Terminals at Hamburg Airport: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and the Airport Plaza
Published on · updated on
No car parks can be booked through Friend-Park at Hamburg Airport yet.
As soon as a partner is activated, you will find their offers with real prices on the airport page.
Hamburg Airport is clearly laid out: two terminals with the Airport Plaza in between. For drivers it is still important to know which terminal applies to their check-in – because the forecourt, car park and valet meeting point depend on it. This guide explains the layout and what it means for you.
Key facts at a glance
- Two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- The Airport Plaza connects both and houses the central security check.
- Separate forecourts and multi-storey car parks for each terminal.
- The S1 stops directly at the airport.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Both terminals have check-in desks and bag drop for various airlines. Which terminal applies to your flight is stated in your travel documents. On the approach, the terminals are signposted separately, as are the airport's multi-storey car parks.
The Airport Plaza
The Airport Plaza lies between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. This is where the central security check is located, which passengers from both terminals use. From there you go to the departure areas and gates. This is practical for families and groups: anyone who has checked in at different terminals meets up again at the Plaza at the latest.
How do I find my terminal?
- Check the airline's booking confirmation or e-ticket.
- Look in the airline's app.
- Check the departures overview on hamburg-airport.de.
For codeshare flights, the airline that actually operates the flight is what counts.
What this means for parking
Parking yourself: choose the car park that suits your terminal; site maps and rates are on the airport's website.
Valet: the meeting point may depend on the terminal. State your terminal when booking – see Valet parking at Hamburg Airport.
Shuttle: the shuttle takes you to the airport; the provider states the exact stop. See Shuttle parking at Hamburg Airport.
To the terminal on the S1
The S1 S-Bahn line runs without changing from Hamburg main station to Hamburg Airport station. From there you reach the terminals on foot. For people picking someone up who arrive by train and drive back together with the traveller, the station is a good meeting point.
Allowing time in the terminal
After parking come check-in or bag drop, the central security check and the walk to the gate. Because all passengers go through the same check, it can get busy at peak times – early in the morning and at the start of the holidays. Your airline will tell you the recommended lead time. How to plan backwards is explained in the guide Reserving a car park at Hamburg Airport.
Arrival
On your return you arrive in the arrivals level. The valet meeting point and shuttle pick-up point are stated in your confirmation. More: Returning: collecting your car at Hamburg Airport.
An airport in the city
Few large airports are as close to a city centre as Hamburg Airport. This shapes its structure: compact, with two terminals side by side and a connecting plaza. For travellers this is pleasant because the distances are short. For drivers it means that there is little space around the airport and the access roads lead through urban areas. If you know this, you plan the journey not by kilometres but by the traffic situation.
What makes the Airport Plaza so practical
The central security check is located in the Airport Plaza between the terminals. Whichever terminal you check in at, you go to the Plaza for the check. After that, the routes to the gates divide. For groups checking in at different terminals, the Plaza is the natural meeting point. You will also find shops and restaurants here.
Check-in at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Both terminals have check-in desks and bag drop for various airlines. Which airline checks in where may change with flight schedules. So rely on your current travel documents and the displays at the airport, not on memories of previous trips.
Arrival areas and meeting points
On your return you arrive in the arrivals area of the terminal your airline uses. People picking you up wait there; valet customers go to their provider's meeting point, shuttle customers to the pick-up point. If you are picking someone up, track the flight status online and park in one of the multi-storey car parks at the terminal while you wait.
The S-Bahn station
The S1 stops at Hamburg Airport station, right next to the terminals. For travellers arriving by train, the walk into the terminal is short. For drivers, the station is above all a good meeting point when someone arrives by train and continues by car.
Step-free through the terminals
Lifts and escalators connect the levels. If you need assistance, register it with your airline; the airport provides information about its services on its website. When parking, valet shortens the distances further.
Typical orientation mistakes
- Entering just “Hamburg Airport” in the satnav instead of the address from the booking
- Assuming the airline is in the same terminal as last time
- Calculating too tightly because the airport is “so close”
- Not checking the arrival terminal for the return flight
How much time you need in the terminal
After parking come check-in or bag drop in your terminal, the central security check in the Airport Plaza and the walk to the gate. For flights outside the Schengen area, exit passport control is added. Because all passengers use the same check, it can get busy at peak times – early in the morning and at the start of the holidays. Your airline's lead time takes this into account. Stick to it and factor in the time for parking before it.
Multi-storey car parks for each terminal
For people picking someone up and short-stay parkers, the airport's multi-storey car parks are located directly at the terminals. Choose one near your terminal so that the distances with luggage stay short. The airport publishes site maps and rates on hamburg-airport.de. For longer trips, it is worth comparing valet and shuttle offers from private providers.
A tip for your first visit
If you are in Fuhlsbüttel for the first time, allow ten minutes for orientation and save a screenshot of the site map on your phone. After your first visit you will know the layout and find your way immediately – the compact layout makes it easy.
If you got your terminal wrong
If you do find yourself at the wrong terminal, it is not a big problem at Hamburg Airport: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are next to each other and connected via the Airport Plaza. With a luggage trolley, switching takes just a few minutes. If you have agreed a valet meeting point at a particular terminal, give the provider a quick call – the handover can often be adjusted easily.
Between the car park and the terminal
The airport's multi-storey car parks are connected to the terminals by covered walkways or short footpaths. Follow the signs to your terminal. With a pushchair or wheeled suitcase, use the lifts.
Conclusion
Two terminals, a plaza with a central security check, an S-Bahn station right at the airport: Hamburg Airport is easy to navigate. If you check your terminal before setting off and enter the address of your car park booking in your satnav, you will get from the car to the gate without detours.
Services around the terminals
In and around the terminals you will find restaurants, shops, service desks and car hire desks. If you are changing planes, are early or are waiting for someone, you can pass the time there. Opening hours and services change over time; current information is on the Hamburg Airport website. A look before the trip is particularly worthwhile for very early or late flights, when not everything is open.
Have a good trip – and find your way quickly on your next visit to Fuhlsbüttel.
Once you have experienced it, you will notice: in Hamburg the way from the car to the gate is short – provided you have the right terminal and the address of your car park booking is in the satnav.
Accessibility
If you need assistance, for example in a wheelchair or with reduced mobility, you can usually register this through your airline. Hamburg Airport publishes information about its services on its website. When parking, valet can significantly shorten the distances.
All parking options for Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 – and whether offers can be booked via Friend-Park – can be found on the page Parking at Hamburg Airport.
