Is Munich a busy airport?

Munich International Airport, also known as Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, is the second busiest airport in Germany and is the main airport for passengers visiting Bavaria.



Yes, Munich Airport (MUC) is one of the busiest and most significant aviation hubs in Europe. In 2025, it handled approximately 43.4 million passengers, marking a steady 4.4% growth from the previous year. It consistently ranks as the second-busiest airport in Germany (after Frankfurt) and often sits within the top 10 busiest airports across the entire European continent. As a primary hub for Lufthansa and a key gateway for the Star Alliance, it manages over 337,000 flight movements annually, connecting Bavaria to over 230 destinations worldwide. Despite its high volume, it is frequently voted one of the best airports in the world for "passenger experience" due to its efficient layout, the famous "MAC" (Munich Airport Center) outdoor forum, and its world-class punctuality rates. In 2026, it continues to expand its long-haul network, particularly to Asia and North America, cementing its status as a critical international "premium" hub.

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30 minutes - 2 hours layover If you have 2 hours or less between your arrival at Munich Airport and the boarding of your connecting flight, we recommend you to stay airside and discover the shops, restaurants and services within the security area.

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While Munich airport guidelines indicate a minimum time of 40 minutes to make a connection, a better option is to choose itineraries with a layover of at least 60 to 75 minutes to account for any flight delays or if you are flying outside of the same air alliance.

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The airport covers an area of 15.6 square kilometres on land that was originally the site of a village named Franzheim. The village was levelled and its residents rehoused elsewhere before construction of the airport began in 1980. Airport operations commenced in 1992.

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Tourists will generally find more to do in Munich than Frankfurt. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Munich is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Frankfurt attracts visitors for its historical sights.

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To begin with, Munich has all of the modern facilities that you would expect from a great air hub. It has wide, clean concourses, plenty of security and passport control lanes, and enough staff to keep the queues moving. Flights are usually on time, too – this is one of the world's most punctual airports.

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With 47 million passengers, Munich's MUC airport, although slightly smaller, is still Germany's largest airport after Frankfurt.

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Transfer between terminals: The Munich Airport Centre connects Terminal 1 with Terminal 2, which is a 10 minute walk away. There is also a shuttle service between the terminals which runs every 15 minutes.

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Terminal 2 It is used by Lufthansa, the Star Alliance and other partners of Lufthansa. Gates K and L in T2 satellite can be reached by means of an underground passenger transport system.

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A single ticket for the direct route from Munich Airport to the city costs just €11.50 and if you buy it online, you'll pay just €11. If you're planning on using the service to return to the airport at the end of your trip, you can save money buy purchasing a round-trip ticket, costing €18.50.

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How many airports are there in Munich? There are 2 airports in Munich. (These include Munich, Augsburg.) How soon should I arrive at Munich before my flight?

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