Munich Airport (MUC): Complete Guide to Paid Lounge Access Options

Munich Airport (MUC), also known as Flughafen München “Franz Josef Strauß”, serves as southern Germany’s aviation hub and Lufthansa’s second-largest base after Frankfurt. The airport spans two main terminals plus a satellite building, housing a total of 17 lounges ranging from exclusive first-class spaces to accessible contract lounges.

Departing from or transiting through Munich Airport soon? Rather than waiting for your flight in the busy terminal, you could enjoy your time in one of the airport's many lounges.

This comprehensive guide covers all of the paid lounge access options at MUC. It includes detailed information on each lounge’s location, hours, access rules, amenities, and tips to help you make the most of your travel experience.

Munich Airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 1 is primarily used by non-Star Alliance airlines. It features 5 contract lounges that welcome members of various programs and walk-up purchases, making them accessible to most travellers.

• Terminal 2 is used by Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners (except Turkish Airlines). It contains a main building and a satellite terminal. All of the 12 lounges inside Terminal 2 are operated by Lufthansa, with paid access available to the Lufthansa Business Lounges.

The Munich Airport Center (MAC) sits between the two terminals. Here you’ll find additional dining options, a train station, and the Hilton hotel.

Take note of whether your flight is to a Schengen or Non-Schengen destination, as each terminal is divided into separate sections for Schengen and Non-Schengen departures.

Schengen flights are to destinations within Europe's Schengen Area, including most countries in the European Union. Non-Schengen flights are to countries outside the Schengen Area, including to the UK, Ireland and long-haul destinations.

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 operate as distinct zones and are connected airside by a shuttle bus. The journey between the terminals takes 5-7 minutes, with a shuttle departing every 10-20 minutes.

Terminal 2’s satellite building is connected to its main concourse by an underground train. The ride takes just 1-2 minutes, and trains run every four minutes.

This map from the Munich Airport website shows the basic terminal layout:

If you’re flying from Terminal 2, it is technically possible to access a lounge in the Schengen section of Terminal 1. However, to clear security in a different terminal to your departing flight, you’ll need to be processed manually as the automatic security gates won’t accept your boarding pass. Allow plenty of extra time to change terminals.

Regardless of your airline, ticket type or membership, there are paid lounge options in MUC Terminal 1 when flying to both Schengen and Non-Schengen destinations.

Let's begin by looking at your options for Schengen flights:

Available to passengers departing on Schengen flights, Airport Lounge Europe is Munich Airport’s most affordable lounge for buying a day pass.

Terminal 1 Airside - Schengen Departures. Level 5, Module D. After security.

05:00-21:00 (5am-9pm), or 05:30-21:00 (5:30am-9pm) during winter months.

• Cold food and light hot snacks

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks

• Restrooms

• Wi-Fi

• Newspapers

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Online Advance Purchase Methods:

  • Munich Airport sells lounge access online for €52 (US$60). You must pre-book a non-refundable pass for a specific date and time.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour stays for US$39 (€34), but only to passengers on Condor, Eurowings, Finnair, Icelandair or Widerøe.

• Airline Status/Class:

  • Condor passengers in Business Class

  • Eurowings passengers in BIZclass or eligible Miles&More status holders

  • Finnair passengers flying Business Class (except Business Light) and Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members

  • Icelandair passengers in Saga Class

  • Widerøe passengers on a Flex/Full Flex fare or Norwegian Reward Priority members

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass may get you access, but the lounge has previously restricted Priority Pass access to passengers flying Condor, Eurowings, Finnair, Icelandair or Widerøe.

  • Dragonpass, LoungeKey or DreamFolks membership will get you entry into this lounge.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with any of these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Priority Pass-linked cards like American Express Platinum, Capital One Venture X and Diners Club (note the airline restrictions)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

• Walk Up Access: Subject to capacity constraints, you may be able to purchase a pass at the reception desk directly. However, this lounge regularly suspends walk-up access due to being full.

With space for 75 guests, the Air France Lounge is the other option for passengers departing on Schengen flights from Munich’s Terminal 1.

Terminal 1 Airside - Schengen Departures. Level 5, Module D (near gate D12). After security.

05:15-20:30 (5:15am-8:30pm) daily.

• Hot and cold food options

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks (including champagne during evening hours)

• Wi-Fi

• Restrooms are located outside the lounge, near the entrance

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Online Advance Purchase Methods:

  • Dragonpass sells 2-hour walk-up passes for entry to the Air France Lounge for US$55 (€48).

• Airline Status/Class:

  • SkyTeam passengers flying Business Class with Air France, Air Europa, KLM or SAS, and SkyTeam Elite Plus members flying with these airlines.

• Memberships:

  • A Dragonpass membership gets you entry into this lounge.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Dragonpass membership, including via Visa Airport Companion and Mastercard Travel Pass.

This above-average Non-Schengen lounge offers panoramic airport views and seating for more than 200 guests across two levels. Holding Skytrax 5-Star certification, this is Terminal 1’s flagship independent lounge.

Terminal 1 Airside - Non-Schengen Departures. Level 6, Module B (near gate B10). After security and passport control. This lounge is not accessible to passengers departing on Schengen flights.

05:00-22:15 (5am-10:15pm), or 05:00-22:00 (5am-10pm) during winter months.

• Hot and cold food including local Bavarian specialties and international options

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks

• Complimentary showers (subject to availability)

• Restrooms

• Day beds

• Kids play area

• Smoking room

• Prayer room

• Luggage storage lockers

• Work stations

• Printer

• Wi-Fi

• Newspapers

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Online Advance Purchase Methods:

  • Munich Airport offers 2 hours of lounge access for €72 (US$83). You must pre-book a non-refundable pass for a specific date and time.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour stays for US$55 (€48), for use on a specific date and time.

  • At the time of writing, Holiday Extras is selling access for entry up to 3 hours before your flight for £29 (US$38), for use on a specific date and time.

• Airline Status/Class:

  • Oneworld passengers flying Business Class with American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Oman Air, Royal Air Maroc or Qatar Airways, and for Sapphire or Emerald members travelling on these airlines.

  • SkyTeam passengers flying Saudia or Vietnam Airlines in Business Class or holding SkyTeam Elite Plus status.

  • Delta passengers flying Delta One, with Delta Gold or higher status and flying in a premium cabin, or with SkyTeam Elite Plus status from another SkyTeam airline.

  • Turkish Airlines passengers in Business Class or holding Star Alliance Gold status.

  • Aer Lingus, Etihad, Georgian Airways, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways or Uzbekistan Airways passengers flying Business or First Class, or holding eligible status.

  • Condor passengers in Business Class.

• Memberships:

  • A Priority Pass, Dragonpass, LoungeKey or DreamFolks membership will get you entry into this lounge.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with any of these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Priority Pass-linked cards like American Express Platinum, Capital One Venture X and Diners Club

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase a pass at the reception desk directly, subject to availability.

• The lounge can get busy between 6-9am and 5-8pm when multiple long-haul flights depart, but seating usually remains available.

• There is no extra charge to use the showers or day beds, but these are subject to availability. If you wish to use a shower during the morning rush, make a reservation as soon as you enter the lounge to avoid disappointment.

The Emirates Lounge is an excellent option for eligible passengers. However, you must be booked on an Emirates flight to get in.

Terminal 1 Airside - Non-Schengen Departures. Level 5, Module C (near gates C16-C20). After security and passport control.

11:40-15:20 (11:40am-3:20pm) and 18:30-22:10 (6.30pm-10:10pm).

Subject to change as timings are aligned with Emirates flight departure times.

• Extensive Middle Eastern and international food options

• Alcoholic drinks including premium spirits & champagne

• Soft drinks, coffee & tea

• Complimentary showers (subject to availability)

• Restrooms

• Business zone

• Conference calling booths

• Printer

• Wi-Fi

This video shows what you can expect in the Emirates Lounge:

• Airline Status/Class:

  • Emirates passengers flying Business or First Class (excluding Business Class Special fares), as well as Skywards Gold/Platinum or Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold/Platinum/Platinum One members flying in any cabin.

• Walk Up Access: Emirates passengers who aren’t otherwise entitled to complimentary lounge access may purchase one-time access at the door with a credit or debit card. Including tax, paid Emirates Lounge access at German airports costs:

  • US$149 (€130) for Emirates Skywards members

  • US$185 (€160) for non-Skywards members

This definitely isn’t a cheap option, but those wanting to skip the main airport terminal altogether can purchase access to Munich Airport’s VIP Terminal.

The VipWing is an exclusive private terminal. The entrance is next to Terminal 1, in Module E. When using this service, you clear security and immigration processing in a separate part of the airport before entering the VipWing lounge.

05:00-22:00 (5am-10pm), with advance reservation typically required at least 72 hours before departure (or earlier for busy periods).

• A la carte dining

• Premium drinks

• Conference rooms

• Beer garden terrace

• Spa treatment rooms

• Prayer room

• Private suites including a living area, bedroom and bathroom are also available at an additional charge

Advance booking is required, with prices starting from €630 (US$727) for the first person and €330 (US$381) for each additional person. Subject to availability.

Terminal 2 at Munich Airport is primarily used by Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners. Lufthansa also operates all 12 of the lounges found across this terminal’s main and satellite buildings.

Lufthansa has 3 different categories of lounges, each with their own access requirements:

• First Class Lounge

• Senator Lounge/Café

• Business Lounge

You can find a full list of the Lufthansa Lounges on the Lufthansa website (search for Munich in the drop-down menu).

The only lounges that Lufthansa sells access into are the Business Lounges.

If you're flying in Economy or Premium Economy on Lufthansa, you may be able to purchase one-time entry into a Lufthansa Business Lounge. You can either pay at the door, or pre-purchase access on the Lufthansa website.

Your best lounge option will likely depend on which gate your flight departs from, as Lufthansa has one Schengen and one Non-Schengen Business Lounge in each of the main and satellite buildings of Terminal 2. That said, if you have the time to get to the satellite, the satellite lounges are generally considered to be a bit better.

The cost for Lufthansa Business Lounge access is generally around €49-59 (US$57-69). The starting price reduces to €25 (US$29) if you’re flying Lufthansa Premium Economy.

Access is subject to availability, and Lufthansa may not accept walk-ins during peak times if the lounge is full. But if you’re travelling during a quieter time, this can be a great option.

You can also enter any Lufthansa Business Lounge if you:

• Are flying Business or First Class with any Star Alliance airline

• Are flying with any Star Alliance airline and have Star Alliance Gold status

• Are flying with a Lufthansa Group airline and have Frequent Traveller, Senator or HON Circle status with Miles&More (except Frequent Travellers on Eurowings BASIC fares)

• Are flying Economy or Premium Economy on Lufthansa and are an American Express Platinum cardholder.

Let's take a look now at each of the Lufthansa Business Lounges available at Munich Airport:

Terminal 2 Airside - Schengen departures, near Gate G28 (main building).

05:00-22:00 (5am-10pm) daily.

• Hot and cold food

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks

• Complimentary showers (subject to availability)

• Restrooms

• Lockers

• Wi-Fi

• Printer

• Newspapers

Terminal 2 Airside - Non-Schengen departures, near Gate H24 (main building).

05:00-22:00 (5am-10pm) daily.

• Hot and cold food

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks

• Complimentary showers (subject to availability)

• Restrooms

• Lockers

• Working area

• Wi-Fi

• Printer

• Newspapers

Terminal 2 Airside - Schengen departures, near Gate K11 (satellite).

05:00-22:00 (5am-10pm) daily.

• Hot and cold food (including ice cream)

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks

• Complimentary showers (subject to availability)

• Restrooms

• Lockers

• Wi-Fi

• Printer

• Photocopier

• Newspapers

Terminal 2 Airside - Non-Schengen departures, near Gate L11 (satellite).

05:00-22:00 (5am-10pm) daily.

Hot and cold food

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks

• Complimentary showers (subject to availability)

• Restrooms

• Lockers

• Working area

• Wi-Fi

• Printer

• Photocopier

• Newspapers

Munich Airport provides extensive facilities for passengers with long connections or overnight layovers.

The Napcabs sleeping pods throughout Terminal 2 offer private spaces for rest without leaving the secure area. The prices are:

• Standard Napcabs cost €17 (US$20) per hour during the day (6am-10pm) or €12 (US$14) per hour at night, with a €34 (US$40) minimum charge.

• The larger NapcabXL with queen bed costs €24.50 (US$29) per hour daytime or €18 (US$21) per hour at night, with a €49 (US$57) minimum cost.

If you want to freshen up, paid shower facilities are available in the following locations:

• Terminal 2 Satellite (airside)

• Munich Airport Center

• The landside area of the Terminal 2 main building.

Use of the showers costs €25 (US$29), plus a €20 (US$23) deposit.

The Hilton Munich Airport and Novotel Munich Airport offer day room rates for longer layovers.

For fresh air and apron views, the free observation deck on Level 7 of Terminal 2 is open from 8am-10pm. And at the nearby Besucherpark S-Bahn train station, the Visitors Hill offers a 28-metre observation platform for just €1 (US$1) admission.

The world's only airport brewery, Airbräu, provides a Bavarian atmosphere with fresh beer and traditional food in the Munich Airport Center.

Guests staying at Hilton Munich Airport Hotel, located landside in the Munich Airport Center, can access the hotel’s Hilton Executive Lounge. This lounge serves a continental breakfast buffet between 7-10am, as well as complimentary canapés and alcoholic beverages from 6-8pm.

Hilton Honors Diamond members and hotel guests with an Executive Room can access this lounge during their stay at the hotel. Other hotel guests can purchase an Executive Lounge day pass for €50 (US$58).

Munich Airport's 17 lounges reflect its role as a major European hub.

The two terminals are distinctly different. Terminal 1's contract lounges provide accessible options for all travelers including Priority Pass members, with Airport Lounge World setting high standards for an independent facility. In Terminal 2, Lufthansa offers an impressive selection of lounges for Star Alliance travellers.

Whether you're seeking a quick refresh at Airport Lounge Europe or an indulgent experience at VipWing, Munich Airport provides lounge options across all price points and access levels.

Plan an adequate connection time to enjoy these facilities, particularly if crossing between terminals or visiting the satellite terminal's premium lounges. Note that many lounges enforce a 3-hour time limit.