Kiel-Holtenau Airport serves the capital of Schleswig-Holstein, a historic port city on the Baltic Sea, approximately 5 km from the city center.
Kiel is known for the Kieler Woche, the world's largest sailing event, held every June.
How to get to Kiel-Holtenau Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to KEL
Parking near Kiel-Holtenau Airport
The parking is close to the terminal, of small dimensions.
The parking is unsupervised; rates remain accessible.
How to get to Kiel from KEL
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Kiel-Holtenau Airport
A limited number of car rental companies are present in the arrivals area.
A driving license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name are required for the security deposit.
Hotels near Kiel-Holtenau Airport
Holtenau, on the canal
It's in the same district as the airport, just a few minutes by car or taxi from the gate.
Best for: Those arriving on a private or charter flight who want to stay just minutes from the airport gate.
- In Holtenau itself, with a view of the Kiel Canal locks and passing ships
- A quiet residential setting, away from the city's traffic
- A peripheral area, few restaurants or shops reachable on foot in the evening
- No reception desk: check-in needs to be arranged in advance with the owner
Schilksee and the Olympic harbour
By car or taxi it takes about 10 minutes from the airport, just over 6 km along the coast; no dedicated bus.
Best for: The sea and the Olympic sailing harbour just steps away, for those staying near the airport without giving up the beach.
- The beach and the Olympic harbour of Schilksee, the historic venue of the Kieler Woche regattas, just steps away
- A quiet residential area compared to the city centre
- Limited evening life outside the sailing season, especially in winter
- Shops and restaurants concentrated only near the harbour
Strande
Further than Schilksee: the trip to the airport is roughly 15-20 minutes by car, with no direct bus.
Best for: Those looking for a coastal village with fish restaurants, a bit further from the bustle of the Schilksee harbour.
- Restaurants and bistros along Strande's seafront, appreciated even outside the season
- Beach and promenade on the Kieler Förde right in front of the property
- Further from the airport than Schilksee, a car is always needed
- A small village, very few alternatives if the chosen property is fully booked
Kiel city centre
About 7 km from the airport, 15-20 minutes by car or taxi; there doesn't appear to be a direct bus line from Holtenau to the centre.
Best for: Those staying several days who want shops and bars within walking distance, even though the transfer from the airport is the longest.
- Shops, restaurants and the pedestrian street Holstenstraße just steps away
- A convenient base for exploring Kiel on foot during the stay
- The transfer from the airport is the longest among the areas in this guide
- Limited street parking in the central streets
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The compact terminal size reflects the airport's limited traffic.
The recommended time before departure for flights is 1.5 hours.
Map of Kiel-Holtenau Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the Kieler Woche?
The world's largest sailing event, held every June in Kiel, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors: book accommodation well in advance if travelling during that period.
Q. How far is central Kiel from the airport?
About 8.3 km, a 15-20 minute taxi transfer.
Q. Is Kiel connected to Hamburg by train?
Yes, with a regular connection from the central station, which is not directly linked to the airport but reachable by bus or taxi.
Q. Is Kiel an important port city?
Yes, historically one of the main German ports on the Baltic Sea, with strong maritime and naval traditions.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
