Schleswig Holstein, Germany
Hamburg Airport (HAM) is the closest major international airport, located approximately 65 km southwest. It is the most likely entry point for international travelers to Lübeck. It serves many major airlines, including Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair, easyJet, KLM, British Airways, SAS, and Turkish Airlines, with routes to major European hubs.
Hamburg Airport (HAM) offers a full range of facilities: restaurants, shops (duty-free, fashion, electronics), car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage.
Hamburg Airport (HAM) is your main gateway to Lübeck. Plan for connections from other major European hubs.
Flight prices are highest in summer and around major holidays. Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) often provide better value.
Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights at HAM, or 1.5-2 hours for Schengen/domestic flights.
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Routine passport checks at land borders with neighboring Schengen countries typically do not occur, but random checks can happen.
Roads throughout Germany are generally well-maintained and safe. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours around Hamburg.
Major international companies like Sixt, Europcar, Avis, and Hertz operate in Lübeck and at Hamburg Airport. Book in advance for peak season. Compare options on DiscoverCars.com.
Lübeck's seaside district, Travemünde, serves as a significant ferry port. It is located at the mouth of the Trave River. Direct ferry connections are available from Travemünde to several Baltic Sea destinations.
Recreational boat tours on the Trave River around the Old Town island are popular. These tours are for sightseeing and do not serve as main transportation. Lübeck does not have a formal boat taxi system.
Germany imposes no specific exit fees or taxes. These are typically included in your ticket price. Prepare for departure with recommended timing guidelines.
Lübeck Hauptbahnhof offers shops, kiosks, cafes, restrooms, and luggage lockers. For ferry departures from Travemünde, check with your specific operator for recommended check-in times.
Lübeck's public transport system mainly comprises an extensive bus network operated by Stadtwerke Lübeck Mobil (SLM). The city does not have a metro or tram system.
Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient alternatives for direct routes or late-night transport. Taxis are cream-colored with a "Taxi" sign, operating on a meter.
Major international companies are in Lübeck and Hamburg Airport. Requires valid license, IDP, and credit card for deposit.
Several shops in Lübeck offer bicycle rentals, usually €10-€20 per day. Bike sharing options may exist.
Lübeck's Old Town is highly pedestrian-friendly. Guided and self-guided tours are available.
Lübeck's Old Town is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions within easy walking distance. Discover charming alleys ("Gänge") and courtyards ("Höfe") on foot.
Lübeck features a good network of dedicated bike lanes ("Radwege") and shared paths, facilitating cycling around the city and beyond the Old Town core. Cycling is a popular and safe mode of transport.
Lübeck offers a red double-decker hop-on-hop-off bus tour for major sights. Popular boat tours on the Trave River provide scenic views of the Old Town. Both are for sightseeing, not daily transit.
Lübeck does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or formal boat taxi systems. Public buses, taxis, and cycling are the main modes of transport.
Modern buses are largely accessible with low-floor designs. Main streets and public buildings generally offer good accessibility, though cobblestones in the Old Town can pose challenges for wheelchairs.
