HAMBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | GUIDE TO HAMBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (HAM)

Hamburg Airport (German: Flughafen Hamburg) is 8.5 kilometers north of the city center in the Fuhlsbüttel, in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany.

Formerly named Hamburg-Fuhlsbüttel Airport, this facility has flights to more than 130 primarily European destinations and two long-haul routes to Dubai and Tehran.

The Airport was opened in 1911 with private funding by the Hamburger Luftschiffhallen GmbH (HLG). It originally comprised 45 hectares primarily used for airship flights and expanded to 60 hectares two years later.

During the First World War, the German military used the airship hangar until destroyed by fire in 1916.

In 1945, during the British occupation, Hamburg Airport was used extensively during the Berlin Airlift in 1948 as a staging area, as the northern air corridor went between Hamburg and West Berlin.

When Lufthansa launched passenger operations in 1955, Hamburg was used as a hub until Frankfurt Airport took over due to growth constraints posed by the location in the city. It still maintains a significant presence at the Airport due to the early activities of the airline at the Airport.

In October 1959, Pan American World Airways was the first airline to start scheduled service with Jet aircraft to Hamburg.

In 1980 Northwest Orient started flights to Hamburg, originating from Minneapolis via London Gatwick. A second flight was introduced from New York's JFK via Copenhagen to Hamburg.

In April 1985, Pan American World Airways started a daily non-stop flight from New York JFK to Hamburg, operated with Boeing 747. It was its first non-stop service from the US to Hamburg.

In March 1990, Lufthansa launched a daily flight from Hamburg to Newark and added another non-stop flight to Miami in 1992.

From early 1993 to late 1994, South African Airways operated flights from Cape Town via Johannesburg and Munich to Hamburg.

After experiencing financial trouble, Delta Air Lines relaunched short-lived daily non-stop flights between Atlanta and Hamburg in 1998 until early 2000.

In 2016, the facility was renamed Hamburg Airport Helmut Schmidt, after chancellor Helmut Schmidt.

Today, the vast Hamburg Airport complex features 54 parking positions, and its terminals provide connections to 17 jet bridges.

The busiest routes from Hamburg Airport include Munich, Frankfurt, London, Palma de Mallorca, Stuttgart, Vienna, Zurich, Düsseldorf, Antalya, and Amsterdam.

The facility has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected by the Airport Plaza and the Baggage Claim area that extends through the lower levels of all three buildings.

All departures are on Level 1, while arrivals are on Level 0. Hamburg Airport offers 12 baggage claim belts on the arrivals level.

The Airport Plaza hosts the central security check and shops, restaurants, lounges, and other service facilities. It also houses the S-Bahn station, Germany's suburban railway system.

Deutsche Bahn’s S-Bahn service S1 operates every ten minutes between the airport, Ohlsdorf, Wandsbek, Hamburg central station, Altona, Blankenese and Wedel.

It is part of the HVV fare organization, offering tickets for all modes of public transportation in Hamburg.

Going towards the Airport, S1 trains split at Ohlsdorf Station, with one portion going to the Airport and the other going to Poppenbüttel.

The official currency of Germany is the Euro. The currency sign for the Euro is € while the code is EUR.

The US dollars (US$) are not generally accepted, but you can keep a small supply of dollars with you when you go to Germany.

Dollars are good to have on hand in case of an emergency or if you cannot get any local currency.

Amenities at the facility include ample dining choices, shopping, and facilities like restrooms, ATMs, and many more. A currency exchange center is also available at the Airport.

Hamburg Airport's International Air Transport Association (IATA) code is constantly referred to as HAM throughout this content.

This gateway sits 16 meters above sea level at 53°37′49″N and 009°59′28″E in Hamburg, Germany.

Transfer Services at Hamburg Airport

Passengers at Hamburg Airport can use several modes of comfortable transportation.

Services to/from HAM include rental cars, taxis, rideshares, and shuttles in front of the airport terminal building.

There are two train stations connected to the facility.

Located approximately 8.5 kilometers away from Downtown, this Airport serves multiple airlines with daily service to and from domestic and international destinations.

The quickest way to get to the city center is by taxi, rideshare, or car rental, which are available from the Airport.

Planning your transfer options before hitting the road will give you peace of mind in Germany.

Before leaving your home, know what items are allowed in your carry-on bag, what you can pack in your checked baggage, and what items are prohibited.

For the convenience and direction of the riding public, passengers may approach the Airport Information Desk for transport assistance anytime.

Travelers should only transact at the airport counters and other legitimate establishments for their safety.

Rental Car Services at Hamburg Airport

Car Rental Services are on the ground floor of the Arrivals Hall at Terminal 2.

Generally, the rental facility is open 24/7, but you can also inquire about specific service hours and return procedures at your service provider. See and compare all rental car companies at Hamburg Airport.

To speed up the process when picking up your vehicle at the facility, please have your valid driving license, passport, and credit card ready to present at the counter.

As soon as you have submitted any necessary paperwork, someone will bring you your car key and lead you to where your vehicle is stored.

Plan and book your rental car as soon as possible ahead of your trip. Also, check with your rental car company to confirm your reservation ahead of your trip.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you're not sure where to go, give the rental company a call.

When renting a vehicle, customers must abide by the Terms and Conditions of the rental company at all times.

Don't hesitate to contact the rental car company directly for item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle.

If you believe you lost anything near the rental offices, don't hesitate to contact the Lost and Found Office.

The left-luggage facility is at the departure level of Terminal 2, phone: +49 40 5075 3983. Lost property is handled by the Welcome Center, phone: +49 40 50750.

Ideally, they will keep them in the Lost Property Office for 30 days.

Ride Shares at Hamburg Airport

Rideshares pick up passengers at the designated area in front of the terminal building.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company's app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver.

They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

For added safety, ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at Hamburg Airport

Upon exit from the Baggage Claim area, proceed to the Ground Transportation Center and wait for your turn for the next available taxi.

Depending on the location, the one-way fare between Airport and the Downtown should be less than €30.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service. See more information about taxis at Hamburg Airport.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and the driver's name when traveling to and from the Airport, just in case you leave something behind.

Trains at Hamburg Airport

Trains at Hamburg Airport depart for Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, the central railway station in Hamburg, every 10 minutes.

It takes approximately 25 minutes to get to Hamburg Central Station (Hamburg Hauptbahnhof).

You can reach the S-Bahn station at "Hamburg Airport (Flughafen)" directly from Terminals 1 and 2 (Arrivals area) via elevators, escalators, and stairs.

The price for a one-way adult ticket is €3.20, S-Bahn (the suburban railway) S1 line gets to the city center within 25 minutes.

The price for an adult return ticket is €6.20, while children (6 to 14 years old) pay €1.20 for a one-way ticket. More information about train services at Hamburg Airport.

When in doubt about which station to connect to, please approach Airport Information Desk for updated information.

Buses at Hamburg Airport

Public buses are available from the Ground Transportation Center in front of the airport terminal. More information about buses to and from Hamburg Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Hamburg Airport

Many hotels in downtown Hamburg provide shuttle services.

Passengers to confirm if this is available at their accommodation with their respective hotel.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal.

Parking at Hamburg Airport

Hamburg Airport provides safe and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. The facility is open 24/7.

Guests can also make parking reservations online. See more information about short and long term parking at Hamburg Airport.

Don't hesitate to contact the Airport Parking Office at +49 40-50753303 for your concerns.

Cash and credit card payments are accepted at the facility.

Other Services at Hamburg Airport

Wi-Fi at Hamburg Airport

Free Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg Airport for 24 hours. Connect to the "HAM AIRPORT FREE WIFI" network.

ATMs at Hamburg Airport

There are several ATMs in the Arrivals and Departures hall.

The machine takes Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Fees may apply.

Some banks provide restrictions when drawing funds from an international location.

Check the fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit.

Notify your bank to ensure safe and convenient access to your funds when traveling abroad.

Currency Exchange at Hamburg Airport

Currency exchange is available at the Airport.

Nursing Stations at Hamburg Airport

There are no designated areas for nursing mothers or special quarters for families traveling with children at the Airport.

Nursing mothers who need some privacy may approach the Airport Information Desk for assistance.

Restrooms at Hamburg Airport

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are throughout the Airport.

Food and Beverages at Hamburg Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at Hamburg Airport

Passengers can do some last-minute shopping upon arrival or departure from this facility.

Smoking at Hamburg Airport

Generally, smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminals. When in the facility, please follow smoking regulations at all times.

At HAM, a smoking facility is not available inside the terminal building.

Lost and Found Section at Hamburg Airport

Don't hesitate to contact the respective airlines lost and found for items lost on the aircraft or at the gate area.

If you lost an item in any other area at the Airport, including the security checkpoints and shuttle buses, contact the Lost and Found Section.

There is a left-luggage facility, phone: +49 40 5075 3983 on the Terminal 2 departures level. Lost property is handled by the Welcome Center, phone: +49 40 50750.

When leaving your details for lost items(s), please include your full name, contact details, phone, Email, and a description of the item(s).

The Airport will keep all lost and found items for a considerable time of at least 30 days. After said period, the property will be deemed abandoned.

Please reach the airport representative at the counter before moving to your next destination.

Ticketing Services at Hamburg Airport

Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Contact the airline directly for fares, ticket purchases, and flight schedules.

Finally, consider the advantages of booking a flight ahead of time.

All information and ticket purchases can be made directly by the passenger or its representative on your airline's Website.

Airport Information Desk at Hamburg Airport

The Airport Information Office can help you obtain valuable guidelines on flights, facilities, and travel options in and around the Airport.

Information counters are situated near the airline counters and the Arrivals Level on the Departures Level.

The Airport's main information phone is +49 40 50750.

Please follow the overhead signs to the Information Desk in the lobby.

Pet Relief at Hamburg Airport

There is no pet service area inside the terminal building.

Before flying with your pet to Germany, please check with the airline about any restrictions or special rules.

You must also verify whether any health certificates, documents, and quarantine are required in the destination country.

When allowed, pets must be in containers (kennels) that are strong enough to withstand breaking and prevent escape.

Pet owners have to respect the community rules regarding the movements of pet animals in enclosed public spaces.

All information about the necessary documents needed for your pet is available thru your airline.

Baggage Claim at Hamburg Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim on the Ground Level of the terminal. Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter.

The left-luggage facility (Phone: +49 40 5075 3983) is found on the Terminal 2 departures level. Lost property is handled by the Welcome Center, phone: +49 40 50750.

When leaving a message, include your name, Email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at Hamburg Airport

This Airport in Germany is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed at the gates and aircraft doors.

For travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the airport policies or procedures at security checkpoints, please call +49 40 50750.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

Book flights well in advance, and when possible, call the airline directly to ensure that all disability-related needs are met.

Traveling with passengers with ailments or special needs can be challenging.

When possible, the travel plan should include to and from airport transfers, including transportation options and emergency care, when applicable.

Make these arrangements well in advance to avoid frustration upon arrival or departure.

Finally, please arrive at the airport one hour earlier than advised. It will allow time for accommodations to be made and avoid delays through the security gates.

Hamburg Airport Contacts

Address: Flughafenstrasse 1-3, 22335 Hamburg, Germany
General Phone: +49 40 50750
Customer Service Email: info@ham.airport.de
Lost and Found Phone: +49 40 5075 3983
Lost and Found Email: info@ham.airport.de
Official Website: https://www.hamburg-airport.de/en

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 230V/50Hz
Plug: C, F
Currency: Euro, EUR, €
Wi-Fi at Airport: Hamburg Airport provides free Wi-Fi for its passengers. Please connect to the "HAM AIRPORT FREE WIFI" network.