Munich Airport Taxis (MUC)

Munich Airport is Germany’s second largest airport and was voted Europe’s best aviation hub. In 2010 almost 35 million passengers passed through the gates of Munich Airport.

Taxi services in Germany are efficient and fairly cheap. Munich Airport taxis operate from a taxi rank just outside of Terminal 1 on the departure and arrivals levels E04. More taxis can be found opposite Modules A to E and at Terminal 2, where taxis wait for passengers just by the access ramp for busses. This taxi rank is located just to the north of the arrivals area on level E03 and the departures level E04.

The company running the airport gives special permits to the taxi companies that are allowed to operate within the airport. Within the areas where the taxi ranks are located, passengers will find telephone booths displaying the contact numbers for a variety of taxi operators such as Isar Funk Taxizentrale on +49 (0)89 45 05 40 and Taxi Zentrale Freising on +49 (0)8161 36 66. Freising is a small town closest to the airport and from here passengers can board train services.

German taxis fares are calculated by taxi and not by the number of passengers travelling. All licensed taxis will display a TAXI sign on their roof, will have the permit clearly displayed in their window and the company’s name and contact details will be shown on the sides of the vehicle. Most Munich Airport taxis will be cream coloured Mercedes Benz vehicles or varying sizes. There are sedans, station wagons, limousines and even mini buses with space for up to 8 passengers and their luggage. Child safety seats are available upon request (at the time of booking in advance).

Taxis Munich Airport only need to cover a 17.7 miles / 28.5 km distance to the city centre, where the main tourist attractions, hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs are located. At certain times of the day, Munich’s traffic can be heavy, so visitors in a hurry to arrive at a business meeting during peak travelling times should perhaps consider taking the metro train instead or travel by bus in priority lanes.

German taxi drivers are well trained, courteous and reliable, typically helpful when it comes to lending a hand with the luggage. Any complaints should in the first instance be made to the relevant taxi operator, before taking the matter to the airport authorities.

From Munich city centre visitors can board onward travel by either train or coach to destinations like Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Frankfurt or Cologne. Outside the main train station visitors will find another large taxi rank. It is not typical to hail a taxi that is driving along in the streets – taxis are either joined at the taxi rank or booked in advance. Smoking is not permitted in Munich Airport taxis nor any other German taxis and drivers contravening this rule can be officially reprimanded.

For passengers who shy away from the thought of self-drive – perhaps because driving on the right hand side is a little to challenging in unfamiliar surroundings – can book a limousine or other vehicle for a day. Day rates are usually negotiable and frequent travellers might be able to get a small discount, if they always use the same taxi operator.

It is permitted to give a small tip at the end of the journey, typically around 10% of the fare, to thank the driver for helping with the luggage.