Hannover Airport serves the capital of Lower Saxony, known for the large industrial fair (Hannover Messe) and the royal gardens of Herrenhausen, approximately 11 km from the city center.
It is an important fairground airport with strong traffic peaks during major exhibition events in the city.
How to get to Hannover Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to HAJ
Parking near Hannover Airport
A multi-story parking facility is adjacent to the terminal building.
It is under video surveillance; approximately 2 euros for 10-30 minutes, 3 euros up to 45 minutes, 4 euros up to one hour; booking online gives access to weekly rates of around 46.50 euros; rates are often higher during major trade fairs.
How to get to Hannover from HAJ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Hannover Airport
The major car rental brands have a desk in the arrivals area.
A driving license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name are required for the security deposit.
Hotels near Hannover Airport
Airport area
A few minutes' walk from the terminal, with a free hotel shuttle; the S5 S-Bahn links the airport to the centre in about 17 minutes.
Best for: those with a dawn or middle-of-the-night flight who don't want to move away from the terminal
- Terminal a few minutes' walk away
- Airport S-Bahn station right opposite
- A quiet area in the evening
- The S-Bahn is still needed for the city centre
Recommended hotels
- Leonardo Hotel Hannover Airport About 300 metres from the terminals, with a free round-the-clock shuttle and soundproofed rooms. View availability
- Maritim Airport Hotel Hannover Connected to the terminal by a covered walkway, handy for those arriving with heavy luggage or late at night. View availability
Central station
S5 S-Bahn from the terminal to the central station, about 17 minutes, with trains every half hour even in the early morning hours.
Best for: for those travelling by train who prefer the city centre just steps away
- Station, shops and nightlife just steps away
- Tram and bus to the whole city close at hand
- Busier and noisier than outlying areas
- Hotel parking often paid and limited
Recommended hotels
- IntercityHotel Hannover Inside the central station, with a ticket for city public transport included during the stay. View availability
- Kastens Hotel Luisenhof Hannover's only 5-star hotel, 250 metres from the station, for those who want to stay central without giving up on quality. View availability
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hannover Schweizerhof A 5-minute walk from the station, among bars and restaurants open late. View availability
Maschsee
By taxi, about 20 minutes from the terminal (14 km); alternatively the S-Bahn to the central station and then a short tram ride.
Best for: those looking for a green area by the lake but still within the city
- A walk around the lake just steps away
- A quieter area but not far from the centre
- No direct link from the airport
- Fewer places open late at night compared with the centre
Recommended hotels
Fairground and Laatzen
Change at Hannover Hauptbahnhof (S5, about 17 minutes) and continue by Stadtbahn towards Messe/Laatzen; during major trade fairs there's a direct link from the airport.
Best for: those attending a trade fair or an event at the Hannover Messe
- A few minutes from the exhibition centre and the ZAG Arena
- Often lower prices than the city centre outside trade fair periods
- Outside trade fairs the area is quiet in the evening
- Getting here from the airport requires changing transport
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as a major trade fair hub, with significant traffic peaks during major exhibitions.
For flights, it is advisable to arrive at least 2 hours early, or more during trade fairs.
Map of Hannover Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the Hannover Messe?
One of the world's largest industrial trade fairs, held every year in Hanover: during the event, the airport and city hotels are much busier than usual.
Q. How do you get to central Hanover from the airport?
With the S-Bahn line S5, which directly connects the airport to the centre in about 13 minutes.
Q. What should you see in Hanover?
The royal Herrenhausen Gardens, among the best-preserved Baroque gardens in Europe, as well as the old town rebuilt after the Second World War.
Q. Is it worth booking a hotel in advance for Hanover?
Yes, especially during major trade fair events like the Hannover Messe, when availability drops significantly and prices rise.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
