Looking for a transfer from Munich airport to the city center? Follow our advice on all available means of transport!
Located forty kilometers from the center of Munich, Franz-Joseph Strauß Airport is well connected to the city center. In fact, as the country’s second-largest airport, it benefits from an extensive transport network. Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, you’ll find the Munich Airport Center, the central area where all means of getting to the Bavarian city center are concentrated. Whether by bus, cab, shuttle or train, transferring between Munich airport and the center is fairly straightforward. All you have to do is make a choice based on your budget, timing and luggage volume.
Here’s how to get from Munich airport to the city center!
The least expensive: shuttle/bus
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Fares: €10.50 one way (adults), €5.50 (children 6-14) / €17 return, €11 concessions
Timetable: every 20 minutes, from 6.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.
The Munich airport shuttle (operated by Lufthansa) transfers passengers from Munich airport to the city center at a slightly lower cost than the S-Bahn card (equivalent to the RER). However, once you’re in Munich, you’ll have to opt for a transport card, which increases the overall cost. In any case, tickets can be purchased online or at airport ticket offices. The Lufthansa shuttle bus stops at Schwabing, Munich’s upscale district, and at the main railway station.
While the Lufthansa shuttle is the cheapest option, it’s not the least comfortable. You’ll enjoy comfortable seats, Wi-Fi connection and air conditioning. Shuttle buses are located near terminals 1 and 2, at modules A and D, and at the main terminal.
The fastest way: by train (S-Bahn)
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Fares: €11.60 (adult), €13 (Airport-City-Day-Ticket), €24.30 (group of 5 adults for one day), €1.30 (6 to 14 years) for a single ticket, free for children under 6.
Timetable: every 20 minutes, Monday to Friday, from 4 a.m. to 1.30 a.m.
After the bus, the S-Bahn is without doubt the most economical means of transport. Above all, it’s the fastest, especially during rush hour. Munich’s main railway stations (Hauptbahnhof) and Marienplatz are within easy reach on lines S1 and S8. These also serve Munich’s main stations.
It’s particularly worthwhile buying the Airport-City-Day-Ticket. This allows you to transfer between Munich airport and the city center (or vice versa), and then enjoy unlimited use of the bus, streetcar and subway until 6 a.m. the following morning. The group version offers the same advantages, for a group of five adults. Tickets can be purchased at an S-Bahn kiosk or online, and do not need to be validated.
The most comfortable: the cab
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Price: €50-60
Opening hours: 24/7
If you’re arriving from a long flight, your luggage is bulky or you’re traveling with a group or family, it may be worth turning to a cab. Several specialized companies offer a private service. For example, you can book a cab transfer from Munich airport to the city center with TaxiTender. TaxiTender is an online booking platform for reliable and affordable airport transfers. All you have to do is book online, specifying your flight arrival time. Once at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall before taking you to your accommodation.
Obviously, the cost is much higher than for a Lufthansa shuttle or S-Bahn journey. However, it’s nice to have someone to lean on when you arrive in an unfamiliar city, or to decompress after a tiring journey.
Most available: private shuttles
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Rates: €90 or free (if paid for by your hotel)
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you don’t want to carry your luggage or wait in line for public transport or a cab, opt for private shuttles. Combining comfort and availability, these shuttles allow you to relax after a long plane journey. The « door-to-door » mode ensures that a driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall at the agreed time, with a sign, and will take you to his vehicle, then drop you off in front of your hotel.
If you turn to private transfer companies, the cost will obviously be much higher than with other transfer methods. Ask your hotel, however, as they may offer free transfer services for their guests.
The alternative: rent a car near Munich airport
To make the most of the Bavarian capital’s attractions, renting a car from Munich airport is a great idea. You won’t have to worry about transfers between Munich airport and the city center, and you’ll have complete freedom to get around the city. The Munich Airport Center is home to numerous car rental agencies. These include Bavarian company Sixt, Hertz, Avis and Europcar. It’s best to book online with a platform such as Rentalcars, especially if you’re traveling during the school or summer holidays. Expect to pay around €30 per rental day.
Sleeping near Munich airport
If, for whatever reason, you want to stay close to Munich airport, there are several hotels nearby. For those on a tight budget, the Moxy Munich Airport is a good choice. The Hilton Munich Airport and the Novotel, on the other hand, offer top-of-the-range services, with spa, sauna and gym. Rates are, of course, higher. However, the Hilton has the advantage of being located between Terminals 1 and 2, while the other hotels are around two or three kilometers from the airport.
Now you know how to transfer from Munich airport to the city center. Enjoy your trip to the Bavarian city!