Stuttgart Airport Transport
Stuttgart Airport offers a wide range of transport options, making it easy for travelers to reach the city center and surrounding regions efficiently. Whether you prefer public transport, private transfers, or driving yourself, the airport’s excellent connections ensure a smooth start or end to your journey. Below is an overview of each main transport mode, including locations, prices, and useful tips.
Buses and Shuttles
Stuttgart Airport is well connected by both regional and long-distance buses. The main bus station is located directly in front of the terminal complex, making it easy to access upon arrival or departure.
- Regional Buses: Lines such as 828 and 122 connect the airport with downtown Stuttgart and nearby towns. The journey to the city center takes about 40–45 minutes and costs around €3.
- Long-Distance Buses: Companies like Flixbus operate frequent services to cities such as Munich, Ulm, Karlsruhe, Augsburg, and Strasbourg. For example, there are up to 10 connections daily to Munich and Ulm, and 12 to Karlsruhe.
If you have an early or late flight, check bus schedules in advance, as some lines have reduced frequency at night.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing (VTC)
Taxis are available 24/7 right outside each terminal, offering direct, door-to-door service to any destination in Stuttgart or the region.
- To the City Center: The trip to central Stuttgart (Schlossplatz) takes about 16–25 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs between €35 and €55.
- Uber and Private Transfers: Ride-hailing services and private transfers (including limousines and minivans) are also available, with prices starting from around €40–€80 depending on vehicle type and destination.
Taxis in Stuttgart do not charge extra for night or weekend service, and all accept credit cards.
Metro / Train / Tram
Stuttgart Airport is exceptionally well served by both S-Bahn (suburban train) and U-Bahn (metro/tram) lines, with stations located on Level 1 of Terminals 1 and 3.
S-Bahn (S2 & S3):
- Direct connection to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (main station) in 25–27 minutes.
- Trains run every 10–20 minutes from early morning to after midnight.
- Price: €4.30 (cheaper via mobile app), children €1.90–2.90.
- Usual stops: Filderstadt, Leinfelden, Vaihingen, Feuersee, Hauptbahnhof, and more.
The S-Bahn is the fastest and most reliable way to reach the city center, avoiding traffic jams.
U-Bahn (U6):
- Connects the airport with central and eastern Stuttgart in about 32 minutes.
- Trains every 10 minutes from 4:20 am to 1:00 am.
- Price: €2–€4.
- Destinations: Echterding, Fasanenhof, Möhringen, Degerloch, Charlottenplatz, Pragsattel, Feuerbach, Giebel, Gerlingen.
The U6 is ideal if your destination is in the eastern part of Stuttgart.
Car Rental
Several international and local car rental agencies operate at Stuttgart Airport, with desks located in the arrivals area of all terminals.
- Price Range: From €30–€60 per day for a standard car, depending on season and availability.
- Destinations: Renting a car is ideal for exploring the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg’s wine regions, or for business trips to nearby cities.
Book in advance for the best rates, especially during holidays or major trade fairs.
How to Get to the Airport
- By Car: Stuttgart Airport is about 13–14 km south of the city center, accessible via the A8 motorway. The drive takes 15–20 minutes in normal traffic.
- By Public Transport: S-Bahn and U-Bahn are the most efficient options, with direct access to the terminal complex.
- By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Convenient, especially if traveling with heavy luggage or in a group.
- Tip: If you’re driving, consider pre-booking airport parking for better rates and guaranteed space.
Traveler Tips:
- Tickets for public transport can be purchased at vending machines in the terminals or via mobile apps for discounts.
- The airport’s layout makes all transport options easy to find—just follow the clear signage from arrivals.
- For late-night arrivals, check the frequency of public transport, as schedules may be reduced.
- If you have special mobility needs, all transport options at Stuttgart Airport are accessible, with assistance available on request.
Stuttgart Airport’s excellent transport connections make it easy to reach the city center and beyond, whether you prefer public transport, taxi, or your own rental car.