and facilities also serve visitors with reduced mobility.
Messe München provides multilingual information desks, dining options, and business amenities including Wi-Fi and lounges. Hotels range from budget to luxury and are within walking distance or a short U-Bahn ride; some are described as being within walking distance or one U-Bahn stop away. Book early during major events.
Luggage storage is at Hauptbahnhof, not Messestadt Ost.
Tours and Events
Guided tours of the trade fair center and selected architectural highlights are available through Messe München and local tourism offices. Guided walking tours of the former airport site are another option. Check official websites for event-specific tours and opportunities.
International trade fairs, seasonal festivals, and community events in district plazas are among the area’s events.
Tips
- Check the Messe München event calendar and specific event pages when planning around exhibitions or fairs.
- Arrive early during major events to avoid congestion; peak-time crowding can affect transport and event access.
- Check whether your event ticket includes MVV transport before buying a separate ticket.
- Use the MVG app or MVGO Fahrinfo München for real-time transit updates. The MVV app and MVV MobileTicket app are also listed for travel planning and ticketing.
- Park+Ride can help simplify arrival by car.
- Luggage storage is at Hauptbahnhof.
- E-scooters are allowed around Munich but not inside the Messe grounds.
- Spring through autumn is a good time to enjoy outdoor activities in Riemer Park.
- Audiala and MVG Fahrinfo München are among the apps suggested for real-time information.
Nearby Places
- Riem Arcaden A major shopping center with 120+ stores and eateries.
- Kopfbau Cultural Center Hosts community events and rotating exhibitions.
- Munich city center Historic sites and museums are accessible by U-Bahn.
- Deutsches Museum and Englischer Garten Both are accessible from the district by public transport.
FAQs
What are the opening hours for Riemer Park?
It is listed as open daily from dawn to dusk; public areas are also described as always accessible.
What are Messestadt Ost station’s hours?
Listings give both approximately 4:00 AM–1:00 AM and 4:30 AM–1:30 AM daily.
Is there an entry fee?
Public spaces, including Riemer Park, are free. Trade fair events require tickets.
What are Messe München’s visiting hours?
Most events run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours depend on the event.
How do I buy station or public transport tickets?
Use station ticket machines, the MVG app, MVV stations, the MVV MobileTicket app, airport kiosks, or online. Check whether an event ticket includes MVV transport.
How do I reach Messestadt Ost by public transport?
Take the U2 to Messestadt Ost. From the airport, take the S1 or S8 to the city and transfer to the U2; the journey is estimated at 45–60 minutes.
Is the district accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes. Stations, trains, exhibition halls, and district infrastructure are barrier-free, with elevators, ramps, tactile guidance paths, and accessible restrooms.
Are guided tours available?
Tours are available for the trade fair center and selected architectural highlights through Messe München and local tourism offices. The station itself does not offer tours, but Messe events may include guided experiences.
Is parking available?
Yes. Park+Ride facilities and Messe parking are available, including e-charging.
Are hotels nearby?
Yes. Options range from budget to luxury, within walking distance or a short U-Bahn ride; some are within walking distance or one U-Bahn stop away.
