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How to Get to Munich

How to Get to Munich

Munich Bavaria, Germany Travel Guide

Air Travel to Munich

Munich Airport & Airlines

Munich Airport (MUC), Franz Josef Strauß Airport, is Germany's second-busiest, a modern international hub.

Carriers

  • Lufthansa: Major hub airline with extensive routes.
  • Other major European and international carriers.
  • Low-cost carriers: Eurowings, Ryanair, easyJet. Find deals on Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club.

Direct Flights & Seasonal Fluctuations

MUC provides a lot of direct flights from major global hubs. Prices fluctuate seasonally.

Pricing Trends

  • Higher prices: Summer (June-Aug), Oktoberfest (late Sep/early Oct), Christmas (late Nov/Dec).
  • Lower prices: Winter (Jan-Mar), excluding vacation times.
  • Book flights well in advance for peak travel times for better rates.

Shopping & Dining

Extensive shopping, dining, and duty-free stores available at MUC.

Amenities

Lounges, hotels, car rental services, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.

Health Services

Medical services, pharmacies, and prayer rooms are available for passengers.

Airport Transfers to the City

Public Transport Options

  • S-Bahn (S1 & S8): Connects to Munich Hauptbahnhof (40-45 mins).
  • Lufthansa Fast Bus: Direct to Hauptbahnhof (45 mins).
  • Purchase a single admission for Zone M-5 or an Airport-City-Day-Ticket.
  • Rail and bus services operate frequently (every 10-20 mins).

Private & On-Demand Services

  • Taxi: Available at all terminals, 35-45 minutes to city center.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber, Bolt, and FREE NOW services operate.
  • Car Rental: Major agencies located at the airport. Consider DiscoverCars.com.
  • Fixed rates apply for specific taxi routes.

Transfer Options Overview

S-Bahn Efficiency

Offers a cost-effective transfer to the city center, frequent and integrated into the MVV network.

Lufthansa Express Bus

A direct and comfortable bus service, also a cost-effective option to Hauptbahnhof.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Convenient for direct routes or if carrying heavy luggage, but generally more expensive.

Land Transportation to Munich

Train Connections & Deutsche Bahn

Germany's national railway company, Germany's National railway (DB), operates extensive services.

Munich Hauptbahnhof

  • Major hub for national (Berlin, Frankfurt) and international train travel (Vienna, Prague).
  • ICE (Intercity-Express) trains for comfortable, fast long-distance travel.
  • Frequent and extensive connections across Germany and Europe.

Long-Distance Bus Travel

FlixBus is the dominant long-distance bus operator, offering extensive routes.

FlixBus & Munich ZOB

  • Munich ZOB (Central Bus Station) is a primary hub for FlixBus.
  • Offers a cost-effective alternative to trains for numerous German and European cities.
  • Provides a wide network of connections for budget travelers.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements & Rules

  • Valid national driver's license; International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended.
  • Drive on the right side of the road; seatbelts mandatory for all.
  • Autobahn sections may have no general speed limit (advisory 80 mph).

Road Conditions & Safety

Germany possesses great, well-maintained roads. Safety standards are high.

Aspects

  • Road conditions are generally excellent throughout Germany.
  • Be aware of high speeds on the Autobahn where limits are lifted.
  • Drunk driving laws are strict and heavily enforced.

Border Crossing Information

  • Germany is part of the Schengen Area.
  • No routine border checks when traveling by land from neighboring Countries in the schengen area.
  • Carry your passport or ID card for identification purposes; officials may check it.
  • Munich is an inland city; sea or river arrivals are not applicable for direct international travel.
  • No ferry services or cruise ports for direct arrivals.
  • Isar river transportation is mainly for recreational purposes.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure with care for a smooth journey home. No specific exit fees or taxes are levied directly on departing passengers at MUC.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • International Flights (non-Schengen): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Schengen Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Complete check-in, security screening, and passport control.

Airport Facilities for Departure

Munich Airport and Hauptbahnhof offer a range of facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities & Services

  • Munich Airport: Extensive retail options, dining, lounges, duty-free shopping.
  • Munich Hauptbahnhof: Shops, restaurants, luggage storage, waiting areas.
  • Online check-in is recommended to save time at the airport.

Early Arrival

Allow ample time for check-in and security, especially for international flights.

Online Check-in

Use online check-in to streamline your departure process and save time.

Document Readiness

Have all the travel documents you need and identification readily accessible.

Customs & Security Information

Customs Declarations

Familiarize yourself with customs regulations for your destination country regarding goods and currency.

Items to Declare

  • Goods exceeding duty-free allowances.
  • Large amounts of currency (typically over €10,000 when leaving the EU).
  • Certain restricted items like alcohol, tobacco, or valuable goods.

Security Screening

Prepare for airport security screenings. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must follow 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags.

Screening Tips

  • Remove electronics from carry-on bags.
  • Be prepared to remove shoes, belts, and outer garments.
  • Follow all instructions from security personnel.

Connecting Flights Information

Minimum Connection Times

Check with your airline or travel agent for recommended minimum connection times at MUC.

Terminal Transfers

Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by the Munich Airport Center (MAC) for easy transfers.

Baggage Re-check

Confirm if your luggage is checked through to your final destination or needs re-checking.

How to Get to Munich. Flights, Transportation, Airlines