Renting a Car at Munich Airport
Munich Airport (MUC) is Germany's second busiest airport and the gateway to Bavaria — a region of fairy-tale castles, Alpine lakes, world-class ski resorts, and the most famous beer culture in the world. A rental car from MUC puts you in the Alps within an hour.
Prices from €28/day. The A9 motorway connects the airport to Munich's centre in 40 minutes. The A8 south leads directly to the Austrian border and on to Salzburg, Innsbruck, and beyond. Germany's legendary Autobahn is worth every moment.
Which Car Rental Companies Operate at MUC?
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.
How to Pick Up Your Car at Munich Airport
Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.
Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.
You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.
Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.
Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
- Passport or national identity card.
- Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
- Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.
Young Driver Rules at Munich Airport
Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.
Tips for Renting at MUC
- The Autobahn A8 south to Salzburg has unrestricted sections — maintain safe following distances.
- Neuschwanstein: parking at Hohenschwangau village (€8), then walk or horse carriage to the castle. Book timed tickets online months in advance in summer.
- Austria requires a motorway vignette (€10/10 days) — buy at the border or online. Available at all petrol stations.
- Munich Oktoberfest (late September): do not drink and drive — use the U-Bahn or designated driver service.
Ready to Book Your Munich Airport Car Hire?
Compare prices from DiscoverCars, AutoEurope, RentalCars and more. Find the best deal for your dates in under 60 seconds.
Compare Prices at MUCGetting from Munich Airport to Munich City Centre
With a rental car, driving from Munich Airport to Munich city centre takes approximately 40 min (40 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.
Driving in Germany
Germany uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, none km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. No general motorway speed limit (recommended 130). Green sticker required for city centre zones. Currency: Euro (€).
Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To
- Neuschwanstein Castle — 120 km, 1.5 hr. Ludwig II's fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney — Bavaria's most photographed sight.
- Salzburg, Austria — 150 km, 1.5 hr. Mozart's birthplace and one of Austria's most beautiful cities — Baroque architecture and the Sound of Music.
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen — 90 km, 1 hr. Germany's premier Alpine resort — access to the Zugspitze (Germany's highest peak).
- Berchtesgaden — 150 km, 2 hr. Eagle's Nest and the spectacular Königssee lake in the Berchtesgaden National Park.
For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.