Serving as the gateway to Bavaria, Munich Airport (MUC) boasts a notable accolade as Europe’s only 5-star airport, according to SkyTrax ratings. It spans two terminals and the open-air Munich Airport Centre, with extensive dining, shopping, and entertainment options (including the world’s first airport brewery). A major expansion in Terminal 1 should vastly improve the airport experience for long-haul passengers.
MUC’s biggest downside: its location a whopping 35 kilometres 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. Here’s what to know.
How to navigate MUC
Because of its size (about 446,000 square metres across two terminals and a satellite facility) and unique layout with two terminals flanking the massive Munich Airport Centre (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 travelling with kids).
A shuttle bus connects each terminal and takes about five to seven minutes. But it’s just as efficient to walk, if you’re able. 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 and services
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.
In addition, MUC also has EasyPASS, which enables certain international passengers to breeze through passport control via a self-service process. Travellers from Canada, as well as many other countries, are eligible to use this service, which is available on a trial basis.
EasyPASS is available at T1 (Departures B and C), T2 (in the northern facility) and Terminal 2 satellite (level 5). Registering beforehand isn’t required, but it’s only available when you’re departing Germany. You just scan your passport, look at the camera, and voila—you’re done.
What’s new (and old) at Terminal 1
The multi-level Terminal 1 is the original facility and is the smaller of the two. It primarily serves oneworld alliance members, 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 CA$1 billion expansion project expected to be completed by the end of 2025 will transform the terminal and significantly improve the passenger experience for international passengers. The project includes a six-story pier spanning 95,000 square metres 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 5,200-square-metre space include a new central marketplace, including a large duty-free area, plus playgrounds and exhibitions.
Terminal 2: Modern, clean, and efficient
A joint venture by the airport and Lufthansa, Terminal 2 exclusively serves Lufthansa Group 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 travelling with young children or seniors.
Arrive early to enjoy the Munich Airport Centre
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 passengers arriving early to explore its head-spinning 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. And, if you happen to be passing through from mid-November to late December, the MAC transforms into a festive Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market). On tap: dozens of stalls and vendors, live music, and an ice skating rink. It’s a great chance to snag some authentic German souvenirs.
A great airport for families
Savvy travellers 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 travelling 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.
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 centre 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.
Getting from and to MUC
Compared to other airports of similar size, MUC is located much farther from downtown: about 35 km 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 an 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 public transport network until 6 a.m. the following day.
Taxis and ride services such as Uber also are available, which can be a more convenient option if you’re travelling 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 from MUC via S-Bahn
MUC is connected to the S-Bahn local train, but it will take about 40 minutes. (By comparison, it’s considerably faster in other German airports—about 15 minutes in Frankfurt, for example.) Trains depart from the Munich Airport Terminal station (or Bahnhof München Flughafen), which is located directly below the arrival and departure halls.
Via bus, taxi, and ride service
Munich’s traffic can be infamously bad, so travelling 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 15 minutes (and might be slightly faster, since there are 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.
Long distance train connectivity: A long way off
Alas, MUC has no long-distance or high-speed train connectivity. As a result, if you’re continuing your travels via train, you’ll need to switch from local to long-distance trains, which is an extra step. (There have been ongoing conversations to build a station for long-distance trains, but based on Germany’s infamous bureaucracy, this isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.)
Options for long layovers at MUC
Instead of schlepping to and from downtown Munich, head to Freising, a charming nearby town brimming 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 stop from MUC on the S-Bahn and bus (you can also walk, but it will take a while). This outdoor, aviation-themed area features aircraft-shaped climbing structures, a mini zipline designed to look like a runway, and several vintage aircraft. Nearby is Visitors Hill, which offers prime plane spotting from a 2-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.
