Roberta Aguirre
Munich Airport offers a range of facilities and services to keep travellers entertained during layovers, including shops, restaurants, observation decks, and even massage services. However, with an 8-hour layover, you may be wondering if it is possible to leave the airport and explore Munich. The answer is yes! Munich's S-Bahn (S1 and S8 lines) connects the airport with the city centre, and the journey takes around 40 to 45 minutes each way. This gives you enough time to explore the city's famous sites, sample Bavarian cuisine, and experience the rich culture and history that Munich has to offer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I leave the airport during an 8-hour layover? | Yes, you can leave the airport during an 8-hour layover in Munich. |
| How much time will I have to explore? | You will have approximately 2-6 hours to explore, depending on the time taken to deplane, go through immigration and customs, and travel to and from the city. |
| How long does it take to get to the city? | It takes around 40-45 minutes to get to the city centre by train or public transportation. |
| What is there to do at the airport? | Munich Airport offers various restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and services. There are also shower facilities, reclining seats, and sleep pods available for rent. |
| What is there to do in the city? | You can visit Marienplatz, the English Garden, the Chinese Tower Beer Garden, the Residenz, and the Hofbräuhaus. There are also guided tours available. |
| Do I need a visa? | Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of the EU, the US, and Canada, among others, do not require a visa for layovers under 90 days. Nationals from other countries may require a transit visa. |
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What You'll Learn
Getting to Munich from the airport
Munich International Airport, known locally as Flughafen München, is located 28km northeast of Munich. The airport is about 35 kilometres from the Munich city centre, but getting there is easy thanks to the excellent public transit.
If you have a layover of at least 6 hours, you can leave the airport and explore the city. The city is about 40 minutes away by train, so you’ll have time to explore the Old Town and other attractions.
To avoid the possibility of traffic, your best bet is to take the train, which departs from the Munich Airport Terminal station (Bahnhof München Flughafen) directly below the airport’s arrival and departure halls. It’s referred to as the S-Bahn (suburban train) and both the S-1 and S-8 lines leave every 10 minutes, stopping at Marienplatz in the Altstadt (Old Town), with the S-8 being slightly faster. If you plan to go round-trip by train, buy an Airport-City-Day-Ticket for €13.20, which lets you travel almost everywhere on the public transport network until 6 a.m.
You can also take a taxi, which will take about 35 minutes to get to the city centre.
If you decide to stay at the airport during your layover, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained. You can also freshen up with a shower, get a massage, or take a nap in one of the Nap Cab sleep pods.
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Exploring Munich's Old Town
If you have an 8-hour layover in Munich, you can definitely leave the airport and explore the city. Munich's Old Town, or Altstadt, is a great place to start. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your time:
Getting to Munich's Old Town
The Old Town is easily accessible from the airport by train. Take the S-Bahn (suburban train) S-1 or S-8 from the Munich Airport Terminal station (Bahnhof München Flughafen), located directly below the airport's arrival and departure halls. Both lines stop at Marienplatz in the Old Town, with the journey taking a minimum of 40 minutes. To save time, opt for the S-8 line as it is slightly faster. Remember to buy an Airport-City-Day-Ticket for €13.20, which allows you to travel on almost the entire public transport network until 6 am.
Once you arrive at Marienplatz, you'll find yourself in the historic heart of Munich. This vibrant square, surrounded by grand buildings and bustling cafes, is the perfect place to begin your exploration. At the centre of Marienplatz stands the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), renowned for its intricate spires, statues, and the famous Glockenspiel. Head inside the New Town Hall to witness the Glockenspiel's enchanting performance, where life-size figurines dance through scenes from Munich's history several times a day.
On the edges of Marienplatz, you'll also find the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), which served as the city's administrative centre before the New Town Hall was constructed. Both town halls provide a beautiful backdrop to this historic square.
As you wander through the winding lanes and expansive squares of the Old Town, keep an eye out for the "Wunden der Erinnerung" or "Wounds of Memory" on the buildings. These scars from Allied bombs during World War II have been preserved as a memorial to those who lost their lives and as a reminder of the city's resilience.
Attractions in Munich's Old Town
Munich's Old Town boasts a rich history and impressive architecture, with highlights including:
- The New House Gate: Dating back to Medieval times, this gate was once one of Munich's four main entrances. Beyond it lies the Fountain Boy, a charming fountain.
- Karlsplatz: A picturesque spot that doubles as a major transportation hub. Visit early in the morning to capture the perfect photo of the Medieval-esque backdrop before the crowds arrive.
- Cathedral of Our Lady (Frauenkirche): This Gothic masterpiece, recognised by its distinctive twin towers, boasts a vast interior, stunning stained glass windows, and a serene atmosphere. Climb the South Tower for panoramic views of Munich and the Bavarian Alps on clear days.
- Saint Peter's Church (Peterskirche): Another religious landmark worth visiting for its quiet wonders.
- Asam Church: Tucked away near Sendlinger Tor, this Baroque church is a hidden gem renowned for its exquisite Baroque architecture and ornate interior.
- Nymphenburg Palace: Located a short tram ride away, this palace boasts magnificent gardens and a rich history. Explore the four mini palaces within the complex, each with its unique charm.
With an 8-hour layover, you'll have the flexibility to explore these attractions and more in Munich's captivating Old Town. Remember to keep track of time and allow for travel back to the airport, as you don't want to miss your connecting flight!
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Eating and drinking at the airport
With an 8-hour layover in Munich, you have enough time to leave the airport, explore Munich, and return for your next flight. However, if you'd rather stay in the airport, there are plenty of eating and drinking options to keep you entertained.
Munich Airport has over 60 restaurants, cafes, bars, and kiosks to choose from. If you're looking for a traditional German meal, head to Käfer Bistro, Dallmayr Bistro, or a German brewpub like Hofbräu Bistro, Airbrau, or Paulaner. Airbrau is a popular choice for its self-brewed beer and Bavarian specialties at reasonable prices, and it also has a band playing music. You'll also find McDonald's and Starbucks outposts throughout the airport, as well as grocery stores selling fresh produce, deli meats, cheese, and baked goods.
If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, consider purchasing a lounge pass. Some lounges offer walk-in access, but the price is usually higher. With a lounge pass, you'll have access to food, drinks, and decent WiFi. The Lufthansa Lounge, for example, can be accessed by paying for a 12-hour pass if you don't fly business or first class.
For those looking for a quick bite, there are vending machines serving fresh food at the Foodji pickup stations in Terminal 2. However, note that there are no 24-hour eateries within the airport, so plan your meal times accordingly.
In addition to dining options, Munich Airport also offers massage services and a viewing platform at Visitor's Hill, located in Visitor's Park, providing panoramic views of planes and runways. Shower facilities are also available in the Munich Airport Center and Terminal 2 for a fee, which includes towels and toiletries.
With so many options available, you're sure to find something to suit your taste and preferences during your 8-hour layover in Munich Airport.
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Relaxing at the airport
If you're looking to relax at Munich Airport during your 8-hour layover, there are a few options available to you. The airport offers a range of shops and restaurants, allowing you to indulge in some retail therapy or enjoy a variety of cuisines. If you're feeling lucky, there are even gambling options available. To freshen up between flights, you can access shower facilities in the Munich Airport Centre and Terminal 2 for a small fee. For some peace and quiet, head to one of the designated Rest Zones with reclining seats and footrests, or rent a Nap Cab, a self-service sleep pod in Terminal 2. If you're looking for a more traditional hotel, the Hilton Airport Munich is located between Terminals 1 and 2.
For entertainment, Munich Airport has you covered with massage services and an observation area at Visitor's Hill, where you can take in panoramic views of planes and runways. If you're travelling with children, Visitor's Park offers a playground, interactive exhibits, and historic aircraft to explore.
Remember to keep an eye on the time and check your flight status to ensure you don't miss your connecting flight.
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Exploring nearby towns
Munich Airport is located about 35 kilometres from the city centre, but it is easy to get to the city and its surroundings thanks to the excellent public transit. The train is the best option to avoid traffic, and the suburban train (S-Bahn) departs from the Munich Airport Terminal station (Bahnhof München Flughafen) every 10 minutes. Both the S-1 and S-8 lines stop at Marienplatz in the Altstadt (Old Town), with the S-8 being slightly faster. If you plan to go round-trip by train, buy an Airport-City-Day-Ticket for €13.20, which lets you travel almost everywhere on the public transport network until 6 am.
If you have an 8-hour layover, you will have enough time to explore Munich and its surrounding areas. Here are some places to visit near Munich Airport:
Freising
Freising is a city located near Munich Airport that you can explore during your layover. It is home to St. Peter's Church and the Freisinger Dom St. Maria und St. Korbinian.
Erding
Erding is another city near the airport that you can visit. It is known for its beer gardens and museums.
Englischer Garden
Located a reasonable distance from the city centre, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour, Englischer Garden is a great place to wander and explore. It features a central lake, Japanese gardens, and the Chinese Tower.
Hofbrauhaus
Step into history at Munich's oldest beer hall, where you can sample local brews and Bavarian dishes while enjoying traditional live music. It opens at 9 am, and you can easily spend an hour and a half here.
Altstadt (Old Town)
Take a stroll through the charming quarters of Munich's Old Town and discover the rich cultural and historical sites, including the Altstadt itself and the beer gardens.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Munich airport during a layover if you have enough time between flights. It is recommended to have at least 6 hours between your arrival at Munich Airport and your connecting flight to be able to explore Munich.
The city centre is about 35 kilometres from the airport and can be reached in around 40-45 minutes by train.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of the EU, the US, Canada, and many other countries do not require a visa for layovers in Munich provided this does not take them over the Schengen Zone limit of 90 days spent in Schengen Countries within the last 180 days.
There are plenty of things to do during a layover in Munich, including visiting Marienplatz, the Residenz, the English Garden, and the Chinese Tower Beer Garden. You can also explore the city centre, try Bavarian cuisine, and visit museums.
Yes, Munich Airport offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. You can also take advantage of the free WiFi, shower facilities, and massage services.
