Stuttgart Airport Terminals

Stuttgart Airport (STR) is the main international gateway for the city of Stuttgart and the surrounding region. Originally built in 1938 to replace the Böblingen Airport, it was designed for an annual capacity of 150,000 passengers. After World War II, the airport was under U.S. Army control until 1948 and continued to share facilities with the military for decades. The airport underwent significant expansion in the post-war years, with the runway extended several times, and the original terminal eventually replaced. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the airport saw a major transformation: the old terminal was demolished and replaced by four interconnected terminals, officially completed in 2004, increasing capacity to around 12 million passengers annually.

Terminal Description and Layout

The airport’s four passenger terminals—Terminal 1 (including 1-West), Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4—are arranged from east to west under a single roof, except for Terminal 4, which is slightly separated but connected by a walkway. Each terminal has its own check-in facilities and entrances, but all share a unified airside area, making transfers between flights quick and convenient.

• Terminal 1: The largest, with 50 check-in counters, mainly used by Eurowings and Turkish Airlines. Terminal 1-West is an extension within the same structure.
• Terminal 2: A smaller area with nine check-in counters, primarily serving Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners.
• Terminal 3: Houses 39 check-in counters and is used by airlines such as TUIfly and KLM. Its modern design features a transparent interior supported by distinctive tree-shaped columns.
• Terminal 4: The most basic, with 17 check-in counters, mainly for charter and low-cost carriers; it is slated for future redevelopment.

Levels and Zones

• Arrivals and Departures: Arrivals are generally on Level 2, with direct access to ground transport, baggage reclaim, and car rentals. Departures are one level above, with check-in, security, and access to gates.
• Shops and Restaurants: All terminals offer a variety of shops, ranging from duty-free and travel essentials to fashion and electronics. Numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars provide options from quick snacks to full meals. Tip: The observation deck, accessible from Terminals 1 and 3, offers panoramic views of the runway—a great spot for aviation enthusiasts.
• VIP Lounges: Several lounges are available for business and first-class passengers, as well as priority program members. These lounges provide comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and workspaces.

Facilities and Services

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals.
• ATMs and Currency Exchange: Multiple ATMs and currency exchange counters are located in arrivals and departures.
• Luggage Storage: Lockers and a left luggage service are available for short- and long-term storage needs.
• Family and Accessibility Services: Dedicated family rooms, baby changing facilities, and play areas are provided. The airport is fully accessible, with assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PMR), including elevators, ramps, and dedicated support staff.
• Security and Baggage Control: Security screening is efficient, with clear signage and dedicated fast-track lanes for eligible passengers. Baggage reclaim is located on the arrivals level, and lost property services are available at the information desk.
• Lost and Found: The lost property office is located in the arrivals area, assisting with lost items and baggage.
• Check-in and Boarding: Check-in counters are clearly marked in each terminal. Self-service kiosks are available for many airlines, and online check-in is encouraged to save time. Boarding gates are easily reached from the central airside area.

Shopping and Dining at Stuttgart Airport

Stuttgart Airport offers a diverse and convenient shopping and dining experience, catering to all types of travelers—whether you have time to browse, need a quick snack, or are looking for a full meal before your flight.

Shopping

Travelers will find a variety of shops spread across all terminals, both before and after security. The flagship Travel Value & Duty Free store in Terminal 3 (Departures, inside security) is open daily from 05:00 to 21:00 and features an extensive selection of perfumes, cosmetics, spirits (including regional wines), confectionery, toys, souvenirs, and tobacco products. All items are security-approved for international travel, and travelers with a valid boarding pass can shop duty-free when flying outside the EU. Notably, the store offers convenient services such as home delivery within Germany for purchases over €50, product reservation by phone, and gift wrapping. Payment is flexible, accepting cash, foreign currency, major credit cards, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Beyond duty-free, Stuttgart Airport’s retail options include fashion boutiques, electronics, travel essentials, pharmacies (AeroAtoll Apotheke in Terminal 2), a large EDEKA supermarket (Terminal 3, Arrivals, open 24/7), and a drugstore (Drogeriemarkt Budni, Terminal 3, Arrivals, 07:00-21:00). Newsstands, bookstores, and kiosks are also available for last-minute needs or reading material.

Dining

Stuttgart Airport boasts a wide range of dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, both landside and airside. McDonald’s is available in Terminal 3 (public area, departures, 03:00-22:30) and outside the airport near the bus station (07:00-02:00), making it a reliable choice for early or late travelers. For a taste of local and international cuisine, try Amo (Terminal 2, public area, 04:00-20:00), La Trattoria Grab & Fly (Terminal 3, after security, 03:45-20:30), or Barry’s Bakery (Terminal 1, after security, 04:30-21:30).

Coffee lovers can stop by Abflugbar Coffee Corner II (Terminal 3, Arrivals, inside security) for a fresh brew, while those seeking a quick bite can visit DönAIR (outdoor area, Arrivals, 11:00-19:00) or Curry 23 for local specialties. For those with more time, the Airport Lounge in Terminal 3 provides snacks and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Nearby Dining

If you prefer to dine outside the airport, several highly rated restaurants are located nearby, including Paulaner am Kirchplatz (brewery), Fischers Cafe Restaurant Bar (international cuisine), and Speisemeisterei (modern European). These offer a broader culinary experience for those with more time before or after their flight.

With its comprehensive mix of shops and eateries, Stuttgart Airport ensures that every traveler can find what they need, whether it’s a last-minute gift, a hearty meal, or just a quick snack before boarding.

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