Getting There & Away: Stuttgart

Air Travel

Stuttgart Airport STR

STR is an international airport located south of the city center. It connects Stuttgart to a wide range of European destinations and offers some intercontinental routes, usually with connections.

Airlines & Routes

Major airlines include Lufthansa, Eurowings, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Air France, British Airways.
Direct flights mainly connect to major European cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome.
From North America, flights typically connect through larger European hubs (Frankfurt, Munich).

Airport Services & Transfers

Stuttgart Airport offers numerous shops, restaurants, and duty-free options. Car rental agencies are available, along with lounges. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals.

Transfer Options

S-Bahn (Suburban Train) lines S2 and S3 connect directly to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (27-30 minutes).
Local and regional bus lines connect the airport to surrounding areas.
Taxis are readily available; a ride to the city center costs approximately €30-€40.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices are highest in summer (June-August) and around Christmas/New Year.

Shoulder Season Value

April-May and September-October offer better value with pleasant weather.

Affordable Flights

Use Dollar Flight Club for flight deals and Skyscanner for comparisons.

Rental Cars at STR

Major Companies

Sixt
Hertz
Europcar
Avis, Enterprise, Budget

Booking & Recommendation

Desks at airport terminal.
Pre-booking a car is recommended.
DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.
Consider rental car for regional exploration.

Airport Facilities

Shopping

Numerous shops and duty-free options.

Dining

Variety of restaurants for pre-flight meals.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof is a major railway hub in Germany. Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany's national railway company, operates a comprehensive network.

High-Speed & Regional Services

ICE (Intercity-Express) connects to major German cities (Munich, Berlin).
International destinations include Paris, Zürich, and Vienna.
Book tickets via bahn.com or at train stations. Early booking yields savings.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses offer a cheaper alternative to trains, though typically slower. FlixBus is the main operator.

Bus Travel Options

FlixBus offers extensive connections from Stuttgart to other German and European cities.
Stuttgart's central bus station ("Fernbusbahnhof") locates next to the main train station.
Tickets are available online or at bus stations.

Self-Driving & Requirements

A valid driving license from your home country is generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) comes highly recommended, specifically if your license is not in English.

Driving Information

Minimum driving age in Germany is 18.
Any vehicle driven must have valid insurance. Rental cars include basic coverage.
Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory.

Road Conditions & Parking

German roads are generally excellent, specifically the Autobahns. Parking can be challenging and expensive in city centers.

Driving Logistics

Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural. Autobahn has advisory 130 km/h.
Consider park-and-ride (P+R) options on the outskirts, connected to public transport.
Roads are well-maintained. Safety concerns are minimal.

Border Crossings Schengen Area

Germany shares borders with nine countries.
As a Schengen member, border checks are generally minimal.
Standard passport control for non-Schengen arrivals.

Stuttgart is landlocked. Direct sea/major river arrivals are not main.
Neckar River cruises are for recreation, not international arrival.
Ferry services and cruise ports do not apply for direct Stuttgart arrival.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

No specific exit fees or taxes apply upon departure from Germany. Prepare for your departure efficiently to ensure a stress-free end to your trip.

Timing & Facilities

Arrive at Stuttgart Airport (STR) at least 2 hours before a Schengen flight.
Allow 2.5-3 hours before a non-Schengen international flight.
STR offers various shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free options.

Train/Bus Departure

For train or bus departures from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof or the central bus station.

Timing & Essentials

Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before scheduled departure.
Allows time to find your platform or gate.
Train and bus stations also provide dining and retail options.

Confirm Guidelines

Confirm specific airline guidelines for departure timing.

Baggage Weight

Use a travel Luggage scale to avoid overweight baggage fees.

Navigation

Knowing your route to the airport/station saves time.

Travel Insights

Travel Planning

Booking early for train tickets (up to six months in advance) can produce significant savings on ICE tickets, especially with "Sparpreis" (saver fare) options.

Smart Booking

Book train tickets via Deutsche Bahn website (bahn.com).
"Sparpreis" options offer great value.
Consider flight prices for high and shoulder seasons.

Local Transport Focus

Germany's comprehensive train and road networks make land travel to Stuttgart a comfortable option. The public transport system (VVS) covers the entire region efficiently.

Seamless Travel

S-Bahn and U-Bahn provide thorough urban coverage.
Bus network supports urban exploration.
City center is walkable, with unique Staffelwegs.

General Advice

Stay Updated

Check official government sources for the latest travel regulations.

Be Prepared

Carry necessary documents and backup copies.

Embrace Local Culture

Explore local markets and savor Swabian cuisine.

Final Tip

Stuttgart offers a rewarding destination blending industrial strength with natural beauty.

Getting There & Away