Sleeping in Airports

Munich Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Munich Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

When we got to terminal 2 there were cots!! We were so surprised and happy that we didn’t have to continue sleeping on benches. -pattella2001

MUC Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Munich Franz Josef Strauss International Airport.

What to Expect

Munich Airport (code: MUC) comprises two terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) with modules A–E and Terminal 2 (T2) with gates G, H, K, and L, plus a Satellite Building. T1 hosts non-Star Alliance airlines (e.g., Turkish Airlines), while T2 is the hub for Lufthansa and most Star Alliance partners. The Munich Airport Centre separates the terminals – the landside hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. T2 can reach the satellite building via shuttle and is home to Gates J, K, L.

Munich Airport goes above and beyond when it comes to traveller comfort and convenience. The airport offers a number of unique amenities – including an airport brewery, a casino, showers, and a visitors terrace. Unfortunately, the airport doesn’t have any 24/7 eatery, but passengers can connect to the unlimited free WiFi to pass time. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first class lounges that economy class passengers can pay to access.

Munich Airport Guide
Terminal 2, Airside. (Photo by SleepingInAirports.net / 01Nov2016)

Sleeping in Munich Airport

Finding a sleeping spot can sometimes take time and effort, leaving you with less time to sleep. Reports indicate that MUC provides travellers with plenty of seating, but the situation may vary according to the terminal. In Terminal 2, there are far greater chances to find a generous number of sleep-friendly seating options, such as benches, seats with and without armrests and several designated rest zones, complete with reclining seats and footrests. One of our readers recommended heading to Gates G16 and K18, where you will find relax areas with couches (September, 2024). If you prefer some privacy and don’t mind paying, there are also a few Nap Cabs sleep pods that you can pay to use by the hour. There are also a number of nearby hotels including one situated between the two terminals. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Munich Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours. A valid flight ticket is required for travellers who want to spend the night in the airport. Checkpoints align with flights: T1 (5:00 AM–10:00 PM), T2 (4:30 AM–11:00 PM).

Rest & Relaxation Zones

If you are looking to rest or quietly pass the time, Munich Airport offers several designated relaxation zones with lounge chairs, greenery, and work tables with power outlets.

Locations:

  • Terminal 2: Levels 4 & 5, Gates G–H
  • Terminal 2, Satellite Building: Levels 4 & 5, Gates K–L

As with resting in any public space, keep valuables close and bags secured while you rest.

Cots

During periods of severe weather or major flight disruptions, Munich Airport has previously provided cots for stranded passengers. Availability is limited and typically restricted to disruption events, not for travellers who choose to overnight in the terminal.

If you are affected by a large-scale delay or cancellation, check with airport staff to see whether cots are being distributed. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Munich Airport Hotels, Day Rooms & Sleep Pods

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Shuttles: Yes

If sleeping on the floor or in a chair doesn’t sound appealing, Munich Airport offers several more comfortable alternatives, including airside sleep pods, an on-site hotel, and nearby airport hotels with shuttle access. Options vary depending on whether you remain airside or exit security.

Hotels at Munich Airport

Nap Cabs – Self-service sleep pods with full bed, small desk, A/C, privacy blinds, internet access, and more. Locations:

  • Terminal 2, Airside, Gates G/H, Level 3, beside Edeka and the Service Center •
  • Terminal 2, Airside, Gates G/H, Level 4, Gate G06 •
  • Terminal 2, Airside, Gates G/H, Level 5, Gate H32 •
  • Terminal 2, Airside, Gates K/L, Satellite Building, Level 5, Gate L01.

Nap cabs can be booked and purchased on-site (credit card only) or online. Rates are by the hour: starting from 34€ for a two-hour stay. 17€ extra is charged for every extra hour from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM and 12€ from 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM.

Hilton Munich Airport – Located at the airport, between Terminals 1 and 2, it’s just a short walk from baggage claim to the hotel. Day-use rooms are available from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.  No airport shuttle. » Check Rates

Ibis Styles – currently under construction.  The latest rumours are that is will open in 2026.

More hotels near the airport

  • Hampton By Hilton Munich Airport South » Check Rates
  • Marriott Hotel » Check Rates
  • Mercure Hotel  » Check Rates
  • Movenpick Hotel Munchen Airport » Check Rates
  • Moxy Munich Airport » Check Rates
  • Novotel Munich Airport – The hotel does not have a shuttle, but guests can take Bus 635 from the airport, which runs every 10 minutes and stops at the hotel (bus fare is 2,70€ per person, each way).  » Check Rates
  • NH München Airport – Paid airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Munich Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

If you are an economy class traveller, you can enter these lounges at Munich airport either by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Terminal 1

Airport Lounge World – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse B, Level 6 (Non-Schengen Area). Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:15 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No . Lounge Access: Pay at the door (€25) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Airport Lounge Europe – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse B, Level 4 (Non-Schengen Area). Hours: Monday–Friday, 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM; Saturday, 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM; Sunday, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (€20) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Air France KLM Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse D, Level 5, near Gate D12 (Schengen Area). Hours: 5:45 AM – 8:30 PM. Showers: No . Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs • Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam partner Business Class passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members (Flying Blue Platinum/Gold).

VipWing Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse B, Level 5 (Non-Schengen Area). Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (individual suites with beds). Lounge Access: Book in advance (€150 starting rate for 3 hours), regardless of airline, ticket class, or membership. Includes shuttle service and fine dining. No walk-in access without pre-booking.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door rates available. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Terminal 1
Emirates Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse C, Level 5 (Non-Schengen Area). Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (aligned with Emirates flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Emirates First and Business Class passengers • Qantas Gold/Platinum members • Emirates Skywards Gold/Platinum members.
Terminal 2
Lufthansa First Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Schengen Level 4 near Gate G21 and Non-Schengen Level 5 near Gate H21; Terminal 2 Satellite, Non-Schengen Level 5 near Gate L11. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes (spacious shower suites). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (Quiet Zone). Sleep Facilities: Yes (private rooms with beds available in First Class Lounge). Lounge Access: Lufthansa or Swiss First Class passengers • Lufthansa HON Circle members.

Lufthansa Business Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Level 4, Concourse G/H (Schengen and Non-Schengen); Terminal 2 Satellite, Airside, Concourse K/L (Non-Schengen). Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lufthansa or Star Alliance Business Class passengers • Lufthansa Senator members • Star Alliance Gold members.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Locations: Terminal 2, Airside, Level 4, Concourse G/H (Schengen and Non-Schengen); Terminal 2 Satellite, Airside, Concourse K/L (Non-Schengen). Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes (shower suites). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (Quiet Zone). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lufthansa Senator members • Star Alliance Gold members • Lufthansa or Star Alliance First Class passengers.

Drinking Water

A reader (May 2025) sent us these water bottle filling station locations:

  • Terminal 2 at Gates G15 / H15 / G35 / H35
  • Terminal 2 Satellite: Gates K10,K24, L10, L24.
  • No dispenser in the public area.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. The only 24-hour options are Foodji vending machines.

  • Landside: none
  • Airside: Foodji Fresh Food Pick-up vending machines are available 24/7. Locations: Terminal 2, Level 4 & 5, Concourses G/H • Terminal 2, Satellite Building, Levels 4 & 5, Concourses K/L.
[ read more ]

Luggage Storage & Lockers

If you want to move around the airport or head into the city without dragging your bags, Munich Airport offers staffed left-luggage services at its Service Centers. Hours: Daily: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Rates (official, valid from Dec 1, 2024):

  • €2.50 – €8.30 per item (up to 3 hours)
  • €4.40 – €11.00 per item (up to 24 hours)
  • €3.30 – €8.80 for each additional 24-hour period
  • Strollers and child car seats: from €3.50 per 24 hours

Locations:

  • Terminal 1: Landside, Munich Airport Center (MAC), Level 3 – Service Center
  • Terminal 2: Landside, Level 3 – Service Center

Mobile Charging

Mobile charging stations can be found airside: T1 (near Gates A10, B15) • T2 (near Gates G20, H36) • T2 Satellite (near Gates K15, L20). On the landside in T1 (Level 3, Arrivals) and T2 (Level 4, near check-in).

Showers

Freshen up before or after a long flight with a shower. Rates are €17 plus €20 refundable deposit, which includes shower gel, shampoo and a towel. The showers are located in one of the following places:

  • Service Center – Terminal 2, Level 3, Gates G/H.
  • Munich Airport Centre (MAC) – Landside, Level 3 (access via Service Center)

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at the Munich Airport. Connect to the “Free Wifi – Munich Airport” network. After registering with your name and email address, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep this email as it contains a link for you to change or cancel your account.

Security & Safety

While MUC is relatively safe with 24/7 security, minor theft risks were reported landside in T1 overnight. Security offices can be found in T1 (Level 3, Module C) and T2 (Level 4, near Gate G). While CCTV is widespread, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Barber Shop – Brant’s Barber Shop offers haircuts and grooming services in Terminal 2 (airside). Hours: Weekdays, daytime–evening hours.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Dedicated baby care rooms for feeding and changing are available throughout the airport. Baby-changing facilities are also located in all wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
  • Children’s Area – Munich Airport offers several play spaces where children can move around before a flight.Free-to-use play areas are located landside and airside across both terminals.
  • Strollers – In Terminal 1, airport strollers are available free of charge in the secure area. In Terminal 2, passengers may use their own stroller up to the aircraft door.

Grocery Store – Edeka Supermarket sells groceries, baked goods, and everyday essentials. Locations are available landside in both the Munich Airport Center and Terminal 2, with extended daily hours.

Gym – Travellers can access a gym, pool, sauna, and wellness facilities at the Hilton Munich Airport. Day passes are available; hours vary by day.

Information

  • Information Desk – Airport information desks are located in the Munich Airport Center and in both terminals, landside and airside.
  • Service Centers – Service Centers handle left luggage, coat check, shower access, and other traveller services.
  • Travel Agencies – Several travel agencies operate landside offices at the airport for booking assistance and last-minute travel needs.

Luggage

  • Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are widely available throughout the airport. Arrivals: Free of charge. Departures: Small fee applies.
  • Cloakroom – Seasonal coat and clothing storage is available at the Service Centers.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.

Massage – Mobile acupressure massage services are available airside in Terminal 2 during daytime and evening hours.

Medical Services

  • Medical Services – Medical services are available at MediCare Munich Airport Medical Center. In addition, specialist clinics operate in the Munich Airport Center, including dental, orthopedic, dermatology, and travel medicine services.
  • Pharmacy – Multiple pharmacies operate landside and airside, selling prescription and over-the-counter medications. Hours vary by location.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside in all terminals and operate 24 hours a day.
  • Currency Exchange – Several banks and exchange offices operate throughout the airport. Availability and hours vary by provider and location.

Post Office – Deutsche Post offers postal services landside in the Munich Airport Center during daytime hours.
A DHL Packstation is available 24/7 for parcel pickup and drop-off.

Prayer Areas

  • Christian – Landside, Terminal 1 / MAC. Open 24 hours.
  • Interfaith Prayer Room – Terminal 2. Open 24 hours.
  • Muslim Prayer Room – Terminal 1. Open 24 hours.

Shopping – Duty-free and retail shops are available in both terminals, landside and airside, with the widest selection after security. [ read more ]

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide

Shoe Shine – Shoe-shine services are available airside in Terminal 2 during weekday business hours.

Spa & Salon Services – Spa and wellness treatments are available at the Hilton Munich Airport, including sauna and massage services. Day passes are offered; hours vary.

Smoking – Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking lounges located airside in both terminals.

Things to do & see at the airport

  • Airbräu – Munich Airport is home to the world’s first airport brewery, located landside in the Munich Airport Center. A smaller airside location operates in Terminal 2.
  • Casino – Feeling lucky? A small casino with video gaming machines operates landside in Terminal 2, with late-night hours.
  • Visitor Terrace – An outdoor observation terrace offers views of runways and aircraft operations. Access is free; hours are limited to daytime and evening.
  • Visitor’s Park
    • Historic Aircraft(Currently unavailable) You can view three historic aircraft – Super Constellation, Douglas DC-3 and Junker Ju 52. Rate: €1,00. Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Playground – The large playground is divided into five sections, based on five continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. Within each section are culturally-themed jungle gyms, swings and sandboxes built with materials from the continent that it represents. A restaurant is located adjacent to the playground area. The highlight of the playground is the Kids’ Tower, a replica of the airport’s control tower, complete with a slide from the top! Hours: unknown
    • Visitor’s Hill – Climb the 172 steps to a viewing platform on top of the visitors hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the activity in and around Terminal 1, the apron and both runways. Please note, the path to the platform is not wheelchair or stroller-accessible. Entry fee is €1,00 at the coin-operated turnstile located at the base of the steps. Hours: Open 24 hours.
    • Interactive Exhibition –  Visit the interactive exhibition to learn everything about Munich Airport! Hours: 9:00 AM—5:00 PM. 
Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing?

  • Freisling, a Bavarian town, and the Weihenstephan Brewery.
  • Oberschleissheim, which is the home of three castles and a park. The Flugwerft Schleissheim, an airfield museum home to 60 historical aircrafts and helicopters, is within walking distance.
  • Therme Erding, the largest Hot Water Complex in Europe, offers saunas and 16 water slides
  • With more than 6-7+ hours, you will have time to shop, dine or join a city tour of Munich.

Check out our Munich Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Munich on Tripadvisor.

Airlines
Munich Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Aer Lingus • AirBaltic Air • Cairo • Air Canada • Air China • Air Dolomiti • Air Europa • Air France • Air Horizon • AJet • American Airlines • All Nippon Airways • Arkia • Austrian Airlines BeOnd • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Condor • Corendon • Croatia Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Discover • EasyJet • Egyptair • El Al Israel Airlines • Emirates • Enter Air • Etihad Airways • Eurowings • Eva Air • Finnair • Fly Lili • Freebird Airlines • GP Aviation • Gulf Air • Iberia • Icelandair • Iraqi Airways • ITA Airways • • KLM • KM Malta Airlines • Kuwait Airways • Leav Aviation • LOT • Lufthansa • Lufthansa City • Luxair • Nesma Airlines • Norwegian • Nouvelair • Oman Air • Pegasus Airlines • Qatar Airways • SAS • Saudia • Singapore Airlines • SKY Express • Smart Wings • Somon Air • Star East Airlines • SundAir • SunExpress • Swiss •TAP Portugal • Thai Airways • TUIFly • Tunisair • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • Universal Air • UR Airlines • Uzbekistan Airways • Vietnam Airlines • Vueling • Widerøe
.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

MUC airport is well connected to the bus system. Whether you need a shuttle bus to the city center, a connection to the Munich Trade Fair or you need a long distance coach, there is probably a bus for you. For more information, visit the Munich Airport website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies operate on-site in areas B and C in the central area between the two terminals: Alamo/Enterprise/National • Avis/ Budget • Europcar/Buchbinder/Global • Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty • Okmobility • Sixt.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: NH Muenchen AirportMoxy Munich AirportRamada by Wyndham Muenchen AirportB&B Hotel Muenchen-Airport  • Mercure Hotel Munich Airport Freising.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Limousine and Transfer Service

Several private companies offer limousine or airport transfer services. Transfer services are a shared ride service, travelling to either one destination or several destinations as required by the passengers on board. Limousines provide a more luxurious and private mode of transportation. For more information, contact your service provider of choice. For more information, visit the Munich Airport website.

Taxi

Several types of taxis are readily available at the airport to accommodate passengers’ needs and party size, from sedans to eight passenger minibuses, and passengers can opt for smoking or non-smoking vehicles. Location: Departure and arrival areas of T1 and T2.

Train

Two S-Bahn train lines operate between the airport and the city center, running in 10 minute intervals. The S1 runs between the airport and Ostbahnhof. The S8 runs between the airport and Herrsching where passengers can also transfer to main and regional train lines.  A reader sent us this information “1. The German D-Bahn railway now has a connection to the airport station, so for some destinations you no longer need to use the S-Bahn commuter rail to Munich or the bus to the Friesing station. 2. The Munich main station is being torn down and rebuilt. There may be long waiting lines for the temporary ticket and information offices beside the station platforms. It’s much more convenient to use the DB information and ticket offices at the airport.” (February 2024)

Last updated: 2025-12-10

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.