When you arrive at Hamburg Airport in Germany’s second-largest city, you have four main transportation options to help you reach your hotel in Hamburg city center: taxi, private transfer, train, and bus.

If convenience and efficiency are your main priorities, then a Hamburg Airport taxi or a pre-booked private Hamburg Airport transfer are your two best choices. These offer the only direct and door-to-door services, saving you the burden of carrying around any luggage. 

The most affordable options are the public bus and train, which cost the same for a one-way ticket. The best of these two options is the train, which takes 25 minutes, compared to the bus which has a journey time of 45 minutes. Keep in mind that the bus only runs at night and on weekdays, providing a cheaper option for when the trains stop running.

4 options to go from Hamburg Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABLE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€69 25min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€32.50 25min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Train
€7.60 25min 04:33–00:13
Convenience
Read more
Bus
€7.60 45min 00:14–04:14
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Hamburg Airport to the city center by taxi

Taking a Hamburg Airport taxi is one of the fastest and most convenient options to get to the city center. Taxis are air-conditioned and comfortable, and available 24/7 from right outside the terminal building. From Hamburg Airport to the city center, the journey takes around 25 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

How much is a taxi from Hamburg Airport to the city center?

Hamburg taxis don’t offer fixed fare rates, instead, they charge using a taximeter. The amount you’ll pay depends on the time of day and the day of the week, traffic conditions, and the exact distance to your destination. On average, a taxi from Hamburg Airport to the city center costs €32.50 during the day and €35.70 at night, for up to four people.

Prices for Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport

Taxi prices Day time Night time Duration
City Center €50 €60

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Taxis are available at the designated taxi stands outside the Arrivals Hall of Terminals 1 and 2, on the lower level.

Convenience

If you’re after an easy and stress-free transfer to your hotel, then a taxi is a safe bet. You and any loved ones will be taken directly to your destination, and your driver will lend a hand with any heavy luggage. Taking a taxi saves you from having to wait outside in the cold for a train or bus, or worrying about busy stations with endless stairs.

Useful Tips

If you'd like to tip your driver, rounding up the fare to the nearest euro is perfectly acceptable.
You can pay for your taxi fare in cash or by card.
Booster seats for children can be made available upon request.

Getting from Hamburg Airport to the city center by train

During peak traffic, the S-Bahn line S1 train from Hamburg Airport to the city center is often a quicker way to travel than a taxi, and for a fraction of the cost. Trains run every 10 minutes, reaching Hamburg Central Railway Station (Hauptbahnhof) in 25 minutes.

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

A one-way ticket on the S1 Hamburg Airport train to the city center costs €3.80 for adults, and €1.40 for children aged 6-14 years old. Tickets can be bought from vending machines at the station or online through the HVV website or app.

Cost
€3.80
Trip Duration
25 Min.
The wait time is 10-20 minutes, depending on the day and time.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The S-Bahn line S1 runs from 04:33 to 00:13 on weekdays, and until 00:13 on weekends.

Where do I get the train from?

The S-Bahn station “Hamburg Airport (Flughafen)” is conveniently located underneath the Arrivals Hall at Terminals 1 and 2. There is an elevator available or you can use the escalator or stairs.

Convenience

With short wait times and a quick journey, the train from Hamburg Airport to the city has its upsides. However, keep in mind that walking to the underground station with bulky luggage might be a little challenging, and you will still need to make your way to your hotel once you arrive in town.

Timetables

S-Bahn Train Timetable

Hamburg Airport – Central Station

Useful Tips

Children aged 5 years and under travel free of charge.
The ride from the airport to the city center crosses two zones, called 'rings'.
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 center 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.
Discounted tickets are available when purchased online.

How to get from Hamburg Airport to the city center by bus

If you’re arriving late at night after the trains have stopped running, then the bus is your only public transport option, and also the most affordable. Only one line reaches the city center, the 606 night bus. The 606 runs between the airport and Central Station in 45 minutes, dropping off passengers on the Kirchenallee side where they can transfer to another bus or taxi.

How much is the bus from Hamburg Airport to the city center?

A one-way ticket on the 606-night bus service from Hamburg Airport to the city costs €3.80 per adult. Similar to the train, tickets can be online in advance or from ticket machines at the airport. 

Cost
€3.80
Trip Duration
45 Min.
The wait time between buses is 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The 606 night bus runs from 00:17 to 04:17, Monday to Friday.

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus stop is located right in front of the Arrivals Hall on the Ground Floor of Terminal 1.

Convenience

The bus is the least convenient transport option from Hamburg Airport to the city. It only runs at night and on weekdays and is not available on public holidays. Plus, due to the numerous stops along the way, it can take up to 45 minutes to reach the station.

Timetables

606 Bus Timetable

Hamburg Airport – Central Station

Useful Tips

You need to have a HVV prepaid card to pay for your ride on board the bus.
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.
There are several other bus lines that depart Hamburg Airport during the day, however, they are not as direct, frequent, or fast as the S1 train.

How to get from Hamburg Airport to the city center by private transfer

If you’re someone who likes to organize their travel plans in advance so that everything runs smoothly, a pre-booked Hamburg Airport transfer is your best option. Private transfers, such as those offered by Welcome Pickups, offer a fully customizable and personalized service so that nothing is left to chance, and you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

Some of the perks you’ll enjoy include an airport meet-and-greet with a trained English-speaking driver, a guaranteed on-time pickup for a competitive fixed fare price, and access to a customer support team 24/7.

Plus, your driver will even give you a mini tour of Hamburg on the way to your hotel and share a few local tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of your stay.

How much is a Hamburg Airport transfer to the city?

When you opt for a private transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll know exactly how much your transfer costs at the time of booking and can organize the payment right away.

For up to 3 passengers in one of our air-conditioned, stylish sedans, the trip from Hamburg Airport to the city will cost €69. If you require a larger vehicle, our spacious minivans can fit up to 8 people for €81, or €162 for 9-12 passengers.

You’ll receive an upfront quote at the time of booking, inclusive of all charges so there are no hidden surprises. You can secure a ride either online or via the Welcome Pickups app, simply enter a few personal details and your flight information.

Cost
€69
Trip Duration
25 Min.
*When booked in advance a private vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Hamburg International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

As you enter the Arrivals Hall at Hamburg Airport, your friendly Welcome driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it. After a warm introduction, they’ll lend a hand with any heavy luggage and show you to your pre-selected private vehicle. If your flight happens to be delayed or arrives early, don’t worry, all of our drivers receive live flight updates so that they adjust your pickup time as necessary, for no extra cost.

Convenience

A private transfer is by far the most convenient option to get from Hamburg Airport to the city center. Not only can you skip the taxi line and pay in advance, but you’ll also enjoy a fully personalized service, perfect for families and those traveling on business. Furthermore, you can enjoy extra special touches such as a complimentary mini tour of the city.

Useful Tips

Since your ride will be booked and paid for in advance, you don’t have to worry about anything on the day.
If you require a booster seat or a specialized vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair, a request can be made at the time of booking or through the Welcome Pickups app.
The day before you travel, you'll receive an email with your driver's details including a recent photo and contact number.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Hamburg Airport to the city center?

Since there isn’t a flat rate fee for rides taken from the airport, your fare will be calculated using a taximeter, based on the distance traveled. The time of day and day of the week will also affect the final price. Nevertheless, you can expect to pay around €32.50 for up to 4 people when taking a taxi from Hamburg Airport to the city center.

How much is train from Hamburg Airport to the city?

How far is Hamburg City Center from the airport?

How do I go from Hamburg Airport to the city center?

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Transfer Options in Hamburg