Hire a Private Jet to Munich, Germany

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and Germany's third largest city, a destination that combines exceptional business connectivity, a world-class cultural offer and unique proximity to the Alps to make it one of the most versatile private aviation destinations in Central Europe. Private jet clients fly to Munich for a remarkably wide range of reasons: corporate and financial meetings with Bavaria's dense concentration of major companies (BMW, MAN, Allianz, MunichRe, Siemens), attendance at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA Mobility) and Bauma construction equipment trade fairs, Oktoberfest in September and October, the ski season in the Bavarian Alps and Innsbruck (68 nm, 27 minutes by jet), the Munich Philharmonic and opera season, and leisure travel combining the city with the extraordinary Bavarian landscape. Munich International Airport Franz Josef Strauss (MUC / EDDM) is one of the busiest airports in Europe and a dedicated private aviation hub, located 29 km north-east of the city centre. The London to Munich sector is 508 nautical miles, approximately 1 hour 33 minutes - one of the shortest and most efficient private jet routes from the UK to a major European capital.

 

 

Munich Airport (MUC / EDDM) is the second busiest airport in Germany and a major Lufthansa hub with two runways and a dedicated private aviation facility - the Munich Airport Business Aviation Centre (MABAC) on the south side of the airport, operated by Jet Aviation, which provides VIP terminal facilities, direct ramp access and efficient private aviation handling. The airport is located in the Erding district, 29 km north-east of Munich city centre. Journey time to the city centre is approximately 35 to 45 minutes by chauffeured car via the A9 motorway, or 40 minutes by the S-Bahn express rail connection that links the airport directly to Munich Hauptbahnhof. A second private aviation option is Munich Oberpfaffenhofen Airport (OBF / EDMO), a dedicated general aviation airfield 24 km south-west of the city centre, which is quieter than the main airport and preferred by some private aviation clients for its more relaxed FBO environment and closer proximity to the Starnberg lake district.

Key Information:

• Typical flight time from London to Munich: approximately 1 hour 33 minutes;
• Private jet charter prices: from 5,800 EUR;
• Primary airport: Munich International Airport Franz Josef Strauss (MUC / EDDM), 29 km from city centre;
• Alternative airport: Munich Oberpfaffenhofen (OBF / EDMO), 24 km south-west of the city;
• Innsbruck: 68 nm south - 27 minutes by jet;
• Salzburg: 59 nm east - 26 minutes by jet;
• Zurich: 141 nm west - 38 minutes by jet;
• Most popular aircraft: Phenom 300, Citation XLS+, Challenger 300;
• Peak demand: Oktoberfest (mid-September to early October), IAA Mobility (September odd years), Bauma (April even years), Christmas markets (December), ski season (January to March).

Munich's appeal for private aviation clients spans three distinct categories. Corporate travel dominates: Bavaria has one of the highest concentrations of major German and international company headquarters in Europe, and Munich is the primary base for the German automotive, insurance, reinsurance, technology and engineering sectors. The city's Oktoberfest - the world's largest folk festival, running for 16 to 18 days from mid-September to the first weekend of October and drawing more than six million visitors annually - generates an enormous spike in private aviation demand, with aircraft slots at Munich Airport becoming extremely competitive from the third week of September. And the Alpine leisure market is significant year-round: Innsbruck is 68 nm south, Salzburg 59 nm east, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Germany's premier ski resort and the site of the 1936 Winter Olympics - is accessible by helicopter from Munich in approximately 26 minutes.

Private jet charter prices to Munich from London start from approximately 5,800 EUR on a Phenom 300 or Citation XLS+ for the 508 nautical mile sector. The final cost depends on aircraft type, departure airport, passenger numbers and positioning.

 

 

Private Jets UK provides access to more than 6500 aircraft worldwide, including light jets, midsize aircraft, heavy jets and ultra long-range business aircraft. Our aviation consultants can recommend suitable aircraft based on passenger numbers, baggage requirements, flight range and budget. Available aircraft include models from Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, Cessna, Pilatus, Beechcraft, Airbus and Boeing.

With more than 15 years of experience in business aviation, we arrange private jet charter flights to Munich from airports across the United Kingdom. Our team manages every stage of the journey, including aircraft sourcing, flight planning, FBO arrangements, ground transfers and onward Alpine connections.

 

 

A note on timing: Oktoberfest represents the single most constrained private aviation slot period at Munich Airport in the calendar year - more concentrated than Christmas or any trade fair. We strongly recommend booking both aircraft and ground transfers a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks ahead for any travel to Munich between 15 September and 5 October. For business travel and all other leisure periods, Munich is a well-served route with good aircraft availability and competitive pricing year-round.

 

How long does it take to fly to Munich?

The flight time on the private jet:

 

1 route

• London - Munich, by private jet Citation XLS+
• Aircraft range: 2100 nm, 3889 km | 441 kts, 817 kmh
• Route: LHR | EGLL ⟶ MUC | EDDM
• Distance: 508 nm / 941 km
• Flight time: 1:33 h

 

2 route

• Edinburgh - Munich, by private jet Challenger 300
• Aircraft range: 3100 nm, 5741 km | 470 kts, 870 kmh
• Route: EDI | EGPH ⟶ MUC | EDDM
• Distance: 718 nm / 1330 km
• Flight time: 1:56 h

 

3 route

• Birmingham - Munich, by private jet Citation XLS+
• Aircraft range: 2100 nm, 3889 km | 441 kts, 817 kmh
• Route: BHX | EGBB ⟶ MUC | EDDM
• Distance: 572 nm / 1060 km
• Flight time: 1:42 h

 

4 route

• Manchester - Munich, by private jet Citation XLS+
• Aircraft range: 2100 nm, 3889 km | 441 kts, 817 kmh
• Route: MAN | EGCC ⟶ MUC | EDDM
• Distance: 610 nm / 1130 km
• Flight time: 1:47 h

 

5 route

• Glasgow - Munich, by private jet Challenger 300
• Aircraft range: 3100 nm, 5741 km | 470 kts, 870 kmh
• Route: GLA | EGPF ⟶ MUC | EDDM
• Distance: 746 nm / 1382 km
• Flight time: 1:59 h

 

The exact flight time depends on the model of the business jet and wind conditions. Munich is within non-stop range of even the smallest light jets from all UK departure airports, making it one of the most aircraft-flexible routes we operate from the UK. Our consultant will calculate the exact flight time for the chosen aircraft.

 

 

Prices for the private jet flights to Munich

The London to Munich sector of 508 nautical miles is short enough that virtually any jet category is a practical and comfortable choice. This makes Munich one of the most price-competitive private jet routes from the UK: the short sector means low fuel burn, modest flight hours and minimal crew overnight costs. The positioning cost - the cost of flying the aircraft empty to your UK departure airport - often represents a higher proportion of the total than on longer sectors, and we always check available aircraft already in the UK before sending quotes to minimise this.

The two main pricing events to be aware of for Munich are Oktoberfest and the major trade fairs. During Oktoberfest (mid-September to early October), Munich Airport operates at near capacity for private aviation, and aircraft that would normally be competitively priced can be 20 to 35% higher during this window due to scarcity. IAA Mobility (held in Munich in September in odd-numbered years) and Bauma (the world's leading construction equipment trade fair, held in Munich in April in even-numbered years) create similar but somewhat less extreme demand spikes for corporate private aviation. For all other periods - including Christmas market season in December, which is a popular leisure motivation for Munich - standard pricing and good availability prevail.

Munich's proximity to the Bavarian Alps and Innsbruck (68 nm) means that ski season bookings frequently combine a Munich city stop with an onward connection south. We arrange the full itinerary as a single connected charter.

Below are the approximate prices for the flights performed this year. TOP 7 options:

1. from London to Munich, 7 passengers, by Citation XLS+ - 5,800 EUR;
2. from London to Munich, 9 passengers, by Challenger 300 - 9,200 EUR;
3. from Edinburgh to Munich, 9 passengers, by Challenger 300 - 12,500 EUR;
4. from Manchester to Munich, 7 passengers, by Citation XLS+ - 8,400 EUR;
5. from Glasgow to Munich, 12 passengers, by Challenger 605 - 15,500 EUR;
6. from Belfast to Munich, 9 passengers, by Challenger 300 - 13,200 EUR;
7. from Birmingham to Munich, 7 passengers, by Phenom 300 - 7,200 EUR;

We can arrange flights from any city in the UK. If you have any questions about the departure or the flight itself, please use the form below:

 

 

Prices depending on the type of business jet

We can clearly show the high dependence of the cost of the flight, on the type of aircraft - we have collected approximate data, at the price of 1 flight hour, for various types of business jets:

• Large jet (similar to Legacy 600) - from 4900 to 5800 GBP per flight hour;
• Business liners - from 10300 GBP per flight hour;
• Light jet - from 2100 to 3000 GBP per flight hour;
• Long-haul jet (similar to Global 5000, Gulfstream G550, Falcon 7X, etc.) - from 5800 to 8800 GBP per flight hour;
• Medium-sized jet (identical to Cessna Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP, etc.) - from 3000 to 3700 GBP per flight hour;
• Turboprops - from 850 GBP per flight hour;
• Large medium-class jet (similar to Challenger 300, etc.) - from 4600 to 5500 GBP per flight hour;
• Small jet, from 1700 to 2500 GBP per flight hour;

 

 

Recent flights to Munich

• London Farnborough to Munich, Citation XLS+, 7 passengers - Oktoberfest corporate group. A financial services firm entertaining clients at Oktoberfest, requiring a same-day return after the afternoon and evening session at the Schottenhamel tent. We booked 7 weeks ahead to secure both the aircraft slot and ground transfers. Outbound charter approximately 6,200 EUR, return leg arranged as a same aircraft turnaround at approximately 5,800 EUR. The group requested a specific catering brief for the return flight - given the nature of the evening, sparkling water, still water and light snacks rather than alcohol.
• Manchester to Munich, Challenger 300, 9 passengers - IAA Mobility trade fair. An automotive industry team attending IAA Mobility in Munich for two days of meetings and product launches. Manchester to Munich (610 nm, 1 hour 47 minutes) at approximately 10,500 EUR. The group flew back on the second evening, with the same aircraft retained in Munich. Total two-day charter including both sectors and aircraft overnight was approximately 23,000 EUR.
• Edinburgh to Munich then Innsbruck, Challenger 300, 8 passengers - Alpine ski circuit. A group combining one night in Munich with four nights skiing at St Anton am Arlberg, using Innsbruck as the onward airport (68 nm from Munich, 27 minutes). Edinburgh to Munich (718 nm, 1 hour 56 minutes) at approximately 12,800 EUR. The Munich to Innsbruck hop was arranged the following morning at approximately 3,200 EUR. Return from Innsbruck to Edinburgh direct at approximately 14,200 EUR.
• London Biggin Hill to Munich, Phenom 300, 5 passengers and one labrador - Christmas markets trip. A family flying to Munich for three days visiting the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz and the Residenz Christmas market. The labrador travelled in the cabin throughout the 1 hour 33 minute flight. We handled the EU Animal Health Certificate, microchip verification and rabies records. Germany requires tapeworm treatment for dogs arriving from the UK within 24 to 120 hours of travel - we confirmed the treatment timing with the family's vet three weeks before departure. Charter approximately 6,400 EUR. Ground transfer from Munich Airport arranged with a pet-friendly vehicle for the airport to hotel leg.
• Birmingham to Munich, Citation XLS+, 6 passengers - Bauma trade fair. A construction equipment company attending Bauma, the world's largest construction machinery exhibition held at Munich's Messe exhibition centre every two years. Birmingham to Munich (572 nm, 1 hour 42 minutes) at approximately 7,800 EUR. The group needed to be at the exhibition hall by 08:30 on the first morning, so we arranged a 06:00 departure from Birmingham with transfer direct to Messe - total travel time under 3 hours from Birmingham to exhibition hall.

The examples above are recent indicative charters. Your quote will depend on the current season, aircraft positioning, passenger numbers and any additional services requested.

 

Online Calculator

If you want to make an urgent calculation of the cost of a private plane flight, use our online calculator. Just fill in all the fields of the form with a note that you are interested in a specific model of the aircraft and get the final price. NB! - the figures are sent to you by email or messenger, please carefully fill in the contact details to get the calculation.

All our calculations are as transparent as possible for you. After receiving the request, we will prepare a beautiful offer - where the costs and the final price will be clearly described. The exact price is agreed in advance and is written in the contract, so you can be sure of the final cost.

 

 

Most Requested Aircraft for Flights to Munich

Munich's short sector from UK airports means virtually every jet category is a practical choice. The selection is primarily driven by group size and cabin preference rather than range requirements.

 

 

• Phenom 300 / Phenom 300E - the most cost-efficient option for groups of 4 to 6 passengers, offering a comfortable cabin for the under-2-hour sector from London and Birmingham;
• Citation XLS+ - the most popular aircraft for UK-Munich routes, combining a 7 to 8 passenger cabin with competitive operating costs on the short sector;
• Challenger 300 / Challenger 350 - preferred for groups of 8 to 9 passengers or those requiring a stand-up cabin and generous baggage capacity for ski equipment or extended stays;
• Challenger 605 - chosen for larger corporate groups of 10 to 12 passengers, particularly for Oktoberfest and trade fair bookings where maximum passenger capacity is required;
• King Air 350 - a popular turboprop option for smaller groups seeking the most economical private aviation option on the short sector, starting from approximately 850 GBP per hour.

 

How to rent a business jet with a crew

5 main stages:

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  Sending an application

• 

  Clarification of details and search for options

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  Preparation and coordination of optimal options

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  Registration of documents. Payment of the invoice.

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  Departure on the route.

 

Business aviation airports in Munich

Munich is served by two airports for private aviation:

• Munich International Airport Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) - Erding, Germany (MUC / EDDM) - 29 km north-east of city centre - PRIMARY GATEWAY
• Munich Oberpfaffenhofen Airport (OBF) - Wessling, Germany (OBF / EDMO) - 24 km south-west of city centre - quieter alternative
   

Munich International Airport Franz Josef Strauss (IATA: MUC, ICAO: EDDM) is Germany's second busiest airport and a major Lufthansa hub. Private aviation is handled at the Munich Airport Business Aviation Centre (MABAC) on the south side of the airport, operated by Jet Aviation, with VIP terminal facilities and direct ramp access. Two runways of 4,000 metres each accommodate all aircraft categories. Journey time to Munich city centre is approximately 35 to 45 minutes by car. Munich Oberpfaffenhofen (EDMO) is a dedicated general aviation airfield preferred by some clients for its quieter, more relaxed FBO environment and proximity to the Starnberg and Ammersee lake district south-west of the city.

 

 

Main characteristics of Munich Airport:

• The official name is Munich Airport Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, MUC, Germany.
• Address: Nordallee 25, 85356 Munich Airport, Germany.
• Private aviation FBO: Munich Airport Business Aviation Centre (MABAC), Jet Aviation.
• Geolocation - 48°21′N, 11°47′E
• Two runways: 08L/26R (4,000 m) and 08R/26L (4,000 m) - all jet categories.
• IATA - MUC. ICAO - EDDM.
• Time Zone: +1.0 CET (winter), +2.0 CEST (summer)

Private aviation passengers use the MABAC terminal, completely separate from commercial terminals. Check-in time is 30 minutes before departure. UK citizens do not require a visa for Germany for stays of up to 90 days.

 

Alpine connections from Munich by private jet and helicopter

Munich's position at the northern edge of the Bavarian Alps makes it a natural hub for Alpine connections. Private jet and helicopter services from Munich reach the main ski resorts and Alpine airports in under 30 minutes:

• Innsbruck (INN) - 68 nm / 126 km - approximately 27 minutes by jet. The primary airport for the Tyrolean ski resorts: St Anton am Arlberg, Seefeld, Kitzbuhel via Salzburg, and the Stubai Glacier;
• Salzburg (SZG) - 59 nm / 110 km - approximately 26 minutes by jet. Gateway to Kitzbuhel (45 minutes by road), Zell am See and the Salzburger Land ski areas. Salzburg is also a primary destination in its own right for Mozart, the Mozarteum and the Salzburg Festival;
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen - 59 nm from Munich Airport by road or approximately 26 minutes by helicopter from Munich. Germany's premier ski resort, site of the 1936 Winter Olympics and the Zugspitze (Germany's highest peak at 2,962 m). No jet-capable runway at Garmisch - helicopter is the standard private aviation transfer;
• Zurich (ZRH) - 141 nm / 261 km - approximately 38 minutes by jet. Frequently combined with Munich on two-city business itineraries.

We arrange Alpine connections as part of every Munich charter, including helicopter transfers to Garmisch and ski resort helipads across the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps.

 

 

Flying to Munich with your pet

Pets can travel in the cabin on private jets throughout the flight. For travel to Germany from the UK, the following documentation is required:

• EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK government-authorised veterinarian;
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant);
• Valid rabies vaccination, administered at least 21 days before travel;
• Tapeworm treatment for dogs, administered 24 to 120 hours before arrival in Germany.

Germany applies EU pet import rules for travellers arriving from the UK. We advise on documentation requirements and timing as part of every pet-inclusive booking, and can recommend UK government-authorised veterinarians familiar with the AHC process.

 

 

Empty Leg Flights to Munich

The UK-Munich corridor is one of the most active private aviation routes in Europe, generating regular empty leg opportunities as aircraft reposition after corporate and trade fair visits or return to UK bases from Bavaria.

• London Farnborough - Munich | Citation XLS+ | 8 passengers | from £3,400;
• Munich - London | Challenger 300 | 9 passengers | from £5,600;
• Manchester - Munich | Hawker 850XP | 8 passengers | from £5,200;
• Munich - Edinburgh | Challenger 300 | 9 passengers | from £6,800;
• Birmingham - Munich | Phenom 300 | 6 passengers | from £3,800;

The prices shown above are indicative examples. Actual Empty Leg opportunities depend on aircraft availability, routing and travel dates.

 

 

Helicopter charter

Private Jets UK clients have access to the top private helicopters. Munich is an excellent base for helicopter connections across Bavaria and the northern Alps. Key helicopter routes and helipad locations from Munich:

• Munich Airport helipad (EDDM) - helicopter arrivals and departures coordinated with the MABAC FBO for clients continuing to Alpine destinations after their jet arrival;
• Munich city helipads - several helipads in the greater Munich area serve executive transfers, including locations near the Messe exhibition centre for trade fair clients;
• Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - approximately 26 minutes by helicopter. Garmisch has no jet runway; helicopter is the standard private aviation option for the Zugspitze region;
• Munich to Kitzbuhel (helipad) - approximately 35 to 40 minutes by helicopter. The exclusive Tyrolean ski resort has a private helipad used extensively during the Hahnenkamm races in January;
• Munich to Berchtesgaden (helipad) - approximately 30 minutes by helicopter. Access to the Berchtesgaden National Park, the Konigssee lake and the historic Eagle's Nest;
• Munich to Salzburg Airport - 59 nm, approximately 26 minutes by jet, or 45 minutes by helicopter for clients preferring a lower-altitude scenic route through the foothills;
• Munich to Lake Chiemsee (helipad) - approximately 20 minutes by helicopter. Access to Herrenchiemsee Palace, Ludwig II's island palace on the Herreninsel.

The following helicopters are available for booking:

• Agusta Westland 139 (15 seats) - 4 helicopters available
• Agusta A109SP Grand New (5 seats) - 5 helicopters available
• Agusta Westland AW139 (15 seats) - 9 helicopters available
• Airbus Helicopter H130 (6 seats) - 3 helicopters available
• Airbus Helicopters H 135 (6 seats) - 5 helicopters available
• Eurocopter EC155 (6 seats) - 13 helicopters available
• Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil (5 seats) - 11 helicopters available
• Eurocopter AS355N (5 seats) - 9 helicopters available
• McDonnell Douglas MD 600N (5 seats) - 2 helicopters available
• Sikorsky S-92 (24 seats) - 3 helicopters available
• Bell 407 (6 seats) - 16 helicopters available
• Bell 407GXP (5 seats) - 14 helicopters available
• Bell 429 (6 seats) - 17 helicopters available
• Bell 505 (4 seats) - 10 helicopters available
• Robinson R44 (3 seats) - 20 helicopters available
• Robinson R66 (4 seats) - 22 helicopters available

Please contact our aviation consultants for more detailed information on helicopter charter from Munich and across Bavaria.

 

 

Munich private jet charter - FAQ

How long is a private jet flight from London to Munich?
A private jet from London to Munich takes approximately 1 hour 33 minutes on a Citation XLS+ on the 508 nautical mile sector. From Edinburgh approximately 1 hour 56 minutes on a Challenger 300. From Manchester approximately 1 hour 47 minutes. Munich is within non-stop range of every jet category from all UK airports, including light jets and turboprops.

How much does a private jet to Munich cost?
Private jet charter to Munich from London starts from approximately 5,800 EUR on a Phenom 300 or Citation XLS+ for up to 7 passengers. A Challenger 300 for 9 passengers costs approximately 9,200 EUR from London. From Edinburgh and Glasgow, prices start from approximately 12,500 to 15,500 EUR on a midsize jet. During Oktoberfest (mid-September to early October), prices are typically 20 to 35% higher due to peak demand.

When is the most expensive time to fly to Munich?
Oktoberfest - running from mid-September to the first weekend of October - is the most expensive and most constrained private aviation period at Munich Airport, more concentrated than Christmas or any trade fair. IAA Mobility (September, odd years) and Bauma (April, even years) create secondary surges. Christmas market season in December is popular but significantly less constrained on aircraft availability.

Can I combine Munich with a ski resort on the same charter?
Yes. Innsbruck is 68 nm south of Munich (approximately 27 minutes by jet) and serves the main Tyrolean ski resorts including St Anton, Seefeld and access to Kitzbuhel. Salzburg is 59 nm east (26 minutes) and accesses Kitzbuhel and the Salzburger Land resorts. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has no jet runway and is served by helicopter from Munich Airport in approximately 26 minutes. We arrange the full Alpine circuit as a single connected charter.

Are there two airports serving Munich for private jets?
Yes. Munich International Airport Franz Josef Strauss (MUC / EDDM) is the primary gateway, 29 km north-east of the city centre, with the MABAC / Jet Aviation FBO. Munich Oberpfaffenhofen (OBF / EDMO), 24 km south-west of the city, is a quieter dedicated general aviation airfield preferred by some clients for its more relaxed environment and proximity to the Starnberg lake district.

How far in advance should I book for Oktoberfest?
A minimum of 6 to 8 weeks ahead for Oktoberfest travel (mid-September to early October). Munich Airport private aviation slots and Munich hotel availability are both heavily committed during this period. For the first weekend of Oktoberfest in particular, demand exceeds supply and early booking is essential. For all other periods, 48 hours to 2 weeks lead time is typically sufficient.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Germany?
No. UK citizens can visit Germany for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. A valid UK passport is required. Private jet passengers clear customs and immigration at the MABAC private terminal at Munich Airport.

 

 

Flights from the UK to Munich

The most popular flight routes are London - Munich and Manchester - Munich. Our clients regularly combine Munich with Innsbruck, Salzburg and Zurich on Alpine and Central European circuits. Munich is also frequently combined with Frankfurt, Berlin and Vienna on multi-city German and Central European business itineraries. You can explore the broader Germany charter network from Munich.

 

 

Munich - destination overview

Munich combines a unique set of qualities that are rare among major European capitals: it is simultaneously one of Germany's most economically powerful cities, one of its most liveable, and one of its most deeply rooted in a distinct regional cultural identity that sets it apart from Berlin, Frankfurt or Hamburg. The city of 1.5 million people is the capital of the Free State of Bavaria, and the Bavarian sense of identity - expressed through the Tracht (traditional dress), the Weisswurst breakfast culture, the beer garden as an institution and the complex love-hate relationship with Prussian northern Germany - is genuinely present in Munich in a way that tourist-facing projections of German culture rarely capture accurately.

The old town core around Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche (the twin-towered cathedral whose 99-metre towers define Munich's skyline from the air) and the Victualienmarkt is compact and walkable. The Englischer Garten - the city's central park, significantly larger than New York's Central Park - runs from the city centre north along the Isar river and contains the famous artificial surfing wave at the Eisbach, active year-round. The museum concentration around Maximilianstrasse and the Isar is exceptional: the Deutsches Museum (the world's largest science and technology museum), the three Pinakothek galleries (Alte, Neue and Moderne), the Brandhorst for contemporary art and the BMW Museum and Welt complex at the Olympiapark are all within the city.

 

 

BMW's presence in Munich is central to understanding the city's self-image. The company's four-cylinder headquarters tower, visible from the airport approach, the BMW Museum and the BMW Welt delivery centre (where customers collect their new vehicles in a ceremony that has become something of a pilgrimage for BMW owners) together form one of the great corporate visitor destinations in Europe. Audi, although headquartered in Ingolstadt, has strong Munich roots, and the broader Bavarian automotive ecosystem extends to suppliers and engineering firms across the greater Munich area.

Oktoberfest deserves its own paragraph. The festival began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration and has run every year since with minimal interruption. The Theresienwiese fairground, 10 minutes by U-Bahn from the city centre, hosts 14 large tents operated by Munich's traditional breweries - Hofbrau, Paulaner, Augustiner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr and Lowenbrau - each seating 6,000 to 10,000 people. The festival draws approximately 6 to 7 million visitors over its 16 to 18 day run and generates more private aviation traffic per event day than virtually any comparable European event outside Formula 1 grands prix.

 

Where to stay in Munich

Munich has an excellent luxury hotel scene concentrated in the city centre, with properties ranging from grand historic establishments to design-led contemporary boutiques:

• Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski - Munich's most prestigious grand hotel, on Maximilianstrasse opposite the Bavarian State Opera, with a heritage that traces to 1858. Approximately 40 minutes from Munich Airport.
• Bayerischer Hof - a landmark property at Promenadeplatz in the old town, with multiple restaurants including the rooftop Falk's Bar with panoramic city views. Approximately 40 minutes from Munich Airport.
• Hotel Mandarin Oriental Munich - a refined boutique property near the Hofgarten and Residenz, known for its rooftop pool and understated Bavarian elegance. Approximately 40 minutes from Munich Airport.
• The Charles Hotel - a contemporary Rocco Forte property adjacent to the Botanical Garden, preferred by design-conscious visitors and those attending events at the nearby Koniglicher Hirschgarten. Approximately 35 minutes from Munich Airport.
• Sofitel Munich Bayerpost - a design hotel in a converted 19th-century post office near the Hauptbahnhof, with an exceptional spa and French-Bavarian fusion approach to hospitality. Approximately 35 minutes from Munich Airport.

During Oktoberfest, all Munich hotels operate at full occupancy at elevated rates. We recommend booking accommodation well in advance of aircraft for Oktoberfest travel - hotel availability is typically the harder constraint. Our team can advise on hotel options and coordinate the full travel package.