Valet parking at Munich Airport: process, handover and tips
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No car parks can be booked through Friend-Park at Munich Airport yet.
As soon as a partner is activated, you will find their offers with real prices on the airport page.
Munich Airport is large: two terminals, the Munich Airport Center between them, and multi-storey car parks, access roads and drop-off areas all around. If you drive from the city, from Upper Bavaria or from Lower Bavaria, on the day of departure you want one thing above all – to get to check-in without detours. That is exactly what valet parking is for. You hand your car over to a driver near the terminal, go straight to the counter and get the car back after landing. In this guide you will learn how this works at Munich Airport, what you should prepare and when the service is worthwhile.
Key facts at a glance
- With valet parking you hand over your car and key at an agreed meeting point near the terminal.
- Check beforehand whether you are departing from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 – the meeting point depends on it.
- The exact handover location is always stated in the provider's booking confirmation.
- For the return, your flight number and a short message in the event of delays are what count.
How valet parking works in principle
Valet parking is a parking service offered by private providers. You do not drive to a car park outside yourself, but to a set meeting point at the airport. There, one of the provider's drivers takes over your car, the condition of the vehicle is recorded together, and you hand over the key. The driver then takes the car to the provider's site. On your return it works the other way round: you get in touch after landing, and the car is ready at the meeting point at the agreed time.
The advantage is obvious: no searching for a free space, no transfer bus, no carrying suitcases over long distances. Especially in Munich, where the distances between parking areas and terminals can be noticeable, this is a real time saving. How valet differs from shuttle parking is explained in the guide Valet or shuttle at Munich Airport.
Terminal 1 or Terminal 2: clarify this first
Munich Airport has two terminals. Terminal 2 is used mainly by Lufthansa and the Star Alliance partners, Terminal 1 by numerous other airlines. For you this means: before you arrange a valet appointment or set off, take a look at your flight documents or your airline's app. Many providers ask for the terminal when you book so that the driver waits in the right place. If you are not sure, the guide Terminals at Munich Airport will help you find your way.
The procedure on the day of departure – step by step
- Have the confirmation ready: it contains the meeting point, the provider's phone number and any notes on getting there.
- Call shortly beforehand: many providers ask for a call about 30 minutes before arrival so that the driver is ready on time. More on this in the frequently asked questions about calling the provider.
- Drive to the meeting point: you reach the airport via the A92; the signposting separates Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 early. Enter the details from the confirmation in the sat nav, not simply “Munich Airport”.
- Handover: the condition is documented together with the driver, you hand over the key and receive a receipt.
- To check-in: from the handover you go straight to the terminal.
How to document the vehicle handover properly is explained in the guide Vehicle handover at Munich Airport.
What you should do before the handover
- Take valuables, garage door openers and documents out of the car.
- Note the fuel or battery level and record it in photos.
- Make sure the number plate and vehicle model are stated correctly in the booking.
- Mention special features, such as an unusual gearbox, auxiliary heating or a roof rack.
- Leave the spare key at home – you do not need it at the airport.
The return after landing
After landing in Munich, you first go to baggage claim, and for flights from outside the Schengen area also through passport and customs control. Only then is it clear when you can really be at the meeting point. So let the provider know as soon as you have your luggage, or follow what is stated in the confirmation. If you stated the flight number when booking, the provider can estimate delays better. What applies in the event of a delayed return flight is set out in the frequently asked questions about a delayed return flight. The guide Returning: collecting your car at Munich Airport goes into more detail.
When valet parking in Munich is particularly worthwhile
Valet parking is usually more expensive than shuttle parking, because a driver moves your car. Whether the extra cost is worthwhile depends on your trip. Typical situations in which many travellers in Munich choose valet:
- Families with children and lots of luggage – no reloading into a transfer bus. More in the guide With family and luggage to Munich Airport.
- Early departures, when every minute of sleep counts – see Parking for an early flight from Munich.
- Business trips with a tight schedule – see Business trip from Munich Airport.
- Late return flights, when you no longer want to wait for a shuttle after landing.
What to look for when choosing a valet provider
Do not just compare the price. Look for a clearly described meeting point, comprehensible opening hours (including for very early or late flights), information on where the vehicle is parked, transparent cancellation conditions and a contact that can be reached. You will find a detailed checklist in the guide Choosing a parking service at Munich Airport.
Valet parking via Friend-Park
Friend-Park is a comparison and booking portal: the parking service is always provided by the respective provider; you book and pay online and receive a confirmation with all the details of the handover. Whether offers from affiliated partners can already be booked for Munich Airport is shown on the page Parking at Munich Airport. Providers, prices and handover locations appear there automatically as soon as a partner is activated.
What happens to your car during the trip
Many travellers wonder where their car is while they are on holiday. With valet parking, the driver takes the vehicle from the meeting point at the terminal to a site belonging to the provider. This can be a multi-storey car park, a hall or an open-air area – around Munich Airport such sites are often located in the business parks of the municipalities in the Erdinger Moos. Reputable providers describe in their offer how the site is secured, for example by fencing, lighting or cameras. During your absence the car is generally not moved, unless it has to be made ready for the return or moved within the site.
After the return, check the mileage against your photo from the handover. A small difference for the drive to the parking site and back is normal; you should raise a significantly higher mileage immediately.
Valet parking in the Bavarian winter
In winter it can be frosty and foggy in the Erdinger Moos, and snow is not unusual. For valet customers this has two consequences. First: allow more time for the drive, because on the A9 and A92 traffic can move more slowly when it snows. Second: on a longer trip, do not leave anything in the car that could be damaged by frost, for example drink cans or spray bottles. An ice scraper still belongs in the car – even if the vehicle is parked under cover at the provider's site, you never know what the weather will be like at the return.
If you are flying on a skiing holiday, state the roof box or ski rack when booking. Some multi-storey car parks have height restrictions, and the provider needs to know whether your car with its attachment will fit on its site.
Common misunderstandings about valet parking
“Valet is the same as the car park at the terminal.” Not quite: in the car park you park yourself in an area belonging to the airport. With valet, a private provider takes over your car and parks it on its own site.
“The driver simply waits until I arrive.” Valet providers schedule their drivers by time. If you arrive much later than booked, there may be waiting times. That is why a short call in the event of a delay is so important.
“I can choose the meeting point freely.” The meeting point is set by the provider so that handovers take place in an orderly manner and in compliance with the rules. Follow the information in the confirmation and ask if anything is unclear.
Conclusion
Valet parking at Munich Airport takes the most laborious part of the journey off your hands: looking for a space and the transfer. What matters are the right terminal, a clearly described meeting point and a brief coordination with the provider on the day of departure and the day of return. Then your holiday or business trip begins right at the terminal.
