Munich Airport is Germany's second busiest airport (41.6 million passengers in 2024), a Lufthansa hub, located approximately 35 km north-east of Munich's city center.
It is the gateway to Munich itself, the Bavarian Alps and the royal castles of Bavaria.
How to get to Munich International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MUC
Parking near Munich International Airport
Next to the terminal is a multi-level parking garage.
They are video-monitored; approximately 34 euros per day in the economy area, 44 euros per day in parking near the terminal; booking online often yields a discount of about 25%.
How to get to Munich from MUC
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Munich: Airport Transfer by Bus
Munich: MUC Airport Private Transfer to/from Munich City
Munich: Elegant & Reliable Airport Transfer
Munich: XXL Airport Transfer for Groups and bulky luggage
From MUC to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want to... | Choose | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Get to the center with no transfers and very frequent departures | S-Bahn S1/S8 (single ticket zones M-5) | ~15.10€ |
| Avoid transfers for the north zone of Munich | Lufthansa Express Bus (direct, no transfers) | ~12-13€ |
| Reach Messe München for a fair | S8 to Ostbahnhof + transfer to U2 for Messestadt Ost | same MVV ticket |
| Travel with heavy luggage or at night | Official taxi at fixed rate | ~90-96€ |
Munich Airport → Hauptbahnhof (central station)
The central station is the true interchange hub: from here, ICE trains depart to Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Frankfurt, and both S1 and S8 pass through it, so you don't need to choose the line based on your continuing journey.
Munich Airport → Marienplatz
Those heading straight to the historic center get off at Marienplatz, a stop served by both S-Bahns, right under the Town Hall square and a few steps from the Viktualienmarkt.
Munich Airport → Allianz Arena
For a Bayern Munich match, the most direct route is the Lufthansa Express Bus to Nordfriedhof, from which the U6 toward Garching takes you in a few stops to Fröttmaning, with a dedicated exit to the stadium; alternatively, you can transfer to the same U6 at Marienplatz.
Munich Airport → Messe München
The Riem fairground, venue for shows like bauma, is reached with the S8 to Ostbahnhof and the transfer to U2 toward Messestadt Ost: a journey of about 45-50 minutes, often faster than taxi during rush hour.
Car rental at Munich International Airport
The major car rental companies are represented in the arrivals area.
For the security deposit, a credit card registered in the driver's name is required, along with a license and passport.
Hotels near Munich International Airport
At the airport
The Hilton Munich Airport stands between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, a short walk from the terminals and from the Munich Airport Center, the shopping centre between the two buildings.
Best for: Long layovers, late arrivals and early-morning flights, without having to rely on the S-Bahn.
- On foot from the terminals, with no S-Bahn or taxi
- The nearby Munich Airport Center has shops and restaurants useful for free time
- No risk of missing your flight because of an S-Bahn delay
- An area of pure airport life: nothing else around in the evening
- To see Munich you need 40-45 minutes of S-Bahn each way
- Only one hotel of this kind, with limited availability during trade fairs
Freising
Freising is on the S1 line, the same one that goes to the airport and to Munich; by car from the airport it takes about 15 minutes.
Best for: Those who want to sleep in a Bavarian town a few minutes from the airport, without the terminal atmosphere.
- A real Bavarian town, not a service district like the area around the terminals
- An overnight stay away from Munich traffic, right on the S1 line
- Direct train to Munich main station on the S1
- Without a car the transfer depends on S-Bahn timetables
- Some hotels are 15-20 minutes on foot from the station
- Check the first morning train before booking a dawn flight
Central station
S1 or S8 directly to the airport, in about 40-45 minutes with very frequent services; alternatively the Lufthansa Express Bus every 20 minutes.
Best for: Those arriving by train or leaving Munich on long-distance trains who want the S-Bahn on their doorstep.
- S1 and S8 leave from the main station with no changes to the airport
- Many hotels within five minutes on foot, in several price ranges
- Marienplatz and the Altstadt can be reached on foot or with a short ride
- Around the station in the evening the atmosphere is less polished than in the Altstadt
- Some hotels report noisy trams during the night
- For departures before 7 the S-Bahn margin is slim
Recommended hotels
Altstadt and Isartor
The Isartor S-Bahn station is on the same route as the S1 and S8: a direct link to the airport with no changes, with times similar to those from the main station.
Best for: Those who come for Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt and the beer halls, and prefer to stay in the old town.
- Marienplatz is five minutes on foot from Isartor
- Direct S-Bahn to the airport 100 metres from the listed hotel
- Evenings enlivened by beer halls and bars, in a very safe centre
- For a flight before 8 it is best to plan the first useful train the evening before
- From the airport it is 40-45 minutes by S-Bahn with luggage
- For long-distance trains you have to go to the main station
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 11
- with Priority Pass
- 2
- paid entry
- from €52
- earliest opening
- 05:00
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The two spacious, modern terminals are connected by a shopping center/MAC Forum between the buildings. From check-in to the gate, walking typically takes 15–20 minutes.
For international flights, it's better to be at the airport 2–3 hours ahead of departure time.
Map of Munich International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Munich airport so far from the center?
It is about 35 km away, farther than other major German airports such as Frankfurt: always allow at least 40-45 minutes for the S-Bahn transfer.
Q. How do you reach the Bavarian castles from Munich airport?
With an organized tour offering a direct transfer to Neuschwanstein and the other royal castles, often more practical than making your own way through the city center.
Q. Is Munich a Lufthansa hub?
Yes, together with Frankfurt, it's one of the airline's two main hubs in Germany.
Q. How do you get to central Munich from the airport?
With S-Bahn lines S1 or S8, which link the airport directly to the main station in about 40-45 minutes.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Airport Lounge Europe (T1) and Airport Lounge World (T1).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is €52, at Airport Lounge Europe (T1).
Q. What time does the first lounge open?
At 05:00: Airport Lounge Europe (T1), Airport Lounge World (T1), Lufthansa First Class Lounge (T2) and Lufthansa First Class Lounge (Satellite) (T2).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
