Munich Airport, also known as Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, is Germany’s second-largest airport and one of the most modern hubs in Europe. Thanks to the strategic location of the airport, travellers can take advantage of frequent daily connections to many European destinations.

Located about 28 km northeast of Munich city center, it offers a wide range of services designed to make the travel experience smooth and comfortable: fast connections to the city, extensive shopping and dining options, lounges, well-organised parking facilities, passenger assistance and modern, easy-to-navigate terminals.

To see all available routes, visit the page dedicated to European flights.

 

How to get to Munich airport

Munich Airport is easily accessible thanks to fast and efficient connections with both the city center and surrounding areas. Here are the main transport options:

• By train (S-Bahn)
  The S1 and S8 lines regularly connect the airport with central Munich, with departures every 10 minutes. The journey to Munich Central Station takes around 35–40 minutes. S-Bahn trains stop directly beneath Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• By bus / shuttle
  In addition to urban and regional buses, the Lufthansa Express Bus departs from Munich Central Station every day of the year, offering an eco-friendly, fast and comfortable service with direct connections to the airport, stopping in front of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
  Other bus lines make intermediate stops along the route, ideal for travellers coming from suburban areas or zones not served by the S-Bahn.
• By car
  The airport is accessible via the A92 motorway and the B301 state road and is well connected to the Bavarian Road network.
  Multi-storey car parks and short-stay areas are available on site and can also be booked online.
  If you are interested in a car hire from Munich airport, you can easily do so by visiting the dedicated section.
• By taxi and ride-share
  Taxi services and chauffeur-driven vehicles operate 24 hours a day. The journey from central Munich typically takes 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

 

Munich Airport terminals: how to get around

As shown on the Munich Airport map, there are two main terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — located next to each other and connected by the MAC (Munich Airport Center), a large, covered area that serves as both a central passageway and a commercial zone with shops, restaurants and services.

 

• Terminal 1

Terminal 1, divided into areas A, B, C, D, and E, is the operational heart of the airport and handles most international and charter flights. It offers numerous shops, restaurants, and assistance areas. In addition, Terminal 1 provides exclusive VIP services and dedicated lounges for First and Business Class passengers.

It is directly connected to Terminal 2 through the MAC, which provides a quick and fully covered pedestrian passage between the two terminals.

 

• Terminal 2

Modern, efficient and intuitive, this terminal is used by Lufthansa and Air Dolomiti. It is organized on several levels:

• Arrivals Level: arrivals area, baggage claim and direct access to the MAC;
• Departures Level: check-in counters, self check-in and self bag drop;
• Gate Level: Schengen and non-Schengen boarding gates, duty-free, shops, restaurants and lounges.

 

Terminal 2 is connected to Terminal via an automatic underground train (Passenger Transportation System) to the Satellite Terminal, a modern building that hosts additional gates, lounges, shops and dining areas. The connection is extremely fast: the PTS takes about 1 minute to reach the satellite, with frequent departures ensuring seamless and rapid movement between the two areas.

 

Services

Munich Airport offers passengers a wide range of essential services and support. Below you will find the main comforts and facilities available.

 

Check-in

The location of the check-in areas at Munich International Airport is in the departure zones of both terminals, where passengers will also find traditional check-in counters, self-service kiosks, and self bag-drop stations—an automated system that allows passengers to check in their hold luggage independently, available to Lufthansa and Air Dolomiti passengers.

If you are traveling with carry-on baggage only, however, it is advisable to check-in online.

 

Security Controls

After completing check-in, travellers proceed to the security controls, which feature standard lanes, Fast Track lanes, and dedicated areas designed to make the process easier for families with children.

The airport uses next-generation CT scanners, which make the procedure faster and smoother for passengers by reducing waiting times at the checkpoints.

Be sure to prepare the liquids in your carry-on luggage according to current regulations to further streamline the security process.

 

Baggage Storage

Munich International Airport offers a baggage storage service, ideal for leaving suitcases or personal items for a few hours or several days.

The service is available at Terminal 2 (in the public area) and inside the connecting building between the terminals, the Munich Airport Center (MAC). The opening hours are as follows:

• Munich Airport Center (MAC): open from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
• Terminal 2: open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The service is also available for overnight storage, which is guaranteed 24 hours a day. The cost for overnight storage varies based on the baggage weight.

 

Lost & Found

For lost items, the airport has a dedicated Lost & Found office located in the MAC, where passengers can report or retrieve belongings forgotten within the airport premises.

The office is open to the public from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. If you have lost an item at the airport, please consult the office's online database. Alternatively, contact the email address [email protected]

 

Shops and restaurants

Munich Airport offers one of the widest shopping experiences among European airports, with more than 150 stores featuring prestigious international brands.

Passengers can find fashion boutiques, electronics shops, travel accessories, pharmacies, newsstands and a rich duty-free area where they can purchase tax-free products.

The dining offer is equally varied: restaurants, bistros, bars, cafés and fast-food outlets serve both international cuisine and Bavarian specialities. Thanks to the quality and variety of its services, the airport allows travellers to turn waiting time into a pleasant moment — ideal for shopping, relaxing or enjoying a tasty break before the flight.

 

Lounges and Waiting Areas

At Munich Airport, departing passengers can access several modern and comfortable lounges, located mainly in Terminal 2.

The lounges offer quiet spaces to relax or work before the flight, with dedicated services such as free Wi-Fi, hot and cold buffets, relaxation areas, workstations and, in some lounges, even showers. They are available in both the Schengen and Non-Schengen areas of Terminal 2 and can be accessed depending on travel class and frequent flyer status.

 

Tax Free / Tax Refund Offices and Customs Offices

At Munich Airport, dedicated Tax Free refund points are available for passengers departing to non-EU countries.

Tax Refund counters are located in Terminal 1 (Module B, Level 04) and Terminal 2 (Gates G/H, Level 04), where travellers can submit their forms and request a VAT refund.

Nearby, you will also find the customs offices, which are essential for validating export documents and handling other customs procedures, a crucial step in ensuring full compliance with international entry requirements.

 

Special services

• Free Wi-Fi
• Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
• Children’s play area
• Stroller and pram rental service
• Visitors Park with exciting airport tours
• Prayer rooms for all faiths
• Dedicated relaxation areas
• Sleeping cabins equipped with a workspace

 

FAQ – Munich International Airport

• How to get from Munich Airport to the city center?
  Getting from Munich Airport to city center is easy, as several transport options connect the airport with downtown Munich:
  Train: The S-Bahn lines S1 and S8 connect the airport directly with the main stations in the city center, including Hauptbahnhof and Marienplatz.
  Travel time: around 40 minutes.
  Bus: The Lufthansa Express Bus departs from both terminals and reaches Munich Central Station.
  Travel time: around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
  Taxi: Available outside each terminal.
  Travel time: 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
  Car hire: in Munich Airport, various operators are at your disposal, but to save time and secure your vehicle, we advise you to book online. Visit our website to book your rental car with Air Dolomiti.

 

• What are the opening hours of Munich Airport?
  Munich Airport operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for flights and access to its facilities. However, many shops and restaurants may follow more limited opening hours.

 

• How early should I arrive at the airport?
  To allow enough time for arrival procedures, baggage check-in and security checks, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and around 3 to 4 hours before departure for international flights.

 

• Where to park at Munich Airport?
  Munich Airport offers a wide range of parking solutions, including covered multi-storey car parks, long-stay areas and short-stay zones for dropping off or picking up passengers. The parking facilities are located close to both terminals and can be conveniently booked online to save time and ensure availability.