Munich Airport Transportation
Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.
Munich Airport offers several convenient transport options connecting the airport with Munich city center, the rest of Bavaria, and nearby European destinations. Thanks to its modern infrastructure, travelers can easily reach the airport using public transport, private transfers, or rental vehicles.
Below are the main transportation options available at the airport.
Buses and Shuttle Services
Munich Airport operates several bus routes and shuttle services linking the airport with the city center and surrounding regions.
Lufthansa Express Bus (Airport Shuttle)
One of the most popular services is the Lufthansa Express Bus, which provides a direct connection between the airport and Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof).
Location at the airport
- Bus stops outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Clearly signposted in the arrivals area
Typical destinations
- Munich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)
- Munich Nord / Schwabing district
Travel time
- Around 40–50 minutes
Approximate price
- About €11–€13 one way
- Around €19 return
Frequency
- Approximately every 20 minutes
If your hotel is close to Munich Central Station, this shuttle can be more comfortable than the train because it offers extra space for luggage and fewer intermediate stops.
Regional Buses
Regional bus services also connect the airport with nearby towns and transport hubs.
Common destinations
- Freising
- Erding
- Landshut
- nearby railway stations
Long-distance coach operators such as FlixBus also run routes linking the airport with other European cities.
During winter, several direct buses from the airport serve ski resorts in the Bavarian Alps and Austria, which can save time compared with train connections.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis are available 24 hours a day outside both terminals.
Location
- Official taxi ranks outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals areas
Travel time to the city center
- Approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic
Approximate fare
- Typically between €80 and €110 to central Munich
Available services
- Standard taxis (up to 4 passengers)
- Large taxis or minivans
- Pre-booked private transfers
- Ride-hailing services such as Uber
Common destinations
- Marienplatz (historic center)
- Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof)
- Schwabing district
- Messe München exhibition center
If three or four people travel together, a taxi can cost roughly the same as multiple train tickets and may be much more convenient with luggage.
Train / Metro / Tram
Munich Airport does not have a direct metro or tram connection, but it is linked to the city through the S-Bahn suburban train network, which is the most popular option for many travelers.
S-Bahn Trains (Lines S1 and S8)
Two suburban rail lines connect the airport directly with Munich city center.
Station location
- Underground station located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Frequency
- Approximately every 10 minutes (combined frequency of both lines)
Travel time
- Around 35–45 minutes
Approximate ticket price
- About €11–€13
Major stops
- Marienplatz (city center)
- Munich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)
- Ostbahnhof
Traveler Tip:
- S1 travels through the western side of Munich
- S8 runs through the eastern side
Choose the line closest to your destination to avoid transfers.
If you plan to use public transport throughout the day, consider buying the Airport-City Day Ticket, which is often cheaper than purchasing several individual tickets.
Car Rental
Car rental is a popular option for travelers who want to explore Bavaria, Austria, or the Alps.
Location
- Rental car counters are located in the Munich Airport Center (MAC) between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Major rental companies
- Sixt
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Avis
- Enterprise
Approximate price
- From about €50–€90 per day, depending on vehicle type and season.
Popular destinations by car
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Salzburg (Austria)
- Innsbruck
- Bavarian Alps
- Lake Chiemsee
If you plan to visit several places in Bavaria, renting a car can be more flexible and efficient than relying on trains.
Getting to the Airport by Private Car
Munich Airport is located about 38 km (24 miles) northeast of Munich city center and is easily accessible by highway.
Main highways
- A92 (the most direct route)
- A9 from northern Germany
- A8 from Stuttgart or Salzburg
Typical driving time
- Around 30–40 minutes from the city center in normal traffic conditions.
GPS destination
- Munich Airport / Flughafen München
Airport parking options
- Short-term parking
- Long-term parking
- Economy parking areas
- Valet parking services
Parking usually starts at around €30 per day, depending on the parking area and availability.
Booking airport parking online in advance can often reduce the cost by up to 50%, especially during peak travel seasons.
Transfers
If you want private transportation to and from Munich Airport you can book a transfer.
Quick Transport Comparison
| Transport Option | Travel Time to City Center | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|
| S-Bahn Train | 35–45 minutes | €11–€13 |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | 40–50 minutes | €11–€13 |
| Taxi / Ride-Hailing | 30–45 minutes | €80–€110 |
| Rental Car | 30–40 minutes | €50–€90 per day |