EV Parking and Charging at Munich Airport: The Complete Guide

More and more travellers are arriving at Munich Airport in an electric vehicle. But what charging options are available on-site? What happens to the battery when the car sits for several days or weeks? And which parking option works best for EVs? In this guide we answer all the important questions about parking and charging electric vehicles at Munich Airport.

Charging Options at Munich Airport

Munich Airport has continuously expanded its network of EV charging stations in recent years. However, you should know where the charging points are located and how they work.

Charging Stations in the Official Parking Garages

Several of the official parking garages (P1–P26) have charging points available. The stations are mainly found in garages P20 and P26 near Terminal 2, as well as in selected areas of the Terminal 1 garages. However, the number of charging bays is limited – there is no guarantee of finding a free spot.

Charging Speed and Connectors

Most charging stations at the airport offer AC charging at 11–22 kW (Type 2). A few DC fast chargers with up to 50 kW are also available. For a multi-day stay, slow AC charging is usually more than sufficient – your car has plenty of time, after all.

Charging Costs at the Airport

Charging costs vary depending on the provider and power level. Typical prices are:

• AC charging (11–22 kW): approx. €0.40–0.55 per kWh
• DC fast charging (50 kW): approx. €0.55–0.75 per kWh
• Idle fee: Some providers charge a standing fee after charging is complete (approx. €0.10 per minute)

Important: For long-term parking the idle fee can add up quickly. Check the exact terms of the charging provider beforehand, as many will continue to charge a standing fee once the session has finished.

Should I Leave My EV Fully Charged?

A common misconception: many EV owners think they should leave their car at 100 % charge at the airport. In reality, this is not ideal for the battery.

The Optimal Charging Strategy Before Your Trip

• Ideal charge level when parking: 50–80 %
• Not recommended: 100 % charge for long standstill periods – accelerates battery degradation
• Also not recommended: Below 20 % – in cold weather the battery can drain faster
• Rule of thumb: The longer the trip, the closer to 50 % your charge level should be

Battery Loss During Standstill

Electric cars lose a small amount of charge while parked through so-called phantom drain. Depending on the vehicle and outside temperature, you can expect to lose:

• Per day: approx. 0.5–2 %
• Per week: approx. 3–10 %
• Per month: approx. 10–20 %

For a two-week trip starting at 70 % charge, you would return to roughly 55–65 % – more than enough for the drive home.

Tips for Preparing Your EV Before the Trip

To help your electric vehicle cope well with an extended stay at the airport, follow these tips:

Before Departure

• Disable Sentry Mode / security monitoring: This feature uses significant power (up to 10 % per day!) and should definitely be turned off for longer absences
• Turn off pre-conditioning: Disable automatic climate control functions and timers
• Minimise app connections: Frequently checking via the manufacturer app wakes the car and uses energy
• Pause software updates: Some vehicles download updates in standby mode – this costs additional energy
• Check the 12V battery: Even EVs have a conventional 12V battery for on-board electronics. For older vehicles, a check before the trip is worthwhile

Special Considerations in Winter

Cold weather is the biggest enemy of an EV battery during long standstill periods:

• At temperatures below 0 °C, phantom drain can increase significantly
• A covered parking space protects against extreme cold and keeps the battery temperature more moderate
• Start with at least 60–70 % charge to have reserves for the increased winter consumption

Which Parking Option Is Best for EVs?

Not every parking option at Munich Airport is equally suited for electric vehicles. Here is an overview:

Official Parking Garages (with Charging)

• Advantages: Charging stations available, covered, short walk to the terminal
• Disadvantages: Very expensive (€35–45 per day), limited charging bays, idle fees for long-term parking
• Best for: Short trips (1–3 days) when charging is needed

Shuttle Car Parks (without Charging)

• Advantages: Very affordable (from approx. €5 per day), monitored and secure
• Disadvantages: Generally no charging available
• Best for: Trips up to 2–3 weeks if you arrive with enough charge and do not need to top up

Valet Parking (Best Option for EVs)

• Advantages: Vehicle is stored in a garage/hall (protection from cold), maximum convenience, some providers offer a charging service
• Disadvantages: Higher price than shuttle car parks
• Best for: All trip lengths, especially in winter and for premium EVs

Learn more about valet parking and the comparison of all parking options.

EVs and Long-Term Parking: What You Need to Know

For long-term parking of 2 weeks or more, special rules apply to electric vehicles:

Up to 2 Weeks

No problem. With a starting charge of 60–80 % you will return without issues and have plenty of range for the drive home. No charging at the airport needed.

2–4 Weeks

Make sure the charge level is at least 60 % when you leave. Disable all power-hungry features (Sentry Mode, automatic updates). In winter, a covered parking space is recommended.

Over 4 Weeks

For very long absences you should choose a provider that can top up your vehicle if needed. Alternatively, leave the car at around 50 % charge to preserve the battery and plan a charging stop on the way home.

Frequently Asked Questions About EVs at Munich Airport

Can I Have My EV Charged While on Holiday?

You can leave your car plugged in at the official charging stations in the parking garages. However, be aware of potential idle fees after charging is complete. Some valet parking providers offer a charging service – ask specifically when booking.

Are Charging Stations Always Available?

No, charging bays are limited and cannot be reserved. During peak times and holiday periods they fill up quickly. Do not rely on being able to charge at the airport – ideally arrive with sufficient charge.

Do I Need a Special Charging Card?

The charging stations at Munich Airport are operated by various providers. Typically you can pay via app, charging card or contactless (ad-hoc charging). Check beforehand which provider operates the stations at your chosen parking garage.

What If the Battery Is Empty When I Return?

If your charge level is too low for the drive home, there are several options: use one of the charging stations in the parking garage for a quick top-up. Alternatively, there are numerous fast chargers along the motorway where you can add enough range in 20–30 minutes.

Are Shuttle Car Parks Safe for Electric Vehicles?

Yes, shuttle car parks are just as safe for EVs as they are for combustion-engine vehicles. The drivers are trained in handling electric cars. When handing over the vehicle, make sure to show the driver how to start and unlock it, especially if the controls are unconventional.

Checklist: Leaving Your EV at the Airport

• ✅ Charge level between 50–80 % (do not fully charge!)
• ✅ Disable Sentry Mode / security monitoring
• ✅ Turn off pre-conditioning and timers
• ✅ Pause automatic software updates
• ✅ Minimise app queries during the trip
• ✅ Pack charging cable (for charging on return)
• ✅ Document vehicle condition and charge level
• ✅ For valet parking: brief the driver on vehicle operation
• ✅ In winter: prefer covered parking

Conclusion: EVs and Airport Parking Work Well Together

Parking an electric vehicle at Munich Airport is simpler than many people think. In most cases you do not even need a charging station at the airport – with the right charge level and power-hungry features disabled, your EV can easily handle a two-week trip.

Key takeaways:

• Do not fully charge: 50–80 % is optimal for standstill periods
• Disable power drains: Sentry Mode and similar features waste energy
• Choose your parking option: Shuttle car parks are affordable and secure, valet parking offers maximum comfort and weather protection
• In winter: Choose covered parking and start with a higher charge level

For more information, see our main guide to parking at Munich Airport and our pro tips guide for stress-free parking.