Munich airport transfers to the city center
Munich Airport lies northeast of the city, with S-Bahn trains providing direct journeys to several central stations. Choose your route around your accommodation rather than automatically traveling to the Hauptbahnhof. The airport coach is another option for the main station area, while a taxi removes the need to change with luggage. Check departures for your actual arrival time, particularly overnight.
The airports
- Munich Airport (MUC)
- about 30 km northeast, roughly 40 to 60 minutes by train
Every way from the airport to Munich
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainS1 | MUC | roughly 45 to 50 minutes to Hauptbahnhof | Western connections and central stations |
| TrainS8 | MUC | roughly 40 minutes to Ostbahnhof, longer to Hauptbahnhof | Haidhausen, Ostbahnhof and the eastern approach |
| CoachLufthansa Express Bus | MUC | about 45 minutes to Hauptbahnhof, traffic permitting | The main station area with luggage |
| TaxiOfficial airport taxi | MUC | about 35 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic | Direct travel with heavy luggage or a group |
How each one works
Train: S1
Follow the S-Bahn signs to the station between the terminals. Buy a ticket covering the airport and your destination from a machine or the official transport app. The S1 approaches central Munich from the west and serves Hauptbahnhof and Marienplatz.
Train: S8
Use the same airport S-Bahn station and buy a ticket valid through to your final stop. The S8 approaches from the east, serving Ostbahnhof before central stations including Marienplatz and Hauptbahnhof. Compare live departures before choosing between the two lines.
Coach: Lufthansa Express Bus
Follow signs to the operator's airport stops and check which stop serves your terminal. The coach connects the airport with Nordfriedhof and Hauptbahnhof. Buy through the operator's official sales channels and check the current boarding point before leaving arrivals.
Taxi: Official airport taxi
Use the signed taxi ranks outside the terminals and give the driver your full accommodation address. Confirm payment methods before departure. This is a direct road transfer, so allow additional time when traffic is heavy or your destination is across the city.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the official journey planner against your landing time, allowing for baggage collection. S-Bahn and coach services do not provide the same service throughout the night. If the last useful connection has gone, use an official taxi or arrange a transfer in advance.
Before you land
- An inner-city ticket alone does not cover the airport journey. Check that your ticket includes the airport and your final destination.
- For an S1 journey toward the airport, check the destination shown on your carriage because some services divide before reaching the terminal.
- Use your accommodation's nearest station when comparing routes. Ostbahnhof may be more useful than Hauptbahnhof for stays in Haidhausen.
Munich airport transfers to the city center
Which train should I take from Munich Airport?
Choose between the S1 and S8 using live departures and your destination. The S8 approaches through Ostbahnhof, while the S1 reaches the center from the west.
Is the airport coach included in a local transport ticket?
Do not assume it is included. The Lufthansa Express Bus has its own ticket arrangements, so check the operator's conditions before relying on a local transport pass.
Can I use an inner-city day ticket from the airport?
An inner-city ticket alone is insufficient. Buy a ticket or day ticket that explicitly covers the airport journey and the zones needed for your destination.
How should I plan an early flight?
Work backwards from your airline's airport arrival guidance, then check the first suitable train or coach. Use a taxi or airport accommodation if public transport starts too late.