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Hamburg Airport HAM Airport Traveler Guide

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HAM Airport Insights & Guide

Key HAM Airport Topics:

Getting to Know HAM Airport

Discover Hamburg Airport, Germany's first airport to go completely carbon-neutral, serving over 17 million passengers annually. This bustling hub connects you to Hamburg's lively culture. Our concise guide offers essential tips, from flight status, terminal information, to dining and shopping at HAM. Navigate the airport effortlessly with our terminal maps and parking advice. Ready for a seamless journey? Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for more.

iFly Tip: Find everything you need for air travel on our comprehensive reference page.

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 14 gates and is used by major airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France. Terminal 2 has 8 gates and is mainly used by low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet.

Both terminals are connected by a Skywalk, which makes it easy to transfer between them. The airport also provides shuttle buses for passengers who need to travel between terminals or to the remote stands.

Inside the terminals, you will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. Terminal 1 has a larger selection of food options, including fast food chains and sit-down restaurants. Terminal 2 has a smaller selection but still offers a few places to grab a bite to eat or a drink.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

Hamburg Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The terminals are located within walking distance of each other, with a covered walkway connecting them. The walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on your walking speed.

If you prefer not to walk, there is a free shuttle bus service that runs between the terminals. The shuttle bus is available 24/7 and runs every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak hours. The shuttle bus stop is located outside of the arrivals area in both terminals.

Frequent Flier Tips

To help make your experience at Hamburg Airport (HAM) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from HAM-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"Hamburg Airport has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 primarily handles flights from airlines like Lufthansa and its partners, while Terminal 2 is used by airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet. Make sure to check your boarding pass to know which terminal you need to be in, as they are connected but can be a bit of a walk." — Hans K., Norderstedt, Germany, August 2023

"If you're connecting between terminals, use the Skywalk. It's a quick and easy way to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 without having to go through security again." — Petra M., Pinneberg, Germany, July 2023

Getting To/From the City

"The S1 S-Bahn line is the fastest and most convenient way to get to and from the city center. It runs every 10 minutes and takes about 25 minutes to reach Hamburg Hauptbahnhof. Just make sure to get on the right part of the train, as it splits midway." — Lars B., Hamburg, Germany, July 2023

"If you have a lot of luggage, consider taking a taxi or a ride-sharing service. The taxi stand is right outside the arrivals area, and the ride to the city center should take around 20 minutes, depending on traffic." — Anja S., Quickborn, Germany, August 2023

Parking

"For long-term parking, use the P8-9 garage. It’s a bit further from the terminals, but there’s a free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes. It’s much cheaper than the closer options." — Markus R., Elmshorn, Germany, July 2023

"If you're just picking someone up, use the short-term parking area P1. It’s right in front of the terminals and free for the first 15 minutes. Perfect for quick pick-ups." — Claudia W., Ahrensburg, Germany, August 2023

Inside the Airport

"Make sure to visit the Airport Plaza between Terminals 1 and 2. It’s a great place to relax, with plenty of shops and restaurants. My favorite is the Marché Mövenpick for a quick and healthy meal." — Sven H., Hamburg, Germany, July 2023

"If you need to get some work done, the Airport Lounge is worth the fee. It’s quiet, has good Wi-Fi, and offers complimentary snacks and drinks." — Elena F., Reinbek, Germany, August 2023

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Check the live wait times on the airport’s website before you leave for the airport. It can help you avoid long security lines, especially during peak hours." — Thomas J., Wedel, Germany, July 2023

"Arrive at least two hours before your flight, even if you’ve checked in online. Security can be unpredictable, and it’s better to have some extra time to relax before your flight." — Julia L., Buxtehude, Germany, August 2023

iFly Tip: Find out what to expect on your flight by visiting our guide for overweight passengers.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Hamburg Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas outside of the terminals. Curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles left unattended will be towed. It is recommended to use the short-term parking facilities or the cell-phone waiting areas.

The cell-phone waiting areas are free of charge and located near the terminals. Drivers can park their vehicles and wait for their passengers to arrive before proceeding to the pick-up area. This helps to reduce traffic congestion and ensures a smooth flow of vehicles in and out of the airport.

Parking Facilities & Options

Travelers flying out of Hamburg Airport have several parking options to choose from. The airport offers several parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminals. There are also designated cell phone waiting areas for those picking up arriving passengers.

For those with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spaces available in all parking areas. These spaces are located close to the terminals and are easily accessible for passengers with disabilities.

Off-airport parking is also available near HAM. This option can be more economical for travelers looking to save money on parking fees. Off-airport parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it a convenient option for travelers.

Get details about HAM Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When arriving at the airport, there are several ground transportation options available to travelers.

For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental facilities located at the airport, including major providers such as Avis, Europcar, and Hertz. These facilities are located in the arrivals area of the terminal and can be easily accessed upon arrival.

Taxi services are also available at Hamburg Airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside of the terminal. Fares are based on the distance traveled and can vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at Hamburg Airport. Pickup areas are located outside of the terminal and restrictions may apply depending on the service provider.

Airport shuttles are another option for travelers, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to get to and from the airport. These shuttles typically operate on a fixed schedule and can be reserved in advance. Pickup areas are located outside of the terminal and fares vary depending on the shuttle service provider.

For those looking for a more affordable option, public transportation is also available at HAM. The S-Bahn train service provides direct access to the city center and surrounding areas, with stations located within walking distance of the terminal. Fares are based on the distance traveled and can be purchased at the station.

iFly Tip: Avoid unnecessary fees by ensuring your bag complies with carry-on size regulations.

Airport Hotels

Whether you're a business traveler seeking convenience, or a leisure traveler looking for a comfortable stay, there are a variety of hotel options to choose from. Ranging from charming accommodations like Albi S - HH Airport and meinHotel to luxurious stays at the Radisson Blu Hotel, there's something to suit every traveler's needs. Many of these hotels are located within a mile of the airport, making them ideal for those with early flights or late arrivals. Most offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and soundproofed rooms to ensure a peaceful rest. Some are conveniently positioned near major transportation hubs, providing easy access to the city's attractions. Discover the best hotels with our comprehensive guide on the airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight at Hamburg Airport, you won't be disappointed. There are plenty of options to choose from, including several sit-down restaurants and quick-service eateries. For a taste of local cuisine, head to Mövenpick Restaurant for some delicious German dishes. If you're in the mood for something lighter, try Joe & the Juice for their fresh juices and sandwiches. And for a quick caffeine fix, Starbucks is always a reliable choice.

When it comes to shopping, HAM has a variety of stores to browse through. For duty-free items, Heinemann Duty Free is the place to go. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, check out the Hamburg Airport Shop for a selection of local products. And for some last-minute travel essentials, there's a Relay store conveniently located near the gates.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at HAM Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check out the food and shopping page.

Passenger Services

HAM Airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available at the airport, located in Terminal 2.

Traveling with children? the airport has several play areas to keep little ones entertained, including a dedicated children's area in Terminal 2. Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

Need to take care of some banking before your flight? There are several ATMs and currency exchange services located throughout the airport. For medical emergencies and first aid, there is a first-aid station located in Terminal 2, as well as medical professionals available on call.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's essential to stay updated about the status of your flight departure. There are several ways to get flight status information at Hamburg Airport in Germany.

The easiest way to get flight status information is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can easily find their flight by searching for their airline and flight number on the display.

Another way to stay updated is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own mobile apps that allow passengers to check their flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes, and even check-in for their flight. Passengers can download their airline's app and enable push notifications to receive real-time updates about their flight status.

In addition to mobile apps, passengers can also receive flight status updates through text messages or emails. Most airlines offer this service, and passengers can sign up for it when booking their flight or by contacting their airline's customer service. This way, passengers can receive updates about their flight status directly on their phone or email.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Hamburg Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Hamburg Airport (HAM) is situated in Hamburg, Germany.
  • Terminals: The airport has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, offering a wide range of facilities and services for travelers.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines serving Hamburg Airport include Lufthansa, easyJet, and Ryanair. For a comprehensive list of airlines, visit the HAM Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Hamburg Airport handles approximately 60,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport operates around 400 flights daily.
  • Top Destinations: Popular destinations from HAM include London, Amsterdam, Zurich, Copenhagen, and Munich.
  • Hub Status: Hamburg Airport serves as a hub for Eurowings and Ryanair, facilitating numerous connecting flights across Europe and beyond.

Airport History

HAM, also known as Flughafen Hamburg, is the fifth-busiest airport in Germany and serves as a major hub for international and domestic travel. The airport has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1911 - The first airport in Hamburg was built in Fuhlsbüttel, which is now the site of HAM Airport.
  • 1914 - The airport was used for military purposes during World War I.
  • 1919 - The airport was opened to civilian air traffic.
  • 1937 - The airport was expanded and modernized to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.
  • 1945 - The airport was heavily damaged during World War II and was closed for several years.
  • 1952 - The airport was reopened and gradually rebuilt over the next few years.
  • 1960s - The airport underwent major renovations and expansions to keep up with the increasing number of passengers.
  • 1990s - The airport continued to expand and modernize, adding new terminals and runways.
  • 2016 - the airport celebrated its 100th anniversary.
  • 2020 - The airport was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a significant decrease in air traffic.

Today, Hamburg Airport continues to serve as an important transportation hub for the region and welcomes millions of passengers each year.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Hamburg Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Hamburg Airport Q&A

There are two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Major airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France operate from Terminal 1.
Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet operate from Terminal 2.
Yes, a free shuttle bus service runs between the terminals 24/7.
Passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas outside the terminals. Curbside parking is prohibited.
Several parking lots and garages are available within walking distance of the terminals, along with cell-phone waiting areas and off-airport parking options.
Options include car rentals, taxis, shared ride services, airport shuttles, and public transportation via the S-Bahn train service.
Yes, there are several hotels within a mile of the airport, including the Radisson Blu Hotel and meinHotel.
The airport offers a variety of dining options, including Mövenpick Restaurant, Joe & the Juice, and Starbucks.
Flight status information can be obtained via in-airport flight displays, airline mobile apps, text messages, emails, or by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com.