Stuttgart Airport Guide: What To Know About Flying Via STR
Are you flying to or from the Stuttgart Airport and wondering what to expect?
You’ll be glad to know that the Stuttgart Airport is easy to navigate and full of passenger-friendly amenities.
Located in the heart of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany, the Stuttgart Airport is a perfect example of the efficiency, innovation, and the warm hospitality characteristic of this historic and picturesque area.
I am not often charmed by airports, but I love flying through the Stuttgart Airport.
This airport has it all: modern architectural flair, a diverse range of shops, a fascinating observation deck, and seamless connections to Stuttgart’s city center.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a business traveler, or a tourist eager to start your German adventure, the Stuttgart Airport is a pretty cool place to land.
This blog post will help you know what to expect when you arrive at the airport, whether you’re preparing to board an outbound flight or arriving at your final destination.
What is the Stuttgart Airport Code?
First things first: if you’re going to fly to Stuttgart, you’ll need to know the airport code.
The airport code for the Stuttgart, Germany, airport is STR.
When booking a flight, it’s always helpful to be sure you know the correct airport code for the city you’re flying to or from.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Code for Stuttgart is STR. This is the code you’ll see on your tickets, baggage tags, and reservation.
About the Stuttgart Airport
The Stuttgart Airport is located just south of Stuttgart, Germany, the capital of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Stuttgart Airport is an international airport and the primary airport for the Stuttgart region.
Several airlines offer international flights from the Stuttgart airport, including Air France, British Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa.
The airport offers flights to numerous destinations within Germany and to major cities in Europe, as well as a few intercontinental routes.
Stuttgart Airport also offers seasonal cheap flights to various tourist destinations, via budget airlines like Eurowings.
The Stuttgart Airport has four passenger terminals, which are connected, so you can easily walk between them to go to different gift shops and restaurants.
Things to do at the Stuttgart Airport
Observation Deck at the Stuttgart Airport
I absolutely love the observation deck at the Stuttgart Airport.
It’s perfect if you want to entertain children or have a romantic farewell kiss. And it’s a great photo opportunity!
Visitors can watch airplanes take off and land, and enjoy panoramic views of the airport’s operations. Access to the observation deck is free.
Skyland Visitor Center
Visitors can learn about different types of aircraft, play games, and take fun photos. This area is perfect if you are traveling with children or aviation buffs.
Guided Tours of Stuttgart Airport
You can watch an informational film, tour the aircraft handling area, and go behind the scenes in baggage handling.
Or you can take a tour that focuses on sustainable technologies used at the airport.
Either tour requires advanced booking.
Airport Lounges
There are two airport lounges at the Stuttgart Airport, both located behind security.
The Aviator Gallery is free to those with certain frequent flier status (with a variety of airlines), or with paid access.
The Senator Comfort Area is exclusively for Lufthansa passengers who have Miles & More Senators or HON status.
KiddieLand
There are small play areas for children located in the public areas (not after you go through security).
Travel Agencies
Close to the observation deck, you can find travel agencies offering deals on cheap holidays!
FairPlay Casino
You can also gamble at the Stuttgart Airport.
Shopping at the Stuttgart Airport
Stuttgart Airport offers a variety of shops for travelers, including:
- AeroAtoll Apotheke, a pharmacy
- Fly Kiosk, selling T-shirts and other souvenir and gift items, snacks, and travel items
- Car Art Gallery, featuring prints by René Staud
- Binder Optik Sunglasses
- DEPART.MEN, a fashionable clothing store for men
- Juwelier Capri, with watches and jewelry
- Hunkemöller, selling women’s lingerie and accessories
- One Travellers Electronics, offering headphones, portable batteries, and travel adapters
- Travel Value & Duty Free, with the typical duty-free products, from sweets to spirits and more
- Ravensburger, toys for all ages
Food and dining at the Stuttgart Airport
You’ll have a variety of options for meals and snacks at the Stuttgart Airport, including:
- EDEKA, my favorite shop at the Stuttgart Airport! This supermarket, open almost 24 hours, has everything: fresh fruit before your flight, a last minute gift for someone at home, more delicious German chocolate. If you’re just landing in Stuttgart, pick up your groceries here.
- McDonald’s, near the observation deck
- Bäckerei Treiber, a bakery offering fresh baked goods
- Manfred’s, drinks and traditional Swabian snacks (named after the former mayor of Stuttgart)
- Muscat, offering Mediterranean cuisine
- Ida & Frida, specializing in fresh juices and smoothies, as well as salads and sandwiches
- Barry’s, for coffee and pastries
Where to stay near the Stuttgart Airport?
Stuttgart Airport Hotels
There are three hotels in walking distance from the Stuttgart Airport.
I would very much recommend staying at one of these hotels if you have an early morning flight to catch.
1. Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport
Stylish and comfortable, with excellent service, this hotel is fantastic.
The Trollinger Restaurant serves delicious food, including traditional Swabian specialties.
The hotel also offers a gym and a spa. It’s the closest hotel to the Stuttgart airport.
We stayed at the Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport, and we had a perfect stay.
2. Movenpick Hotel Stuttgart Messe & Congress
The Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Messe & Congress is close to both the Stuttgart Airport and the Messe Stuttgart (Stuttgart Trade Fair). So it’s an ideal choice for leisure travelers or business travelers attending trade fairs and conferences.
You’ll enjoy the restaurant, fitness center, and wellness center.
3. Wyndham Stuttgart Airport Messe
Also located in close proximity to the airport and convention center, the Wyndham Stuttgart Airport Messe is known for its excellent service and comfort.
There’s a gym and a restaurant with a breakfast buffet and terrace.
Hotels near the Stuttgart Airport
These are some hotels very close to the Stuttgart Airport.
These hotels are are in nearby towns, just a quick taxi or shuttle ride from Stuttgart Airport.
4. Hayta Hotel Stuttgart Airport Messe
This small hotel in Flinderstadt offers complementary breakfast. Some rooms at the Hayta Hotel Stuttgart Airport Messe even have balconies! Airport shuttle available.
5. NH Stuttgart Airport
You’ll find elegant rooms, fine dining, and two bars at the NH Stuttgart Airport in Flinderstadt. Relax at the spa and fitness area, with a sauna and steam room. Airport shuttle available.
6. Parkhotel Stuttgart Messe-Airport
The Stuttgart Parkhotel in Leinfelden-Echterdingen features a brewery with a beer garden, as well as a restaurant specializing in Swabian and international cuisine.
Enjoy the sauna, steamroll, fitness area, and sun terrace. The hotel is next to a train station, so guests are one stop from the airport or exhibition center.
Where is the Stuttgart Airport located?
The Stuttgart airport is approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) south of the city of Stuttgart. It is well connected by road and public transport, including bus and train access.
How to get to the Stuttgart Airport from City Center
Taking public transport from the city center of Stuttgart to the airport is quite straightforward, economical, and convenient. Here’s how you can do it:
Getting to Stuttgart Airport by S-Bahn (Suburban Train)
- In Stuttgart city center, look for any S-Bahn station. The Stuttgart central station (Hauptbahnhof) is the main hub and a good starting point.
- Board the S-Bahn Line S2 or S3. Both lines run from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Stuttgart Airport. They are marked as S2 (towards Filderstadt) and S3 (towards Flughafen/Messe Stuttgart).
- The journey from the city center (Hauptbahnhof) to the airport takes approximately 27 minutes.
- S-Bahn trains typically run every 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day.
- Purchase a ticket before boarding. You can find ticket machines at the S-Bahn stations. Ensure your ticket is valid for the correct number of zones (Stuttgart Airport is in Zone 2 from the city center). Validate your ticket if required.
- Get off at the “Flughafen/Messe” station. The airport terminals are just a short walk from the S-Bahn station.
Getting to the Stuttgart Airport by Bus
- Check the VVS (Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart) website or app for specific bus routes and times.
- Duration and frequency can vary based on the route and time of day. Especially if you’re catching a flight, give yourself some buffer time in case of delays.
- Purchase and validate your bus ticket before boarding.
How to get to the City Centre from the Stuttgart Airport
To travel from Stuttgart Airport to central Stuttgart, you have a few convenient options:
Getting from Stuttgart Airport to Stuttgart by S-Bahn (Suburban Train)
The S-Bahn is a popular and efficient way to travel from Stuttgart Airport to the city center.
- Use either the S2 (towards Schorndorf) or S3 (towards Backnang).
- Trains run approximately every 10 to 20 minutes.
- The journey time to reach Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (the main train station) from the airport is about 27 minutes.
- You can purchase a ticket from the machines at the station. Make sure it covers the appropriate zones for your journey. Validate your ticket before boarding.
Getting from Stuttgart Airport to Stuttgart by Bus
Buses are another option, though they might take longer than the S-Bahn.
- Check current bus routes and schedules as they can vary. The VVS (Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart) website or app provides up-to-date information.
- Buy your ticket at a machine and validate it on board.
- You can also take busses from the Stuttgart Airport bus terminal to other destinations in Germany and Europe.
Getting from Stuttgart Airport to Stuttgart by Taxi
There is a taxi rank directly outside Arrivals at Terminal 1. Taking a taxi is a more expensive but convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the city center by taxi, depending on traffic.
Getting from Stuttgart Airport to Stuttgart by Renting a Car
If you prefer driving yourself, there are several car rental agencies at Stuttgart Airport.
Then follow the signs to Stuttgart city center. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
Stuttgart Airport Car Rental
Many rental cars are available at the Stuttgart Airport. You’ll find the rental car companies on Level 2 in Terminal 3.
Make a reservation in advance to get the best price and be sure there’s a car available in the make and model you prefer.
Where can you park at the Stuttgart Airport?
At the Stuttgart Airport, visitors have lots of choices for where to park. As you might expect from one of the busiest airports in Germany, parking is well organized with options available to suit different needs.
There are several terminal parking options that are ideal for short-term parking, picking up or dropping off passengers, and for easy access to the terminals.
You’ll also find multiple long-term parking areas situated a bit further from the terminals but still within walking distance or served by shuttle services.
There are designated parking spaces for electric vehicles, equipped with charging stations.
Near the entrance of each car park, there are parking spaces for disabled passengers.
Some car parks offer parking spaces in well-lit, easily accessible areas specifically for women.
It’s recommended that you make reservations for your parking spot before your arrival. you can do so through the car parking company APCOA parking reservation site. You can see available parking positions and features there as well.
The “Kiss & Fly” zone is directly in front of terminals on the departure level. Parking is free, but limited to 8 minutes.
How much time do you need before a flight at the Stuttgart Airport?
Although it’s the largest airport in the region, the Stuttgart Airport isn’t huge.
You should have plenty of time to check in, go through the security check, and find your gate if you arrive at the Stuttgart Airport two hours before your departure time.
The airport might be a busier during public holidays, so allow extra time if necessary.
How close is the Messe Stuttgart to the Airport?
Messe Stuttgart is one of the leading trade fair centers in Germany and the eighth biggest exhibition centre in Germany.
Messe Stuttgart is located directly adjacent to Stuttgart Airport, making it extremely convenient for international visitors and exhibitors.
Known for its modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, Messe Stuttgart offers several halls and a large amount of exhibition space.
Messe Stuttgart hosts numerous national and international trade fairs, exhibitions, and corporate events throughout the year. These include automotive shows, technology expos, consumer goods fairs, and more.
If you’ll be attending an event at Messe Stuttgart, it’s very easy to walk between the airport and the exhibition centre.
Messe Stuttgart is also well-connected by public transport, including local trains (S-Bahn) and buses, making it easily accessible from Stuttgart city center and other regions. And, there are ample parking facilities for visitors and exhibitors driving to the venue.
History of the Stuttgart Airport
In 1939, the Stuttgart Airport (then known as the Flughafen Stuttgart-Echterdingen) was built to replace the Böblingen airport, Baden-Wurttemburg’s first airport.
During World War II, the airport was used by the German military. After the Second World War, the airport was occupied by French and American forces for military purposes and gradually reopened for civilian air traffic.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the airport underwent significant development, including building new terminals and extending the runways.
In the 1990s, Manfred Rommel, the long-serving Lord Mayor of Stuttgart, (and son of Erwin Rommel, a controversial military officer,) transformed the airport into a contemporary transportation hub with modern terminal buildings, parking facilities, and a connection to the suburban train network (S-Bahn).
As a result of these efforts, the international airport of Stuttgart could accommodate increasing passenger traffic and contribute to the economic and social development of the region.
Through the 2000s, the airport enhanced its passenger facilities, shopping areas, and business services. Stuttgart Airport became an important gateway for business travellers and tourism in the region.
Currently, the Stuttgart Airport is owned by Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH (originally Luftverkehr Württemberg AG). This company is jointly owned by the State of Baden-Württemberg (65%) and the City of Stuttgart (35%).
Airport management focuses on improving its environmental sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, using renewable energy sources, and promoting green energy.
The Stuttgart Airport is the sixth busiest airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic and the largest in Baden-Württemberg. It serves as a hub for domestic and European destinations, with a moderate amount of intercontinental flights.
Other commercial airports in the region include Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB), Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH), Mannheim City Airport (MHG), but they mainly cater to regional travel or specific niches like low-cost carriers and seasonal charters.
Final Thoughts on Flying To or From the Stuttgart Airport
The Stuttgart Airport is a convenient entry or exit point to Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany’s third largest state.
With its well-designed terminals, shopping and dining options, and observation deck, this airport actually offers an efficient and pleasant flying experience.
For travelers, Stuttgart Airport offers a seamless gateway to explore Germany’s southwest region. The airport’s commitment to sustainability and passenger comfort makes for an easy travel experience.
So if you’re flying to or from Stuttgart to attend a business convention, explore a popular destination like the Black Forest, or visit Baden-Wurttemberg’s many charming towns, enjoy your time at the Stuttgart Airport!
As you’re exploring Germany, don’t forget to post about your travels through Germany! If you want to post some pictures from STR on your socials, this post is full of the best flying captions!
Have a great flight!
