Leipzig Halle Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Leipzig/Halle is a major cargo hub for Lufthansa Cargo and DHL, with passenger flights mainly to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in season. The airport's own station sits right under the terminal, with the S5/S5X S-Bahn reaching Leipzig's central station in about 14 minutes, every half hour. From there the old town with the Naschmarkt and the Mädler-Passage is just a few steps away, while those looking for a less touristy atmosphere find art galleries in the former Spinnerei spinning mill and alternative venues in Lindenau and Plagwitz, a little further from the station.

Central station

Near the airport link · The S5/S5X S-Bahn links the airport to the central station in about 14 minutes, with trains every half hour; the airport station sits right under the terminal.

Best for: Those arriving by the regional train from the airport who want check-in just steps from the platforms.

Pros

A few minutes' walk from the platforms, handy for arriving or leaving by train from the airport
Mädler-Passage, Thomaskirche and the market square reachable on foot

Cons

A busy transit area, more crowded during commuter rush hours
Higher rates on trade fair days at the Neue Messe

Recommended hotels in this area

IntercityHotel Leipzig: Less than 300 metres from the central station, 166 rooms; handy for those arriving by regional train from the airport and leaving early.
H2 Hotel Leipzig: A 5-minute walk from the central station, 337 modern rooms; a convenient base for Mädler-Passage and Thomaskirche.

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Old town, Naschmarkt

City centre · Same regional train from the airport to the central station (about 14 minutes), then 10-15 minutes on foot or a tram to the old town.

Best for: The old town on foot, between the Naschmarkt, the Mädler-Passage and shops, for a longer stay in the city.

Pros

Naschmarkt and the Alte Rathaus 5 minutes' walk away, in the heart of the old town
Shops and restaurants of the Höfe am Brühl reachable on foot

Cons

Further from the platforms than the station area, meaning an extra walk with luggage
Pedestrian streets in the centre, so the last stretch by car or taxi has to be done on foot

Recommended hotels in this area

Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof Leipzig: A historic palace on the Salzgäßchen, 5 minutes' walk from the Naschmarkt and the Alte Rathaus, 600 metres from the central station.
Adina Apartment Hotel Leipzig: Apartments with kitchens just steps from the central station, Augustusplatz 8 minutes on foot; handy for a longer stay in the city.

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Lindenau and Plagwitz

Neighbourhood · Further from the airport station: a taxi is best, roughly 20-25 minutes, or the train to the central station followed by a tram.

Best for: The creative Plagwitz district, art galleries and alternative venues, for those who prefer staying away from the touristy centre.

Pros

Close to Leipzig Zoo and the Red Bull Arena, a few minutes by car
Plagwitz district with art galleries in the former Spinnerei spinning mill, less touristy than the centre

Cons