Munich Airport (MUC) serves as Bavaria’s main international gateway, located about 30 kilometers (roughly 19 miles) northeast of downtown Munich. It’s earned a notable distinction as one of only three 5-star airports in Europe according to SkyTrax ratings, alongside Istanbul and Rome.
The airport spans two terminals plus the open-air Munich Airport Center, with extensive dining, shopping, and entertainment (including the world’s first airport brewery). A major Terminal 1 expansion will improve the experience for long-haul passengers when it opens.
How to navigate MUC
MUC’s biggest downside: its location a whopping 22 miles outside of town. Regardless, there’s plenty to love, from high-tech amenities to family-friendly resources. If you get the chance to experience MUC, do it.
The airport spans about 4.8 million square feet across two terminals and a satellite facility, with a unique layout where terminals flank the massive Munich Airport Center (or MAC), MUC can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you have a connection, official MUC guidelines suggest a minimum of 40 minutes, but I advise at least an hour (longer if you’re traveling with kids).
A free shuttle bus connects the terminals and takes about five to seven minutes. But it’s just as efficient to walk, if you’re able. My advice? If your trip starts off at MUC, I also recommend arriving well in advance to enjoy as much of its offerings as possible.
Take advantage of high-tech amenities
MUC is a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge technology like biometrics and self-service automation for a quicker, more efficient experience. The airport has multiple CT scanners in operation across T1 (in the D area) and T2 (in the central checkpoint), with plans to add more. This is great news for passengers, as it means you don’t have to remove shoes, electronics, or approved liquids (less than 100 mL) from hand baggage.
There’s also EasyPASS, which lets travelers from the U.S. and many other countries use self-service gates for passport control. It’s available for departing flights on a trial basis for certain international passengers, and you don’t need to register beforehand. Just scan your passport, look at the camera, and you’re on your way.
What’s new (and old) at Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the original facility and the smaller of the two. It hosts a mix of carriers with a focus on non-Schengen flights once the new pier opens, including American Airlines. T1 has six separate areas, each with their own security: A, B, C, D, E, and F. (If you’re flying to Israel, you’ll likely be in the F area located north of the terminal, which has its own security area. Prepare for extra time, as well, since this is a high security area with strict protocols.)
A $766 million expansion project currently underway will transform the terminal for international passengers. The project includes a six-story pier spanning more than one million square feet that will service non-Schengen flights. It will become the new home for major carriers including American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways.
Access to the revamped terminal will be via a centralized security area, with 10 checkpoints equipped with state-of-the-art CT scanning technology. Beyond security, there’s plenty more to look forward to, with dining, shopping and entertainment options that reflect Bavarian culture. Highlights in the space include a new central marketplace, including a large duty-free area and a relaxation zone.
Terminal 2: Modern, clean, and efficient
Terminal 2 is a joint venture with Lufthansa, so it’s the home base for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners (with the exception of Eurowings). Terminal 2 also spans a satellite building, which opened to passenger traffic in 2016 and provides additional capacity for 11 million passengers per year. It’s accessible via underground train that takes about one minute.
Spanning gate areas G–H and K–L, T2 is modern and less stressful to navigate than some older terminals around Europe, with an efficient layout and plenty of amenities. In the check-in area, I especially love the massive display screens that show departure information. However, walking times can get quite long after security. Be sure to allow yourself extra time if you’re traveling with young children or seniors.
Don’t miss the Munich Airport Center
Designed by Chicago-based architect Helmut Jahn, the MAC boasts a striking design and is one of Europe’s largest roofed outdoor venues. It’s well worth arriving early to explore its wide array of options for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Aviation buffs and beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss popping into Airbräu, which bills itself as the world’s first airport brewery (and largest covered beer garden in Germany). Since 1999, it’s been serving up beers brewed right on site and hearty Bavarian dishes.
During the holiday season, the MAC transforms into a festive Christmas and Winter Market from mid November to late December, with dozens of stalls and vendors, live music, and an ice skating rink (for a fee). It’s a great chance to snag some authentic German souvenirs.
Getting from and to MUC
Compared to other airports of similar size, MUC is located much farther from downtown: about 22 miles northeast of Munich (“on the grassland,” as Germans like to say). As a result, MUC isn’t as easy to reach via public transit as most other German airports. Of course, it’s certainly doable – but be sure to familiarize yourself with the process beforehand and allow yourself plenty of time.
If you’re planning to use public transit in Munich the same day of your arrival, I highly recommend buying a Airport-City-Day ticket. For just a little bit more than the cost of a one-way ticket to the airport, you’ll get access to the entire MVV network until 6 a.m. the next day.
Taxis and ride services such as Uber also are available, which can be a more convenient option if you’re traveling with kids or a larger group (though at a pretty steep fare). But I don’t recommend them during morning or evening rush hours, especially if you’re heading to MUC. (After all, it’s never fun to start off a trip sitting in traffic and stressing over maybe missing your flight.
How to get to and from MUC via S-Bahn
MUC is connected to the S-Bahn local train via the S1 and S8 lines, but it’ll take about 40 minutes (considerably slower than other German airports like Frankfurt, where it’s about 15 minutes). Trains depart from the Munich Airport Terminal station (Flughafen München), which serves both terminals.
Via bus, taxi, and ride service
Traffic in Munich can be infamously bad, so traveling via bus or car may take significantly longer depending on the time of day. The cheaper option is the Lufthansa Express Bus, which runs every 20 minutes and might be slightly faster thanks to dedicated bus lanes. It leaves from both terminals and runs every 15 minutes to Munich Central Station (München Hauptbahnhof). From there, it’s about a 10- to 15- minute walk to the Old Town, where many hotels are located.
Amenities, shopping, and services galore
MUC is almost like a mini-city, with an impressive array of shopping options, services, and passenger amenities available on-site. Most services are located pre-security: grocery stores, showers (for a fee), pharmacies, and a Deutsche Post location (which I once used; the employee was helpful and friendly, and my package arrived on time a few days later).
There’s also a luggage storage center and even a coat check. For a nominal fee, you can store your bulky winter jacket if you’re headed out on a sunny holiday – a helpful offering I’ve never seen elsewhere.
A great airport for families
Savvy travelers know that Germany is very family-friendly, which is reflected in its airports (something I greatly appreciate as a parent who often travels with my son). But MUC is in a class of its own, with multiple play areas, free strollers, baby changing stations, and more amenities that make traveling with kids way less stressful. There’s also a large observation deck above the check-in area at T2, which offers beautiful views as well as a place for kiddos to burn off energy.
Options for long layovers at MUC
Got a long layover? Instead of trekking all the way into Munich, you’ve got some great nearby options. Freising is a charming town with historical sites, including the world’s oldest brewery and a classic cathedral. Aviation enthusiasts, meanwhile, may want to check out the aviation history museum in Oberschleissheim. Both towns are reachable by public transit within about 20-25 minutes from MUC – and well worth it for a quick taste of authentic German culture.
Visitors Park, or Besucherpark, is a great spot for kiddos and aviation enthusiasts. It’s one S-Bahn stop from the airport (the adjacent station to Flughafen München) and has an outdoor playground with aircraft-shaped climbing structures and vintage planes to explore. Nearby is Visitors Hill, which offers prime planespotting from a 92-foot perch (for a minimal fee).
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
