MUC Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know MUC Airport
Welcome to Munich Airport, Germany's gateway to the world and home to the iconic Beer Garden in Terminal 2, offering a unique Bavarian experience. As the second busiest in the nation and a Lufthansa hub, MUC ensures a seamless journey with its state-of-the-art facilities. This concise guide aims to streamline your airport experience, covering everything from flight updates to dining options. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.com for more insights.
WATCH VIDEO: Explore the facilities and amenities of Munich Franz-Josef-Strauss International Airport's departures area in stunning 4K:
Navigating MUC's Terminals
MUC Airport has three terminals: the Main Terminal, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2. The Main Terminal serves as the airport's central hub and houses the airport's train station. Terminal 1 has 25 gates and is primarily used by Lufthansa and its partner airlines. Terminal 2 has 27 gates and is used by all other airlines, including Star Alliance members and low-cost carriers.
When navigating the airport, be sure to check your airline and gate number before heading to your terminal. The airport provides shuttle buses and a Skyline train to transport passengers between terminals, which run every few minutes. Additionally, there are plenty of signs and information desks throughout the airport to guide you to your destination.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has three terminals: the Main Terminal, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2. The Main Terminal is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and is connected to both by a covered walkway. The walk from the Main Terminal to Terminal 1 takes about 5-10 minutes, while the walk from the Main Terminal to Terminal 2 takes about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, passengers can take the airport's shuttle bus, which runs every 10 minutes and stops at all three terminals. The shuttle bus is free and takes about 10 minutes to travel between terminals.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Munich International Airport (MUC) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from MUC-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Munich Airport has two main terminals, T1 and T2. If you're flying with Lufthansa or any Star Alliance member, you'll be using T2, which is very modern and efficient. T1 is divided into five modules (A-E), so make sure you know your exact gate before heading out." — Klaus M., Freising, Germany, August 2023
"The signage at MUC is very clear, but if you ever feel lost, the information desks are incredibly helpful. They’re located throughout both terminals, and the staff usually speak excellent English." — Anna S., Erding, Germany, September 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The S-Bahn trains (S1 and S8) are the most convenient way to get to the city center. They run every 10 minutes and take about 40 minutes to reach Munich Hauptbahnhof. Just be aware that the S1 splits midway, so make sure you’re in the right section of the train." — Markus H., Hallbergmoos, Germany, July 2023
"If you're in a hurry, consider taking a taxi or a ride-sharing service. It’s more expensive than the train but can save you a lot of time, especially during off-peak hours." — Petra K., Garching, Germany, October 2023
Parking
"For long-term parking, P20 is your best bet. It’s a bit farther from the terminals, but the shuttle service is reliable and frequent. Plus, it’s cheaper than the closer options." — Thomas R., Ismaning, Germany, November 2023
"If you're just picking someone up, use the short-term parking areas in front of the terminals. They’re free for the first 10 minutes, which is usually enough time if your passenger is ready to go." — Sophie L., Neufahrn, Germany, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"The food options in T2 are fantastic. My personal favorite is the Airbräu brewery; it’s the only airport brewery in the world and the beer is excellent. Don’t miss it if you have some time to spare." — Michael W., Oberding, Germany, January 2024
"For shopping, the Munich Airport Center (MAC) between T1 and T2 has a great selection of stores. You can find everything from luxury brands to local Bavarian souvenirs." — Julia B., Unterschleißheim, Germany, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Security lines can get long, especially during peak hours. If you’re flying out of T2, consider using the Fast Lane if you’re eligible. It can save you a lot of time." — Stefan G., Dachau, Germany, March 2024
"Always check the flight information screens regularly. Delays are communicated promptly, and knowing your gate status can help you avoid unnecessary stress." — Laura F., Moosburg, Germany, April 2024
iFly Tip: Discover how to deal with ear pressure and other in-flight issues on our Flying with Children page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At Munich Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated curbside areas outside of the terminals. However, it is important to note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles left unattended may be towed. To avoid this, drivers can utilize the airport's cell-phone waiting areas, located near each terminal, where they can wait for their arriving passengers to call and let them know they are ready to be picked up.
Passengers can be dropped off directly in front of their terminal, but drivers must quickly unload their luggage and move their vehicle to the designated parking areas. For those who need to park for an extended period of time, there are several parking options available at Munich Airport, including short-term and long-term parking in the main terminal, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2.
Parking Facilities & Options
MUC offers a variety of parking options to suit every traveler's needs. There are several parking garages and lots located within walking distance of the airport terminals, including the Main Terminal, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available near each terminal. These waiting areas provide a convenient and free option for drivers to wait until their passengers are ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking garages and lots, with designated spaces located near elevators and entrances for easy access.
For travelers looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available nearby. These parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, providing a convenient and affordable option for travelers.
Get details about MUC Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
The airport offers a variety of transportation options for travelers to choose from. Whether you prefer to rent a car, take a taxi, use a shared ride service, or take public transportation, you can easily get to your destination from the airport.
If you prefer to rent a car, you can find car rental facilities at both terminals of the airport. Major providers include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. You can easily book a car online or at the rental counter upon arrival.
Taxi services are available at the airport, and you can find taxi stands outside of both terminals. The fare for a taxi ride from the airport to the city center is approximately €60, and the ride takes about 30 minutes.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. The pickup area for these services is located outside of Terminal 1. However, it is important to note that there are restrictions on these services in Germany, so it is best to check with the service provider before booking a ride.
Airport shuttles are a convenient option for travelers who prefer not to rent a car or take a taxi. The shuttle service is provided by Lufthansa and is available to passengers traveling with any airline. The pickup area for the shuttle is located outside of both terminals, and the fare for a one-way trip is €10.
Finally, if you prefer to take public transportation, you can take the S-Bahn train from the airport to the city center. The train station is located in Terminal 1, and the fare for a one-way trip is approximately €11. The train runs every 10 minutes, and the ride takes about 40 minutes.
iFly Tip: Make the most of your travel day by checking our airport wait times guide.
Airport Hotels
Traveling can be an exhausting experience, especially when it involves long flights. One way to ease the stress is by booking a hotel near the airport. Our selection includes the Novotel München Airport, NH München Airport, Moxy MUC Airport, and many more. These hotels not only offer a comfortable stay but also provide additional amenities like complimentary WiFi, fitness facilities, and round-the-clock reception services. Each hotel is conveniently located near the airport, ensuring you won't have to worry about missing your flight. So whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, our selection of airport hotels will ensure you have a convenient and comfortable stay. Read on to find out more about what each hotel has to offer. To view all the options, click on the airport Hotels.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, Munich Airport has plenty of options to choose from. In the Main Terminal, you'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes, including the popular Airbräu brewery, which offers traditional Bavarian cuisine and freshly brewed beer. For a quick snack or coffee, try Café San Francisco or Starbucks.
In Terminal 1, you'll find even more dining options, such as the Italian restaurant Vapiano and the Asian-inspired Marché Mövenpick. If you're in Terminal 2, check out the trendy deli-style restaurant Dean & David or the classic German pub, Airbräu in Terminal 2.
When it comes to shopping, Munich Airport has a wide range of stores to suit every traveler's needs. In the Main Terminal, you'll find luxury brands like Gucci and Burberry, as well as electronics stores and duty-free shops. Terminal 1 is home to fashion boutiques like Hugo Boss and Longchamp, while Terminal 2 has stores like Victoria's Secret and Swarovski.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at MUC can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, click here.
Passenger Services
Munich Airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.
For those needing to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available at the airport's information desk, located in the main terminal.
Traveling with children? Munich Airport has designated play areas for kids, located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.
Banking services are conveniently located throughout the airport, with ATMs and currency exchange available in the main terminal and both terminals 1 and 2. In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center located in the main terminal, as well as first aid stations located throughout the airport.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's essential to stay informed about your flight's status, especially when it comes to delays, cancellations, or gate changes. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status updates at MUC.
One of the most convenient ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport, including check-in areas, departure gates, and baggage claim areas. They provide real-time information about flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate changes. Simply find the display that corresponds to your flight number, and you'll see the current status of your flight.
Another way to stay updated is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to check their flight status, receive alerts about delays or cancellations, and even book or change flights. These apps usually require you to enter your flight details, such as your flight number and departure date, to access your flight status.
In addition to mobile apps, airlines also offer other methods of communication, such as text, email, and push notifications. These options allow passengers to receive updates about their flight status directly on their mobile devices, without having to check the FIDS or the airline app constantly.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at MUC Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
iFly Tip: Understand the complexities of cockpit communication and protocols by checking out our cockpit operation guide.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Munich Airport (MUC) is located in Munich, Germany.
- Terminals: The airport features three terminals: the Main Terminal, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, and Eurowings. For a list of all airlines, check out the MUC Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Munich Airport handles approximately 150,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees over 1,200 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from MUC are London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Vienna.
- Hub Status: Munich Airport is a hub for several airlines, including Lufthansa, Eurowings, and Condor.
Airport History
MUC Airport, located in Germany, has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1939 - The airport was built as a military airfield for the German Luftwaffe during World War II.
- 1945 - The airport was taken over by the United States Army and used as a base for American military aircraft.
- 1948 - The airport was returned to German control and used for civilian air traffic.
- 1954 - The first commercial flight departed from the airport.
- 1980 - A new terminal was opened, expanding the airport's capacity to handle more passengers.
- 1992 - The airport was renamed to Franz Josef Strauss Airport, in honor of the former Bavarian Prime Minister.
- 2003 - A second runway was opened, making Munich Airport one of the few airports in the world with two parallel runways.
- 2016 - Munich Airport was named the Best Airport in Europe by Skytrax for the eighth time.
Today, MUC continues to be a major hub for air travel in Europe, serving millions of passengers each year.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Munich Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: MUC
- Airport Website
- Phone: +49 89 97500
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Munich Airport, Nordallee 25, 85356 Munich, Germany
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Munich Airport Q&A
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