I am flying back from India and have a layover in Munich for 5.5 hours and wanted to head to Marzenplatz. Our flight comes from Delhi and lands in Munich, 5.5 hour layover then a flight to Frankfurt, 1.5 hour layover and then direct to Orlando, FL. What do I need to do in terms of immigration/customs when leaving the Munich Airport and when re entering the Munich Airport?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6792 posts
You don't specify your nationality (which would determine the answers to your questions), but assuming you are traveling on a US passport, you just need to show that upon arrival. US passport holders get free entry to the Schengen Area of the EU for 90 days, no visa required, no fuss. When you land in Munich, you will go through passport control, show your US passport, walk through the "nothing to declare" lane (in customs) then out you go. Upon returning to the airport, you will need to check in for your onward flight, show your US passport then. The airport formalities should be minimal and easy.
Whther or not you have enough time to accomplish a quick trip to the old center of the city is another question. I'd guess you probably can do it with enough time to spare (German cities typically have good, efficient public transport between airports and city centers), but it's been a while since I was in Munich and will leave that advice to others.
If your flight arrives late you should evaluate the available time carefully. Ask yourself what would be the consequences if you failed to get back to the airport, through security, and to your gate in time to make your onward flight...could be a very, very expensive visit to Munich if you had to buy a replacement ticket home on the spot.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17466 posts
Do you mean Marienplatz? The journey by the S1 or S8 is roughly 40-45 minutes, depending which one comes first and how long you have to wait (probably not more than 4-5 minutes).
The immigration lines at Munich airport for non-EU citizens can be long and confusing, especially if a large jumbo jest arrives from Asia or the Middle East at the same time as your plane. When we were there there were no organized queues but hopefully they have sorted that. Still, it could take an hour or more if you are unlucky.
And remember you have to go through security to get back into the airport, somallow ample time for that. Two hours before scheduled departure time is recommended for intraday-European flights such as yours to Frankfurt.
Posted by
San Francisco
14985 posts
A good choice for a layover.
Munich airport is highly rated, read about that before I got to the place. It's true, I liked Munich airport I first had to use it in 2013.
With 5.5 hrs if you don't procrastinate, you can get to Marienplatz and back, as long as you pay attention to the time.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Yes I am a US citizen with a US passport traveling to India and this is the flights on the way back home.