Travel & Transit: Leipzig

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Leipzig is served by Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ), located approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of the city center. It functions as a convenient gateway.

Air Carriers

LEJ accommodates domestic German airlines like Lufthansa and Eurowings.
European low-cost carriers like Ryanair operate from LEJ.
Lufthansa provides connections to major German hubs: Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) for international onward travel.

Flight Availability & Pricing

Direct intercontinental flights to Leipzig/Halle Airport are limited. Most international travelers connect via major European hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, London).

Seasonal Considerations

Flight availability may increase with charter flights during peak holiday seasons.
Prices generally rise during summer, major festivals (Bachfest), and large trade fairs. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals.
Booking flights well in advance, particularly for peak travel times, can lead to better rates. Check Skyscanner for options.

Airport Facilities

LEJ provides various facilities: car rental, shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal.

Taxi Transfer

Taxis are available directly outside the airport terminal. A taxi ride to the city center typically costs around €40-€50 and takes about 25-30 minutes.

Train Transfer S-Bahn

The S-Bahn (lines S5 and S5X) from the airport train station connects directly to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof in 15-20 minutes, a recommended option.

Transfer Options from LEJ

S-Bahn Recommended

Most convenient and cost-effective.
Direct S5 and S5X lines to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof.
Journey time: ~15-20 minutes.
Trains run frequently throughout the day.

Alternative Transfers

Taxis are available outside the terminal; approx. €40-€50, 25-30 minutes.
Car rental: Major companies have desks at the airport.
Local buses also connect to nearby towns.
Opt for the S-Bahn for efficient transfer directly to the city’s main transport hub.

Airport Services at LEJ

Shopping & Dining

A selection of shops and several restaurants and cafes cater to travelers.

Lounges & Wi-Fi

Lounges are available for a quieter waiting area. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal.

Car Rentals

Car rental services are available on-site for those wishing to drive.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is one of Europe's largest terminal stations and a major railway hub. It offers excellent connections across Germany and to neighboring European countries. Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates all major train services.

Types & Booking

High-speed ICE trains connect Leipzig to Berlin (~1 hr), Frankfurt (~3.5 hrs), Munich (~3 hrs), Hamburg (~3.5 hrs), Dresden (~1.5 hrs).
Regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn) connect to surrounding towns (Halle, Wittenberg, Weimar).
Purchase tickets via Deutsche Bahn website (bahn.de), ticket machines, or DB travel centers.

Long-Distance Buses

FlixBus is the main long-distance bus operator in Germany. It offers extensive connections from Leipzig to various German and European cities. The main FlixBus stop in Leipzig is typically located on the east side of Leipzig Hauptbahnhof.

Cost & Convenience

Buses are generally more affordable than trains.
Journey times are longer, and comfort may be less for extended travel.
Booking bus tickets online via the FlixBus website or app is advisable for best fares.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Germany has a well-maintained network of Autobahns (highways) and Bundesstraßen (federal roads). Leipzig is accessible via major Autobahns: the A9 (Berlin-Munich) and the A14 (Dresden-Magdeburg).

Notes for Drivers

A valid national driving license is needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU licenses.
Drivers must be at least 18 years old. Car rental companies may have higher age limits (e.g., 21 or 25). Visit DiscoverCars.com for options.
German roads are generally excellent. Adhere to German traffic laws.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads around Leipzig and throughout Germany are in excellent condition. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially on Autobahns and around the city center.

Driving Pointers

Be mindful of speed limits, often enforced by cameras.
Driving in Leipzig's city center can be challenging due to pedestrian zones, tram lines, and limited parking.
Consider park-and-ride (P+R) options on the outskirts to use public transport into the city.

Border Crossing Information

As part of the Schengen Area, Germany generally has minimal or non-existent border controls for land travel with neighboring Schengen countries.
You typically will not encounter passport checks when traveling by train or car from countries like Poland or the Czech Republic.
Full passport and visa checks may occur upon your initial entry into the Schengen Area at an airport or external border.

Sea or river arrivals via ferry services or cruise ships are not applicable for direct entry to Leipzig, as it is an inland city.
The city's rivers are mainly for recreational boating within the urban area, not for intercity transport.
No specific entry fees for Germany for tourists.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

There are no specific exit fees or taxes required when departing from Germany, whether by air or land. Your ticket price includes all necessary taxes.

Timing Recommendations

Air Travel (LEJ): Arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights.
For domestic or Schengen-area flights, 1.5-2 hours is generally enough time.
Train Travel (Leipzig Hauptbahnhof): Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before train departure to locate platform and coach.

Facilities for Departing Travelers

Both Leipzig Hauptbahnhof and Leipzig/Halle Airport offer facilities for departing travelers.

Available Amenities

Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Wide array of shops, diverse dining options, comfortable waiting areas for last-minute needs.
Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ): Shops, duty-free options for international travelers, restaurants, and lounges.
These services cater to needs before boarding your flight or train.

Station Shops

Leipzig Hauptbahnhof offers an extensive range of retail options within its historic setting.

Dining Choices

Both airport and main station feature diverse culinary selections for travelers.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport terminal.

Departure Reminder

Confirm your flight or train schedule the day before departure. Unexpected delays or platform changes can occur, and knowing the latest information helps you adjust your plans.

Leipzig Travel & Transit