Returning to Munich: how to collect your car after landing

The trip is over, the plane is at the gate in Munich. Now you only want one thing: your car and off home. For this to go smoothly, it helps to know which steps lie between landing and setting off and how the return works with your parking service. This guide explains the procedure for valet parking and shuttle parking at Munich Airport.

Step 1: from the plane to baggage claim

After getting off, in Munich you go into the terminal via the jet bridge or by apron bus. For flights from the Schengen area, follow the signs directly to baggage claim. If you are coming from outside – for example from Turkey, the United Kingdom, the USA or Asia – passport control comes first. When leaving the secure area you also pass through customs. Depending on the time of day, these steps can take varying amounts of time.

Step 2: informing the provider

Many providers want you to get in touch as soon as you have your luggage. Then it is clear when you can be at the meeting point or the shuttle stop. Some track the landing using the flight number and have the vehicle ready accordingly. What applies to your provider is stated in the confirmation. If your return flight is delayed, the frequently asked questions about a delayed return flight will help.

Step 3a: return with valet parking

With valet, the driver brings your car to the agreed meeting point near the terminal – depending on whether you arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. You receive the key, briefly check the vehicle and drive off. More on the procedure in the guide Valet parking at Munich Airport.

Step 3b: the ride back with shuttle parking

With shuttle parking you go to the stop or pick-up point specified by the provider and ride the shuttle to the car park. There you get into your car. Late in the evening the shuttle may run less often – getting in touch in good time helps. Details in the guide Shuttle parking at Munich Airport.

Step 4: a quick check, then off you go

• Walk round the car once and compare it with the handover photos.
• Check the mileage and fuel gauge.
• Check personal belongings and child seats.
• Raise anything unusual immediately on site and have it recorded.

Why this is important is explained in the guide Vehicle handover at Munich Airport.

If something does not work

If the car is not ready at the agreed time or you cannot reach the provider, first try again via the number in the confirmation. If that does not help, contact our support team for bookings via Friend-Park. The frequently asked questions about a provider who cannot be reached also give advice.

The drive home

From the airport, the route leads via the A92 and the Neufahrn junction onto the A9 or towards Landshut and Deggendorf. After a long flight it pays to take a breath, have something to drink and only then drive. For late arrivals, the tips in the guide Late arrival at Munich Airport will help.

How long it really takes after landing

Many travellers underestimate the time between landing and setting off. At Munich Airport, the walk from the gate to baggage claim alone can take several minutes, especially if the aircraft is parked at a remote stand and buses are used. For flights from non-Schengen countries, passport control is added, the duration of which varies depending on the time of day and the number of aircraft landing at the same time. Baggage claim can be quick or drag on. So calculate generously and rather contact the provider a little later, once you are sure when you can be at the meeting point.

Returning from a long-haul holiday

After a long-haul flight you are often overtired and perhaps jet-lagged. That is precisely when a smooth process is important. It helps to have the parking provider's confirmation to hand already on the plane and to charge your phone before landing. After getting off, switch it on, check messages from the provider and get in touch at the agreed time. If you feel tired, plan a break before the drive home – a coffee in the terminal or a short stop on the way can make a big difference.

Returning with lots of luggage

After the holiday, the luggage is often heavier than on the way out. Use a luggage trolley to the meeting point or shuttle stop. With valet the car is brought to you and you can load up directly. With shuttle parking the driver usually helps with loading. You collect bulky luggage such as skis or bike boxes from the bulky baggage counter, which may be separate from the normal baggage carousel – look out for the signs.

Returning in winter

If you return in winter and your car was parked outdoors, it may be covered with snow or ice. An ice scraper and a hand brush in the boot save time. Do not leave the engine idling for minutes, but drive off calmly after clearing the windows. Also check whether the windscreen wipers are frozen before switching them on.

If you land earlier than planned

Sometimes a flight lands well ahead of schedule. Then you may be at the meeting point before the booked return time. Call the provider and ask whether the car can be made ready earlier. Many providers are happy to make this possible if they know in good time.

Communicating with the provider

Good communication makes the return relaxed. Save the provider's number on your phone before you fly off on holiday. If it already becomes apparent at your holiday destination that your return flight is delayed, send a short message with the flight number and the new arrival time. After landing, get in touch as stated in the confirmation. Many problems with the return are caused not by the provider but by missing information – for example if the driver does not know that the flight is landing two hours later.

Return when arriving at a different terminal

Sometimes you arrive at a different terminal from the one you departed from – for example because you are flying back with a different airline. So before the return flight, check which terminal you will land at and tell the provider. With valet the meeting point may depend on it, with shuttle the pick-up point. Terminals 1 and 2 are connected via the Munich Airport Center; switching on foot is possible but takes time with luggage.

Checklist before the drive home

• Car briefly checked, mileage compared with the photo
• Seat and mirrors adjusted correctly
• Luggage complete, nothing forgotten at the meeting point
• Traffic situation for the drive home checked
• Rested enough for the drive

If the return does not work out

In rare cases the return does not go as planned: the car is not ready, the driver cannot be reached or there is uncertainty about the meeting point. Stay calm and proceed step by step. First call the number from the confirmation and at the same time send a message with the flight number, terminal and your location. Check whether the confirmation contains a second contact option. If that does not help, contact our support team for a booking via Friend-Park. The frequently asked questions about a provider who cannot be reached also give advice.

With this preparation, the return to Munich becomes a calm end to the trip: collect the luggage, call the provider, check the car, drive home relaxed. And if something does go wrong, you know exactly whom to contact.

Return checklist

• Confirmation with phone number to hand
• Arrival terminal known
• Provider contacted after baggage claim (if intended)
• Car briefly checked
• Rested for the drive home

You will find everything about parking at Munich Airport – and whether offers can be booked through Friend-Park – on the page Parking at Munich Airport.