Terminals at Hannover Airport: heading for A, B and C correctly

Hannover Airport is built on a principle that is missing at many airports: short distances. Terminals A, B and C have a distinctive, almost triangular shape and are laid out so that cars can drive close to the entrances. From getting out to check-in it is often just a few steps. This design has one consequence travellers should know about, however: airside, each terminal has its own security area with its own gates. If you head for the wrong terminal, you have to go back outside and start again. This guide explains the layout and what it means for parking, valet and shuttle.

The principle of short distances

Many large airports force travellers to walk long distances between car park, check-in and gate. In Hannover, the airport was planned so that these distances stay as short as possible. Each terminal has its own forecourt, its own check-in desks, its own security check and its own gates. For travellers with luggage, children or reduced mobility, this is a big advantage – as long as they arrive at the right terminal.

Terminal A

Terminal A is one of the three main buildings. Various airlines check in here. As in the other terminals, you will find check-in desks, bag drop, security check and gates under one roof. Which airline checks in where can change; your current travel documents are what counts.

Terminal B

Terminal B lies between A and C. Several airlines handle passengers here too. Via the landside connection you can walk to the other terminals, for example to shops or restaurants. After security, however, you cannot get to the gates of another terminal.

Terminal C and the S-Bahn station

The airport's S-Bahn station is beneath Terminal C. The S5, which connects the airport with Hannover main station, stops here. If you arrive by train and check in at A or B, walk from the station via the landside connection to your terminal. For people picking someone up by train, the station is an obvious meeting point.

How to find your terminal

1. Check your booking confirmation or e-ticket.
2. Look it up in the airline's app.
3. Open the departures overview on hannover-airport.de.
4. Watch the displays at the airport.

For codeshare flights, the operating airline counts. If you are unsure, check the terminal the evening before and again on the day of travel.

What this means for parking

Multi-storey car parks: The airport's multi-storey car parks are close to the terminals. Choose one near your terminal so that the walk with luggage stays short.

Valet: State your terminal when booking; the meeting point often depends on it. More: Valet parking at Hannover Airport.

Shuttle: The bus should drop you at your terminal. Tell the driver where you need to go when you get on. More: Shuttle parking at Hannover Airport.

Approach and forecourts

You reach the airport grounds via the A352 feeder. Signs lead to the forecourts of the individual terminals and to the multi-storey car parks. At the forecourts, you can stop briefly to get in and out. More on the route: Getting to Hannover Airport by car.

If you are in the wrong terminal

If you notice before the security check that you are in the wrong terminal, it is no drama: walk via the landside connection to the right one. Allow a few minutes for this. It only becomes a problem if you have already gone through security. Then you have to leave the security area and be checked again in the right terminal. That takes time – a good reason to check your terminal in advance.

Fellow travellers in different terminals

If members of a travel group fly with different airlines, they may check in at different terminals. Then you split up before security. Arrange a meeting point landside if you want to have breakfast together beforehand.

Arrival and pick-up

On your return, you arrive at the terminal your airline uses. Valet meeting points and bus stops may be in different places depending on the terminal; the description is in your confirmation. People picking you up wait at the exit of the arrivals area. More: Return: collecting your car at Hannover Airport.

Food and services

The terminals have cafés, restaurants, shops and service points. Because the areas are separate after security, you will only find what your own terminal offers there. If you want to eat in peace before departure, you can also do so landside. Opening hours are on the airport's website.

Accessibility

The short distances make Hannover Airport pleasant for travellers with reduced mobility. Marked spaces are close to the terminals. You book assistance from check-in to the aircraft through your airline. Valet shortens the distances even further.

Tips for your first visit

Download the airport map in advance or take a screenshot. Note which terminal you check in at, where your car park or meeting point is and where the S-Bahn stops. After your first visit you will know the system of the three terminals and find your way immediately.

Luggage trolleys and walkways

You will find luggage trolleys at the car parks, the forecourts and in the terminals; for some you need a coin or token. Because of the short distances between forecourt and desk, a trolley is often not even necessary in Hannover – but with children and several suitcases it is still a relief. With a trolley, use the lifts.

Security in the terminal

Never leave luggage unattended; unattended suitcases are examined, which causes delays for everyone. Watch your valuables in busy areas. If you have questions, airport staff and the Federal Police, who are present in the terminals, can help.

For people picking up

The forecourt is intended for a quick stop. If you arrive early or have to wait because of delays, park in the multi-storey car park and go to the arrivals area of the right terminal. A look at the arrivals displays shows whether luggage is already being delivered.

In the terminal with children

The terminals have baby-changing rooms and play areas; their locations are on the airport's website. Agree a meeting point with older children and give them a note with your mobile number. Planes taking off are the best entertainment for children.

Have a good trip from Langenhagen!

Between the station and the terminal

If you arrive on the S5 and do not check in at Terminal C, walk from the station via the landside connection to A or B. The routes are signposted and short. With a luggage trolley, use the lifts.

Information on site

The airport's information desks help with questions about orientation and services. The website hannover-airport.de offers site maps as well as departure and arrival overviews. If you take a look in advance, you will find your way more quickly on the day of travel.

If the terminal changes at short notice

Occasionally an airline moves its check-in to another terminal. A look at the app on the morning of travel protects you from detours. If you have arranged a valet meeting point at the old terminal, call the parking service.

If fellow travellers fly separately

If family members fly with different airlines and therefore from different terminals, you split up before security. For the return, arrange a shared meeting point landside or directly at the parking service's pick-up point.

If you know your terminal, you have answered the most important question before setting off.

And if you are unsure, just ask at one of the information desks – the staff are happy to help.

Conclusion

Three terminals with short distances but separate security areas: at Hannover Airport, the terminal is the most important piece of information for your planning. If you know it, you will get quickly from the car to the gate. Whether offers can be booked via Friend-Park is shown on Parking at Hannover Airport.