Hamburg Helmut Schmidt International Airport (HAM) is the primary international gateway to Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city. It is located 9 kilometers north of the city center in the Fuhlsbüttel district.
The airport was established in 1911 making it one of the world's oldest operational airports. It’s a significant hub for domestic and European air travel, including many leisure destinations
In 2024, Hamburg Airport handled nearly 15 million passengers, ranking as the fifth busiest in Germany and among the top 50 in Europe.
Major Airlines - Lufthansa, Eurowings, Condor, easyJet
Hamburg Airport is a hub for the German low-cost carrier Eurowings, which offers regular and seasonal charter flights to various destinations across the European continent.
Lufthansa, Germany's flagship carrier, operates regular domestic flights to Frankfurt and Munich.
Another German airline, Condor, offers regular flights to seaside destinations in Spain and Egypt as well as seasonal charter flights to islands in Greece and tourist hotspots in Morocco.
On the low-cost front, easyJet’s schedule from Hamburg Airport includes a few direct flights to cities in Italy, the UK, and Switzerland.
Last but not least, Emirates and Qatar Airways connect Hamburg Airport with their massive hubs in the Middle East - Dubai International Airport and Doha Hamad International Airport respectively.
See all airlines that operate at Hamburg Airport.
Check-in options
Hamburg’s Helmut Schmidt International is a modern airport with various options for checking in to your flight.
For starters, most airlines nowadays offer online check-in through their websites or apps. This is the most convenient option for most travelers, especially if the destination does not have any additional entry requirements (e.g. within Schengen).
At the airport, you have the option to self-check-in at a machine. This is offered by most airlines (though not all) and is as simple as entering your passport number or booking confirmation on the kiosk’s screen and printing your boarding card. Some airlines also allow you to print your bag tags this way.
Those with boarding cards can drop off their bags by themselves too - simply approach the Fully automated bag drop counters and follow the instructions. These options save time and allow you to have more time shopping, dining, or relaxing at the airport instead of queueing.
Lastly, some airlines offer late-night check-in - a convenient option to receive your boarding pass and drop off your bags the night before your flight for a stress-free travel day.
Slot & Fly
Keeping up with the efficiency theme at Hamburg Airport, the airport offers the unique (and very convenient) option to book your time slot for the security checkpoint.
All you need to do is pick a time slot (max 5 travelers) up to 72 hours before departure, then go to the e Slot&Fly lane in Terminal 1 at that time and scan the barcode on your boarding pass at the electronic gate.
Terminal Layout at Hamburg Airport
Hamburg Airport has two interconnected terminals:
Terminal 1: Completed in 2005, it accommodates most airlines, including those of the Oneworld and SkyTeam alliances.
Terminal 2: Opened in 1993, primarily serving Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners.
The terminals are connected via the Airport Plaza, a multifunctional building that houses the central security checkpoints, dozens of shops and restaurants, and the S-Bahn station.
Dining Options
Hamburg Airport offers a diverse range of dining establishments, especially in the Airport Plaza building, though there are places to eat both before and after security too.
Some options you have in the landside area (public zone) include:
Marché Restaurant in Terminal 2 serves fresh international food.
Dallmeyers Backhus in Airport Plaza should be your go-to place for baked goods and German pastries.
Sashimi Sushi in the Arrivals area of Terminal 2 offers authentic sushi and other delights from the East.
In the airside area (after security), you can choose from:
Bar St. Pauli near Gates 37-40 for its sandwiches, sausages, tap beer, and specialty coffee.
Burger King in Plaza for its flame-grilled burgers.
CUCCIS near Gates D01-D05 for its fresh urban food on the go.
Lounges
Hamburg Airport houses 4 lounges:
Hamburg Airport Lounge: Accessible to all departing passengers for a fee of 45 EUR (up to 3 hours). This lounge has everything you need while waiting for your flight - complimentary refreshments, free Wi-Fi, reading materials, and shower facilities.
Lufthansa Lounge: With two separate lounges (The Senator Lounge and The Business Lounge), as a Lufthansa premium passenger, you gain access to comfortable dining and work areas as well as a smoking room. Plus complimentary refreshments.
Emirates Lounge: First Class, Business Class, Emirates Skywards Platinum, and Gold members have access to one of the world’s best airport lounges.
Transportation to and from Hamburg Airport
Hamburg Airport is well-connected to the city. Perhaps the easiest and most convenient form of transport is the S-Bahn suburban train (Line S1) which has a frequency of just 10 minutes and takes 25 minutes to reach Hamburg Central Station.
The other transport options include:
Buses: At least 8 bus routes connect the airport to various parts of the city and neighboring areas. Two of those are night lines that go to U Langenhorn Markt and Winterhuder Marktplatz - Rathausmarkt respectively. Most buses depart from Area A on Level 0, Arrivals.
Taxis: Readily available outside the terminals. A taxi ride to the city costs 20-30 EUR. Payment can be either cash or by card.
Car Rentals: Major rental companies operate on-site, providing a range of vehicle options. Find their kiosks or offices in the Arrivals area or in ring B of the P2/4 multi-story car park.
For private transfers, check out your options here.
Parking at Hamburg Airport
Hamburg Airport offers both short-term and long-stay parking options.
All car parks are equipped with license plate recognition cameras for easy access and departure. Of all the parking lots, only P8-9 requires a prior reservation.
P1: only 150 meters away from Terminal 1. The first hour costs 8 EUR and the daily rate is 31 EUR.
P2: 9 parking levels with access possible via the arrival and departure levels. The first hour costs 8 EUR and the daily rate is 32 EUR.
P4: Directly opposite Terminal 1, Plaza and Terminal 2. Rates depend on which level you park at, approximately 8 EUR per hour and 40 EUR per day.
P5: Provides a covered connection to Terminal 2 (arrival). The first hour costs 8 EUR and the daily rate is 37 EUR.
P8-9: Perfect for long-stay parking with cheaper prices for longer stays.
Parking Area Departure Level: The Kiss&Fly zone is free for the first 10 minutes. Every additional 5 minutes costs 3 EUR.
Hotels near Hamburg Airport
Hamburg Airport does not have transit hotels or sleep pods inside, so you should look for accommodation outside of the terminals.
The most convenient option is the Radisson Blu Hotel, located directly adjacent to the airport. This high-class hotel offers comfort and quiet rooms in an elegant setting.
You can find lower-budget alternatives in the Lagenhorn district of the city, about 1.5 km away from the terminal building.
Hamburg, Germany
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