Getting to Germany

Feb 24

Flying into Germany from the US with a focus on Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC) involves several key considerations: flight options, airport logistics, customs and immigration, transportation into the city, and some practical tips based on how these hubs operate. Both are major international gateways, serviced by Lufthansa and other global carriers, and they cater to millions of passengers annually. Here's a detailed rundown:

Flight Options from the US

Airlines: Lufthansa dominates both FRA and MUC with direct flights from numerous US cities. Other airlines like United, Delta, and American also serve FRA, often in partnership with Star Alliance (which includes Lufthansa). MUC has fewer US carriers but still sees United and Delta alongside Lufthansa. For example:
- FRA: Direct flights from New York (JFK/EWR), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD), and more—often 10+ US cities daily.
- MUC: Direct flights from New York (EWR), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Denver (DEN), though fewer overall than FRA.
Flight Duration: From the East Coast (e.g., NYC), it’s about 7.5–8.5 hours to either airport. From the West Coast (e.g., LAX), expect 10.5–11.5 hours. FRA flights might shave off a few minutes due to its northern position, but it’s negligible.
Frequency: FRA sees more daily flights from the US—sometimes 20+ depending on the season—because it’s Lufthansa’s primary hub. MUC, a secondary hub, might have 5–10 daily US flights. Summer schedules ramp up both.
Cost: Prices vary by season, demand, and departure city. Round-trip fares from the US to FRA or MUC typically range from $600–$1,200 in economy, with FRA occasionally cheaper due to higher competition. Booking 2–3 months ahead often secures better rates.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Overview: Germany’s busiest airport, handling over 70 million passengers pre-pandemic (2019 stats). It’s a sprawling complex with two main terminals (1 and 2), connected by a SkyLine train and shuttle buses. Terminal 1 is Lufthansa’s domain, split into A, B, C, and Z gates; Terminal 2 serves other airlines like Delta and American.
US Arrivals: Most US flights land at Terminal 1 (Z gates for Lufthansa/Star Alliance) or Terminal 2 (D/E gates for others). Be prepared for a long walk—FRA’s layout is notoriously spread out. Arrivals from the US typically disembark around 6–10 AM local time (Central European Time, CET), given overnight flights.
Immigration & Customs: As a non-Schengen to Schengen entry, you’ll go through passport control. Lines can be long (20–60 minutes) during peak morning hours, though EU/US citizens with biometrics might breeze through faster. Customs is usually a walk-through unless you’ve got something to declare—Germany’s pretty relaxed for personal goods under €430 in value.
Facilities: FRA has everything—shops, lounges (Lufthansa’s are top-notch in T1), eateries (from pretzels to sushi), and even a casino in T2. It’s functional but not cozy; signage can be confusing if you’re jet-lagged.
Connectivity: FRA’s a global hub, so if you’re connecting onward (say, to Italy or Asia), it offers unmatched options—over 300 destinations. Minimum connection time is about 45 minutes, but 90+ minutes is safer given the size.

Munich Airport (MUC)

Overview: Smaller than FRA, with about 48 million passengers annually pre-pandemic. It’s got two terminals: Terminal 1 (non-Star Alliance) and Terminal 2 (Lufthansa and Star Alliance). T2 is modern and efficient, opened in 2003, designed for seamless transfers.
US Arrivals: Most US flights arrive at T2, often at the H gates or the satellite (T2S). Morning arrivals dominate (6–9 AM CET). The layout’s more compact than FRA—less walking, clearer signage.
Immigration & Customs: Similar to FRA, you’ll hit passport control first. MUC’s lines are typically shorter (15–45 minutes), and the process feels smoother. Customs is straightforward—same rules as FRA.
Facilities: MUC punches above its weight: a brewery (Airbräu) with fresh beer, solid food options (Bavarian and international), and a visitor park for plane-spotting. It’s consistently rated higher than FRA for passenger experience—cleaner, friendlier vibe.
Connectivity: Fewer destinations than FRA (around 250), but still excellent for Europe and some Asia/Middle East routes. Minimum connection time is 30–40 minutes, and it’s realistic here—transfers are less chaotic.

Getting Downtown

FRA to Frankfurt City: 12 km southwest of the city center.
- Train: The S-Bahn (S8/S9) runs every 15 minutes to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (central station), taking 10–15 minutes (€4.95, buy at ticket machines). Regional trains (RE) are another option.
- Taxi: €25–€35, 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Uber’s available too.
- Bus: Less common, but shuttles to nearby cities exist.
MUC to Munich City: 28 km northeast of the city center.
- Train: S-Bahn (S1/S8) takes 40–45 minutes to Marienplatz or Hauptbahnhof (€11.60 for an airport-city day ticket). Runs every 10–20 minutes.
- Taxi: €70–€90, 35–50 minutes. Uber operates here as well.
- Lufthansa Shuttle: A bus to central Munich (€10.50 one-way), comfy and direct, every 15–20 minutes.

Which to Choose?

FRA Pros: More US flight options, cheaper fares sometimes, better for onward long-haul connections. Frankfurt’s a business hub, so it’s practical if that’s your vibe.
FRA Cons: Huge, hectic, and less pleasant. Jet lag plus a maze-like airport can be rough.
MUC Pros: Easier navigation, nicer atmosphere, ideal for quick connections or a relaxed entry. Munich’s closer to Bavaria’s charm (beer, Alps).
MUC Cons: Fewer direct US flights, slightly pricier tickets, farther from the city.

Practical Tips

Time of Year: Summer (June–August) sees peak traffic and prices; shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) are milder and cheaper. Winter can mean delays—FRA’s more prone to fog, MUC to snow.
Visas: US citizens get 90 days visa-free in the Schengen Area. No transit visa needed for FRA or MUC if staying airside and connecting within 24 hours.
** jet Lag**: Flights leave the US late afternoon/evening, arriving early morning. Sleep on the plane—FRA’s chaos or MUC’s efficiency won’t feel kind otherwise.
Luggage: Both airports are reliable, but FRA’s size means occasional delays at baggage claim. MUC’s system is newer and faster.
Power: Bring a Type F adapter (230V, 50Hz) for charging—outlets are plentiful in both.

Final Thoughts

If you’re picking based on airport experience, MUC wins for simplicity and comfort. If it’s about flight availability or cost, FRA often edges out. Your destination in Germany matters too—FRA’s central, MUC’s southern. Either way, you’re landing in a country that runs like clockwork, so once you’re through the gate, it’s smooth sailing (or autobahn driving). What’s your trip’s purpose—business, leisure, or a mix? That might tip the scales.

Stefan W.

Stefan Weihermueller has loved wood-working from a very young age, but it wasn't until he worked for many years in the manufacturing field and gained experience in programming that the idea for his business Custom Wood Design was born.