Honestly, if you find yourself at Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC), you aren't just at a transit hub. You’re basically in a small, hyper-efficient city that happens to have runways. Most people call it Munich Airport, and while that’s geographically true, the official name honors the long-time Bavarian Prime Minister who was a massive force in making this place a reality.
It’s huge. It’s also kinda weirdly located. Unlike the old Riem airport which was practically in the city, this one is about 28 kilometers northeast of Munich, nestled in the Erdinger Moos.
Why the location matters
When they built this thing back in 1992, it was a massive logistical headache. They actually had to level an entire village called Franzheim to make room. The residents were moved, the ground was flattened, and what emerged was a 15.6 square kilometer behemoth. Today, it’s the second busiest airport in Germany, trailing only Frankfurt, but it consistently beats its bigger brother in quality rankings.
In 2025, the airport saw a massive surge, handling 43.4 million passengers. That’s a 4.4% jump from the year before. People aren't just passing through; they're lingering.
The Terminal 2 Secret
If you’re flying Lufthansa or any Star Alliance partner, you’ll end up in Terminal 2. This isn’t just a building; it’s a joint venture between the airport and the airline. It’s the first of its kind in Europe.
The efficiency here is legendary. By April 2025, they finished installing state-of-the-art CT scanners at every security lane. What does that mean for you? You don’t have to take out your laptop or your liquids anymore. Seriously. Because of this, about 95% of passengers now clear security in under ten minutes.
The Terminal 2 Satellite, which opened in 2016, added even more gates. You get there via an underground driverless train that takes about 60 seconds. It’s quiet, it’s fast, and it feels like the future.
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But what about Terminal 1?
For a while, Terminal 1 felt like the forgotten stepchild. It’s older, with a module-based layout (A through E) that can feel a bit cramped compared to the airy T2.
But things are changing.
Right now, a massive 665 million euro expansion is underway. They are building a new pier for non-Schengen traffic. It’s expected to open in the first half of 2026. This new pier will handle up to six million more passengers a year and features 12 new gates for smaller planes or six for wide-body giants like the A380.
Eating, Drinking, and... Surfing?
You’ve probably heard of Airbräu. It is the world’s only airport brewery. They brew the beer right there in the Munich Airport Center (MAC), which is the big tent-like area between the terminals.
- The Jetstream: A classic Pils.
- The Mayday: A dark beer that’s stronger than it looks.
- The Food: Think massive pretzels and pork knuckle.
But wait, there’s more than just beer. Every summer, they put up a giant wave pool in the MAC. You can actually surf in the middle of the airport. In the winter, it turns into a Christmas market with a real ice skating rink. It’s localized Bavarian culture turned up to eleven.
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword here
The airport has a goal called Net Zero 2035. They aren't just talking about it; they’re doing some pretty cool stuff:
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- They’ve converted the entire apron lighting to LED—the largest high-mast LED system in the world.
- They produce their own honey. Yes, really. It’s called "MUC-Bienenfleiß" and it’s certified organic.
- By the end of 2025, they opened Bavaria’s largest charging park for electric cars in the P44 garage.
Getting to the City (The 2026 Reality)
This is where people usually get annoyed. There is no high-speed "Express" train to the city center yet. You have two main S-Bahn lines: the S1 and the S8.
The S1 goes via the west, and the S8 goes via the east. Both take roughly 40 minutes to reach the Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). They run every 10 minutes, so you never wait long, but it’s a slow trek.
Pro tip: If you want to skip the train, the Lufthansa Express Bus leaves every 20 minutes. It’s often faster if traffic is light, taking about 25 minutes to get to Schwabing Nord.
The Skytrax Obsession
The folks running Franz Josef Strauss Airport are obsessed with being the best. In 2025, Skytrax named it the "Best Airport in Central Europe" again. Globally, it sits at number nine. It’s the only German airport in the top ten.
Why? Because it’s clean. Because the signage actually makes sense. And because the staff—around 30,000 of them across the whole campus—actually seem like they want to be there.
A quick look at the numbers (2025 stats)
- Total Passengers: 43.4 million
- Destinations: 232 across 71 countries
- Airlines: 96 regular carriers
- Punctuality: Over 75% (Top 3 in Europe)
What to do if you have a long layover
If you have more than four hours, don't just sit at the gate.
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- Go to the Visitors Park: You can see historic planes like the Super Constellation and climb the "Visitors Hill" for a view of the runways.
- Nap in a Napcabs: These are small, private cabins in Terminal 2 where you can sleep for an hour or two.
- Visit the LabCampus: This is a new innovation hub on-site where tech companies are doing some wild R&D.
The airport is also home to the Hilton Munich Airport, which was voted the best airport hotel in Europe in 2025. If you’re stuck overnight, that’s your best bet.
Actionable Insights for your next trip
If you’re heading to Franz Josef Strauss Airport soon, keep these three things in mind to make your life easier:
Buy the Airport-City Day Ticket. If you’re traveling to the city and plan on using the subway or trams once you get there, this ticket covers the S-Bahn journey and all transport in the city for the rest of the day. It’s way cheaper than buying separate fares.
Check your terminal carefully. Don't just assume. If you're on a budget carrier or a non-alliance airline, you are likely in Terminal 1. If you're Lufthansa, it's Terminal 2. The walk between them is about 5-10 minutes through the MAC, but with luggage, it feels longer.
Download the PassGo app. The airport uses biometric data for some "seamless" travel experiences. If you register your face and passport in advance, you can breeze through certain boarding gates without even showing a ticket. It’s creepy but very fast.
The new pier in Terminal 1 is set to change the game for international travelers by summer 2026, making those long-haul flights from the US or Asia a lot more comfortable. Until then, grab a beer at Airbräu and enjoy the most organized chaos in Europe.