Parking a large vehicle at Memmingen Airport: campervans, SUVs with ski boxes, seven-seaters and minibuses
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Southern Germany is a big-vehicle region in its own way. In winter, every other family car heading to the Alps wears a ski box. In summer, the Allgäu fills with campervans, and many locals own a converted van themselves. International families often drive seven-seaters, and sports clubs and student groups share minibuses. At Allgäu Airport there is plenty of space around the former air base, but you still need the right booking. Below are the questions people ask most often, with straight answers.
Key points
- Friend-Park uses four classes: Standard, Large/SUV, Van and Transporter.
- Ski boxes, roof tents and bike racks change height or length.
- Above about two metres high: open-air site with shuttle.
- Campervans usually go in Transporter; motorhomes need written agreement.
- Rental, shared or company vehicles: check who may drive.
No car parks can be booked through Friend-Park at Memmingen Airport yet.
As soon as a partner is activated, you will find their offers with real prices on the airport page.
"Which class is my vehicle?"
| Class | Examples | Typical pitfall |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Hatchbacks, estates | A ski box on the roof |
| Large/SUV | 4x4 SUVs, pick-ups | Length and mirror width |
| Van | Seven-seaters, MPVs | Height with roof box |
| Transporter | Campervans, minibuses, panel vans | Height, pop-up roof, weight |
Each listing shows accepted classes and their dimensions. If you are between two, choose the larger. General questions: can I park a large vehicle?
"How do I measure correctly?"
Length from bumper to bumper, including a tow-bar bike rack. Width with mirrors unfolded – registration documents list it without mirrors, so add 20 to 30 centimetres. Height at the highest point: ski box, solar panel, pop-up roof closed, antenna. Two metres is about six feet seven inches.
"I have a ski box – what changes?"
A ski box adds 40 to 50 centimetres. A typical SUV or estate goes from about 1.6 to over 2 metres, which rules out many covered decks. Either take the box off if you won't need it at your destination, or book an open-air site with a shuttle. Mention the box in the remarks. See shuttle parking at Memmingen.
"Can I bring a campervan?"
Usually yes. A converted van with a pop-up roof normally fits the Transporter class. With the roof closed it is still above two metres, so valet is rarely possible; an open-air site with shuttle works well. Ask the provider whether converted vans are accepted, and take laptops, cameras and documents with you – a campervan is a home on wheels.
"And a full motorhome?"
An over-cab or integrated motorhome is typically more than three metres high, over seven metres long and above 3.5 tonnes. Valet is out, and many sites have no suitable space. If you want to fly from Memmingen during or after a motorhome trip, ask the provider in advance and get the agreement in writing. Turn off gas, empty the fridge and secure all windows.
"Can valet handle my big car?"
Yes, if three things are true: the provider accepts your class, the parking space is tall enough, and someone else may drive the vehicle. Put the model in the remarks. More in valet parking at Memmingen.
"It's a rental or company vehicle."
Rental vans and company cars often allow only named drivers. Then valet is not an option – book a shuttle and park yourself. Read the rental or company terms before booking.
"We're a group of nine."
A nine-seat minibus goes in Transporter. Enter all nine passengers and list sports bags, instruments or ski bags in the remarks so the shuttle has room. See how many passengers fit in the shuttle and travelling with family and luggage from Memmingen.
"I drive an electric SUV. Anything special?"
Electric SUVs and vans are heavier than their petrol equivalents because of the battery. For the class this rarely matters, but it can if a provider lists a weight limit. Range drops noticeably in an Allgäu winter, and rural fast chargers are fewer than in cities. Leave with enough charge to get home after the trip, and do not count on charging at the site unless the listing says so.
"What about gear inside a van?"
Vans and campervans often carry bikes, climbing ropes, tools or camping kit. Thieves are more interested in contents than in the vehicle. Take valuables out, cover anything visible and lock bikes inside rather than on an external rack.
"Can I bring a trailer?"
Rarely. Few sites accept trailers of any kind. Leave it at home. Remember that a bike rack on the tow bar adds about half a metre of length.
Three examples
The Nguyens from Ulm, ski week in Austria
An SUV with a ski box, four people, a three-day city break in Rome before heading to the slopes. Total height 2.15 metres. They book Large/SUV on an open-air site with shuttle and mention the box.
Lena and Marco, campervan from Lindau
Their converted van with a pop-up roof stays for ten days while they fly to Portugal. They ask the provider in advance, book Transporter and take their electronics along.
A university climbing club from Konstanz
Nine students in a rented minibus fly to Mallorca. The rental only allows two named drivers, so they book a shuttle in Transporter and list nine passengers and climbing gear.
Decision table
| Vehicle | Class | Best option |
|---|---|---|
| Seven-seater, no roof box | Van | Valet or shuttle |
| SUV or van with ski box | Large/SUV or Van, height noted | Shuttle, open-air site |
| Campervan | Transporter | Shuttle, open-air site |
| Motorhome | Only with agreement | As arranged |
| Minibus | Transporter | Shuttle if drivers are restricted |
Driving big on the A7 and A96
In holiday season both motorways carry heavy traffic towards Austria and Italy, including many motorhomes. In roadworks the left lane is often limited to vehicles up to two metres wide. In winter, snow and crosswinds on open stretches make a tall vehicle harder to handle. Allow extra time, and set the sat-nav to the confirmation address – not Memmingen's narrow old town. Routes in driving to Memmingen Airport.
"The last kilometres look narrow."
Many open-air sites for large vehicles are in business parks or villages around Memmingerberg rather than next to the terminal. Look at the approach on a map the evening before. Village streets, tight farm-road bends or a low railway underpass can be awkward in a minibus or motorhome. Follow the directions in your confirmation rather than a car-oriented sat-nav route, and if the vehicle is over two metres high, watch for height signs on the way.
Why a large vehicle costs more
A campervan or minibus takes up nearly two spaces and needs room to turn. On Friend-Park that is already included in the price shown for your class; compare final prices within the same class.
Book early
Large spaces are limited and go first in school holidays and ski season. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts.
Wrong class?
Change it as soon as you notice. Arriving with a bigger vehicle than booked can mean a surcharge or refusal. See getting your booking details right.
At pick-up
Large vehicles are usually parked at the edge of the site, so collection may take a little longer. Call once you have your bags, check the top edges, mirrors and corners, and in winter clear snow off the roof before driving.
Conclusion
Ski box, campervan, seven-seater or minibus – Allgäu Airport can handle them if you know your real dimensions, choose the right class, respect height limits and agree motorhomes and trailers in advance. Providers and their accepted classes are on parking at Memmingen Airport.
