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How to Get to Bremen

How to Get to Bremen

Bremen City State Bremen, Germany Travel Guide

Air Travel

Bremen Airport BRE

This is the closest and main airport, just 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) south of Bremen's city center. It is a compact and easy-to-navigate airport.

BRE Flights & Facilities

  • Airlines: Lufthansa, Ryanair, Eurowings, Turkish Airlines, KLM.
  • Connections: Major European hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Istanbul).
  • Facilities: Shops, restaurants, car rental, ATMs.

Hamburg Airport HAM

A more substantial international airport, situated approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Bremen. Hamburg The airport provides a wider range of international connections.

HAM Flights & Facilities

  • Wider range of international carriers and direct routes.
  • More flight options, competitive prices possible.
  • Extensive shopping, dining, lounges, on-site hotels.

BRE City Center Transfer

Tram line 6 from airport into the city's core (10-15 mins). Taxis cost €10-€15.

HAM to Bremen Transfer

S-Bahn to Hamburg Hbf, then direct train to Bremen Hbf (1.5-2 hours total).

Flight Price Fluctuations

Prices increase during peak season (summer, December) and major events. Book in advance via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Direct Flight Information

Bremen Airport BRE

  • Limited direct intercontinental flights.
  • Transfers through major European hubs (Frankfurt, Amsterdam) are common.
  • Mainly serves European routes.
  • Compact size means quicker airport processes.

Hamburg Airport HAM

  • More direct connections to European cities.
  • Some longer-haul destinations, but intercontinental transfers are still common.
  • Offers wider selection of international carriers.
  • Greater choice for global travelers.

Airport Transit Advice

From BRE Airport

Tram Line 6 is the most convenient and cost-effective option for city access.

From HAM Airport

Combine S-Bahn (S1) to Hamburg Hbf with a direct train to Bremen Hbf.

Long-Distance Bus

FlixBus offers economical connections from Hamburg Airport to Bremen ZOB.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Bremen Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) is a major railway hub in Northern Germany.

Deutsche Bahn DB

  • Comprehensive network: ICE, IC, EC, RE, RB trains.
  • Direct connections to Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich.
  • Book tickets via bahn.de, ticket machines, or counters.

Long-Distance Buses

FlixBus is the main operator for intercity bus travel in Germany and across Europe.

FlixBus Details

  • Connects Bremen to a lot of German and European cities.
  • Main stop: Bremen ZOB, near Hauptbahnhof.
  • Book online via FlixBus website or app.

Self-Driving & Car Rental

Car rental offers independence for exploring the region. Check DiscoverCars.com for options.

Rental Requirements

  • Valid national driving license. IDP recommended.
  • Minimum age 21 (often 25 for categories), surcharges apply.
  • Credit card for security deposit.

Road Conditions & Rules

Germany has an excellent, well-maintained road network.

Driving Information

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Strictly enforced speed limits (50 km/h urban).
  • Winter tires are mandatory during winter conditions.

Border Crossings Schengen

  • Germany is in the schengen Zone.
  • No routine border controls from other Schengen zone nations.
  • Pass between countries without stopping for passport checks.
  • Declare goods exceeding customs allowances.
  • German traffic laws are strictly enforced.
  • Be aware of cyclists, Bremen is bike-friendly.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Cruises in Bremen

Bremen is accessible for smaller riverboat tours and local tour boats on the Weser River.

Weser River Journeys

  • Sightseeing cruises within the city.
  • Different perspectives of Bremen's waterfront.
  • Departure points along the Schlachte promenade.

Bremerhaven Cruise Port

Bremerhaven, downstream, is Germany's main cruise port for the North Sea.

Bremerhaven Connections

  • Large cruise ships and some ferries (e.g., to Helgoland) depart here.
  • Easily accessible from Bremen by train (30-45 minutes).
  • Standard immigration procedures for non-Schengen arrivals.

Leisurely Excursions

Enjoy scenic Weser River boat tours for a different view of Bremen.

No Major Ferry Hub

Bremen itself does not serve as a major seaport for international ferries.

Immigration at Seaports

Standard immigration for non-Schengen arrivals at Bremerhaven. No routine checks from within Schengen.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Timing

Plan your airport arrival based on your flight type.

Recommended Arrival

  • Schengen flights: 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Non-Schengen flights: 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Allows for check-in, bag drop, security, passport control.

Train Departure Timing

Train departures at Bremen Hbf are straightforward.

Recommended Arrival

  • Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure.
  • Locate your platform and train comfortably.
  • Platforms are well-signposted.

Departure Facilities

Bremen Airport BRE

Shops, cafes, duty-free for non-Schengen flights, common rooms for eligible passengers.

Bremen Hauptbahnhof

Shops, restaurants, cafes, luggage lockers, DB lounges.

Exit Fees

Germany does not have specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers.

Stay Informed

Check your flight or train status online before heading to the airport or station. Delays or platform changes can happen.

How to Get to Bremen. Flights, Transportation, Airlines