Overview
Munich Airport (MUC) is located 30 kilometres northeast of the city centre. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by the MAC (Munich Airport Center), which houses the S-Bahn station.
Munich Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is the city’s primary intercity rail terminus, serving most ICE and regional trains, and directly connected to U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus lines.
Munich Ostbahnhof (OST) lies in the Haidhausen district and is a key stop for trains heading to Austria and Italy via Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Munich Pasing is a major western hub and a mandatory stop for ICE trains arriving from Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Paris.
Use DB Navigator to book ICE and regional train tickets and access your digital QR code ticket offline.
Transfer Options
Luggage Storage
Staffed Service Centers are located in Terminal 1 (Level 03) and Terminal 2 (Level 03). There are no self-service lockers at the airport for security reasons.
Munich is one of Europe’s best airports — if time is short, the airside food hall and rooftop terrace on T2 are worth exploring in themselves.
The S1/S8 runs every 10 min to Marienplatz in 40 min (€13.20 one-way; MVV day ticket €15.50 covers the airport zone and all city travel).
- Under 5h — stay airside. Timing is too tight.
- 6-8h — Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt (food market), and the English Garden Eisbach surfer wave. All in a walkable cluster. Allow 1h 30min round trip.
- 9h+ — Add Nymphenburg Palace or the Deutsches Museum (the world’s largest science museum). No advance booking needed for either.
Self-service lockers are located near Platform 26 and the south exit corridor. Lockers require €1 and €2 coins. A staffed counter is also available nearby.
Self-service lockers are located in the main concourse near the Orleansplatz exit.
A limited number of small and medium lockers are available near the South Exit corridor. If you are visiting during shopping hours, the Pasing Arcaden shopping center located right next to the station offers additional storage.
Visitor Cards and Passes
Munich offers two official tourist guest cards and the CityTourCard, each combining public transit with attraction discounts.
Munich Card
The Munich Card provides reductions of up to 70% at museums, tours, and attractions, with an optional transit pass. Prices per adult (1 day):
- No transit: from €5.90
- Zone M (city): €16.90
- Overall area (incl. airport): €28.90
- Group (2–5 persons, Zone M): €29.90
Munich City Pass
The Munich City Pass includes free entry at 40+ top attractions plus optional unlimited transit. Adult prices: from €39.90 (no transit), €55.90 (Zone M), or €66.90 (overall area incl. airport).
CityTourCard
The CityTourCard bundles unlimited transit (Zone M, M-6, or M-12) with up to 50% discounts at 100+ partners. Available for 24h to 6 days as a single or group ticket (up to 5 adults). Buy via the MVGO app or MVG ticket machines.
Purchase the Munich Card and City Pass online or at the Tourist Information at Marienplatz.
Munich Card & City Pass – Official PricesCityTourCard MunichUse MVGO for its “swipe-to-pay” feature that automatically calculates the cheapest fare and integrates local bike-sharing, while Citymapper remains the superior navigator for its “best carriage” advice and precise station exit details.
Public Transit
S-Bahn and U-Bahn
The S-Bahn is the most efficient route to the city. Lines S1 and S8 both reach Munich Hauptbahnhof and Marienplatz in approximately 40–45 minutes. The recommended ticket is the Airport-City-Day-Ticket (from €17.50), valid for unlimited travel between the airport and city for the day.
From Hauptbahnhof, the U-Bahn and S-Bahn reach Marienplatz in just 3 minutes. A single ticket costs €4.20 (Zone M); a day ticket starts at €10.10.
The S-Bahn (all lines) connects to Marienplatz in about 7–10 minutes. The U5 subway also terminates here, linking Odeonsplatz and the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest grounds).
Take any eastbound S-Bahn (S3, S4, S6, S8) to reach the city centre; the journey to Hauptbahnhof takes approximately 12 minutes. Single tickets are €4.20 (Zone M).
Tickets and Validation
Use the blue MVG or red DB machines. Select the English flag.
If you buy a physical ticket from a machine, check for a timestamp. If there is none, you must insert it into the small blue “Entwerter” boxes on the platform before boarding to avoid a €60 fine. Digital tickets via MVGO do not need validation.
Bus (Lufthansa Express)
The Lufthansa Express Bus runs every 20 minutes between the Airport and Munich Central Station (Arnulfstr. 12) via Schwabing. It costs €12.00 (online) or €13.00 (from the driver) and takes about 45 minutes.
While the bus offers free Wi-Fi and luggage racks, it is subject to Munich’s heavy “A9” highway traffic. During rush hours, always choose the S-Bahn to ensure you arrive on time.
Official Taxi
Ranks are outside Arrivals at Terminal 1 (Modules A-E) and Terminal 2. Fixed price to the city is approx. €95.
Ranks are immediately outside the North (Arnulfstrasse) and South (Bayerstrasse) exits. A ride to the city center costs €10–€15.
The taxi rank is at the main exit on Orleansplatz, directly in front of the station building. A ride within the city center costs €10–€15.
The main taxi rank is at Pasinger Bahnhofsplatz (South side, old station building). A second rank is at the north portal on Josef-Felder-Straße. A ride to the city center costs €20–€30.
Always confirm “Karte?” (Card?) before entering. While most accept cards, some older drivers prefer cash.
Rideshare
Uber and Freenow are the primary apps. Note that in Munich, rideshare vehicles are strictly prohibited from using the official ivory taxi ranks.
For arrivals at Modules A or B, follow signs across the street to Terminal Parken P1 / T1 A + B and take the elevator to the designated VTC area on Level 3.
For all other Terminal 1 modules, simply exit the baggage hall and meet your driver at the ground-level Kiss & Ride lane located directly in front of the terminal.
Follow the signs for Mietwagen or P20 and go to Level 3, where the dedicated pickup bays for app-based rides are located.
Drivers cannot use the main front entrance or taxi ranks. Use the side exits: Arnulfstraße (North) or Bayerstraße (South). Arnulfstraße is the most common meeting point for Uber.
Meet your driver at the main front entrance at Orleansplatz. Avoid the Friedenstraße (back) exit as it is less accessible for drivers.
Use the South Exit (Pasinger Bahnhofsplatz) for the most reliable taxi and rideshare pickups.
Ensure your app is linked to a card with no foreign transaction fees. During major events (Oktoberfest, football), rideshare prices can triple. If the app quote is high, check the official taxi rank, as regulated prices may be lower.
Use Freenow to book official taxis that can bypass traffic in dedicated bus lanes for the fastest travel through Munich.
Use Uber for a familiar and reliable experience with consistent upfront pricing.
Bolt serves as the budget-friendly alternative with the lowest fares, though you should expect slightly longer wait times due to its smaller driver fleet.
ATMs and Currency
Avoid bright blue/yellow Euronet ATMs, which charge high fees. When any ATM asks to “Convert” the transaction to your home currency, always decline to get the better interbank rate.
Accessibility & Safety
- Accessibility: Munich Airport is highly accessible. Free Mobility Service is available for passengers with reduced mobility — pre-book at least 48 hours before departure through your airline or travel agent. Mobility Service Points with comfortable seating and a dedicated coordinator are located at Terminal 1, Module B, Level 04 and Terminal 2, Departure Area, Level 04. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at any information counter.
- Safety: Ignore anyone in the arrivals hall offering unofficial taxi rides at cheap rates — always use official taxi ranks or pre-booked transfers.
- Accessibility: Munich Central Station has step-free access throughout, with lifts serving all platforms. The DB Mobility Service Centre (☎ 030 65212888, Mon–Fri 06:00–22:00, Sat/Sun/holidays 08:00–20:00) can arrange boarding and alighting assistance on request. Mobile service staff in burgundy caps are on hand throughout the station for immediate help.
- Safety: The area immediately south of the station (Bayerstrasse exit) can feel unsafe late at night. Stick to the main hall and well-lit routes after dark. Genuine ticket inspectors must show ID — never pay a fine “on the spot” in cash.
High-speed ICE trains sometimes stop at Section G, up to 300 metres from the main concourse. Check the departure board for your platform allocation before the train arrives and allow extra walking time.
- Accessibility: Munich East station is fully accessible with lifts to all platforms. Allow extra time as the walk between the U-Bahn concourse and the long-distance platforms can be significant.
- Safety: The station area is generally safe. The Friedenstraße exit can be poorly lit at night — use the main entrance after dark.
- Accessibility: Pasing is a modern, fully accessible station with lifts to all platforms. It is smaller and easier to navigate than Munich Central for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Safety: A quiet, residential-focused station with no notable safety concerns.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The Lost & Found office (Service Center) is located in the Munich Airport Center (MAC), Level 03. Open daily 06:00–22:30. Lost or found items can also be reported online via the Munich Airport website.
Munich Airport Lost & FoundThe DB Lost & Found Office is located at Munich Central Station. Report your loss within 7 days — found items are held for one week. ☎ 089 13086664 · Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 07:30–19:00 · Wed 15:00–19:00 · Sat, Sun & holidays 08:00–18:00
DB Lost & Found – Munich Central StationFor items lost on a train or at the station, contact the DB Lost & Found service. Items should be reported within 7 days of the loss.
DB Lost & Found – Munich S-BahnFirst Aid
Munich Airport has a 24/7 emergency clinic with two doctor-staffed ambulance vehicles on standby throughout the airport grounds. In a medical emergency, call 112. The clinic also offers travel medicine consultations and vaccinations.
Emergency Ambulance – Munich AirportIn any medical emergency, call 112. Ambulances respond to all stations across the city.
Pharmacy
Metropolitan Pharmacy has branches in the Munich Airport Center (MAC) and in the departure areas of both terminals. The pharmacy stocks over 12,000 products and qualified staff provide individual health advice.
Pharmacy – Munich AirportInternationale Hauptbahnhof Apotheke is at Bayerstrasse 27, just outside the station’s south exit — step-free access with an automatic door. Open Mon–Sat 08:00–20:00. Staff speak multiple languages including English.
Internationale Hauptbahnhof ApothekeOverview
Munich Airport (MUC) is located 30 kilometres northeast of the city centre. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by the MAC (Munich Airport Center), which houses the S-Bahn station.
Munich Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is the city’s primary intercity rail terminus, serving most ICE and regional trains, and directly connected to U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus lines.
Munich Ostbahnhof (OST) lies in the Haidhausen district and is a key stop for trains heading to Austria and Italy via Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Munich Pasing is a major western hub and a mandatory stop for ICE trains arriving from Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Paris.
Use DB Navigator to book ICE and regional train tickets and access your digital QR code ticket offline.
Transfer Options
Luggage Storage
Staffed Service Centers are located in Terminal 1 (Level 03) and Terminal 2 (Level 03). There are no self-service lockers at the airport for security reasons.
Munich is one of Europe’s best airports — if time is short, the airside food hall and rooftop terrace on T2 are worth exploring in themselves.
The S1/S8 runs every 10 min to Marienplatz in 40 min (€13.20 one-way; MVV day ticket €15.50 covers the airport zone and all city travel).
- Under 5h — stay airside. Timing is too tight.
- 6-8h — Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt (food market), and the English Garden Eisbach surfer wave. All in a walkable cluster. Allow 1h 30min round trip.
- 9h+ — Add Nymphenburg Palace or the Deutsches Museum (the world’s largest science museum). No advance booking needed for either.
Self-service lockers are located near Platform 26 and the south exit corridor. Lockers require €1 and €2 coins. A staffed counter is also available nearby.
Self-service lockers are located in the main concourse near the Orleansplatz exit.
A limited number of small and medium lockers are available near the South Exit corridor. If you are visiting during shopping hours, the Pasing Arcaden shopping center located right next to the station offers additional storage.
Visitor Cards and Passes
Munich offers two official tourist guest cards and the CityTourCard, each combining public transit with attraction discounts.
Munich Card
The Munich Card provides reductions of up to 70% at museums, tours, and attractions, with an optional transit pass. Prices per adult (1 day):
- No transit: from €5.90
- Zone M (city): €16.90
- Overall area (incl. airport): €28.90
- Group (2–5 persons, Zone M): €29.90
Munich City Pass
The Munich City Pass includes free entry at 40+ top attractions plus optional unlimited transit. Adult prices: from €39.90 (no transit), €55.90 (Zone M), or €66.90 (overall area incl. airport).
CityTourCard
The CityTourCard bundles unlimited transit (Zone M, M-6, or M-12) with up to 50% discounts at 100+ partners. Available for 24h to 6 days as a single or group ticket (up to 5 adults). Buy via the MVGO app or MVG ticket machines.
Purchase the Munich Card and City Pass online or at the Tourist Information at Marienplatz.
Munich Card & City Pass – Official PricesCityTourCard MunichUse MVGO for its “swipe-to-pay” feature that automatically calculates the cheapest fare and integrates local bike-sharing, while Citymapper remains the superior navigator for its “best carriage” advice and precise station exit details.
Public Transit
S-Bahn and U-Bahn
The S-Bahn is the most efficient route to the city. Lines S1 and S8 both reach Munich Hauptbahnhof and Marienplatz in approximately 40–45 minutes. The recommended ticket is the Airport-City-Day-Ticket (from €17.50), valid for unlimited travel between the airport and city for the day.
From Hauptbahnhof, the U-Bahn and S-Bahn reach Marienplatz in just 3 minutes. A single ticket costs €4.20 (Zone M); a day ticket starts at €10.10.
The S-Bahn (all lines) connects to Marienplatz in about 7–10 minutes. The U5 subway also terminates here, linking Odeonsplatz and the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest grounds).
Take any eastbound S-Bahn (S3, S4, S6, S8) to reach the city centre; the journey to Hauptbahnhof takes approximately 12 minutes. Single tickets are €4.20 (Zone M).
Tickets and Validation
Use the blue MVG or red DB machines. Select the English flag.
If you buy a physical ticket from a machine, check for a timestamp. If there is none, you must insert it into the small blue “Entwerter” boxes on the platform before boarding to avoid a €60 fine. Digital tickets via MVGO do not need validation.
Bus (Lufthansa Express)
The Lufthansa Express Bus runs every 20 minutes between the Airport and Munich Central Station (Arnulfstr. 12) via Schwabing. It costs €12.00 (online) or €13.00 (from the driver) and takes about 45 minutes.
While the bus offers free Wi-Fi and luggage racks, it is subject to Munich’s heavy “A9” highway traffic. During rush hours, always choose the S-Bahn to ensure you arrive on time.
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive 2 hours before European/Schengen flights and at least 3 hours before intercontinental departures (North America, Asia, Middle East).
Most airlines at MUC offer online check-in and self-service kiosks for boarding passes and bag tags. Use self-service bag drop machines to skip staffed counter queues.
Your check-in zone is printed on your ticket:
- T1A–T1E: Terminal 1 (non-Lufthansa carriers, e.g. Emirates, Delta)
- T2: Terminal 2 central hall (Lufthansa + Star Alliance partners)
- Gates K/L: Satellite Terminal — automated shuttle from T2 runs every 2–4 minutes (under 1 minute travel time)
Some airlines allow baggage drop the evening before departure, useful for early-morning flights. Usually only for departures before noon — confirm with your airline as a fee may apply.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Munich Airport has deployed CT scanners at 18 checkpoints in Terminal 1 (Module D, level 5; T1 Pier) and Terminal 2 (central checkpoint):
- At CT lanes: Electronics and liquids (up to 2 liters per container) can remain in your bag — no removal required.
- At conventional lanes: Liquids must be in a clear, resealable zip-top bag (100 ml per container, max 1 liter total); remove electronics.
Not all checkpoints are CT-equipped yet — you may be directed to either type and have no control over this.
Security Screening & Passport ControlPassport Control
- Schengen zone flights (most of Europe): No passport control.
- Non-Schengen flights (UK, USA, Turkey, etc.): Passport control is required after the security checkpoint.
- EasyPASS automated gates are available at both terminals for EU/EEA biometric passport holders.
VAT Refunds
Germany’s standard VAT is 19%. Non-EU residents can reclaim it on goods taken home:
- Get the form at the shop — ask for a Tax Free / Global Blue export certificate at the point of purchase.
- Visit Customs (Zoll) — present the unused goods, certificate, receipts, passport, and a same-day ticket.
- Checked-bag items: go to Customs before check-in.
- Carry-on items: go to Customs after security.
- Collect your refund — take the stamped certificate to a Global Blue or Planet counter.
Never bury tax-free purchases in your checked luggage before visiting Customs. If the officer cannot inspect the item, they will refuse to stamp your form and you will lose the refund.
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive 30 minutes before long-distance ICE, EC, or Railjet departures. For regional trains, 15 minutes is enough — there are no boarding gates or check-in counters.
Check the digital departure boards in the main hall for your Gleis (platform number). If you have a digital ticket with a reservation, use DB’s Komfort Check-In in the DB Navigator app — the conductor will not need to check your ticket on board.
Look for the Wagenstandanzeiger (coach sequence map) on the platform — it shows exactly where each carriage stops in sections A, B, or C. This saves you from sprinting down the platform once the train arrives.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
There is no security screening at German rail stations. Walk directly from street level to your platform — no X-ray, no bag scan. Your ticket will be checked by a conductor after the train departs.
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive 20–30 minutes before long-distance EuroCity or Nightjet departures, and 15 minutes before regional trains. The station is more compact than the Hauptbahnhof.
Ostbahnhof is the main departure point for trains to Austria (Salzburg, Innsbruck) and Italy (Venice, Verona). Check digital departure boards for your Gleis (platform). No check-in or advance boarding procedure is required.
München Ost – Station InfoSecurity Controls
Security & Screening
There is no security screening at German rail stations. Walk directly to your platform. The conductor checks tickets once the train is in motion.
Elevators are available for all platforms but are located toward the center of the platform tunnels. Follow Aufzug signs if you have heavy luggage.
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive 20 minutes before departure. Most ICE trains toward Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Paris stop here after leaving the Hauptbahnhof — Pasing is a quieter alternative if you are staying in western Munich (Nymphenburg, Laim).
Check digital displays in the station tunnel or main entrance hall for your Gleis (platform). No check-in or advance boarding procedure is required.
München-Pasing – Station InfoSecurity Controls
Security & Screening
There is no security screening at German rail stations. Proceed directly to your platform. Your ticket will be checked by a conductor after departure.
Accessibility & Safety
- Accessibility: Munich Airport is highly accessible. Free Mobility Service is available for passengers with reduced mobility — pre-book at least 48 hours before departure through your airline or travel agent. Mobility Service Points with comfortable seating and a dedicated coordinator are located at Terminal 1, Module B, Level 04 and Terminal 2, Departure Area, Level 04. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at any information counter.
- Safety: Ignore anyone in the arrivals hall offering unofficial taxi rides at cheap rates — always use official taxi ranks or pre-booked transfers.
- Accessibility: Munich Central Station has step-free access throughout, with lifts serving all platforms. The DB Mobility Service Centre (☎ 030 65212888, Mon–Fri 06:00–22:00, Sat/Sun/holidays 08:00–20:00) can arrange boarding and alighting assistance on request. Mobile service staff in burgundy caps are on hand throughout the station for immediate help.
- Safety: The area immediately south of the station (Bayerstrasse exit) can feel unsafe late at night. Stick to the main hall and well-lit routes after dark. Genuine ticket inspectors must show ID — never pay a fine “on the spot” in cash.
High-speed ICE trains sometimes stop at Section G, up to 300 metres from the main concourse. Check the departure board for your platform allocation before the train arrives and allow extra walking time.
- Accessibility: Munich East station is fully accessible with lifts to all platforms. Allow extra time as the walk between the U-Bahn concourse and the long-distance platforms can be significant.
- Safety: The station area is generally safe. The Friedenstraße exit can be poorly lit at night — use the main entrance after dark.
- Accessibility: Pasing is a modern, fully accessible station with lifts to all platforms. It is smaller and easier to navigate than Munich Central for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Safety: A quiet, residential-focused station with no notable safety concerns.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The Lost & Found office (Service Center) is located in the Munich Airport Center (MAC), Level 03. Open daily 06:00–22:30. Lost or found items can also be reported online via the Munich Airport website.
Munich Airport Lost & FoundThe DB Lost & Found Office is located at Munich Central Station. Report your loss within 7 days — found items are held for one week. ☎ 089 13086664 · Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 07:30–19:00 · Wed 15:00–19:00 · Sat, Sun & holidays 08:00–18:00
DB Lost & Found – Munich Central StationFor items lost on a train or at the station, contact the DB Lost & Found service. Items should be reported within 7 days of the loss.
DB Lost & Found – Munich S-BahnFirst Aid
Munich Airport has a 24/7 emergency clinic with two doctor-staffed ambulance vehicles on standby throughout the airport grounds. In a medical emergency, call 112. The clinic also offers travel medicine consultations and vaccinations.
Emergency Ambulance – Munich AirportIn any medical emergency, call 112. Ambulances respond to all stations across the city.
Pharmacy
Metropolitan Pharmacy has branches in the Munich Airport Center (MAC) and in the departure areas of both terminals. The pharmacy stocks over 12,000 products and qualified staff provide individual health advice.
Pharmacy – Munich AirportInternationale Hauptbahnhof Apotheke is at Bayerstrasse 27, just outside the station’s south exit — step-free access with an automatic door. Open Mon–Sat 08:00–20:00. Staff speak multiple languages including English.
Internationale Hauptbahnhof Apotheke