Stuttgart · Germany
Stuttgart Airport (STR)
Stuttgart Airport (STR) is situated approximately 13 kilometres south of Stuttgart city centre, adjacent to the town of Leinfelden-Echterdingen. The airport comprises four interconnected passenger terminals (Terminals 1 to 4) arranged in a single main building complex. It operates as a primary commercial airport for the Baden-Württemberg region, servicing domestic European networks and international flights.
Terminals
- Terminal 1
- Serves Lufthansa, Star Alliance partners, and select international full-service carriers.
- Terminal 2
- Primarily handles check-in operations for regional and seasonal European carriers.
- Terminal 3
- Accommodates major European low-cost lines and additional international airlines.
- Terminal 4
- Dedicated mainly to non-Schengen flights, holiday charter traffic, and additional bus gate departures.
Arriving
Arrival processing is centralised across the interconnected terminal complex, making transit to baggage reclaim and public exits efficient.
- Disembark via jetbridge or airfield bus into the arrivals floor of your designated terminal.
- Passengers arriving from outside the Schengen Area must present travel documents at Federal Police (Bundespolizei) passport control.
- Proceed to the ground-level baggage reclaim area to collect checked luggage from the designated carousel.
- Clear customs control via the green channel if carrying goods within duty-free allowances, or the red channel if declaring items.
- Exit into the main public arrivals hall to access local public transport, taxis, or car rental counters.
Getting to the city
Train
S-Bahn (Suburban Rail)
Lines S2 and S3 run directly from the airport station located under Terminal 1 to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (central station).
- Time:
- roughly 27 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically €3 - €5
Train
Stadtbahn (Light Rail / Tram)
Line U6 connects the airport station directly to Stuttgart city centre and central station.
- Time:
- roughly 30-35 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically €3 - €5
Ride-hailing
Taxi / Rideshare
Taxis are available immediately outside the arrivals level of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. App-based rideshare pick-ups operate in designated designated lanes.
- Time:
- roughly 20-35 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically €40 - €60
Bus
Regional Bus (SAB)
Stuttgart Airport Busterminal (SAB) is situated adjacent to the terminals, offering regional and long-distance bus routes.
- Time:
- roughly 20-40 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically €3 - €10
Connections & transfers
Navigating flight connections within Stuttgart Airport is straightforward due to the contiguous layout of the passenger terminal buildings.
- Terminals 1 through 4 are connected via pedestrian walkways within the same main terminal structure.
- Transfers between Schengen gates can be completed on foot in roughly 5 to 15 minutes.
- Passengers transferring between non-Schengen and Schengen flights must clear passport control and security screening.
- If baggage is not checked through to your final destination, collect it from baggage claim and re-check at the main departure desks.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Free public Wi-Fi access is provided throughout all public and gate zones of the airport.
- Connect your device to the official Wi-Fi network named 'Free_Wifi_Stuttgart_Airport'.
- Accept the terms of service on the automatic portal page to launch your session.
- No advance registration or mobile phone verification is required for access.
Money, cards & tipping
Cash machines and currency exchange facilities are available in both landside and airside areas.
- ATMs accepting international credit and debit cards are situated in arrivals and departures across Terminals 1 and 3.
- Currency exchange desks operate in the main terminal halls for foreign currency conversion.
- Contactless payment cards and major mobile payment applications are widely accepted at airport outlets and ticket terminals.
Food & drink
A range of dining options, including cafes, bakeries, and quick-service outlets, is distributed across the terminals.
- Landside options on the departures level offer regional bakeries, coffee shops, and light dining.
- Airside areas behind security feature grab-and-go snack bars and seated beverage outlets.
- Opening hours generally align with scheduled daily flight operations, starting early in the morning.
Lounges & rest
Dedicated airport and airline lounges offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and refreshments.
- Lufthansa Lounge is located airside in Terminal 1 for eligible Star Alliance status holders and premium passengers.
- Stuttgart Airport Executive Lounge in Terminal 3 airside is accessible to eligible cardholders and walk-in passengers for a fee.
- Lounge access can be booked in advance online or purchased at the lounge entrance subject to capacity.
Airport hotels
Several hotel properties are situated directly on airport grounds or within walking distance.
- Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport is located directly opposite the terminal complex.
- Wyndham Stuttgart Airport Hotel is located within a 5-minute walk from Terminals 1-3.
- Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Messe & Congress sits adjacent to the airport trade fair complex.
Baggage & customs
Baggage facilities include left luggage storage, lost property management, and protective wrapping.
- Left-luggage services and storage lockers are located on the lower level near Terminal 1.
- For items misplaced within the terminal, contact the airport Lost and Found counter in Terminal 3.
- Delayed or missing checked luggage must be reported directly to your airline's ground handling agent in the baggage hall.
Family & accessibility
Family facilities are provided to assist passengers travelling with babies and young children.
- Baby changing facilities are integrated alongside main restroom clusters throughout Terminals 1 to 4.
- Children's play zones are situated in airside departure areas to occupy young travellers.
- Pushchairs and strollers can be taken through security up to the aircraft door at most departure gates.
Facilities
- ATMs
- Currency Exchange
- Left Luggage / Lockers
- Observation Deck
- Pharmacy
- Baby Changing Rooms
- Wheelchair Assistance
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: 112 (Medical / Fire), 110 (Police)
- For urgent medical aid, contact airport personnel or call 112 directly from any phone.
- A dedicated medical response unit and first-aid facility operates on airport grounds.
- For lost passports or legal issues, the Federal Police (Bundespolizei) station is located landside in the terminal area.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- Stuttgart Airport Official SiteOfficial airport source
- Bundeszollverwaltung (German Customs)Government source
- VVS (Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart)Official transit source
- Deutsche BahnOfficial transit source
- Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster AssistanceGovernment source
Guide last reviewed September 29, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
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Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.