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Getting from Hamburg Airport to the City Centre

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city and a busy port, located on the Elbe River. It is a major business, trade, industry, science and diplomacy hub of the German North. A popular destination for business and leisure visitors, it boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites, rich architecture and vibrant cultural life.

To get from Hamburg airport to the city centre, there are three different options; taxi, train (S-Bahn) and bus. The most affordable ways are the train and the bus, at €3.50 for a one-way ticket. The train takes 25 minutes, while the bus will need around 45 minutes. The fastest and most convenient option is a Hamburg airport taxi, which will take you to your final destination in about 25 minutes for around €50.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Hamburg at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €50 25min 24/7
Taxi €50 25min 24/7
Train €7 25min 04:33–00:13
Bus €7 45min 00:14–04:14

How to get from Hamburg airport to the city centre by taxi

Taking a Hamburg airport taxi is undoubtedly the fastest and most convenient option to get to the city centre. Taxis are available 24/7, and you will find them queued up at arrivals in front of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They take around 25 minutes to reach the city centre in normal traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from Hamburg airport to the city centre

Taxis at Hamburg airport do not apply a set-rate fare. The amount you will have to pay upon arrival depends on the time of the day, the traffic, and your destination’s exact location. Nevertheless, the average cost is €50 during the day and €60 at night.

Taxi prices
Day time
(05:00–24:00)
Night time
(00:00–05:00)
Duration
City Centre
€€50
€€60
Cost

€50

Trip Duration

25 minutes

Unless booked in advanced, prices may vary.

Convenience
Value for money
Safety

Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Taxis are available at the designated taxi stands right outside the terminals.

Convenience

It is a fact that a taxi is the most convenient way to get to your hotel with ease. You will be taken directly to your destination’s doorstep, the driver will help you with your luggage, and you do not have to wait outside in the cold or go down the stairs holding heavy belongings.

Editor’s Note

Taxis are genuinely the most convenient mode of transportation in the city. Yet, if you are not travelling with other people or your luggage is light, taking the train might be the best option since it takes the same amount of time and the cost is much less.

Useful Tips

The authorities of Hamburg Airport always have the best comfort for passengers in mind. So, taxis taking people from the airport are regularly checked for compliance with strict quality criteria.
You can pay for your taxi fare in cash or by card.
Booster seats for children can be made available upon request.

How to get from Hamburg airport to the city centre by train

The S-Bahn line S1 train from Hamburg airport to the city centre runs every 10 minutes. A one-way ticket will cost you €3.50, and you will get to the Central Railway Station (Hauptbahnhof) in 25 minutes.

How much is the train from Hamburg airport to the city centre?

A one-way ticket for the S-Bahn line S1 costs €3.50 for adults, while children 6-14 years old pay €1.30. Infants up to 5 years old travel free of charge. Tickets can be bought from vending machines at the station or online through HVV (website and app).

Cost

€3.50

Trip Duration

25 minutes

The waiting time is 10-20 minutes, depending on the day and time.

Convenience
Value for money
Safety

The S-Bahn line S1 runs from 04:33 to 00:13.

Where do I get the train from?

The S-Bahn station “Hamburg Airport (Flughafen)” is conveniently located underneath the arrivals Terminals 1 and 2. All you have to do is take the elevator or go down the escalator or stairs.

Convenience

As waiting times are not very long and transfers are quick, taking the train from Hamburg airport to the city centre is a pretty convenient option. However, keep in mind that getting to the underground station with bulky luggage might be a little uncomfortable.

Editor’s Note

The S-Bahn takes you to the central railway station (Hauptbahnhof). The line's next stop, called Jungfernstieg, is more centrally located, and the journey takes an extra 3 minutes (28 minutes in total from the airport). So, you might want to consider getting off there to reduce the walking distance from your hotel.

Useful Tips

Tickets are already validated and do not need to be stamped on board.
Inside the trains, there are racks above the passenger seats to put your luggage. You can also stow them at the car's backend.
If you are taking the S1 from the city centre to the airport, board one of the first three cars. S1 trains split up at Ohlsdorf station, and the last three cars go to Poppenbüttel.

How to get from Hamburg airport to the city centre by bus

The bus is the least convenient option for your transportation from Hamburg airport. Only one line reaches the city centre, night bus 606. It runs from 00:14 to 04:14, Monday to Friday, and takes 45 minutes. So, in essence, it is an alternative to the train option for travellers arriving late at night on weekdays.

How much is the bus from Hamburg airport to the city centre?

A one-way ticket for the 606 nightbus that will take you from Hamburg airport to the city centre (Rathausmarkt) costs €3.5.

Cost

€3.5

Trip Duration

45 minutes

The waiting time is between 30 and 60 minutes for the 606 night bus.

Convenience
Value for money
Safety

The 606 night bus runs from 00:14 to 04:14, Monday to Friday.

Where do I get it from?

The bus stop is located right in front of Terminal 1 (arrivals).

Convenience

The bus is the least convenient of your options. It only runs at night and on weekdays. It is not available on weekends and public holidays. Plus, due to the numerous stops along the way, you will need 45 minutes to get to the city centre.

Editor’s Note

The bus is a budget-friendly option for late-night arrivals to Hamburg airport if you do not want to take a taxi. However, please keep in mind that there are long waiting times (30-60 minutes), and in addition, you might need to walk after you get off the bus at the last stop, depending on your destination’s location.

Useful Tips

You can purchase your tickets at the airport's ticket machines, directly from the driver or online (hvv.de).
Rathausmarkt, the last stop of the 606 bus line, is the central square of Hamburg. It is located in the old town quarter (Altstadt). The Rathaus metro (U-Bahn) station lies within a very short walking distance.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Hamburg. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€50.0
NIGHTTIME
€60.0
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the distance from Hamburg airport to the city centre?

Hamburg airport is located 8.5 km north of the city centre. The journey takes about 25 minutes if you’re travelling by car or taxi. The train needs 25 minutes as well, while the bus will get you to the city centre in 45 minutes.

How do you get from Hamburg airport to the city centre?

There are three ways to get from Hamburg airport to the city centre; taxi, train or bus. The train is available from the early morning until right after midnight. The bus line (606) runs only late at night and on weekdays.

How much does a Hamburg airport to city taxi cost?

There is no flat rate for the trip from Hamburg airport to the city centre. The usual cost for a taxi is around €50 in the daytime and €60 at night. It all depends on the traffic.

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