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How to Get to Hannover

How to Get to Hannover

Hannover Lower Saxony, Germany Travel Guide

Air Travel to Hannover

Hannover Airport HAJ

Hannover Airport (HAJ) serves as the main airport for the region. It is approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) north of Hannover city center.

Airlines & Routes

  • Major airlines like Lufthansa, Eurowings, KLM, Ba serve HAJ.
  • Low-cost carriers: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Volotea, SunExpress.
  • Flights connect to major European hubs. Direct intercontinental flights are limited.

Airport Transfers

Efficient options connect HAJ to Hannover city center and accommodations.

Options for City Access

  • S-Bahn (S5 line): Direct to Hannover Hauptbahnhof (main train station) in ~17 min.
  • Taxi: Approx. €25-€30, 20-30 min to city center.
  • Car Rental: Desks for major companies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt) at the airport.

Flight Availability

Flight availability is consistent. Frequencies increase during summer and major trade fairs. Costs are elevated during peak season.

Booking Flights

Booking well in advance, especially for peak periods or events, is recommended. Explore options with Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities

HAJ has three terminals with restaurants, shops, duty-free, car rental, ATMs, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

  • Hannover Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is a major railway hub.
  • ICE (Intercity-Express) trains link to major German cities.
  • Purchase tickets online at bahn.de or at ticket machines.
  • Booking in advance for ICE trains (Sparpreis tickets) offers savings.

Long-Distance Buses

  • FlixBus operates numerous national and overseas routes.
  • Most FlixBus services depart from Hannover ZOB (Central Bus Station).
  • Bus travel often has lower prices than trains, but longer travel times.
  • Germany is part of the Schengen Area; routine border verifications are not typical between member countries.

Self-Driving in Germany

Requirements

Valid national driving license (plus an IDP if from a non-EU/EEA country), vehicle registration, proof of insurance. Minimum driving age 18.

Roads & Rules

Excellent Autobahns (motorways) and federal roads. Drive on the right. Speed limits: A speed of 130 km/h recommended on Autobahns (some sections higher/no limit), 100 kilometers per hour federal roads, 50 km/h in cities. Seatbelts mandatory. Zero-tolerance for new drivers regarding alcohol; otherwise 0.5 permille limit.

Environmental Zones

Hannover city center is an "Umweltzone." Only vehicles with a green "Umweltplakette" (emission sticker) are allowed. Rental cars typically include this sticker.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Hannover is an inland city and does not feature ferry services or cruise ports. Direct sea arrivals are not applicable.

Nearest Seaports

  • The nearest major seaports are Hamburg and Bremerhaven.
  • Both Hamburg and Bremerhaven are accessible from Hannover by train.
  • Consider land transport options from these cities to Hannover.

River Transportation

The Leine River flows through Hannover, but it is not utilized for major passenger transportation to or from the city from other regions.

Local River Use

  • Limited recreational boat tours operate locally on the Leine River.
  • These area tours are typically for sightseeing within Hannover, not regional transport.
  • No commercial river transport links Hannover with other cities.

Departure from Hannover

Departure Procedures

Plan your departure smoothly to avoid stress.

Recommended Timings

  • International Flights (non-Schengen): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure at HAJ.
  • Schengen Flights (domestic/intra-Schengen): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Train/Bus: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure at the station.

Exit Fees & Taxes

Germany does not impose direct exit fees or taxes on departing travelers from its airports. These costs are typically included in your ticket price.

Airport Facilities

  • Hannover Airport: check-in, baggage drop, security, passport control.
  • Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, free Wi-Fi.
  • Hannover Hauptbahnhof: shops, restaurants, waiting areas, DB Lounge.

Car Rental Considerations

Rental Companies

Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, and Budget are available at HAJ and in the city. Compare offers using DiscoverCars.com.

Booking Advice

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or major trade fairs.

Parking

Parking is challenging and expensive in the city center. Park & Ride (P+R) options are available on the outskirts.

Travel Planning

Planning your arrival and departure efficiently sets a positive tone for your entire journey.
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