Last-Minute Parking at Munich Airport: How to Find a Space at Short Notice

Flight booked, bags packed – but no airport parking sorted yet? Do not panic. Even with short-notice bookings there are still good options at Munich Airport. In this guide you will learn how to find a safe and affordable parking space at the last minute, which parking types are still available and what to watch out for with spontaneous bookings.

Why Last-Minute Parking Costs More – and How to Save Anyway

Parking spaces at Munich Airport work similarly to airline tickets: the earlier you book, the cheaper the price. With last-minute bookings – a few days or even hours before departure – prices are typically higher. There are several reasons:

• Lower availability: Cheap allocations are often already taken
• Higher demand: Especially during holiday periods and at weekends, spaces are harder to get at short notice
• Dynamic pricing: Many providers adjust their prices based on current occupancy

The good news: even with short-notice bookings, the right strategy can save you a lot. The difference between the most expensive and cheapest provider is often €50–100 per week – even for last-minute bookings.

Which Parking Options Are Still Available Last-Minute?

Not all parking options at Munich Airport are equally available for short-notice bookings. Here is an overview, sorted by availability:

1. Official Airport Parking Garages (Always Available)

The official parking garages P1–P26 at Munich Airport do not require advance booking. You can simply drive up and park – provided spaces are free. During peak times, however, individual garages may be full.

• Price: approx. €35–49 per day – the most expensive option
• Advantage: No booking needed, short walk to the terminal
• Disadvantage: Extremely expensive, especially for multi-day parking

2. Shuttle Car Parks (Often Still Bookable at Short Notice)

Shuttle car parks from external providers generally have larger capacities than the official garages. Even when booking the day before or a few hours before departure, you can often still find spaces – though not always at the cheapest rate.

• Last-minute price: approx. €8–15 per day (instead of €5–8 when booked early)
• Advantage: Significantly cheaper than airport garages, often still available at short notice
• Disadvantage: Shuttle transfer required (approx. 5–15 minutes), possible waiting times during peak hours

3. Valet Parking (Best Last-Minute Option)

Valet parking is the most convenient and often the most available option for short-notice bookings. Since no fixed space needs to be blocked in advance, valet providers can respond more flexibly to spontaneous requests.

• Last-minute price: approx. €12–20 per day
• Advantage: No shuttle needed, vehicle handover directly at the terminal, high flexibility
• Disadvantage: Slightly more expensive than shuttle car parks

Price Comparison: Early Booking vs. Last-Minute

To illustrate the price differences, here is a typical comparison for a one-week trip:

Shuttle Car Park (1 Week)

• Booked 8 weeks ahead: approx. €35–45
• Booked 1 week ahead: approx. €50–70
• Booked the day before: approx. €60–90
• Official parking garage (no booking): approx. €245–343

Even a last-minute shuttle car park is still 70–80 % cheaper than the official garages. You can find a detailed price comparison in our separate guide.

5 Tips for Cheaper Last-Minute Parking

1. Book Online Instead of Just Driving There

The biggest mistake with last-minute parking: simply driving to the airport and pulling into an official garage. Even a booking just a few hours before departure with an external provider will often save you 50–70 % compared to the airport garages.

2. Compare Several Providers

Even with short-notice bookings, prices vary considerably. Take 5–10 minutes to compare different providers. The effort pays off especially for last-minute, since the price range is wider than for early bookings.

3. Use Flexible Times

If possible, adjust your arrival time at the airport slightly. Early morning and late evening often see lower occupancy at shuttle car parks, which can lead to lower prices and faster transfers.

4. Consider Valet Parking

Valet parking is often only slightly more expensive than shuttle car parks for last-minute bookings, but offers significantly more convenience. Especially when you are pressed for time, the direct vehicle handover at the terminal can reduce stress considerably.

5. Use Newsletters and Apps

Some parking providers offer last-minute discounts via their newsletters or apps. If you fly frequently, it is worth signing up with several providers.

Last-Minute Parking During Holiday Season

During peak travel periods (summer holidays, Christmas, Easter, Whitsun) last-minute parking becomes particularly challenging. Demand is high and capacities are limited. What to keep in mind:

• Shuttle car parks may be fully booked: During holiday season you should book at least 3–5 days ahead
• Valet parking is more flexible: Even in high season, valet providers usually still find a solution
• Official garages as a fallback: Expensive but always available (unless completely full)
• Check alternatives: In extreme cases a taxi or ride-share to the airport may be the better choice

Frequently Asked Questions About Last-Minute Parking

Can I Still Book a Parking Space on the Same Day?

Yes, most providers allow bookings up to a few hours before the desired arrival time. Availability depends on occupancy, however. During holiday periods it can get tight at short notice.

Is Spontaneous Parking Without a Booking Possible?

In the official airport garages, yes – you simply drive in and park. External shuttle and valet providers generally require an online booking, since the transfer needs to be coordinated.

What Do I Do If All Parking Is Fully Booked?

If all options really are taken, you still have alternatives: get friends or family to drive you to the airport, use a taxi or public transport (S-Bahn to Munich Airport). More in our guide to alternatives to parking.

How Far in Advance Should I Ideally Book?

For the best prices we recommend booking 4–8 weeks ahead. But even 1–2 days before you will usually still find spaces at acceptable prices. Detailed savings tips can be found in our pro tips guide.

Are There Last-Minute Deals or Discounts?

Some providers do offer last-minute discounts to fill remaining capacity. You are most likely to find these via the providers' apps or newsletters. However, genuine last-minute bargains are the exception – as a rule, prices rise as the lead time decreases.

Checklist: Booking a Last-Minute Parking Space

• ✅ Search online for external providers first (do not just drive into a garage)
• ✅ Compare at least 2–3 providers
• ✅ Check the total price (including all fees and transfers)
• ✅ Keep booking confirmation and contact details to hand
• ✅ Check directions to the car park / meeting point in advance
• ✅ Allow enough time buffer (especially for shuttle car parks)
• ✅ Check cancellation conditions (in case plans change)

Conclusion: Last-Minute Does Not Have to Be Expensive

If you need parking at Munich Airport at short notice, you do not necessarily have to spend a fortune. The most important tip: book online with an external provider instead of simply driving into an official garage. Even when booking the day before, a shuttle or valet space will often save you 70–80 % compared to airport garages.

Key takeaways:

• Always book online: Even a few hours ahead it is significantly cheaper than official garages
• Shuttle car parks: Best combination of price and availability for short-notice bookings
• Valet parking: Ideal when pressed for time – handover directly at the terminal, high last-minute availability
• Compare prices: Especially for last-minute, a quick comparison is particularly worthwhile

For more information, see our main guide to parking at Munich Airport and our tips for affordable parking.