Munich Airport is one of Europe's best — clean, efficient, and surprisingly family-friendly. The main challenge is the 37km distance to the city. Here's the family guide.
German child car seat rules
Germany requires children under 150cm tall (approximately 12 years) to use an appropriate child restraint. This applies to:
- All private vehicles and transfers
- Taxis are NOT exempt in Germany — unlike many countries
Best transport for families
S-Bahn (works well for families)
- Cost: €13.60 per adult, free for under-6s, €6.80 for 6-14
- Time: 40 minutes
- Space: S-Bahn trains have luggage areas and fold-down seats
- Strollers: Easily accommodated — wide doors, designated spaces
- Day pass: €16.10 per adult, €31.50 for up to 5 people (Partner Day Ticket)
- Best for: Families heading to the city center
Pre-booked transfer
- Cost: €80-120 sedan, €100-150 minivan
- Why: Door-to-door, child seats available, luggage help
- Best for: Large families, lots of luggage, going beyond city center
- Book: Specify number and ages of children for correct seats
Taxi
- Cost: €75-95 metered
- Space: Mercedes E-Class — comfortable for 2 adults + 2 kids
- Child seats: Not typically available despite German law
- Best for: Smaller families, moderate luggage
Airport family facilities
Munich Airport is excellent for families:
- Kids' areas in both terminals with play equipment
- Family washrooms with baby changing throughout
- Visitors Park — outdoor area between terminals with playground and mini-golf (if you have time)
- Airbräu beer garden in the MAC (adults can relax while kids play)
- Pharmacy and baby supplies at airport shops
- Luggage carts — free and plentiful
- Excellent signage — easy to navigate with kids in tow
Luggage with a family
The S-Bahn handles family luggage well. Each carriage has luggage racks and space between seats. The Partner Day Ticket means you're not paying per bag — just get on.
| Family size | Luggage | Best transport | |---|---|---| | 2 adults + 1 child | 2 bags + stroller | S-Bahn (Partner Day Ticket) | | 2 adults + 2 children | 3 bags + stroller | S-Bahn or taxi | | 2 adults + 3+ children | 4+ bags + strollers | Minivan transfer |
Family destinations from Munich Airport
| Destination | Best transport | Cost | Time | |---|---|---|---| | Munich city center | S-Bahn | €31.50 (family pass) | 40 min | | Neuschwanstein Castle | Transfer or rental | €190-270 | 1.5-2 hrs | | Legoland Günzburg | Transfer or rental | €180-260 | 1.5 hrs | | Salzburg | Transfer or train | €230-320 / €30-40 | 2 hrs / 3 hrs | | Therme Erding (waterpark) | Taxi | €25-35 | 15 min |
Pro tip: Therme Erding, one of Europe's largest waterparks, is just 15 minutes from the airport. If you have a few hours before check-in, it's a great family stop.