Hannover Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Hannover Airport is linked to the centre by the S5 S-Bahn, which reaches the central station in about 17 minutes with trains every half hour, even in the early morning hours: for a dawn flight it's best to stay at one of the hotels next to the terminal, reachable on foot. Those with more time can head for the station, convenient for getting around the city and catching other trains, or for the Maschsee for a greener base without going too far. Those travelling for the Hannover Messe find several hotels in Laatzen, near the exhibition centre, but outside trade fair periods it's also worth considering the city centre.

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

Pros

Terminal a few minutes' walk away
Airport S-Bahn station right opposite

Cons

A quiet area in the evening
The S-Bahn is still needed for the city centre

Recommended hotels in this area

Leonardo Hotel Hannover Airport: About 300 metres from the terminals, with a free round-the-clock shuttle and soundproofed rooms.
Maritim Airport Hotel Hannover: Connected to the terminal by a covered walkway, handy for those arriving with heavy luggage or late at night.

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Central station

Near the airport link · 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

Pros

Station, shops and nightlife just steps away
Tram and bus to the whole city close at hand

Cons

Busier and noisier than outlying areas
Hotel parking often paid and limited

Recommended hotels in this area

IntercityHotel Hannover: Inside the central station, with a ticket for city public transport included during the stay.
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.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hannover Schweizerhof: A 5-minute walk from the station, among bars and restaurants open late.

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Maschsee

Neighbourhood · 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

Pros

A walk around the lake just steps away
A quieter area but not far from the centre

Cons

No direct link from the airport
Fewer places open late at night compared with the centre

Recommended hotels in this area

Courtyard by Marriott Hannover Maschsee: Right on the lake, between the New Town Hall and the zoo, handy for combining a relaxing break with the city.

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Fairground and Laatzen

Neighbourhood · 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

Pros

A few minutes from the exhibition centre and the ZAG Arena
Often lower prices than the city centre outside trade fair periods

Cons

Outside trade fairs the area is quiet in the evening
Getting here from the airport requires changing transport

Recommended hotels in this area

H4 Hotel Hannover Messe, Trademark Collection by Wyndham: A few minutes from the exhibition centre, with an indoor pool handy for those staying more than one night between commitments.

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