Lois Larson
Munich Airport, officially known as Franz Josef Strauß Airport (MUC), is located about 28 kilometres northeast of Munich, Germany. It is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving as an important transportation hub and a pioneer in digital travel experiences. The airport boasts two terminals, a satellite terminal, two concrete runways, and a helipad, accommodating a wide range of airlines and destinations worldwide. With its modern design, Munich Airport offers a plethora of facilities, including shops, restaurants, hotels, parking options, and even a Visitors Park with historic aircraft on display. The airport has received numerous accolades, including being named the Best Airport in Central Europe and achieving a 5-star rating by Skytrax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Munich Airport, Munich International Airport |
| Location | 28 km northeast of Munich in the Erdinger Moos, outside Freising |
| Official Code | MUC |
| Awards | "Best Airport in Central Europe" at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025, 5-Star Airport by Skytrax in May 2015, 6th in the "World Airport Awards" in 2018 |
| Terminals | 2 terminals, 1 satellite terminal |
| Airlines | Lufthansa, Discover Airlines, Condor, Transavia, easyJet, Air Dolomiti, British Airways, Eurowings, SCAT |
| Parking | 5 garages, 6 underground parking areas, 30,000 parking spaces in total, including special parking options |
| Transportation | S-Bahn lines S1 and S8, Autobahn A92, Lufthansa Express Bus |
| Hotels | Hilton Munich Airport, Novotel |
| Shops | 150 shops, including international brands and local favourites, FC Bayern store, Deutsches Museum shop, etc. |
| Restaurants | 60 restaurants, cafes, and bistros, including Dallmayr Bistro, Airbräu, Schuhbecks, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Munich Airport's awards and recognition
Munich Airport, officially known as Flughafen München, is an international airport serving Munich and Upper Bavaria. It is the second-busiest airport in Germany and the tenth-busiest in Europe, handling 47.9 million passengers in 2019. The airport has received numerous awards and recognition over the years.
In 2015, Munich Airport became the first airport outside of Asia to be ranked as a 5-Star Airport by Skytrax. This prestigious recognition highlights the airport's exceptional standards in terms of facilities, services, and overall passenger experience. In addition to this notable accomplishment, Munich Airport has consistently performed well in the Skytrax World Airport Awards. In 2025, it was named the "Best Airport in Central Europe" at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, further solidifying its reputation as a leading airport in the region.
The airport's success can be attributed to its efficient operations and focus on innovation. It serves as a hub for Lufthansa and its subsidiaries, offering both short- and long-haul connections. The airport has also witnessed significant growth in passenger numbers and flight movements, resulting in record-breaking revenue. In 2024, the Munich Airport Group recorded a positive financial result, with an impressive increase in profits compared to the previous year.
In addition to its operational achievements, Munich Airport has also been recognised for its commitment to providing world-class aviation training. The Munich Airport Academy gained recognition as a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) TRAINAIR PLUS Program (TPP). This acknowledgment highlights the Academy's dedication to delivering exceptional aviation training that meets ICAO's rigorous standards for competency-based education.
Munich Airport has also been recognised for its role in promoting digital transformation in the aviation industry. It has been hailed as a pioneer in digital travel experiences, implementing innovative solutions to enhance the overall passenger journey. The airport's focus on digital innovation ensures a seamless and efficient travel process for its customers.
With its impressive awards and recognition, Munich Airport solidifies its position as a leading aviation hub in Central Europe. The airport's commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction continues to drive its success and contribute to its reputation as one of the world's top airports.
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Transport to and from the airport
Yes, Munich has an international airport, called Munich Airport (MUC), located about 28 kilometres (17 miles) northeast of the city centre. It is one of the busiest airports in Germany and a major hub for Lufthansa, Europe's largest airline. The airport is well connected to the city and offers several transport options for travellers to reach their final destination.
By Train:
The S-Bahn, Munich's rapid transit system, provides a direct connection between the airport and the city centre. The S1 and S8 lines depart from the airport's basement level and arrive at Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) in about 45 minutes. The S-Bahn operates at regular intervals throughout the day, typically every 20 minutes. From the central station, passengers can connect to other parts of the city via the U-Bahn (subway) or tram networks, or continue their journey by long-distance train.
By Bus:
Several bus companies offer transfers between Munich Airport and the city. The Lufthansa Airport Bus provides a direct connection to Munich Central Bus Station (ZOB), located next to the main train station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Tickets can be purchased online, at the bus counter, or from the driver. Other bus companies, such as Flixbus and RegioJet, also provide connections to various destinations within Germany and Europe.
By Taxi:
Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area of the airport. The trip to the city centre usually takes between 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Official Munich taxis are cream-coloured and have a yellow-and-black sign on the door. It is recommended to ask for an estimated fare before starting the journey, as rates can vary. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available in Munich and provide an alternative to traditional taxis.
By Car:
Munich Airport is easily accessible by car via the A92 motorway, which connects to the A9 and A8 motorways. Several parking options are available at the airport, including short-term, long-term, and valet parking. Car rental agencies are also present at the airport for those who prefer to rent a car during their stay.
Passengers are advised to check the latest travel information and allow extra time when travelling to and from the airport, especially during peak hours or when there are special events in the city.
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Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Munich Airport (MUC) is an important transportation hub and was named the "Best Airport in Central Europe" at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are served by a variety of airlines offering regular scheduled and charter flights.
Terminal 1 can be viewed from the 'Visitors Hill' in the 'Visitors Park' area of the airport, which also features a restaurant, a shop for aircraft models and other collectibles, and a children's playground. Historic aircraft, including a Super Constellation, a Douglas DC-3, and a Junkers Ju 52, are also on display in this area.
Terminal 2 features a free viewing terrace on its roof, accessible from the landside area, offering a panoramic view of the easterly aircraft apron and the Terminal 2 satellite building. The Lufthansa lounge on the top level of the Terminal 2 satellite provides a luxurious waiting experience for First Class passengers and HON Circle Members, with floor-to-ceiling windows, play areas for children, and a unique view of the airport.
Both terminals are well-connected to the rest of the airport's infrastructure. Terminal 2 has a parking garage, P20, with 6,400 parking spaces across eleven levels, including four underground levels. This garage also offers special services such as valet parking and separate, secure parking for an additional cost. Short-term parking options are available near the central area of the airport, with free parking for up to thirty minutes.
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Parking options
Munich Airport offers a range of parking options to suit different needs. The airport has five parking garages and six underground parking areas, providing a total of 30,000 parking spaces, with approximately 16,500 of these being under a roof.
Parking Garages
The P20 parking garage at Terminal 2 offers 6,400 parking spaces across eleven levels, including four underground levels. This was the largest parking garage in Germany until 2005. Short-term parking can be found east of the central area, where visitors can park for up to thirty minutes for free.
Underground Parking
There are 6 underground parking areas providing 13,600 parking spaces.
Visitor Parking
The P52 visitor parking area is located just a short walk from the Visitors' Park, which features a viewing hill, restaurant, shop, and playground. During busy periods, signage directs visitors to the P50 overflow parking area, which is approximately a five-minute walk from the Visitors' Park.
Economy Parking
Economy parking starts from €39 per week and can be booked online.
Special Parking Options
Munich Airport also offers special parking options at an additional cost. These include valet parking, Park, Sleep & Fly options (including a night at the Hilton hotel), oversized XXL parking spaces, and secure parking. A separate parking level in the P20 parking garage offers guarded parking, and special services such as interior/exterior cleaning and fuelling can be booked.
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Leisure activities at the airport
Munich Airport, also known as the Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, is the main hub for travellers entering the Bavaria region of Germany. The airport has consistently ranked high with travellers and has even been named the "Best Airport in Central Europe" at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025.
If you have a layover at Munich Airport, there are plenty of leisure activities to keep you entertained. Here are some suggestions:
Dining
Munich Airport boasts over 60 restaurants, serving a wide range of cuisines. You can find anything from Bavarian specialties and Alpine cuisine to Turkish dishes like doner kebabs and Turkish pizza. Some notable restaurants include the Michelin-starred Mountain Hub Gourmet, Seafood meets Asia, Cloud 7, Dean&David, Bamee, Selmans Restaurant & Bar, Boconero, and Paulaner Bar & Biergarten. In addition, there are also various bars and pubs, including the world's first airport brewery, Airbräu, where you can sample locally-made beers.
Shopping
The airport offers a diverse shopping experience, with over 150 shops catering to all budgets and tastes. You can find everything from souvenirs and jewellery to designer labels such as Moncler, Cartier, and Hermès. The main part of the stores is located airside, making it convenient for travellers with short layovers.
Relaxation and Wellness
Munich Airport provides various options for relaxation and wellness. You can find lounges, sleeping pods, and spas offering massages and sauna baths. There are also chargeable shower facilities available, with towels and toiletries included in the cost. This can be a great way to freshen up between flights.
Family Activities
For those travelling with family, the Visitor's Park is an excellent option. It features historic aircraft displays, a playground for children, and interactive exhibits. There is also an 18-hole mini golf course and Visitor's Hill, which offers panoramic views of the aircraft taxiing on the runway.
Exploring the Region
If you have a longer layover, you can explore the beautiful region around Munich Airport. The city of Freising, just 20 minutes away, offers an authentic Bavarian experience. You can also visit nearby Bavarian towns like Erding or even venture into Munich city centre, which is about 35 kilometres away and easily accessible by public transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Munich Airport (MUC) is located about 28 kilometres northeast of Munich in the Erdinger Moos, just outside the town of Freising.
You can get to Munich Airport by car via the A92 autobahn, which has its own exit for the airport. You can also take the S-Bahn lines S1 and S8 from Munich city centre, or the Lufthansa Express Bus from the main train station and the North Cemetery.
Munich Airport has two terminals, a satellite terminal, and two runways. The airport offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, including supermarkets, electronics stores, and traditional Bavarian restaurants. There are also two hotels located on-site: the Hilton Munich Airport and the Novotel. In addition, the airport features a Visitors Park with a viewing hill, a children's playground, and historic aircraft on display.
