Layover in Munich: An Expert Guide to Scheduling Your Stopover

Munich Airport (MUC), also called Flughafen München Franz Josef Strauß, is the biggest international airport in Bavaria. It is the second-busiest airport in Germany, after Frankfurt. The airport is about 28 kilometers from the city center. It is a major hub for Lufthansa and offers flights to more than 200 places around the world. The terminals are modern, the transport is easy to use, and there are many helpful services. This makes the airport a good place for international travelers to stop and rest.

If you have a Munich airport layover, you’ll have lots of ways to use your time. Whether you’re waiting for a few hours or staying most of the day, you can find things to do. The airport is full of places to eat, shop, and relax. And if you have enough time and the right visa, you can go into the city and explore. This guide will show you how to enjoy your layover depending on how long you have — from staying inside the airport to taking a quick trip to Munich’s sights, food, and culture.

To make things easier, you can leave your bags with Qeepl, a luggage storage service near Munich Airport. Whether you stay at the airport or go into the city, using Qeepl means you can move around without carrying heavy bags.

Munich Transit Visa Requirements

The first question to ask when planning a layover in Munich is whether you need a transit visa. Germany is part of the Schengen Area, and visa rules depend on your nationality and your travel plans during the layover.

If you’re staying in the international transit area of the airport and do not go through immigration, you may not need a visa. However, citizens of certain countries — including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria — do require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (Type A) even if they are not entering Germany.

If you want to leave the airport, you’ll need a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) unless your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry. These rules apply to layovers that include exiting the airport for sightseeing or hotel stays.

To check your country’s visa requirements, refer to the official information from the German Foreign Office.

Make sure to confirm your visa status before you travel, especially if you’re considering leaving the airport during your layover.

What to Do at the Airport During Your Munich Layover?

If your layover is less than 5 hours, it’s usually best to stay inside the airport. Traveling to the city and back takes time, and you’ll need to go through immigration and security, which may not be worth the rush.

In this case, here are the top things you can enjoy while staying inside Munich Airport.

Restaurants Worth a Stop

Munich Airport offers a variety of restaurants serving both local and international food. For a taste of Bavaria, visit Airbräu, located in the airport center. It’s the world’s first airport brewery, offering hearty German dishes and fresh beer brewed on-site.

If you’re looking for something lighter, Viktualienmarkt near Terminal 2 has several food stands and cafés with fresh salads, sandwiches, and pastries. For international cuisine, Asia Street Cooking, Dallmayr Bistro, and Laemmle’s offer everything from Asian noodles to Mediterranean meals.

Best Stores to Browse Between Flights

Munich Airport has a large shopping area with plenty of stores to explore. You’ll find luxury brands like Hermès, Boss, and Montblanc, along with popular labels such as Zara, Mango, and Lacoste.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, head to MyDutyFree or Destination Bavaria, which offer regional products like German chocolates, local beers, and traditional gifts. The Lufthansa WorldShop is also a great place to pick up branded travel gear and aviation-themed items.

Lounges and Nap Zones

If you want to relax, Munich Airport has several lounges for premium passengers and travelers who pay for access. The Lufthansa Business Lounge and Airport Lounge Europe provide comfortable seating, snacks, showers, and workspaces.

There are also quiet zones throughout both terminals with reclining chairs for travelers who need a quick nap. If you’re looking for more privacy, Napcabs (located in Terminal 2) are private sleeping cabins you can rent by the hour.

Facilities, Services, and Wi-Fi Access

The airport offers free unlimited Wi-Fi, and you can easily connect throughout the terminals. Charging stations are widely available, and most seating areas have USB ports and power outlets.

Additional facilities include family rooms, play areas, baby-care rooms, and medical services. There’s also a supermarket, a pharmacy, and showers in the paid lounges and Napcab zones. Munich Airport is known for being clean, quiet, and efficient, making it a pleasant place to wait for your next flight.

How to Spend Long Layover in Munich?

If your layover is long enough — and your visa allows it — you can leave the airport and explore Munich. The city is about 40 minutes away by S-Bahn train, and the main attractions are within walking distance from the central station.

Here’s how to enjoy Munich depending on how much time you have.

8-Hour Layover in Munich

With 8 hours, you can see a few of Munich’s most famous sights. Take the S8 or S1 train from the airport to Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). From there, walk to Marienplatz, the city’s main square. You’ll see the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and its famous glockenspiel, which chimes daily.

Nearby, you can explore Viktualienmarkt, a bustling open-air food market with local specialties. Enjoy a quick lunch or coffee, take in the views, and then head back to the station in time to return to the airport.

12-Hour Layover in Munich

With 12 hours, you can enjoy more of Munich’s history and charm. Start at Marienplatz, then walk or take a tram to Nymphenburg Palace, a grand Baroque palace surrounded by gardens and lakes. It’s a peaceful spot and gives you a feel for Bavaria’s royal past.

Later, visit the English Garden, one of the largest city parks in the world. You can watch surfers at the Eisbach wave, enjoy a beer at the Chinesischer Turm beer garden, or simply relax by the lake. If time allows, explore the nearby Museum Quarter, home to art galleries and the Deutsches Museum.

24-Hour Layover in Munich

A full day gives you the chance to explore Munich like a local. After visiting the city center, take the U-Bahn to Olympiapark, where the 1972 Summer Olympics were held. Climb the Olympic Tower for panoramic views of the city and the Alps on a clear day.

You could also visit BMW Welt, a museum and showroom for car lovers located near the park. In the afternoon, explore Schwabing, a bohemian neighborhood with cozy cafés, boutique shops, and creative spaces. For dinner, head to Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous beer hall, to enjoy Bavarian food and music before catching a late train back to the airport.

How to Handle Overnight Layover in Munich?

If you have an overnight layover in Munich, there are plenty of hotels near the airport where you can rest. Here are some top options with details on location and pricing:

• Hilton Munich Airport: Located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, this upscale hotel is directly connected to the airport. It has a spa, fitness center, and quiet rooms for tired travelers. Price range: €180–€250 per night.
• Novotel München Airport: About 5 minutes from the airport by bus, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and early breakfast options. It’s a good choice for families and business travelers. Price range: €100–€150 per night.
• Moxy Munich Airport: A stylish and budget-friendly hotel 3 km from the terminals, reachable by shuttle. It has trendy rooms, a bar, and 24-hour check-in. Price range: €80–€120 per night.
• Holiday Inn Express Munich Airport: Located in Hallbergmoos, about 10 minutes by shuttle from the airport. Offers modern rooms and includes breakfast. A reliable mid-range option. Price range: €90–€130 per night.
• NH München Airport: Situated in Schwaig, also about 10 minutes by shuttle. Offers large rooms, a restaurant, and parking. Good for short stays. Price range: €90–€140 per night.

All of these hotels offer easy access to the terminals and flexible services for travelers. Many include free or low-cost shuttle buses and early breakfasts for early departures. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons like Oktoberfest or holiday travel periods.