How Much Does Oktoberfest Cost? Is It Worth It?

Oktoberfest » Stokepedia

Oktoberfest is the world’s biggest beer festival, and the original beer fest and so it rightfully has a cemented position on almost everybody’s travel bucket list. We all want to go there, sometime, somehow, but as young travellers we do have to know how much does Munich’s Oktoberfest cost, is Oktoberfest expensive, and overall is it worth it?  There’s no denying that the world’s biggest beer festival is most certainly attractive, but is it worth dropping your hard earned, even harder saved, pennies on? Short answer: abso-goddamn-lutely. But if you’re still not convinced, let’s break it down for you.

How much will I spend at Oktoberfest? Our guide to doing the beer fest on A budget

TRAVEL TO OKTOBERFEST travel costs: Depends

So this first financial matter to take into account is a tricky one. Travel to Munich during Oktoberfest can get pretty expensive pretty quickly, depending on where you’ll be arriving from. Planes are the most expensive and most convenient, trains are cool and comfy, but not if you’re coming from a long way, and buses make sense budget-wise and are reasonably decent for smaller folk. If you opt for a bus ride to Munich, you’ll often enjoy scenic views and a comfortable journey, making it a practical and enjoyable option. For those arriving by train, be sure to purchase the correct airport train tickets to avoid fines and ensure a smooth transit from the airport into the city. Staying near the train station, such as at the Hilton Munich City West, can be especially convenient for accessing Oktoberfest grounds and exploring city attractions. We’ve got Oktoberfest travel tips, tricks and even preferred itineraries from most cities on our Oktoberfest travel guide.

Entry to the OKTOBERFEST BEER TENTS is free: €0

OKTOBERFEST BEER Prices: let’s say €15-20 with a tip

So this is a little expensive. The beer cost and beer prices at Oktoberfest can vary by tent and year, with some tents charging a bit more due to inflation or premium options. The beers themselves come in around €14, or a little over, but you really want to tip your server so they return to your table as often as you need them. Non alcoholic beers are also available, and their pricing is generally balanced with regular beers, so you won’t pay a premium for choosing a non-alcoholic option.

Oktoberfest is huge, with beer halls hosting around 10,000 people, so you’ve got to make sure that your Bavarian beer wench knows you, likes you, and wants to keep on serving you. For €14 what you get is a giant beer—a litre (33oz) of perhaps the most delicious beer you’ll ever taste, that is not only bullshit free (German purity law allows only water, barley, hops and malt to be added to beer), but damn strong too, coming in at 6% and up. This is a healthy serving, and with such a large mug, some people may only drink half before feeling full or needing a break. Beer options include Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer, dunkel beer, and selections from your favorite German beer brand. The Pschorr brewery is a traditional choice, especially in the Pschorr Bräurosl tent. One of these beers will have you nicely buzzed, two will see you dancing on tables, and anything after three, but before five, is where the magic happens – magic that you probably won’t remember.

While Oktoberfest is often stereotyped as a place to drink way too much beer, the festival is about much more than just excess—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and fun. The lively atmosphere means beer spills are common as people sing, cheer, and bang their fists on tables. Behind the scenes, the beer control room ensures the flow of beer never stops, keeping the party going for everyone.

OKTOBERFEST FOOD: pretzels €3, main €10-20

Your OKTOBERFEST PACKAGE AND TRADITIONAL BAVARIAN GARB: STARTS AT €65

Your Munich oktoberfest on a budget total.

In total, your Oktoberfest stay will cost you around €110-130 per day, depending on how many beers you drink in the beer halls, and how much food you fall victim to. To help you budget, here’s a quick breakdown: Monday total cost, Tuesday total cost, Wednesday total cost, and Thursday total cost each include your meals, admissions, activities, and any Oktoberfest purchase like souvenirs or steins.

Hotels cost during Oktoberfest can be quite high, with prices for hostels in Munich going up to at least €50 per night—booking early is essential to secure better deals. This is the biggest beer festival in the world, the biggest folk festival too, and the original Oktoberfest. It is steeped in tradition, has the most people by far, and the tastiest beers. It’s something that everybody has to do at least once in their lives; you can’t have more fun with a beer in your hand. Also, when you consider that hostels in Munich during Oktoberfest go up to at least €50, plus breakfast, lunch, dinner and beers, you’ll realise that travelling with Stoke is the most cost effective way to travel. There’s so much included! And you’re guaranteed to meet new, cool, maybe cute, people. What kind of price can you put on that?? (We’ve worked it out and the price you can put on that starts at €65). If you’re still not convinced then you need to sort out your priorities! The world’s biggest beer fest! It’s so, so worth it. Stoke Travel has plenty of space, but we do sell out on the weekends, so you’d better consider booking sooner rather than later.

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