Munich’s “Franz Josef Strauss” Airport was one of the busiest in Europe in 2019. Since opening in the early 1990s, it has steadily expanded – today, guests can enjoy around 60 restaurants and cafés, along with 150 shops across two terminals. We have put together useful information for your arrival and helpful tips for your visit.
- From the airport to Munich
- Shopping
- Gastronomy
- Accommodation
- Terminal 1
- Terminal 2
- Visitors Park
- History
Whether you are arriving in Munich or flying back home – it’s good to know the various travel options available. If you are using public transport, take the S1 or S8. Good to know: Both S-Bahn lines follow the main route and stop at key locations such as the Central Station, Karlsplatz-Stachus (square) and Marienplatz (square). The journey from the airport to Munich Central Station takes approximately 40 minutes, with trains on both S-Bahn lines running every 20 minutes.
Travelling to and from Munich Airport with the S-Bahn: find all the information here.
The Lufthansa Express Bus stops at Munich’s Nordfriedhof cemetery and the Central Station, providing an affordable, convenient return journey.
There are taxi ranks both at Terminal 1 and at the exit of Terminal 2. Prices range between 85 and 95 euros, depending on whether you want to go to the north or south of Munich or to the city centre. A trip to the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Riem by taxi costs around 85 €, while a journey to Munich Central Station is about 95 €.
The A92 motorway provides a direct connection between the airport and Munich. Various car rental companies are available at the airport, all of which are listed on the Munich Airport website.
With around 150 shops, Munich Airport has a wide range of options, including international brands and traditional Munich favourites like Aigner and Käfer. For quick gift or souvenir shopping, consider visiting the store of the Deutsches Museum shop – the popular company also has a branch at the airport. Football enthusiasts should not miss the FC Bayern store! There are also many practical shops on site, including a Deutsche Post branch, numerous magazine shops, supermarkets and electronics stores.
With around 60 restaurants, cafés and bistros, Munich Airport offers a wide range of catering options for those feeling hungry: For gourmet options, consider Dallmayr Bistro, Käfer, and Schuhbecks. If you are in the mood for a traditional Bavarian meal (and drink!), head to the Hofbräu Bistro, Paulaner or Airbräu. The Hilton Hotel's two Mountain Hub restaurants are a new addition: The front, convivial area serves traditional Alpine dishes in a cosy setting, while the gourmet restaurant at the back offers Michelin-starred cuisine. The Michelin Guide recognised the Mountain Hub Gourmet as the only starred restaurant at a German airport.
If you want to fall straight into bed or have booked a very early flight: There are two hotels on the site - the five-star Hilton Munich Airport, as well as the three-star Novotel near the visitor park. Additionally, in Terminal 2, there are small, lockable cabins called "napcabs" where you can take a short nap or work undisturbed for an hourly rental fee.
The main airport building is divided into Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected by the Munich Airport Centre. This area is characterised by its airy glass roofing and houses offices, a conference centre and gastronomic offerings like the famous Airbräu with its own brewery. Most guests arrive at the Munich Airport Centre, because this is where the S-Bahn station, various car stopping areas, multi-storey car parks and taxi ranks are located.
Terminal 1 is the older section of the airport and is used by airlines such as Air France, British Airways, Condor and Eurowings. Terminal 2 has been operational since 2003 and was planned and constructed in collaboration with Lufthansa – therefore mainly Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance partners fly from here.
In 2017, Terminal 2 was voted the best terminal in the world at the World Airport Awards organised by the London Skytrax Institute. This recognition is no surprise, as the building boasts a very modern design and offers a wide range of shops and restaurants.
Anyone travelling to the airport on the S-Bahn, including the Munich Airport staff, will automatically pass the Besucherpark (visitor’s park) stop. A bridge connects the site with the main building. There is an exhibition and a cinema in the visitor centre and historic aircraft can also be admired. Adjacent to the visitor centre is the famous visitor hill, a popular spot for watching take-offs and landings – and a favourite weekend destination for Munich residents.
Riem Airport served as Munich’s main airport for over 50 years until its closure in 1992. In the same year, the new airport opened approximately 30 kilometres north of Munich in the Erdinger Moos district – initially with one terminal.
A lot has happened since then: Terminal 2 was added in 2003, and today the airport is one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe, covering an area of 1,618 hectares. During peak years, the airport handled up to 48 million passengers annually.
Munich Airport has also won plenty of awards - in 2020, it was named "Best Airport in Europe" by the World Airport Awards. Most recently, it won the "Best Airport Staff in Europe" and "Best Airport in Central Europe" awards. The airport aims to become climate-neutral by 2030.
