Since 21 April 2026, Munich Airport’s new Terminal 1 Pier has been in regular operation. For international travellers, this is an important development because the airport has expanded its capacity and created new gate, security, retail and waiting areas.
The most important thing to understand is that the pier is part of Terminal 1. It is not a completely separate airport terminal requiring a special road transfer.
What is the Terminal 1 Pier used for?
The pier mainly strengthens Terminal 1’s non-Schengen operations.
Munich Airport has stated that around 40 airlines use the new facility.
The building is approximately 360 metres long and contains new gate areas, passenger waiting zones, retail and food outlets.
For travellers, the practical result is more capacity and a modernised passenger process.
Do you need to drive to a separate “pier terminal”?
No.
For road arrival, you still follow the Terminal 1 departure instructions for your airline and check-in area.
The pier is integrated into the Terminal 1 passenger process.
If you book a transfer to the airport, do not simply assume “Terminal 1 Pier” is a completely separate road destination. The relevant drop-off area depends on the airline and check-in arrangement.
Departing through the pier
After check-in and security, follow the airport signs toward your gate.
The pier includes modern security and passport-control infrastructure.
For non-Schengen flights, passport control can be part of the process.
Leave enough time, especially during busy travel periods or if you have children and large luggage.
A modern terminal does not change the airline’s boarding deadline.
Arriving at the pier
After landing, follow signs toward passport control, baggage reclaim and the exit.
Non-Schengen arrivals may require immigration checks.
If you have pre-booked a transfer, do not start searching for the driver while you are still in the secure part of the terminal.
Collect all luggage first and then go to the meeting point stated in your booking confirmation.
Flight number and pickup
For airport pickup on airporttransfer-muenchen.com, enter the correct arriving flight number.
This helps the partner service monitor reported delays and organise the pickup according to the booking conditions.
The exact meeting point is not defined only by the phrase “Terminal 1 Pier”. It comes from your specific transfer confirmation.
Families
The airport has expanded family-friendly security arrangements in recent years, including dedicated family access in relevant areas.
Parents should still plan for strollers, infant carriers and child seats.
Large strollers and child seats can be treated as oversized baggage by airlines, which may mean a separate collection point after landing.
For the road transfer, select the required child restraint in the booking where available and include the stroller in the luggage calculation.
Groups and long-haul arrivals
The new pier is particularly relevant for international and long-haul traffic.
Those passengers often arrive with more checked luggage.
A group of eight with eight large suitcases needs a different transfer vehicle from eight people carrying only cabin bags.
airporttransfer-muenchen.com currently offers partner vehicle classes including larger minivans and minibuses, subject to availability.
State the actual baggage quantity.
What should you check before travel?
Confirm the airline, flight number, terminal, check-in location and departure time.
For arrival, keep the transfer confirmation available offline.
A screenshot is useful if your foreign SIM does not immediately connect in Germany.
If driving or taking a transfer to the airport, use current terminal information instead of an old map or saved screenshot.
The airport is bigger, but the process is still simple
The new pier has expanded Munich Airport, but the travel logic remains the same.
Check your airline information, arrive early enough, follow official signage and use the confirmed meeting point for a private pickup.
Do not overcomplicate the pier by treating it as an entirely separate airport.
Allow time for the walk inside Terminal 1
Even when your road transfer drops you at the correct terminal, the journey inside the airport can still take time. Terminal 1 is divided into several modules, and the gate used by your flight may be some distance from the curbside entrance. Long-haul passengers may also need passport control after security. If you are travelling with a group, elderly relatives or several pieces of baggage, allow a little more time than a frequent flyer travelling with one cabin bag. The new pier improves capacity and passenger comfort, but the additional airport space makes good time planning just as important as before.
Book a transfer to or from Munich Airport Terminal 1: On airporttransfer-muenchen.com, enter your flight number, destination, passengers and luggage. Follow the meeting and terminal information in the confirmation for a smooth pickup or departure.
