Overcrowded subways to the Allianz Arena: Citizens demand solutions!

Overcrowded subways to the Allianz Arena: Citizens demand solutions!

The Allianz Arena in Munich, known for its great sporting events, is often the focus of discussions about how to get there. This was also the case on June 4, 2025, when the Nations League semi-final between Germany and Portugal took place. For this big event, tens of thousands of fans traveled to the arena by subway. The Munich Transport Company (MVG) warned in advance about overcrowded trains and bottlenecks in subway traffic, especially after the game. The advice to travel early and be prepared for longer waiting times was all the more important, as the subway runs every five minutes to accommodate the flow of fans [Merkur] reports that there is already a lot of activity on the tracks before the joint games.

But what about the residents who weren't among the lucky ones who wanted to make the pilgrimage to the Allianz Arena? They often have to struggle with the overcrowded subway lines, especially the U6. Residents report difficulties getting onto the crowded trains. Before a game, the subways from Odeonsplatz are overcrowded, and after the game, the trains heading into the city from Fröttmaning meet the same fate. This situation regularly causes discontent among citizens [Zwei.].

In January 2025, an application from the Greens was submitted to the Schwabing-Freimann district committee. The aim was to use additional subways between Münchner Freiheit and Kieferngarten in order to better cope with the enormous demand during the games. But the application was rejected by the city. This was justified by the fact that there are no turning options at both stops. The MVG expressed its regret about the decision and referred to a planned project called “Tram Munich North”, which is intended to bring improvements for local residents on match days [Merkur].

Additional trains have been provided, but this does not seem to be enough. The maximum capacity of the route has already been reached, which leads to a constant game of patience for travelers on match days. The MVG not only expects full subways after the games, but also warns that the Fröttmaning subway station could be temporarily closed for safety reasons.

These considerations are all the more important for the residents of Munich, as the city's traffic volume maps, which are based on around 500 counts, show that there is also a sharp increase in traffic volume in the time windows around major sporting events. According to the [City of Munich], weekly surveys are carried out to gain insight into traffic levels. These surveys are carried out on typical working days, outside holidays and public holidays, in order to show a realistic picture of the traffic situation.

So the situation is clear: Passion for football brings not only joy, but also problems - and not just for the fans, but also for the residents of Munich, who have to struggle with the challenges of subway traffic day in and day out. We can only hope that long-term solutions to these challenges can be found so that all Munich residents can get from A to B easily.