- Mr Plane Guy
- 4 hours ago
- 9 min read
My Extreme Day Trip from London to Munich: A Caffeine-Fulled Adventure
By Flight and Travel Expert, Content Creator, writer, non morning person and everything in-between Mr Plane Guy
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Okay, let me preface this by saying: don’t do what I did. Unless you like being awake at 3 AM, wandering around a foreign city mildly hallucinating from exhaustion, and realising half the shops are closed. But also, yes, do exactly what I did, because this was one of the most random, exhausting, and unexpectedly beautiful day trips I’ve ever taken.
If you’ve ever googled “day trips from London to Europe,” chances are you found Paris, Amsterdam, maybe even Brussels. Cute. Did you know you can take a day trip from London to Munich? With just a 1 hour 20 minute flight time, it is the perfect city for an Extreme Day Trip.
Let’s start from the top. Doors for departure......
3:00 AM: My First Mistake
Yes, I booked the first flight out of Heathrow, because I thought, “Genius! I’ll maximise my time in Munich!” I imagined skipping through cobbled squares in the morning sunlight, sipping a frothy coffee in a café that definitely opens before 8 AM.
Reality: I was grumpy, sleep-deprived, and so tired ALL day long!
5:00 AM: Heathrow’s Plaza Premium Lounge – My Saving Grace
One early morning at Terminal 5, I visited the Plaza Premium Lounge – and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Quiet, well-organised, and with proper coffee on offer, it was a welcome break from the usual airport rush. I found a spot by the window, sipped my drink, and watched the planes take off as I got into the right headspace for the day ahead.
Check out my full review here
Tip: If you're doing any extreme day trip, get lounge access. It softens the pain of being awake when the rest of the world is asleep. It also has scrambled eggs and croissants, which is all the love I need at 4 AM.
7:00 AM: Flight to Munich
British Airways did the job. Short, smooth, and I may have passed out on the tray table for a solid 45 minutes or so, YAY!
10:30 AM: Touchdown in Munich – Things Start Getting Weird
I landed feeling cautiously optimistic. The sun was shining, I hadn’t lost my passport. I had a vague idea of where the city centre was. What could go wrong?
Answer: Munich Airport transport.
Getting from Munich Airport to the City Centre – Aka the Challenge Round
Let me just say, Munich is lovely. But getting from the airport into the city is not. I consider myself pretty travel-savvy, but this was confusing enough to make me contemplate just living at the airport.
Here’s the deal: You need to get to the S-Bahn, which is basically Munich’s version of a suburban train. Specifically, the S8 or S1 lines go to the city centre. But depending on where you are, only one line will take you to the airport and it's nowhere near where you probably are when you're ready to go back.
When I was heading back in the evening, I realised I was miles from the correct station. It took over an hour and a half and involved criss-crossing the city to find the one line that still had a route to the airport. Add in a little panic, a lot of walking, and boom stress.
Top tip: Plan your return to the airport very carefully in Munich. It’s not like Paris or Amsterdam where you can grab any train and end up vaguely near your terminal. Nope. This is Germany. You will follow the rules or miss your flight.
What I Actually Did in Munich (Once I Found the City Centre)
Okay, drama aside, Munich itself? Gorgeous.
I walked into the main square Marienplatz and honestly it was like stepping into a medieval postcard. Even in my zombie state, I was like: “Yup, this was worth it.”
Here’s what I managed to squeeze in during my whirlwind 6 hours in the city:
Top 5 Things To Do in Munich (Even On an Extreme Day Trip)
1. Marienplatz
The beating heart of the city. Towering gothic buildings, the famous Glockenspiel clock show (you’ll hear it before you see it), and just a vibe that says: “Yes, you made the right decision.”
I arrived just as the bells rang, and for a moment I forgot I was running on 3 hours of sleep and a soggy lounge croissant.
2. Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)
Iconic. Huge twin towers. I took about 500 photos despite knowing I looked like a proper tourist. It’s quiet, majestic, and has that classic “wow Europe really has some history” energy.
3. St. Peter’s Church (And Climb the Tower)
This one almost broke me. You can climb the tower for a panoramic view of Munich, but if you’re running on zero energy, maybe just admire it from the ground.
4. Englischer Garten (English Garden)
This. Was Glorious in the Sunshine. Locals sprawled on the grass. People cycling. Someone playing a flute. It’s a massive park right by the city centre and honestly, it made the whole day worth it. I sat on a bench, cracked open a red bull from a corner shop, and for 20 minutes, I was the most relaxed I’ve ever been.
5. Iced Coffee and Munich Cake Time
Let’s be honest, no European city visit is complete without a slightly indulgent café stop. By mid-afternoon, I was running on fumes, and that’s when I made the best decision of the day: iced coffee and cake.
I ducked into a local café (Munich has loads tucked around the centre), ordered a milchkaffee on ice, and pointed to something vaguely chocolatey in the cake display that turned out to be life-changing. Possibly a Prinzregententorte, which is a Bavarian classic made of thin sponge layers and chocolate buttercream, aka “don’t think, just eat.”
That one café break gave me enough energy to pretend I was cultured and functional again. Plus, sitting by a window in a Munich café watching the trams go by? Peak European vibes.
Things to do in Munich
The Shops Were Closed – But That’s Okay
One thing I wasn’t expecting: most shops were closed. It was a Sunday, which in Germany means everything goes into full “we’re resting now” mode. No shopping. No grabbing souvenirs. Just peace, quiet, and window shopping your way through the old town.
If you’re going to Munich on a day trip, check what day of the week you’re flying. Sundays = sleepy. Saturdays = buzzier. Wednesdays = who knows?
Getting Back to the Airport – The Stress Returns
As mentioned earlier, this was the part of the day where things went from dreamy to “am I about to miss my flight?”
Despite planning to leave early, I realized that only one line was running to the airport, and it was nowhere near me. I ended up power-walking across half of Munich, checking Google Maps every two minutes like I was in a spy movie.
Eventually made it. Sweaty. Slightly dead inside. But victorious.
Estimated Cost of an Uber (If You Can’t Be Bothered With the Train)
If you want to skip the train drama altogether, Uber from Munich city centre to the airport will cost you around €60–€80, depending on traffic and time of day. On a sleepy Sunday, it might be less.
Pro tip: Connect your Uber account to collect Avios points. You’re basically earning points for being too tired to figure out German train maps. Win-win.
Would I Do It Again?
In a weird way… yes. But with some major changes.
What I’d Do Differently:
Book a flight around 11 AM (not 6:30 AM unless you enjoy feeling like a potato)
Avoid Sundays unless you just want to wander and look at buildings
Figure out the return trip to the airport before you’re 20 minutes from missing your flight
Maybe stay overnight and enjoy the beer gardens, because this is Munich after all
Best Personal Size Under-seat Bags for Extreme Day Trips
Although I didn't stay over in munich, I still bought a bag for a few essential items you need for an extreme day trip!
Cabin Max METZ 20L Underseat Bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
Now this bag perfectly Ryanair free personal baggage allowance you can get the bigger option 30L 45 x 36 x 20 cm to fly with EasyJet.
You can find more information about this bag Right Here
The Cabin Max METZ 20L is my go-to under seat bag for Ryanair flights. It’s perfectly sized for Ryanair free personal item allowance and comes packed with features:
Lightweight and Durable:Weighs only 500g, making it easy to carry around even when fully packed.
Comfortable for Travel: Extensive padding ensures comfort, whether you’re navigating airports or exploring your destination.
Organised Storage: Multiple compartments, including a front organiser pocket for travel documents, pens, and tickets, make staying organised a breeze.
Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled plastic bottles (Rpet polyester), it’s a sustainable choice for eco-conscious travellers.
This bag is also compatible with most major airlines, making it a versatile travel companion beyond Ryanair.
It comes in so many different colour options
So if you’re considering day trips from London to Europe and want something a little unhinged, Munich actually works. It’s clean, stunning, and somehow still charming even when you're exhausted and shops are closed.
Just… maybe book a later flight. And bring snacks. And don’t underestimate the power of a cold coffee in a can.
Got questions about doing your own day trip to Munich from London? Or want to compare exhaustion levels? Drop me a comment. I’ll reply once I catch up on sleep.
Check out my Blogs on different european destinations
Travel Essentials for a European City Trip
1. Portable Power Bank
Keep your devices charged while exploring.
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable ChargerView on Amazon
2. Universal Travel Adapter
Compatible with multiple plug types across Europe.
TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter View on Amazon
3. Compact Umbrella
Be prepared for unexpected weather changes.
Gorilla Grip Compact Travel UmbrellaView on Amazon
4. Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated and eco-friendly.
Hydaway Collapsible Water BottleView on Amazon
5. Travel First Aid Kit
For minor injuries and health issues.
Adventure Medical Kits Travel Medic First Aid KitView on Amazon
6. Hand Sanitizer
Maintain hygiene on the go.
Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer SprayView on Amazon
7. Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UV rays.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40View on Amazon
8. Plasters and Pain Relief
For blisters and minor aches.
Compeed Blister PlastersView on Amazon
9. Paracetamol
Over-the-counter pain relief.
Panadol Extra TabletsView on Amazon
10. Electrolyte Tablets
Replenish lost minerals, especially after long walks.
Dioralyte Electrolyte Powder SachetsView on Amazon
11. Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Secure your valuables while exploring.
Pacsafe Metrosafe Anti-Theft Crossbody BagView on Amazon
12. Jet Lag Relief Tablets
Combat fatigue after long flights.
No Jet Lag Homeopathic TabletsView on Amazon
13. Quick-Dry Towel
Ideal for unexpected swims or drying off after rain.
Dock & Bay Quick Dry TowelView on Amazon
These items will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to any European city.
Airport Lounge Access: Start Your Holiday in Style
Complimentary drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Tasty snacks to keep you going
Wi-Fi to catch up on emails or browse before your flight
Comfortable seating to unwind before takeoff
If you love starting your holiday with a touch of luxury, this alone might make the upgrade worthwhile.
Want airport lounge access but at a reduced fee? I got you!
Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport VIP lounge access program, with over 1,400+ lounges in over 600 cities across 148 countries! From just £69 for an annual pass.
The lovely people from priority Pass have offered me a 30% discount code making it just £48! Be quick this won't last long!! Use my link below.
Take a Look Here ( I get a tiny kickback BTW, thank you for the support )
TOP TIP: If two of you are travelling, just get one Priority Pass and the two of you will get into lounges at reduced fee's all year!
Plan Your Airport Parking: Booking in advance can make your journey more seamless.
Travel Tip: Get one of these phone holder clips and watch something on your phone hands free, it clips on to economy seats perfectly! They are so cheap and will really transform your economy flight experience!
Related Links
Ten Tips Before Travelling to Barcelona: Barcelona Travel Guide
The Ultimate Guide to 24 hours in Rome: Everything You Need to Know
Ryanair Cabin Bags: What You Need to Know
Ryanair Set to Revolutionise Check-In with a Fully Digital Experience
My Stay at Premier Inn London Stansted Airport: Hotel Review
The Perfect Cabin Bag for Travelling with Low Cost Airlines. Cabin Max carry on Luggage
Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
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