MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Baden Baden

How to Get to Baden Baden

Baden Baden Baden-wurttemberg, Germany Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports

Baden-Baden has several airports that serve it. The closest is Baden Airpark (FKB), situated 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 ABOUT 37 miles (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, Ba (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 securing flights early, 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 amenities 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.A five-hour duration, €40-€70). FlixBus (2.5-3.FIVE hours, €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.
  • Vehicle rental desks are at all airport terminals.
  • Seasonal flight availability and price fluctuations exist.
  • Booking purchasing flights in advance is generally a wise 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 center 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, The Germanic railway company (DB), operates comprehensive services. Baden-Baden Hauptbahnhof functions 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. Overseas locations like Basel and Strasbourg also possess 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 could result in savings through "Sparpreis" (saver fare) options.
  • Local Trains: Connect Baden-Baden to nearby towns and metropolitan areas 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 foreign destinations. Bus travel generally provides lower prices as opposed to trains, though with more travel time times. FlixBus typically stops at Baden-Baden Hauptbahnhof, making connections convenient.

Bus Travel Benefits

  • Cost-effective travel option.
  • Convenient stops at main transportation centers.
  • 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’a driving 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 domestic driver's license. A major credit card in the main driver’it is called also for the damage deposit.

Roads & Rules

  • Germany's road infrastructure, including the Autobahn, is excellent.
  • No official speed limit on some Autobahn sections, but advisory limits exist.
  • Drive on the right lane concerning traffic; 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 enforced strictly: 50 km/h urban, 100 kilometers per hour rural.
  • Winter tires are a legal practice during wintry conditions.
  • For hiring a car, check out DiscoverCars.com.

Border Crossing & Permits

  • Germany shares borders with nine countries.
  • Minimal customs and immigrations with other Schengen zone nations.
  • Full passport checks for non-Countries in the schengen area 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.
  • Riverboat tours on the Rhine typically embark or disembark at larger cities directly by the river.
  • Strasbourg (France) or Basel (Switzerland).

Onward Travel from Ports

Visitors arriving via a Rhine river cruise would need to arrange onward land transportation to Baden-Baden from this group larger port cities. This would mean taking a train, bus, or taxi. No direct water getting around 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 positioned 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 covered in your plane ticket or the price of admission at the time of purchase. You will not face additional fees upon departure.

Cost Clarity

  • All relevant fees are integrated into initial ticket fares.
  • 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 you'll find helps you organize your the end process.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • Airport: 2-ARRIVE three hours before your plane leaves 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 refreshments or reading material, eateries, and washrooms. Larger stations may also possess a place to store luggage facilities.

Final Preparations

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