Frequently asked questions about parking at Stuttgart Airport

Stuttgart Airport has peculiarities that raise questions: the trade fair centre right next door, Baden-Württemberg's holiday rhythm with Whitsun holidays, night flight rules, roadworks on the Filder plateau and connections via the A8, B27, S-Bahn and light rail. Here are the questions travellers ask most often about parking – with short answers and links to the detailed guides.

Location and getting there

Where exactly is the airport?

On the Filder plateau south of Stuttgart, near Leinfelden-Echterdingen and Filderstadt, right on the A8. More: Driving to Stuttgart Airport.

Which exit do I take?

On the A8, the Stuttgart-Flughafen/Messe junction. From the city or from the Tübingen direction, you reach the airport via the B27.

Where are traffic jams most common?

At the Leonberg interchange, on the A8 Alb ascent, on the B27 during rush hour and around the junction on trade fair days. Allow reserve there.

I'm coming from the Black Forest or the Alb – which route?

That depends on where you start. An overview by region is provided in the guide Getting to Stuttgart Airport from the region.

Trade fair and holidays

What does the trade fair next door mean for me?

During major events, access roads, parking areas and the S-Bahn are busier. Check the trade fair calendar before your trip. More: Parking at Stuttgart Airport during trade fairs.

Why is it so busy at Whitsun?

Baden-Württemberg has two weeks of Whitsun holidays, which many families use for a holiday. On the first day of the holidays, the airport is correspondingly busy.

When should I book for the summer holidays?

As soon as your flight is confirmed. More: Reserving a car park at Stuttgart Airport.

Times

My flight leaves at 06:00 – will my provider already be open?

Each provider decides that for themselves. Check the opening hours before booking. More: Early flight from Stuttgart.

My return flight lands late in the evening – will I get my car?

Yes, if your provider returns cars at that time or offers a late service. Clarify this beforehand. More: Late arrival at Stuttgart Airport.

Can a flight be diverted because of the night flight rules?

In rare cases, if an aircraft is severely delayed. Then the airline organises the onward journey. Inform your parking provider as soon as you find out.

Valet, shuttle and multi-storey car parks

Valet or shuttle?

Valet for tight schedules, small children and lots of luggage; shuttle for longer trips and more time. More: Valet or shuttle at Stuttgart Airport.

Is the car worthwhile when there is an S-Bahn and light rail?

From the city with light luggage, the train is often practical. From the surrounding area, with family or for very early flights, many take the car. Overview: Parking options at Stuttgart Airport.

Where can I find the rates for the airport's multi-storey car parks?

On stuttgart-airport.com. They are a good benchmark for comparison.

Will my motorhome fit?

That depends on the provider; multi-storey car parks have height restrictions. See frequently asked questions about large vehicles.

How many people may ride in the shuttle?

Each provider sets its own rules. See frequently asked questions about the number of passengers in the shuttle.

About the car

Can my electric car be charged during the trip?

Some providers offer this as an additional service; this is stated in the description. Photograph the battery level at handover.

How do I document the condition of my car?

With systematic photos and a look at the handover report. More: Vehicle handover at Stuttgart Airport.

Is my car moved with valet?

Yes, from the meeting point to the parking site and back, and if necessary for rearranging on the site. Compare the mileage on return with your photo.

What if the car doesn't start after the trip?

Ask the provider for a jump start or call your breakdown service. Before long trips, a battery check is worthwhile.

Booking and cancellation

Which times do I enter when booking?

The times at the car park or meeting point, not the flight times. How booking works: frequently asked questions about booking.

From when does the 24-hour deadline count?

From the booked start of parking. More: Cancelling or rebooking a car park at Stuttgart Airport.

My flight was cancelled – is the parking booking cancelled automatically?

No. Cancel yourself within the deadline or inform the provider. See frequently asked questions about cancelled flights.

Return

When do I get in touch after landing?

As described in the confirmation, usually after baggage reclaim. More: Returning: collecting your car at Stuttgart Airport.

My suitcase is missing – how long will the provider wait?

Report the loss at the baggage desk and inform the provider at the same time. Most will wait if they know.

More questions from practice

I live in Stuttgart – is a parking space worthwhile at all?

For city residents with light luggage, the S-Bahn and light rail are often the simplest solution. With family, lots of luggage or for very early flights, on the other hand, your own car is often more convenient. Weigh the tickets for all fellow travellers against the parking costs for your period – the result is sometimes surprising.

Can I park at the airport without a reservation?

At quiet times usually yes, especially in the airport's multi-storey car parks. At the start of the holidays and on trade fair days, however, it can get tight. A reservation gives you certainty and, with Friend-Park, can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours beforehand.

Do I have to call the provider beforehand?

Many providers ask for a short call before arrival so that the driver or the shuttle is ready. What applies to your provider is stated in the confirmation. Tips: frequently asked questions about calling the provider.

What if I'm stuck in traffic at the Leonberg interchange?

Inform the provider, check online check-in and, if time is very short, contact the airline. See frequently asked questions about delays on the way.

Is my car protected from hail?

That depends on whether the provider offers outdoor spaces or spaces in a hall. If this is not in the description, ask. Damage from severe weather is subject to the terms of the provider and your insurance.

Can I leave skis or a bicycle in the car?

In principle yes, if you don't need them on the trip. However, you should not leave valuable equipment visible in the car. A roof rack with bicycles can be problematic for valet or in multi-storey car parks because of the height – clarify this beforehand.

I've lost my parking receipt – what now?

The booking number and registration number are usually enough to identify the car. Bring ID. A screenshot of the confirmation on your phone saves you this situation.

I've forgotten something in the car – can I get to it?

With valet, the car is at the provider; short-notice access is usually not possible. See frequently asked questions about forgotten items.

Arriving by electric car

Are there charging points at the airport?

The airport provides information on charging options on its website. With private providers, any charging offer is stated in the description. Plan the drive home so that you are not dependent on a free charging point.

What charge level should I leave the car at?

Many manufacturers recommend a medium charge level for longer periods parked. In any case, it should be enough for the drive home. The recommendation for your model is in the owner's manual.

Groups and guests

We are a group with three cars – what is recommended?

It is best for each party to book separately so that times and details are correct and a cancellation only affects one booking. Agree whether you will park with the same provider so that you can get to the terminal together.

I'm picking up guests – where do I park?

In the multi-storey car park at the terminal. Track the flight online and allow time for baggage and, for non-Schengen flights, passport control.

Friend-Park

Where can I find offers for Stuttgart?

On the page Parking at Stuttgart Airport. As soon as providers have joined, you will see final prices for your period there.

I run a parking service on the Filder plateau – can I become a partner?

Yes, via the Become a partner form.