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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Bavaria, Germany

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Rothenburg ob der Tauber does not have its own airport. Visitors typically fly into one of Germany's larger international airports and then connect to Rothenburg by train or car.

Airports for Access

  • Nuremberg Airport (NUE): ~80 km (50 miles), mainly European destinations.
  • Stuttgart Airport (STR): ~150 km (93 miles), also mainly European routes.
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): ~180 km (112 miles), Germany's largest international hub.

Flight Options & Pricing

Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) are major hubs for international airlines with direct flights from global cities. Nuremberg (NUE) and Stuttgart (STR) host more European airlines.

Pricing & Availability

  • Direct flights to FRA/MUC are available from major global hubs (e.g., New York, London, Tokyo).
  • Prices are more expensive during peak travel seasons (Summer, December Christmas Market, major holidays).
  • Consider shoulder seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct) or low season (Jan-Mar, Nov excluding Christmas) for better deals.

Airport Facilities

All major German airports offer extensive shopping, dining, car rental, currency exchange, lounges, and free Wi-Fi.

Train Transfers

Germany's train network (Deutsche Bahn, DB) is efficient and reliable for airport transfers to Rothenburg.

Car Rental at Airports

All major airports have car rental agencies. A good option for exploring the Romantic Road.

Transfer Options from Airports to Rothenburg

From Nuremberg NUE and Frankfurt FRA

  • NUE: U2 U-Bahn to Nuremberg Hbf (12-15 min).
  • From Nuremberg Hbf: Regional train (RB) to Steinach (~45-60 min).
  • At Steinach: Transfer to local train (RB) to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (~15 min). Total: ~1.5-2 hours.
  • FRA: ICE train to Würzburg Hbf (~1 hour), then regional train to Steinach. Total: ~3-3.5 hours.

From Munich MUC and Stuttgart STR

  • MUC: S1 or S8 S-Bahn to Munich Hbf (~40-45 min).
  • From Munich Hbf: ICE/IC to Ansbach or Nuremberg (~1.5-2 hours).
  • From Ansbach/Nuremberg: Regional train to Steinach, then connecting train to Rothenburg. Total: ~3.5-4 hours.
  • STR: S-Bahn to Stuttgart Hbf (~25-30 min), then train to Ansbach or Würzburg, connect to Steinach. Total: ~2.5-3 hours.

Land Transportation

Train Network

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is well-connected to the German rail network via Deutsche Bahn (DB). The local station is on a line branching from the Nuremberg-Stuttgart route at Steinach.

Long-Distance Buses

FlixBus serves nearby larger cities (Nuremberg, Würzburg), from which you connect to Rothenburg via regional trains. A budget-friendly option for longer distances.

Self-Driving

Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for exploring the Romantic Road. Germany has an excellent Autobahn network. Parking outside the walls is available (P1-P5).

Driving & Ticketing Tips

Train Ticketing & Bayern Ticket

Purchase train tickets via the Deutsche Bahn website, ticket machines, or counters. Booking in advance for long-distance trains can offer better prices.

Bayern Ticket Benefits

  • For day trips within Bavaria, the "Bayern Ticket" is economical.
  • Unlimited travel on regional trains and most public transport within Bavaria.
  • Valid for up to five people, offering great value for group travel.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Germany's roads are generally in excellent condition. Adherence to local driving laws is important for a safe journey.

Driving Information

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Speed limits are strictly enforced (50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, higher on Autobahns).
  • Winter tires are mandatory in winter conditions (snow, ice). Rental cars typically come equipped.

Car Rental Requirements

To rent a car, you need to meet age requirements (18-21+, surcharges may apply for young drivers) and hold a valid national driver's license.

Rental Essentials

Parking & Border Crossings

Parking inside Rothenburg's old town walls is very restricted for non-residents. Use designated paid parking lots (P1-P5) outside the walls.

Practicalities

  • Parking lots are well-marked; arrive early in busy periods for a spot.
  • Germany is part of the Schengen Area; no routine border controls if arriving from another Schengen country.
  • Direct immigration checks typically only at your first Schengen entry point.

Departure Information

  • No specific exit fees or taxes are levied when departing Germany.
  • Airport departure: 2-3 hours before international flights; 1-1.5 hours for Schengen flights.
  • Factor in travel time from Rothenburg to airport (e.g., 3-4 hours to Munich or Frankfurt by train).
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber train station: Arrive 10-15 minutes before departure.
  • Major airports offer full facilities: check-in, shops, dining, lounges, currency exchange, Wi-Fi.
  • VAT refund counters are available at major airports for eligible purchases.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Rothenburg's Inland Location

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a landlocked town in Bavaria, far from any major sea or river ports used for international passenger travel.

No Water Routes

  • Ferry services are not applicable for direct arrival.
  • The Tauber River is not used for significant passenger transportation in this area.
  • No immigration procedures at a seaport for this destination.

Focus on Land & Air Travel

Travel to Rothenburg is exclusively by land or air, connecting through major German airports or the robust train network.

Main Travel Methods

  • Air travel to nearby international airports.
  • Train connections from across Germany.
  • Self-driving, especially for exploring the Romantic Road.

Clear Expectations

Travelers can confidently plan their arrival knowing sea or river routes are not an option for this destination.

Route Clarity

This clarification helps travelers focus their planning on the most relevant transportation methods.

Simplified Planning

With fewer transport variables, journey planning to Rothenburg becomes more straightforward.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied when departing Germany. Your flight or train ticket typically covers all necessary taxes.

Airport & Train Station Timings

  • International Flights (outside Schengen Area): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic/Schengen Flights: 1-1.5 hours before departure.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber Train Station: Arrive 10-15 minutes before departure.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Major airports (Frankfurt, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart) offer a full range of facilities for departing travelers.

Available Services

  • Numerous check-in counters, baggage drop, shops, duty-free stores, restaurants, cafes.
  • Lounges for eligible passengers.
  • Currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi access.

VAT Refund & Travel Time

VAT Refund

VAT refund counters are available at major airports for eligible purchases. Keep your receipts handy.

Account for Travel to Airport

Factor in the time to travel from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to your chosen departure airport (e.g., 3-4 hours to Munich or Frankfurt Airports by train).

Confirm Departures

Confirm your flight or train departure times the day before you leave. Unforeseen delays can occur.

Departure Readiness

All airports cater well to departing travelers, making the process straightforward.

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