Munich Airport Guide

Munich Airport has Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the Terminal 2 Satellite about 30 km northeast of central Munich. The Munich Airport Center (MAC) sits between the two main terminals, while an underground shuttle train connects T2 with its satellite.

For a connection, follow the signs to the gate rather than assuming a terminal change sends you landside. Munich Airport operates a dedicated free shuttle between T1 and T2 for connecting passengers. For the city, S1 and S8 trains share the airport station between the terminals and together provide a frequent service toward central Munich.

Check the terminal and gate for the operating airline, then follow Munich Airport's connection signs. Passport control depends on whether you move between Schengen and non-Schengen flows. Security and baggage steps depend on your origin, onward flight, and whether the airlines checked the bag through.

Avoid generic “official MCT” tables: the valid minimum is attached to the itinerary the airline sells. If you booked separate tickets, plan for every possible landside step, including baggage collection and a new check-in cutoff.

Getting Between Terminal Areas

Transfer	Official service	Published operation
T1 ↔ T2	Free connection shuttle bus	5–7 min ride; every 10 min from 07:00–17:00 and every 20 min from 06:00–07:00 and 17:00–23:00
T2 ↔ T2 Satellite	Underground shuttle train	About 1 min; every 4 min from 04:00–midnight

The T2 main building uses Gates G and H; the satellite uses Gates J, K, and L. Follow the gate signs to the shuttle: they route you through the correct passenger flow.

Connection Tips

• Check the gate immediately; walks can be long even when the train or bus ride is short.
• For the satellite, include the walk to the shuttle platform and from the arrival platform to the gate.
• For T1–T2, follow the connection signs rather than walking to the MAC unless airport staff direct you landside.
• Keep your boarding pass ready for staff and automated checkpoints.

The airport rail station, Flughafen München, is between T1 and T2. S1 and S8 are the default public-transport choices for central Munich; the Lufthansa Express Bus is a direct alternative to Munich Central Station and Munich North. Regional travellers can also use ÜFEX toward Freising, Landshut, Regensburg, and Nuremberg.

Taxi

Licensed taxi ranks are outside both terminals. Use the signed rank and ask for the current estimated metered fare; road time and price vary with traffic and destination.

Uber

If you book through a ride or taxi app, use the pickup point shown in the booking and confirm the vehicle before boarding. Availability and meeting points change, so the app's live instruction is more useful than a static terminal-door list.

S-Bahn (Suburban Rail)

The S1 runs toward the city via Moosach and the S8 via Ostbahnhof. Munich Airport publishes an approximate 40-minute trip to München Hauptbahnhof. Each line normally runs every 20 minutes, staggered to give roughly a 10-minute airport–city interval.

S8 operates around the clock, with a wider interval roughly between 01:00 and 04:00. S1 runs roughly 03:00 to midnight on ordinary weekdays and overnight on weekends and holidays. Check the MVV or S-Bahn journey planner for engineering work and the exact train you need.

Buy the appropriate MVV airport-zone ticket before travel. Fares and zone products change, so use the official ticket machine or planner rather than an old price table.

Lufthansa Express Bus

The Lufthansa Express Bus runs every 20 minutes between the airport, Munich North (Schwabing), and München Hauptbahnhof. Munich Airport publishes about 25 minutes to Munich North and 45 minutes to Central Station. It serves T2, T1 Arrivals B, the MAC south courtyard, and T1 Module D; check the operator timetable for the first and last service and current fare.

Munich Airport offers over 25,000 parking spaces across multiple facilities.

Terminal Parking

Location	Type	Price
P1-P3 (Terminal 1)	Terminal Parking	From €39/day
P5-P7 (Terminal 2)	Terminal Parking	From €39/day
P8 (Besucherpark)	Long-term	From €29/day
P20 (economy)	Long-term economy	From €19/day

Tips:

• Book online for discounts (often 30-40% off walk-up rates)
• Premium parking (P1, P5) offers covered parking closest to terminals
• P20 has free shuttle service to terminals (runs every 15 minutes)
• Electric vehicle charging available in P7

Off-site alternatives: Several providers near the airport offer parking from €4-6/day with shuttle service.

Munich Airport offers diverse dining options, including the unique Airbräu airport brewery.

Terminal 2 (Airside)

Sit-down restaurants:

• Vinothek by Kaefer: Wine bar with Bavarian and Mediterranean cuisine
• Schuhbecks Orlando: Celebrity chef Alfons Schuhbeck's restaurant
• Zenzakan: Asian-inspired fine dining

Quick bites:

• Airbräu: Airport's own brewery with beer garden (between terminals in MAC, also airside location)
• Paulaner Bar: Traditional Bavarian beer and food
• Daily Roast: Fresh sandwiches and coffee
• Zeit für Brot: Artisan bakery with outstanding bread and pastries

Terminal 1

• Vinzenzmurr: Bavarian sausages and cold cuts
• Hausbrandt Kaffee: Italian-style coffee bar
• Various quick-service options: McDonald's, Burger King, Subway

Munich Airport Center (MAC)

Between terminals (landside):

• Airbräu: The world's only airport brewery, complete with beer garden serving house-brewed beers
• Café Münchner Freiheit: Coffee and pastries
• McDonald's, Subway: 24-hour options

Tip: Airbräu is a must-visit for travelers with time between flights. The beer garden operates seasonally and offers a uniquely Bavarian airport experience.

Free WiFi is available throughout Munich Airport with no time limit.

Detail	Information
Network name	MUC Airport Free
Registration	Accept terms (no email required)
Time limit	Unlimited
Coverage	All terminals and MAC

Quality: Generally good for browsing and streaming. Can slow during peak hours. For faster, more reliable WiFi, airline lounges offer premium connectivity.

Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport in both terminals.

Where to Buy

• Telekom Shop: Terminal 2, Level 03 (main check-in hall)
• Vodafone: Terminal 2, Level 03
• O2: Various locations
• Press and Book stores: Sell prepaid SIMs from multiple carriers

Prices

Provider	Price	Data
Telekom	From €10	Varies by plan
Vodafone	From €10	5G available on select plans
Aldi Talk / Lidl Connect	From €8	Budget-friendly (available at supermarkets)

Important: German law requires SIM card registration with ID. Bring your passport and provide a German address (your hotel address works).

Tip: Airport SIM prices are often €5-10 higher than city shops or supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals and the Munich Airport Center.

ATM Locations

• Terminal 1: Arrivals hall (all modules), departure areas
• Terminal 2: Level 03 (arrivals), Level 04/05 (departure areas)
• MAC: Central plaza area

Major German banks represented include Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank, and Sparkasse.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters (Reisebank, Travelex) are available in both terminals. However, exchange rates at airports are typically unfavorable (3-8% worse than market rates).

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw euros from ATMs using a no-fee debit card
• Use Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates
• Pay directly with credit/debit card (widely accepted)

Currency: Euro (€)

Munich Airport offers extensive shopping, with duty-free and retail options in both terminals.

Duty Free (Eurotrade)

Location	Hours
Terminal 1 (various modules)	05:30-21:00
Terminal 2 Level 04/05	05:30-22:00
Satellite Terminal	06:00-21:00

Products: Perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, tobacco, chocolates, Bavarian souvenirs, luxury watches, fashion.

Notable Stores

• FC Bayern München Fan Shop: Official club merchandise (Terminal 2)
• Käfer Delikatessen: Gourmet Bavarian food and gifts
• Loden-Frey: Traditional Bavarian fashion
• Montblanc: Writing instruments and leather goods
• Hugo Boss: German fashion brand
• Steiff: Famous German teddy bears

Tips

• Pre-order online at munich-airport.de for in-store pickup
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €50
• Terminal 2 has the best shopping variety

Munich Airport has numerous lounge options, particularly in Terminal 2 where Lufthansa operates its premium hub.

Lufthansa Lounges (Terminal 2)

First Class Lounge (Invitation only):

• Terminal 2, Level 05 (non-Schengen)
• Lufthansa First Class passengers, HON Circle members
• Full restaurant service, private suites, bathtubs

Senator Lounges (Star Alliance Gold, Business Class):

• Terminal 2, Level 04 (Schengen): 05:30-21:30
• Terminal 2, Level 05 (non-Schengen): 05:30-21:30
• Satellite Terminal (non-Schengen): 05:30-21:30
• Amenities: Hot buffet, bar, showers, work areas

Business Lounges (Star Alliance Silver, Lufthansa status):

• Terminal 2, various locations
• Basic amenities, snacks, beverages

Satellite Terminal Lounges

• Lufthansa Senator Lounge: Excellent facility with rooftop terrace
• Lufthansa Business Lounge: Standard offering

Terminal 1 Lounges

• Airport Lounge World: Schengen area, Module A, accessible with Priority Pass or €39 day pass
• Various airline lounges: British Airways, Air France (check eligibility)

Priority Pass Lounges

• Airport Lounge World (Terminal 1, Module A): After security, 05:00-21:00
• Lufthansa Business Lounge access is not included in Priority Pass

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum: Access to Lufthansa Business Lounges when flying Star Alliance
• Priority Pass: Airport Lounge World (Terminal 1)

Several hotels are connected to or near the airport.

At the Airport

Hilton Munich Airport

• Connected to the Munich Airport Center via covered walkway
• 4-star, full-service hotel with pool and fitness
• Direct access to both terminals
• From €150/night

Novotel Munich Airport

• Connected to MAC, 5-minute walk to terminals
• 4-star, family-friendly
• From €120/night

Marriott Hotel Munich Airport

• Adjacent to MAC
• Connected via covered walkway
• From €140/night

Transit Hotel (Airside)

napcabs

• Sleeping cabins available in Terminal 2 (airside)
• Bookable by the hour
• Ideal for layovers without clearing immigration
• From €15/hour

Near the Airport

• Holiday Inn Munich Airport: Free shuttle, from €90/night
• NH Munich Airport: 5-minute shuttle, from €95/night
• Ibis Munich Airport: Budget option, from €70/night

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, offering a blend of traditional culture, modern attractions, and easy access to the Alps.

Getting to the City Center

• S-Bahn to Marienplatz: 45 minutes (€13.20)
• Taxi to Marienplatz: 35-50 minutes (€75-90)

Top Attractions

Attraction	Travel Time from Airport	Highlights
Marienplatz	45 min by S-Bahn	Gothic town hall, Glockenspiel, historic square
Viktualienmarkt	50 min by S-Bahn	Famous food market, Bavarian specialties
Englischer Garten	50 min by S-Bahn	One of Europe's largest urban parks, beer gardens
Nymphenburg Palace	55 min by S-Bahn + tram	Baroque palace and gardens
BMW Welt & Museum	55 min by S-Bahn	Car enthusiast's dream, free entry to BMW Welt
Deutsches Museum	50 min by S-Bahn	World's largest science and technology museum

Layover Recommendations

• 5-hour layover: Walk around Marienplatz, see the Glockenspiel (chimes at 11am, 12pm, 5pm)
• 7-hour layover: Add Viktualienmarkt for local food and a traditional beer hall (Hofbräuhaus)
• Day trip from airport: Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hours by car), Salzburg (1.5 hours by train)

Munich Specialties

• Weisswurst: White sausage traditionally eaten before noon with sweet mustard
• Schweinshaxe: Roasted pork knuckle with crispy skin
• Brezn: Bavarian pretzels, best fresh from a bakery
• Obatzda: Creamy Bavarian cheese spread
• Maß Bier: One-liter beer stein, essential at any beer hall

Practical Tips

• Bayern Ticket: €29 for unlimited regional train travel in Bavaria (great for day trips)
• MVV day pass: Best value if making multiple trips within Munich (€9.20)
• Cash: Some traditional restaurants and smaller shops still prefer cash
• Sunday closures: Most shops are closed on Sundays; plan accordingly