Parking at Munich Airport During Holiday Season: How to Plan Ahead

Holiday season is the most stressful time for parking at Munich Airport. Millions of travellers set off on holiday at the same time – and everyone needs a parking space. In this guide you will learn when the peak periods at Munich Airport are, how far ahead you should book and which strategies will help you park affordably and stress-free even during high season.

The Key Travel Periods at Munich Airport

Not every holiday period is created equal. Occupancy at Munich Airport varies considerably depending on the time of year. Here is an overview of the most important travel periods, sorted by intensity:

1. Summer Holidays (Late July to Mid-September)

The Bavarian summer holidays are by far the busiest travel period at Munich Airport. Over six weeks, demand for parking remains consistently high. The first and last days of the holidays are particularly popular, as departure and return waves overlap.

• Occupancy: Very high – external providers are often fully booked weeks in advance
• Price premium: 20–50 % compared to the off-season
• Recommended lead time: At least 4–8 weeks

2. Christmas Holidays and New Year (Mid-December to Early January)

The Christmas period is the second busiest travel season. Many families fly to warmer destinations over the festive period or visit relatives. The days immediately before Christmas and around New Year are particularly busy.

• Occupancy: High – especially 20–26 December and 29 December to 2 January
• Price premium: 15–40 % compared to the off-season
• Recommended lead time: 3–6 weeks

3. Easter Holidays (Approx. Two Weeks in April)

The Easter holidays are a popular time for short breaks and city trips. Demand is high but not quite as extreme as during the summer holidays.

• Occupancy: Medium to high
• Price premium: 10–30 % compared to the off-season
• Recommended lead time: 2–4 weeks

4. Whitsun Holidays (Approx. Two Weeks in Late May/Early June)

The Whitsun holidays are particularly long in Bavaria and fall during the pre-season for many holiday destinations. Demand rises noticeably.

• Occupancy: Medium to high
• Price premium: 10–25 % compared to the off-season
• Recommended lead time: 2–4 weeks

5. Autumn Half-Term and Bank Holidays (October/November)

The autumn half-term and extended weekends (e.g. German Unity Day, All Saints) create moderate demand spikes. Occupancy is noticeably lower than during the summer holidays but higher than in the regular off-season.

• Occupancy: Moderate
• Price premium: 5–15 % compared to the off-season
• Recommended lead time: 1–3 weeks

Price Comparison: Peak Season vs. Off-Season

The price differences between peak and off-season are significant. Here is a typical comparison for one week of parking:

Shuttle Car Park (1 Week)

• Off-season (e.g. November): approx. €35–45
• Easter holidays: approx. €45–60
• Summer holidays: approx. €55–75
• Official parking garage (any time): approx. €245–343

Valet Parking (1 Week)

• Off-season: approx. €60–80
• Easter holidays: approx. €75–100
• Summer holidays: approx. €85–120

Even during peak season, external providers are still significantly cheaper than the official parking garages. You can find a detailed price comparison in our separate price comparison guide.

Which Parking Options Sell Out Fastest During the Holidays?

Not all parking options are equally affected by holiday demand. Here is the order in which spaces typically sell out:

1. Budget Shuttle Car Parks – First to Sell Out

The cheapest shuttle car parks are the first to go during the holidays. If you want to save money here, you need to book early. During the summer holidays, the cheapest allocations are often fully booked 6–8 weeks in advance.

2. Valet Parking – Available for Longer

Valet parking is more flexible because no fixed spaces need to be blocked. Providers can respond more quickly and usually still have capacity during the holiday season. Prices do rise, however.

3. Official Parking Garages – Always Available (but Expensive)

The official airport parking garages are always available as a last resort since no advance booking is required. At €35–49 per day, however, they are the most expensive option – especially for multi-day holiday parking.

7 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Parking

1. Book as Early as Possible

The most important rule: the earlier you book, the cheaper and more relaxed your experience. The best prices are available 6–8 weeks before departure. As soon as your trip is confirmed, book the parking – even before the hotel.

2. Check Flexible Travel Dates

If you are flexible, shifting your travel dates by a few days can save you a considerable amount. The start of the holidays is particularly expensive – departing on a weekday instead of Saturday can significantly reduce costs.

3. Take Advantage of Early-Bird Rates

Many parking providers offer special early-bird discounts. These are especially attractive during the holiday season, as standard prices are higher. Look out for early-bird promotions and provider newsletters.

4. Consider Valet Parking as an Alternative

If shuttle car parks are fully booked, valet parking is often still available. The surcharge over shuttle parking is smaller during the holiday season than in the off-season, and you save on the shuttle transfer – especially valuable when travelling with children or lots of luggage.

5. Compare Providers – Especially in Peak Season

Price differences between providers are particularly large during the holiday season. While one provider may already be fully booked or expensive, another may still have affordable spaces. Take 10 minutes for a price comparison.

6. Check Cancellation Policies

Book early, but pay attention to flexible cancellation policies. During the holiday season, travel plans can change – free cancellation up to a few days before arrival gives you peace of mind.

7. Allow Plenty of Extra Time

Traffic around Munich Airport is heavier during the holidays. Plan at least 30 extra minutes – for both the journey to the airport and the shuttle transfer. With valet parking, the transfer is eliminated, which provides a significant time advantage.

Parking with Children During the Holidays

Families with children face particular challenges during the holiday season: child seats, luggage, impatient children and tight time windows. The right parking choice can save a lot of stress.

• Valet parking recommended: Direct vehicle handover at the terminal, no transferring to a shuttle with children and luggage
• Leave child seats in the car: Most providers allow child seats to remain in the vehicle
• Allow generous extra time: Everything takes longer with children – plan at least 45 extra minutes

For more tips, see our guide to parking with children.

What to Do If Everything Is Fully Booked

If you have left it too late and all external parking is fully booked, you still have the following options:

• Official parking garages: Expensive (€35–49/day) but always available without a booking
• Taxi or ride-share: For shorter trips, a taxi to the airport may be the cheaper option
• S-Bahn: The S1 and S8 trains run regularly to Munich Airport – the cheapest alternative
• Friends or family: Get dropped off and picked up at the airport – free but not always practical

For more alternatives, see our guide to alternatives to parking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Parking

How Far in Advance Should I Book During the Holidays?

During the summer holidays, we recommend booking at least 6–8 weeks in advance. For Easter, Whitsun and autumn half-term, 2–4 weeks is usually sufficient. The earlier you book, the wider the choice and the lower the price.

Are Prices the Same During All Holiday Periods?

No, the summer holidays are by far the most expensive period. Christmas comes in second. Easter, Whitsun and autumn holidays fall somewhere in between. Prices are lowest outside the school holidays.

Can I Still Book at Short Notice During the Holidays?

In some cases yes, particularly with valet providers. However, you should expect higher prices and a limited selection. More details in our guide to last-minute parking.

Are There Special Holiday Deals?

Some providers offer special holiday packages that guarantee discounted prices for early bookings. Look out for early-bird discounts and seasonal promotions in provider newsletters.

What Is the Best Parking Option for Families During the Holidays?

For families, we recommend valet parking: no shuttle rides with children and luggage, direct handover at the terminal and high flexibility. Details in our guide to parking with children.

Checklist: Parking During the Holiday Season

• ✅ Book parking at least 4–8 weeks ahead (summer holidays: 6–8 weeks)
• ✅ Compare prices from several providers
• ✅ Check cancellation policies
• ✅ For families: consider valet parking
• ✅ Allow enough extra time (at least 30 minutes)
• ✅ Check directions and meeting point in advance
• ✅ Keep booking confirmation and contact details to hand
• ✅ For early bookings: subscribe to newsletters for discount promotions

Conclusion: Stress-Free Through the Holidays with the Right Planning

Parking at Munich Airport during the holidays does not have to be expensive or stressful – if you plan ahead. The key points summarised:

• Book early: The best prices and widest selection are available 4–8 weeks before departure
• Use external providers: Even in peak season, 70–80 % cheaper than official parking garages
• Valet parking as a hidden gem: More flexible, stays available longer and ideal for families
• Compare prices: Especially during the holiday season, comparing is particularly worthwhile

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