Layover in Munich

Transiting through Munich International Airport

Munich International Airport (MUC) is a major gateway for visitors to Germany and is one of the busiest airports across Europe. Located around 29 kilometers from Munich’s bustling city center, passengers can connect easily to the airport’s two terminals via private and public transportation, as well as to the Munich Airport Center Forum (MAC Forum).

Whether you’re passing through Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2) or the T2 satellite terminal during your Munich layover, there are ample facilities and services on offer to meet your needs and keep you entertained. Amenities include airport lounges, restaurants, free WiFi, sleeping areas, countless shops and restaurants, and a Visitors Park filled with interactive experiences for the whole family.

What to do on a Munich Airport layover

If you find yourself with a 2 to 4-hour layover in Munich, we recommend staying close to the airport. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to keep you busy while you wait. 

Boutiques and high-end luxury stores are plentiful in both terminals, with names like Boss, Lacoste, and Ralph Lauren featured in the 150-strong directory. Similarly, you won’t be short on choices on where to eat, with more than 65 bars, cafes, restaurants, and bistros available, including Bavarian favorites such as dumplings and schnitzel from Viktualien Stubn and Wiener’s.

No layover at Munich Airport is complete without a locally crafted beer; for a pint and views over the runway, stop by Airbräu or Adelholzener Bar in Terminal 2. Or if you’re after something healthy, visit the Foodji station to have nutritious meals prepared in no time.

For some zen time, head to one of several Recreation Areas across Terminal 2. Each space is equipped with reclining chairs, charging ports, workstations, and lots of greenery. For the men, head to the Barber House (T2) for some sprucing up before your next flight. If you need some quiet reflection, a chapel and prayer rooms are available for use 24/7. 

Last but not least, for those with a 5-hour layover in Munich, you might like to exit the terminal building to visit the observation area, or the MAC Forum, which often hosts events and markets (don’t miss the Christmas markets!) in the largest undercover and open-air space in Europe.

*To keep the kids entertained, interactive playgrounds can be found in T1 and T2, and the LEGO store offers all the latest builds. 

Munich Airport transit hotels and lounges

If you’re transiting through Munich Airport on a long layover, leaving the terminal to get some proper rest can be the perfect antidote to combating any jet lag. The Hilton Munich Airport Hotel and Novotel Munich Airport are both conveniently located within the airport complex, accessible via a 24/7 shuttle service.

There are day rooms available, as well as a fitness center, and the Hilton’s Mountain Hub spa is the ideal location to relax and unwind.

If you don’t have a long layover in Munich, but you’re tired from traveling, the napcabs sleepbods in Terminal 2 are a solid alternative to a hotel. Each pod provides a private space for working or sleeping, with rates starting at €12 for one hour (minimum price of €34). As mentioned above, the Recreation Areas are also a great place to take some rest, and best of all, they’re free to use!

Otherwise, if you just need to freshen up, you can use the public showers in the MAC building and Terminal 2 for a fee of €20 (plus €20 deposit), which includes a towel and all amenities. 

Most airline lounges have showers too, in addition to a range of food options, complimentary beverages, comfortable and private seating areas, and free WiFi — perfect for a 6-hour layover in Munich when you’re looking for some downtime. The Airport Lounge World facility (non-Schengen), the Air France KLM Lounge, Emirates, and Airport Lounge Europe (Schengen) are located in Terminal 1, while Lufthansa lounges can be found in Terminal 2.

For a full list of available hotels, lounges, and more, check out our Munich Airport Guide.

Things to do in Munich during a layover

If you land in Munich with a layover, the time needed to explore beyond the terminal will depend on whether your luggage is checked all the way through and whether you’re transiting between Schengen and non-Schengen countries.

Nevertheless, we recommend having at least a 6 to 7-hour layover in Munich if you wish to venture into the city center and beyond. A great starting point is a guided walking tour of the Old Town area, with stopping-off points at the Residenz Palace and Viktualienmarkt, where you can pick up some local delicacies and treats. Reaching downtown is easy; you have the choice of a 35-minute taxi or private transfer, or you can take the S-Bahn train (40 minutes) or the Lufthansa Express Bus (45 minutes).

If you have a 10-hour layover in Munich, you could extend your city visit to include the impressive Schloss Nymphenburg and its expansive gardens, or you might like to marvel at the lavish collections of gold and jewels at Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory.

If the weather is fine and you have a 12-hour layover in Munich, a stroll around the Botanical Gardens is always an afternoon well spent, or you could float down the picturesque canals of Munich in a Venetian gondola. Then why not round out the day with a cold beer at Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest working brewery?

There’s also plenty to do right on the doorstep of the airport. The MAC building includes conveniences such as the Rewe market, a dental practice, and other healthcare facilities. Or, you could experience a behind-the-scenes view with a Munich layover tour of the airport. Lastly, the nearby Visitors Park has a collection of real planes, providing an interactive aviation experience that children and adults will both love.

*For complete flexibility without the wait times and a local English-speaking driver, you could also organize a Munich private layover tour with Welcome Pickups and have someone make all the arrangements for you!

Tips for a Short Layover at Munich Airport

• Have a nap in one of the Relaxation Areas of the terminal.
• Use the high-speed unlimited Wi-Fi to check flight updates, download entertainment, or sort your onward travel plans.
• Visit a runway-facing lounge or terminal café like Café Eiffel or EXKi in 2E/2F for a leisurely drink, snack, or glass of local wine.
• Visit the Chi-Mas Institute in T2 (Gates G/H) for a massage or spa treatment.
• If possible, skip airport exchange booths due to poor rates. Instead, use contactless cards or withdraw euros from ATMs with competitive fees.

Tips for a Long Layover in Munich

• If you don’t quite have enough time to leave the airport, book a cabin at napcabs sleep pods inside Terminal 2 (Gates G06/H32/L04). Cabins are available for as little as 1 hour and include a bed, workstation, and Wi-Fi.
• Head to one of MUC’s premium lounges (Lufthansa, Star Alliance, etc.) in Terminals 1 and 2. You’ll find hot showers, buffet meals, quiet zones, and even nap pods in some.
• If you’ve got at least 6-7 hours, you can catch the S-Bahn train or take a taxi into Munich city center. Plot your must-sees in advance and pre-book your walking tour of Old Town.
• Take advantage of luggage storage options in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 2 and the Airport Center.

Flight connections

Visa Required: Certain nationalities may require a transit or short-stay Schengen visa.

Average Flight Connection Time: The minimum connection time is 40 minutes on a single ticket. For separate flights, allow at least 2 hours.

Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 6-7 hours

How you transit through Munich Airport for a connecting flight will depend on whether you have booked a single flight with one booking reference or two flights with individual booking references.

Single booking: Your bags will be checked all the way through to your final destination. If you are arriving from and departing to a country within the Schengen area, you won’t need to clear Passport Control. If you are transferring from a Schengen area to a non-Schengen area, and vice versa, you will need to clear Passport Control. 

Separate bookings: Your luggage will need to be collected in Munich, which means you will need to follow regular Munich Airport Departures procedures, including check-in, Security, and Passport Control. Be sure to allow at least 2 hours between flights.

The final scenario is when you are transferring between two non-Schengen areas, which often poses the question, “Can you leave Munich Airport during a layover?” Firstly, if you choose to stay within the airport transit zone, you most likely won’t need a Munich layover visa, but this depends on your country of origin. Otherwise, you may need to apply for a Munich layover transit visa (Type A); however, many countries can enter for free for up to 90 days within a 180-day rolling period. 

A free shuttle bus operates between Terminals 1 and 2, departing every 10 to 20 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00. The ride takes around 7 minutes. If you need to transfer to or from the T2 satellite building and the main terminal, you’ll need to use the free underground PTS shuttle train. Trains depart every 4 minutes between 04:00 and midnight and take just 1 minute.