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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Baden Wurttemberg, Germany

Air Travel

Major Airports

Baden-Baden has several airports that serve it. The closest is Baden Airpark (FKB), located about 15 km (9 miles) west. It caters to low-cost carriers and charter flights from Europe. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany’s largest, is about 170 km (105 miles) north and functions as a major international hub. Stuttgart Airport (STR), 90 km (56 miles) east, handles domestic and European flights. Strasbourg Airport (SXB), France, about 60 km (37 miles) west, is a smaller airport with some European connections.

Airlines and Routes

  • FKB: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Eurowings (mainly European cities).
  • FRA: Lufthansa, United, Delta, British Airways (global airlines, main gateway).
  • STR: Eurowings, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines (domestic and European).

Flight Planning

Direct flights to FKB come mainly from European cities. Direct flights from major global hubs (New York, London, Dubai, Tokyo) typically land at Frankfurt (FRA). Flight prices generally rise during peak summer months (June-August) and around Christmas/New Year holidays. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) often give better value. Booking flights in advance, typically 3-6 months, is a good idea to get better rates.

Flight Resources

  • Dollar Flight Club: Finds cheap flights.
  • Skyscanner: Compares flight prices.
  • Airport facilities at FRA and STR are extensive, FKB offers required services.

FKB Transfers

Bus 205/216 to Baden-Baden train station (25-35 min, €4-€5). Taxis (20-25 min, €30-€40). Car rental available.

FRA Transfers

ICE/IC/EC trains to Baden-Baden Hauptbahnhof (1.5-2.5 hrs, €40-€70). FlixBus (2.5-3.5 hrs, €15-€30). Car rental available.

STR Transfers

S-Bahn to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, then train to Baden-Baden (1.5-2 hrs, €20-€40). Car rental available.

Strasbourg Airport SXB Transfers

Train/Tram Option

  • Take a shuttle train to Strasbourg main station.
  • Then, a direct train to Baden-Baden Hauptbahnhof.
  • Estimated travel time: 1-1.5 hours.
  • Estimated cost (one-way): €15-€25.

General Airport Information

  • Major airports offer extensive facilities like shops, restaurants, lounges.
  • Car rental desks are at all airport terminals.
  • Seasonal flight availability and price fluctuations exist.
  • Booking flights in advance is generally a good idea for better rates.

Airport Photo

Frankfurt Airport Terminal

A major gateway for international travel to Germany.

Airport Overview

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) functions as Germany’s largest airport and a major international hub with extensive connections worldwide.

Connecting Flights

For long-haul international travel to Germany, FRA often serves as the main entry point, with onward connections to Baden-Baden.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Germany’s national railway company, Deutsche Bahn (DB), operates comprehensive services. Baden-Baden Hauptbahnhof acts as a major stop on the ICE (InterCity Express) high-speed network. This connects the city directly to large German cities like Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich. International destinations like Basel and Strasbourg also have direct connections.

Booking & Regional Services

  • Tickets: Purchased online via the Deutsche Bahn website, at ticket machines, or counters.
  • Savings: Booking in advance for ICE trains can bring savings through "Sparpreis" (saver fare) options.
  • Regional Trains: Connect Baden-Baden to nearby towns and cities throughout Baden-Württemberg.

Long-Distance Buses

FlixBus is the dominant long-distance bus operator in Germany and across Europe. FlixBus connections to Baden-Baden are from various German cities and some international destinations. Bus travel generally provides lower prices than trains, though with longer travel times. FlixBus typically stops at Baden-Baden Hauptbahnhof, making connections convenient.

Bus Travel Benefits

  • Cost-effective travel option.
  • Convenient stops at main transport hubs.
  • Wide network across Germany and Europe.

Self-Driving Considerations

To rent a car, one typically needs to be at least 21 years old (some car classes may require 25, surcharges for under 25). A valid national driver’s license is a must. If your license is not from an EU/EEA country or not in German, English, or French, an International Driving Permit (IDP) must accompany your national license. A major credit card in the main driver’s name is also for the security deposit.

Roads & Rules

  • Germany's road network, including the Autobahn, is excellent.
  • No official speed limit on some Autobahn sections, but advisory limits exist.
  • Drive on the right side of the road; seatbelts are mandatory.

Rental Companies & Safety

Companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Enterprise have offices at Baden Airpark (FKB) or Baden-Baden Hauptbahnhof. Booking your rental car in advance is a good idea, especially during peak season. Road conditions are generally very good. Be aware of cyclists. Traffic jams occur around major cities during peak hours.

Driving Safety

  • Speed limits are strictly enforced: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural.
  • Winter tires are a legal practice during wintry conditions.
  • For car rentals, check out DiscoverCars.com.

Border Crossing & Permits

  • Germany shares borders with nine countries.
  • Minimal border controls with other Schengen countries.
  • Full passport checks for non-Schengen countries like Switzerland or the UK.
  • Minimum driving age is 18 in Germany.
  • Car rental companies may impose higher minimum ages (21-25) and surcharges.
  • An IDP is needed for most non-EU/EEA licenses.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland City Status

Baden-Baden is an inland city, located in southwestern Germany. Direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable for reaching Baden-Baden itself. The Oos River flows through the city, but it is a small waterway, not navigable for major passenger ferries or cruise services.

River Proximity

  • The larger Rhine River is nearby, forming part of the border between Germany and France.
  • River cruises on the Rhine typically embark or disembark at larger cities directly on the river.
  • Strasbourg (France) or Basel (Switzerland).

Onward Travel from Ports

Travelers arriving via a Rhine river cruise would need to arrange onward land transportation to Baden-Baden from these larger port cities. This would mean taking a train, bus, or taxi. No direct water transportation services connect the Rhine to Baden-Baden.

Connecting Methods

  • Train connections from Strasbourg or Basel are available.
  • Bus services run from larger cities to Baden-Baden.
  • Taxis are an option for direct transfers.

Oos River Size

Small waterway, not suitable for major passenger services.

Inland Location

Baden-Baden is situated inland, away from major navigable rivers for direct access.

No Direct Water Links

No direct boat or ferry services connect the Rhine to Baden-Baden.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

Germany does not impose specific exit fees or taxes directly on travelers departing the country. Any such charges are typically included in your airfare or ticket prices at the time of purchase. You will not face additional fees upon departure.

Cost Clarity

  • All relevant fees are integrated into initial ticket prices.
  • No surprise charges upon leaving.
  • Budgeting for departure costs can focus solely on transport fares.

Departure Timing

Whether you leave by air, train, or bus, knowing what to expect helps you organize your final steps.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • Airport: 2-3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights (leaving Schengen Area).
  • Airport (Schengen/Domestic): 1-2 hours prior is generally enough.
  • Train/Bus Station: 15-30 minutes before departure for domestic/Schengen routes.

Airport & Station Facilities

Airport Amenities

Major airports come with various facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes.

Currency & Lounges

Currency exchange services and lounges are also available at larger airports.

Train Station Services

Train stations give amenities like shops for last-minute snacks or reading material, eateries, and restrooms. Larger stations may also have luggage storage facilities.

Final Preparations

Allow time for check-in, security screening, and customs procedures (if leaving the Schengen zone).