Driving to Nuremberg Airport: routes, traffic traps, schedule
Published on · updated on
No car parks can be booked through Friend-Park at Nuremberg Airport yet.
As soon as a partner is activated, you will find their offers with real prices on the airport page.
Albrecht Dürer Airport lies on the northern edge of Nuremberg, just a few kilometres from the old town. For drivers from the metropolitan region it is therefore easy to reach – via the A3 and A73 motorways or directly through the city. At the same time, several important trunk roads converge around Nuremberg: the A3 between Würzburg and Regensburg, the A9 between Berlin and Munich, the A6 to Heilbronn and Amberg and the A73 to Bamberg. If you know the typical bottlenecks and build your schedule backwards from the departure time, you will arrive relaxed.
Key facts at a glance
- The A3 and A73 are the main approaches; from the city you take urban roads and the Nordring.
- The Frankenschnellweg, the Nordring and the motorway interchanges are prone to congestion.
- Enter the address from your parking booking in the satnav.
- Work out your schedule backwards from the departure time.
From the A3
If you are coming from Würzburg, Frankfurt, Regensburg or Passau, take the A3 into the Nuremberg area and leave it at the exit towards the airport. The "Flughafen" (airport) signs are clearly visible; after that, a few kilometres of country road and urban road lead to the terminal. The A3 is one of Germany's busiest east–west axes, with a high proportion of lorries. Between Würzburg and Nuremberg it has been widened in sections in recent years; roadworks and lane reductions are nevertheless not unusual.
From the A73
From Bamberg, Forchheim and Erlangen, the A73 leads south. At the Fürth/Erlangen interchange it meets the A3. From there, depending on your route, you continue via the A3 or urban roads to the airport. Within Nuremberg the A73 is called the Frankenschnellweg – a section notorious for traffic jams at peak times. If you have to cross the city from the south via the A73, plan generously.
From the A9 and A6
If you are coming on the A9 from Berlin, Leipzig or Bayreuth, switch to the A3 north of Nuremberg and then drive to the airport. Coming from Munich and Ingolstadt, the A9 approaches from the south; here too you continue via the A3. The A6 from Heilbronn, Ansbach or Amberg joins the motorway network south of Nuremberg; from there the route leads via the A9 and the A3 or through the city. Which option is faster is decided on the day of travel by a satnav with traffic data.
Through the city
From many Nuremberg districts, the route via the Nordring or the Erlanger Straße and Flughafenstraße is the shortest. In rush hour, however, the city route can be slow. For travellers from the city, the U2 underground line is also an alternative – see Underground or car to Nuremberg Airport.
Major events and trade fairs
When major trade fairs take place in Nuremberg, Rock im Park is on at the Zeppelinfeld or hundreds of thousands come to the Christkindlesmarkt in Advent, traffic in and around the city is heavier. Home matches of "the Club" at the stadium also affect traffic in the south-east. If you fly on such days, check the event calendars beforehand and plan a reserve.
Schedule backwards
- The airline's lead time until arrival at the terminal.
- Time for parking: valet a few minutes, shuttle a transfer block.
- Driving time plus reserve – generous on the A3 and the Frankenschnellweg.
Example: departure 12:40, two hours' lead time, so 10:40 in the terminal. Valet meeting point at 10:25. From Ansbach via the A6 and through Nuremberg, allow around 55 minutes, plus 25 minutes' reserve: set off at 09:05. For early departures, the guide Early flight from Nuremberg helps.
Satnav and the last few metres
Around the airport there are multi-storey car parks, forecourts and access roads to private providers' sites. If you only enter "Nuremberg Airport", you will end up in front of the terminal. For shuttle car parks and valet meeting points, use the address from the booking. Check the evening before that the satnav can find it. Many providers ask for a call before arrival – see frequently asked questions about calling the provider.
Weather in Franconia
In winter, the higher ground of Franconian Switzerland and the Steigerwald may be snow-covered while it only rains in Nuremberg. In autumn, fog often lies in the Regnitz valley and the Knoblauchsland. Check the weather forecast before an early departure.
When time gets tight
If you are stuck in traffic, first inform the parking provider, check online check-in and, if time is very short, contact the airline. Tips: frequently asked questions about delays on the way.
The last few kilometres in the Knoblauchsland
Shortly before your destination, the route runs along the edges of the Knoblauchsland, a traditional vegetable-growing area with fields, greenhouses and small villages such as Kraftshof, Neunhof and Buch. Agricultural vehicles are on the road here, and progress on the narrower roads is not always quick. If you are driving to a shuttle site in this area, look at the access road on the map beforehand. If you are heading for the terminal, follow the large signs to the airport; the main access road is well developed.
When the Club is playing or the Volksfest beckons
Home matches at the stadium by the Dutzendteich, concerts at the arena and the Volksfest in spring and late summer attract many visitors. These events take place in the south-east of the city and do not affect the airport directly. But if you travel from the south through the city, you may get caught in the traffic of people arriving and leaving. A quick look at the event calendar saves surprises.
Arriving by electric car
Around Nuremberg there are numerous charging points at motorway service stations and in the city. Still plan to arrive at the airport with enough range for the drive home. After a late return flight, nobody wants to look for a free charging point. If your parking service offers charging, it will say so in the offer.
Motorhome and trailer
Many Franconians drive their motorhomes to Lake Garda or Croatia. If you want to take one to the airport, you need a provider that accepts large vehicles; multi-storey car parks are usually ruled out because of the height restriction. State the length and height when booking. More under frequently asked questions about large vehicles.
Think about the drive home
After an evening flight the Frankenschnellweg is emptier, but night-time roadworks on the A3 and A9 are common. Refuel or charge so that you can get home without a detour, and decide before the return flight who will drive.
And once you have driven your route to Albrecht Dürer Airport, it is best to note down the actual driving time at different times of day. Next time you fly, you can then plan with your own figures instead of the satnav's estimates – which is particularly helpful for early flights.
If the access road is closed
Every now and then, an access road to the airport is partially closed because of construction work, events or an accident. Signs then direct you via alternative routes through the north of Nuremberg to the terminal. Follow the signposted diversion rather than taking a spontaneous shortcut through residential streets in Ziegelstein or Buchenbühl – in the end this usually saves more time and trouble. Traffic reports on the radio and in satnav apps usually give early notice of such closures, so it is worth checking before setting off.
Parking for people dropping off or picking up
If you are only dropping someone off or picking them up, use the forecourt for a brief stop or the multi-storey car park at the terminal. Waiting for longer on the forecourt is not allowed.
Have a good drive to the north of Nuremberg – and a relaxed start to your trip!
Taking a break on the way
If you are travelling from Hof, Würzburg or Passau, you will be on the road for a while. A short break at a service station along the A3 or A9 keeps you awake and focused – especially when driving at night.
If you have questions about the last stretch, the parking service will be happy to help.
Checklist
- Address from the booking in the satnav
- Traffic on the A3, A73 and Frankenschnellweg checked
- Event calendar looked at
- Provider's phone number saved
- Tank or battery filled for the return journey
All the options: Parking options at Nuremberg Airport. An overview by region: Getting to Nuremberg Airport from the region. Whether offers can be booked via Friend-Park: Parking at Nuremberg Airport.
