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How to Get to Lubeck

How to Get to Lubeck

Lubeck Schleswig Holstein, Germany Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Hamburg Airport (HAM) is the nearest major international airport, located approximately 65 km southwest. It is the most likely entry point for foreign visitors 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.

Connecting Flights

  • Non-stop flights to Lübeck (LBC) from major global hubs do not exist.
  • Travelers typically fly into a key European hub (e.g., Frankfurt, Munich, Copenhagen) and connect to Hamburg.
  • Find flight deals with Dollar Flight Club or search on Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Hamburg Airport (HAM) offers a full range of facilities: restaurants, shops (duty-free, fashion, electronics), car hire counters, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and baggage storage.

Getting to Lübeck from HAM

  • Train: Most efficient. S1 S-Bahn from HAM to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, then regional train (RE8 or RE80) to Lübeck Hbf (1.5-2 hours total).
  • Bus: FlixBus has direct connections to Lübeck Central Bus Station (ZOB Lübeck), but frequency varies.
  • Taxi/Ride-share: Approximately 45-60 minutes, expensive (€100-€150+). Uber operates in Hamburg.

Arrivals

Hamburg Airport (HAM) is your main gateway to Lübeck. Plan for layovers from other main European airports.

Price Fluctuations

Airfare is highest in summer around main holidays. Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) often provide better value.

Departures

Arrive 2-THREE hours prior to international flights at HAM, or 1.5-2 hours for Schengen/domestic flights.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

  • Deutsche Bahn (DB): Germany's national rail operator. Lübeck Hauptbahnhof (main station) connects properly to national and regional rail networks.
  • Major Routes: Direct regional express (RE) trains link Lübeck to Hamburg in 45-60 minutes. Intercity (IC) and Intercity Express (ICE) trains join to other major German cities, usually via Hamburg.
  • Booking: Purchase tickets online via the Deutsche Bahn website, at ticket machines at terminals, or at ticket counters.
  • Booking long-distance routes in advance can yield cheaper fares.

Long-distance Bus & Driving

  • FlixBus: Major long-distance bus provider. Connections from Lübeck ZOB (Central Bus Station) to various German cities and a few international destinations. Often a cheaper alternative to trains.
  • Self-driving: Valid national driving license plus International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU citizens. Roads are excellent. Drive on the right.
  • Driving Rules: Speed limits enforced (50 km/h urban, 100 kilometers per hour rural, suggested 80 mph Autobahn). Drunk driving has strict penalties.
  • Parking: Challenging and expensive in Old Town. Use designated parking garages outside the island. Lübeck has environmental zones.

Border Crossing & Safety

Schengen Borders

Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Routine checks of your passport at land borders with neighboring Countries in the schengen area typically do not occur, but random checks might happen.

Road Conditions

Roads throughout Germany are generally well-kept up and safe. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours around Hamburg.

Rental Car Tips

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.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services to Travemünde

Lübeck's seaside district, Travemünde, serves as an important ferry port. It is positioned at the mouth of the Trave River. Direct ferry transport links are available from Travemünde to several Baltic Sea destinations.

Major Ferry Operators & Routes

  • Finnlines: Provides assistance to Helsinki (Finland) and Malmö (Sweden).
  • TT-Line: Offers connections to Trelleborg (Sweden) and Klaipėda (Lithuania).
  • Travemünde also serves as a seaport of call for smaller cruise ships.

River Transportation & Connections

Recreational boat tours on the Trave River around the Old Town islands are popular. These tours are for sightseeing and do not serve as main transportation. Lübeck does not have a structured boat taxi system.

Port to City Connections

  • Immigration: Expect standard passport control for arrivals from non-Schengen countries. Minimal checks for Schengen arrivals.
  • Land Transport from Travemünde: Local buses connect Travemünde Skandinavienkai (ferry terminal) to Travemünde Strand train station.
  • Train to Lübeck: Direct train connections from Travemünde Strand to Lübeck Hauptbahnhof (20-30 minutes).

Departure Information

Germany imposes no specific exit fees or taxes. These are generally included in your ticket price. Prepare for departure with recommended timing guidelines.

Airport Departure Timing Hamburg HAM

  • International Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic or Flights Within the schengen area: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • This timing allows for check-in and security screening.

Station & Port Departures

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.

Departure Guidelines

  • Lübeck Hauptbahnhof: Arrive 15-30 minutes before train departure. No formal check-in for regional trains.
  • Ferry Ports (Travemünde): Typically 1-2 hours before departure, especially with a vehicle.
  • Utilize station facilities for convenience prior to your trip.

Travel Checklist

  • Confirm passport validity (3 months past your departure date from Schengen).
  • Have all tickets (flights, trains, ferries) ready.
  • No specific exit taxes within Germany.
  • Keep your International Driving Permit with your license if driving.
  • Ensure your phone is charged for navigation and emergencies.
  • Carry any necessary medical documentation.

Getting Around Lübeck

Public Transportation

Lübeck's public transport system mainly comprises an extensive bus network run by Stadtwerke Lübeck Mobil (SLM). The city does not have a metro or tram system.

Aspects

  • Main Hub: Lübeck Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) and the adjacent Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB).
  • Tickets: Single tickets, One-day Passes for unlimited travel in the city zone, multi-trip tickets. Purchase from driver, machines, or "Lübeck Mobil" app.
  • Operation: The buses run early morning (5:00 AM) to late evening (midnight). Frequency varies by time/route.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

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.

Options & Payment

  • Taxis: Catch a cab on the street, find at stands (Lübeck Hbf, Holstentor), or order via telephone. Fares are based on a meter.
  • Ride-Sharing: Uber operates in Lübeck (UberX). A Mobility service provider (formerly MyTaxi) links you with licensed taxis via app.
  • Payment: Cash widely accepted. Many taxis also accept bank cards, confirm with driver.

Car Rentals

Major international companies are in Lübeck and Hamburg Airport. Requires valid license, IDP, and credit card for deposit.

Bicycle Rentals

Several shops in Lübeck offer bicycle rentals, usually €10-€20 per day. Bike sharing options may exist.

Walking Tours

Lübeck'the Old Quarter is highly pedestrian-friendly. Guided and self-you can take guided tours.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Exploration

Lübeck'the Old Quarter is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions within easy walking distance. Discover charming alleys ("Gänge") and courtyards ("Höfe") on foot.

Walking Routes & Tours

  • Old Town Exploration: Stroll through the compact Old Town, discovering its hidden gems.
  • River Promenade: Enjoy scenic walking walkways next to the Trave River.
  • Guided Tours: The Lübeck Tourist Information offers a range of guided walking tours (historical, themed, night tours).

Cycling in Lübeck

Lübeck features a good network of dedicated bike lanes ("Radwege") and shared paths, facilitating cycling around the city and elsewhere the Old Town core. Cycling is a popular and safe mode of transport.

Bike Infrastructure & Safety

  • Bike Lanes: Extensive network of dedicated bike lanes across the city.
  • Safety: Helmets are recommended but not mandatory. Be aware of pedestrians in crowded areas.
  • Self-guided Cycling: Many maps plus mobile apps provide suggested bike routes for leisure.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Boats

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.

No Unique Local Transit

Lübeck does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or formal boat taxi systems. Public buses, taxis, and cycling are the main modes of transport.

Accessibility Services

Modern buses are largely accessible with low-floor designs. Main streets and public buildings generally offer is very accessible, though cobblestones in the Old Town can pose challenges for wheelchairs.