First time at Munich Airport: rules and information

First time at Munich Airport: rules and information

Roman SaulinRoman Saulin

Munich Airport, also known as Franz Josef Strauss Airport, is one of the busiest airports in Germany. It serves millions of passengers each year and is located about 28 kilometers northeast of Munich’s city center. Opened in 1992, the airport is known for its modern facilities and efficient operations. In 2025, it handled 43.4 million passengers, making it Germany’s second-largest airport by passenger traffic. It is a major hub for Lufthansa and an important international connection point. For those with extra baggage, there is a convenient Munich Airport storage point where you can safely leave your luggage while you explore the terminal or visit Munich.

At Munich Airport, visitors can enjoy a variety of services that make traveling more comfortable and enjoyable. The airport features duty-free shops, high-end boutiques, and restaurants offering both local Bavarian and international cuisine. There are also lounges where passengers can relax while waiting for their flights.

Munich Airport Bag Policy

Types of Bags Allowed

Passengers traveling through Munich Airport are allowed to bring carry-on luggage that complies with the size and weight restrictions set by their airline. There is no single airport-wide allowance for the number, size, or weight of cabin bags, so passengers should check their airline’s specific rules before arriving.

Liquid rules depend on the type of security checkpoint used. At checkpoints equipped with CT scanners, liquids in containers of up to 2 liters may remain inside carry-on luggage. At conventional security checkpoints, liquids must still be in containers of no more than 100 ml, with all containers fitting into one transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. Medication, baby food, and special dietary foods may be carried in larger containers when required.

Types of Bags Not Allowed

Bags that exceed the size or weight limits set by the airline may need to be checked in at the airline’s counter. Bags containing prohibited articles will not be allowed through security. Weapons, explosives, certain sharp objects, and other dangerous or hazardous items are restricted or prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Munich Airport Lockers

Munich Airport provides a staffed left-luggage service rather than ordinary self-service lockers. The Service Center staff in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 can store luggage for passengers temporarily.

The left-luggage facilities are located in the public area. The current opening hours are 5:00 am to 11:30 pm in Terminal 1 and 6:00 am to 10:00 pm in Terminal 2. Fees vary according to the size, weight, and storage period of the item.

This service can be useful for travelers with long layovers or those who want to explore Munich without carrying their luggage.

Munich Airport Transportation

Travelers have several convenient transportation options to get to and from Munich Airport:

The S-Bahn is a popular and affordable way to travel between the airport and Munich’s city center. The S1 and S8 lines connect the airport with central Munich. Each line normally runs every 20 minutes, providing a combined connection approximately every 10 minutes during most of the day. The trip to Munich Hauptbahnhof takes about 40 minutes.

Another option is the Lufthansa Express Bus, which provides direct service between Munich Airport and Munich Central Station, with a stop at Munich North. The bus normally operates every 20 minutes, and the journey between the airport and Central Station takes about 45 minutes.

For travelers looking for more direct transportation, taxis are readily available outside the terminals. Ride-sharing services are also available at Munich Airport. While these options provide door-to-door service, journey times can increase during periods of heavy road traffic.

Munich Airport Camera Policy

Passengers can use personal cameras at Munich Airport in public areas for ordinary personal photography. The airport’s architecture, public terminal areas, shopping zones, and visitor facilities can generally be photographed.

However, filming or photography in non-public and security-restricted areas is subject to special restrictions. Photography or filming in these areas must be arranged with Munich Airport in advance and may also require approval from relevant organizations such as airlines, the Federal Police, German Air Traffic Control, or Customs.

Visitors should follow all signs and instructions from airport and security personnel when taking photographs.

Munich Airport Food Policy

You can generally bring your own solid food into Munich Airport and through security, subject to aviation-security rules and any customs restrictions that apply to your journey.

Foods considered liquids or gels are subject to the applicable liquid restrictions at your security checkpoint. At conventional checkpoints, containers are normally limited to 100 ml, while CT-equipped checkpoints allow larger liquid containers under the current airport rules.

If you prefer to dine at the airport, Munich Airport offers a wide selection of restaurants and cafes, providing everything from fast food to sit-down meals. Passengers can enjoy local specialties like pretzels and Bavarian sausages, as well as a variety of international cuisines.

Other Munich Airport Rules & Information

Several other important rules and guidelines apply at Munich Airport to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for passengers.

Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are permitted only in designated areas. Smoking is possible outside in front of terminal entrance and exit doors and in designated outdoor areas. There are also smoking lounges behind security in Terminal 1 Modules A, B, C, D, and F and in Terminal 2 near Gates G, H, K, and L.

There is no general airport rule stating that passengers cannot return after leaving the secure area. If you leave the airside security area, you can normally return if you still have valid access for your flight, but you will have to pass through the required security and, where applicable, passport controls again.

Families traveling with children can use various family-friendly facilities, including play areas and baby-care services. Travelers with children should follow their airline’s specific requirements for minors and unaccompanied children.

Tips for Visitors

Before heading to the airport, it is a good idea to check the official Munich Airport website for the latest information on flight schedules, transportation options, security procedures, and available services.

There is no clear-bag requirement for ordinary cabin baggage at Munich Airport. Instead, follow your airline’s baggage limits and prepare for the type of security checkpoint you are directed to. At conventional checkpoints, liquids still need to be placed in the required transparent one-liter bag.

If you are traveling with large or heavy luggage, you can use the airport’s staffed left-luggage service or consider alternative luggage storage services. Qeepl storage costs €4.39 per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of €1,000. Planning ahead can make a long layover or trip into Munich more comfortable.

Leave your luggage

Save on your booking with this promo code