Terminals at Munich Airport: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and the MAC

Munich Airport is one of the largest airports in Germany. For drivers, one question matters above all: which terminal do I need to go to? This determines which signs you follow, where your valet meeting point is or where the shuttle drops you off. This guide explains the layout of the airport – without details that change constantly, but with everything you need for a relaxed journey.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is the older of the two terminals. Numerous airlines fly from here, including many holiday and scheduled airlines that do not belong to the Star Alliance. The terminal is divided into several areas. Important for you: which area and which check-in counter applies is stated in your travel documents or displayed at the airport.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 opened in 2003 and is used mainly by Lufthansa and the Star Alliance partners. The terminal includes a satellite building, which you reach after security. For business travellers and transfer passengers, Terminal 2 is often the starting point. More on this in the guide Business trip from Munich Airport.

The Munich Airport Center (MAC)

Between the two terminals lies the Munich Airport Center, a covered area with shops and restaurants. Beneath it is the S-Bahn station, where lines S1 and S8 stop. If you arrive by train, you can reach both terminals on foot. For drivers, the MAC is mainly a point of orientation in case you do have to switch between terminals.

What the terminal means for parking

With your own car

The access road via the A92 splits early towards Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. If you know your terminal, you follow the right signs from the start. More on the route in the guide Driving to Munich Airport.

With valet parking

The meeting point may depend on the terminal. State your terminal when booking and check the details in the confirmation. See Valet parking at Munich Airport.

With shuttle parking

The shuttle usually stops at the departures level. Here too, the right information when booking helps. See Shuttle parking at Munich Airport.

How to find out your terminal

1. Open the airline's booking confirmation or e-ticket.
2. Check the airline's app – the terminal is usually shown with the flight.
3. Check the current departures on the airport's website at munich-airport.de.

Beware of codeshare flights: what matters is the airline actually operating the flight, not the one you booked with.

Arrival: where do I come out?

On your return, you usually land in the terminal used by your airline. This is important for the valet meeting point and the shuttle pick-up point. More in the guide Returning: collecting your car at Munich Airport.

Finding your way around the airport site

Munich Airport is laid out over a large area. Besides the two terminals and the Munich Airport Center, there are multi-storey car parks, car hire stations, hotels and office buildings. For drivers, the signposting is decisive: already on the access road it leads separately to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and to the parking areas. If you look at the site plan on munich-airport.de beforehand, you will quickly recognise the layout and know which lane to follow.

A practical tip: when you enter “Munich Airport”, sat navs often lead to a general point on the site. For the drive to a multi-storey car park, a valet meeting point or a shuttle car park, the specific address from your booking is better.

Terminal 1: the sections

Terminal 1 is divided into several areas. Which area applies to your check-in depends on the airline. You will find the right place on the displays in the terminal and in the airline's information. Allow some time in case you have to change area, because Terminal 1 stretches along a long front.

Terminal 2 and the satellite

Terminal 2 has an additional satellite building, which is reached after security via an underground connection. If your flight departs from the satellite, allow a few extra minutes to get to the gate. For transfer passengers within Terminal 2 the concept is practical, because the distances for changing between flights are kept short.

Switching between terminals

If you have to switch between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the route leads via the Munich Airport Center. With a luggage trolley this is quite manageable but takes time. The same applies on the return flight: if you land in a different terminal from your valet meeting point, speak to the provider beforehand.

How long things take in the terminal

For time planning it helps to know the procedures in the terminal. After parking, with checked baggage you first go to your airline's counter or baggage drop-off. Then you go to security, where the waiting time varies greatly depending on the time of day. At the start of the holidays and in the early morning hours it is often busier. After security comes the walk to the gate, which can be longer in Terminal 2 from the satellite. For flights to countries outside the Schengen area, passport control is added. How much time is needed in total is indicated by your airline with the recommended lead time.

Accessibility in the terminals

Both terminals are equipped with lifts and escalators. If you need assistance, for example because of reduced mobility, you usually register this with the airline. Munich Airport publishes information about its services on its website. When parking, valet with a handover near the terminal can shorten distances further.

Picking someone up: where to wait?

If you are picking someone up, wait on the arrivals level of the terminal where the flight arrives. The arrival time can be followed online. The multi-storey car parks near the terminals are suitable for parking; the airport's rules apply to brief stops at the drop-off area. Agree on a clear meeting point, for example a particular exit, so that you find each other quickly in the arrivals area.

In brief

Terminal 1 for numerous airlines, Terminal 2 mainly for Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners, and in between the Munich Airport Center with the S-Bahn station: if you know this layout and check your terminal before setting off, you will find your way at Munich Airport to the car park, the meeting point and check-in without detours.

Hotels, car hire and services around the terminals

Besides the terminals, the airport site has other facilities that can be useful for travellers: hotels for overnight stays before early departures, car hire stations, shops and restaurants in the Munich Airport Center, and service counters. If you are changing planes at the airport or waiting for someone, you will find ways to pass the time there. Opening hours and offers change; current information is available on munich-airport.de.

Typical orientation mistakes

• Heading to the wrong terminal: before setting off, check the information of the operating airline.
• Setting the sat nav to “airport”: better to enter the specific address of the car park, meeting point or shuttle car park.
• Underestimating the satellite: if you depart from there, you need a few more minutes after security.
• Forgetting the arrival terminal: on the return flight it may be a different terminal from the outbound flight.

With these tips, finding your way at Munich Airport is easy even on your first visit.

One last tip: take a screenshot of your terminal's site plan before the trip – then you will have it to hand even without a network.

Distances and time in the terminal

The airport is extensive. After arriving at the terminal, allow time for check-in or baggage drop-off, security and the walk to the gate. If you depart from the satellite in Terminal 2, you have an additional walk ahead of you after security. The recommended lead time is given by your airline.

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