Hamburg airport (IATA code: HAM) is situated 8.5 kilometres from the downtown area of the city giving name to it. As the operational base for Germanwings, Condor and Easyjet airlines in Germany, it has experienced a steady growth during the recent years that has led to the integration of a considerable number of air routes (adding up to a total of 130 worldwide destinations as of today), including long-haul ones to Newark airport in New York and Dubai International.
Terminals of Hamburg airport
There are two terminals in HAM, both divided into several levels and connected by a multi-purpose building known as Airport Plaza. Thus, the ground (0) level is occupied by the arrivals and baggage claim halls in all three buildings, departures are located on level 1, level 2 is where business travellers may find the conference centre and lounges and, lastly, most dining outlets are found on level 3.
T1 is the terminal from which the majority of flights depart, as is the case with those operated by airline companies belonging to the SkyTeam and OneWorld airline alliances. Passengers flying with Germanwings, Eurowings, Lufthansa and its codeshare partners of StarAlliance must, however, go to Terminal 2.
Passenger services in Hamburg airport: the Airport Plaza
This area on the arrivals level and between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Hamburg airport is available to travellers every day of the year from 6:30 to 23:00. The staff at the Airport Plaza will assist you with essential info you may need upon arrival and even help you find a hotel in Hamburg. Ask them about the departing times and fares of public bus lines and trains, the reservation of guided tours around the city, the Hamburg City Pass or how to be given access to lockers, showers and office equipment without leaving the facilities. If it is you first time at the airport, they can help you locate tax free counters, cash dispensers and foreign currency exchange offices within the terminals.
Transport from Hamburg airport to the city
The fastest and cheapest way to commute from the airport to Hamburg city centre is the S-Bahn S1 line operated by the public suburban railway system. This direct service between Hamburg airport and the downtown is run daily from 4:30 until midnight every ten minutes. The journey lasts only 25 minutes and the price of a single ticket is 3,30 euros. In view of this, it is logical that a high number of travellers choose to go to the airport railway station and hop on a train that will take them straight to their hotel in central Hamburg.
Conferences and meetings in Hamburg airport
Business travellers benefit from the convenience of spaces like the airport business lounge or the Mövenpick conference centre in Hamburg airport, perfect for the organisation of meetings and events while travelling in Germany. The business lounge is ready to gather a maximum of eight people around a conference table, while it may accommodate up to 30 attendants with a different arrangement specifically conceived for receptions. Larger events may be held at the Mövenpick centre to make the most of its fine dining, catering services and facilities for companies and delegations. If you travel for work you can also book a room in a hotel near Hamburg airport.
Airport lounges for passengers in HAM airport
The Hamburg Airport Lounge is an exclusive service available to everyone with a valid boarding pass going through HAM. It is located in the Airport Plaza building and the admission fee is 35 euros. The lounge offers drinks, TV, international press, sofas, private areas, working stations, free Internet and a smoking area. It stays open 5:15 through 21:00.
If you are a frequent flyer and either your accumulated miles or the category of your plane ticket entitles you to enjoy airport lounges, know that the Lufthansa Senator and Emirates lounges are on the second floor of the Airport Plaza as well.
Shops and restaurants in Hamburg airport
As one of the stops in your eurotrip, you may want to spend some time shopping in the terminals of Hamburg airport before boarding your ongoing flight. Get the latest fashion trends in Desigual, Hugo Boss, Victoria’s Secret and Worldford, but do not forget you may equally purchase souvenirs, gifts, books, beauty products, suitcases and duty-free goods at every terminal building. The opening hours of the outlets in the Airport Plaza and the public zones go from 9:00 to 21:00, whereas those situated after security are open between 6:00 and 21:00.
Besides, this is a unique occasion to indulge in the best of local and international cuisine, or get last-minute snacks, sandwiches, beer pints or cups of coffee prior to take-off. Some good recommendations are Bar St. Paul, Bistro Pier 1, Café Himmelschreiber, Cindy’s Diner, Puro Gusto and Shashimi Sushi.
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