Things to Do During a Munich Airport Layover

Layovers—sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse. You’ve just arrived at Munich Airport (München Flughafen), with hours to spare before your next flight. You could sit in the terminal, kill time with overpriced snacks, or shop for souvenirs. But here’s a thought: Why not make the most of it and take a short trip into the heart of the city?

Why Munich?

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is an easy and accessible city to visit, even if you’re only in town for a few hours. With its efficient public transport system, including direct train connections from the airport, you can be in the city center (Marienplatz) in under 45 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to explore.

Step 1: From the Airport to the City

First, let’s talk logistics. Munich Airport is well connected to the city by both the S-Bahn (S1 and S8) trains. The S-Bahn station is located directly below the airport terminals, making it incredibly easy to catch a train.

S1 or S8 Trains: Both lines take you to the city center, but the S1 is slightly faster, taking about 40 minutes, while the S8 takes about 45 minutes. Trains run every 10 minutes, so you don’t need to worry about waiting too long. Tickets are reasonably priced at around €12 for a single trip to the city center.
Tip: If you’re unsure of the route, don’t hesitate to ask the staff or use the intuitive signage at the station. Munich is known for its punctual and reliable public transport system.

Step 2: Exploring Munich

Now that you’ve made it into the city, there’s no time to waste. Munich is filled with culture, history, and architecture, all packed into a walkable city center. Here’s what you can squeeze into a few hours:

Marienplatz: The beating heart of Munich, Marienplatz is a historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the iconic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). Be sure to catch the Glockenspiel show (daily at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, as well as 5:00 PM in summer), where mechanical figurines reenact historical scenes.
Viktualienmarkt: Just a short stroll from Marienplatz, this bustling food market is perfect for grabbing a quick bite. Whether you’re craving bratwurst, pretzels, or some hearty Bavarian cheese, this is the place to be. It’s an excellent spot to soak in the local culture.
Englischer Garten: If you’re in the mood for a little greenery, take a quick walk through the Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world. With its peaceful paths, serene lakes, and traditional beer gardens, it’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge before your flight.
Alte Pinakothek: If you have a little more time and a passion for art, head to the Alte Pinakothek museum. It houses one of the oldest and most renowned collections of European art, including works by great masters like Rembrandt, Titian, and Rubens.

Step 3: Returning to the Airport

With time running out, you’ll want to head back to the airport a bit early. The S-Bahn will whisk you back to the airport in about the same amount of time it took to get to the city. Don’t worry about missing your flight—the trains are frequent, and you can check the schedules via the DB Navigator app or at the station itself.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Layover:

Check the Departure Boards: Munich Airport is a large, international hub, so be sure to check your flight status on the departure boards before heading out. You wouldn’t want to risk missing a last-minute gate change or a flight delay.
Luggage Storage: If you have a lot of bags, no worries! Munich Airport offers luggage storage services, so you can leave your heavy bags behind and explore the city hands-free. You’ll find the luggage storage area near the main terminal entrance.
Currency Exchange: While most places accept cards, it’s always good to have a few euros on hand. The airport has plenty of currency exchange counters.
Wi-Fi: Munich Airport offers free Wi-Fi, so you can easily stay connected with your loved ones or check up on things before heading into the city.

Wrapping Up:

A long layover at Munich Airport doesn’t have to mean hours spent stuck in the terminal. With its quick and easy access to the city center, Munich offers a perfect escape for those with time to spare. In just a few hours, you can explore the heart of the city, enjoy some authentic Bavarian food, and experience a bit of the local culture. Next time you’re passing through Munich, take advantage of the layover and make it an unforgettable mini-adventure!