McDonald's

Security line still ahead? This McDonald’s in Terminal 1 sits landside, so you can eat before you queue up.

Terminal 1 at CGN has this McDonald’s before security, which is exactly why locals hit it: airside options in both T1 and T2 get called “limited” again and again on Skytrax. Here you pay normal high-street McDonald’s prices instead of the airport premium that kicks in once you pass screening.

Opening hours vary by day, but it typically runs from early morning into late evening to cover the main wave of Eurowings and LH flights from T1. Expect standard German McDonald’s pricing: around €1.50–€2 for a coffee, €8–€10 for a meal with fries and a drink, and occasional value deals posted at the counter or self-order kiosks.

Order the basics this branch handles well: a Big Mac or McChicken menu for something filling, or a McMuffin and coffee if you’re catching a 07:00 departure. It’s a typical chain setup with self-service kiosks and counter pickup; nothing gourmet, just predictable calories before you deal with security and boarding checks.

Regulars on Skytrax say it straight: “better to use the outlets before the security check, much better choice and quality for price,” and “food options airside are quite limited, so if you want something familiar, get it landside before going through security.” That lines up with multiple reviews warning that airside food is thinner on choice and more expensive than landside chains like this one.

Practical tip: plan 20–30 minutes here if you hit it around the morning or evening peaks, then allow another 20–30 minutes for security in Terminal 1 before a Schengen flight; build more buffer if you’re on a busy Friday or flying non-Schengen from CGN.