Munich Airport

Munich Airport (MUC) is Germany's second busiest airport and one of Europe's premier aviation hubs, located approximately 30 km northeast of Munich city center. As Lufthansa's second hub after Frankfurt, it serves as a critical connection point for Star Alliance carriers and handles over 45 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals plus a satellite facility:

• Terminal 1: Five modules (A, B, C, D, E) serving a mix of international carriers including oneworld and SkyTeam airlines, as well as low-cost carriers
• Terminal 2: Lufthansa and Star Alliance exclusive hub, integrated with the Satellite Terminal
• Munich Airport Center (MAC): Central plaza between terminals with shops, restaurants, and services
• Satellite Terminal: Extension of Terminal 2, connected by an underground automated train (exclusively for Lufthansa and Star Alliance)

Terminal 2 is consistently rated among Europe's best terminals, featuring efficient operations, modern design, and the famous Airbräu airport brewery with its own beer garden.

Munich Airport is located 30 km (19 miles) northeast of Munich city center in the Erdinger Moos area.

Travel time overview:

• S-Bahn to Hauptbahnhof: 40-45 minutes
• Lufthansa Express Bus: 45 minutes
• Taxi to city center: 35-50 minutes (traffic dependent)
• ICE to Nuremberg: Direct train connection planned

The airport is served by S-Bahn lines S1 and S8, departing from the station located in the Munich Airport Center between the two terminals.

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside both terminals. Munich taxis are cream/beige colored.

Destination	Fare	Time
Munich Hauptbahnhof	€70-85	35-45 min
Munich city center (Marienplatz)	€75-90	35-50 min
Messe München (Trade Fair)	€50-60	25-30 min
Freising	€25-35	15 min

Fares are metered. Night surcharges apply between 22:00 and 06:00 (approximately 20% extra). No surcharges for luggage.

Uber

Uber operates at Munich Airport with pickup at designated areas.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare pickup areas at each terminal
• Services available: UberX, UberXL, Uber Comfort
• Typical fare to city center: €55-75
• Advance booking: Reserve ahead through the app for guaranteed pickup

Alternative: Bolt and FREE NOW (formerly mytaxi) also operate at MUC with similar pricing.

S-Bahn (Suburban Rail)

The S1 and S8 lines connect Munich Airport to Munich city center, departing from the station in the Munich Airport Center (between terminals).

To Munich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station):

1. Follow signs to "S-Bahn" in the Munich Airport Center
2. Take S1 (via Neufahrn, Freising) or S8 (via Ismaning, Ostbahnhof)
3. Exit at München Hauptbahnhof
4. S1: 43 minutes, S8: 41 minutes

To Munich Marienplatz (City Center):

1. Same S1 or S8 train
2. Exit at Marienplatz
3. S1: 46 minutes, S8: 44 minutes

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
Airport-City-Day-Ticket	€13.60	Best value for same-day return
Single ticket (4+ zones)	€13.20	One-way to city
Group day ticket (up to 5)	€27.20	Great for groups
Stripe card (10 rides)	€16.40	Per strip, airport requires 8 strips

Frequency: Every 10 minutes during peak hours, every 20 minutes early morning/late evening Operating hours: Approximately 04:00-01:30

Purchase tickets from MVV machines on the platform before boarding. Machines accept coins, notes (euros), and cards. Validate your ticket before boarding.

Lufthansa Express Bus

Direct bus service between the airport and Munich Hauptbahnhof.

Detail	Information
Route	MUC Terminal 1 → Terminal 2 → München Hauptbahnhof
Journey time	45 minutes
Frequency	Every 20 minutes
Fare	€13 single, €21 return
Operating hours	05:15-22:45 (from airport)

The bus is often faster than the S-Bahn during peak hours as it uses the motorway directly.

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