Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERF/EDDE): Your Efficient Gateway to Thuringia, Germany
Located conveniently just 6 km (4 miles) northwest of Erfurt’s historic city centre, Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERF) serves as the primary international gateway to the federal state of Thuringia, often dubbed “The Green Heart of Germany.” As a regional airport, ERF is essential for Central German commerce and tourism, specializing in charter and seasonal holiday flights.
Despite handling approximately 150,000 passengers annually, the airport boasts a substantial capacity for expansion, capable of serving up to 1.6 million passengers, ensuring quick, stress-free processing even during peak season. Its strategic location offers unmatched access to the cultural capitals of Erfurt and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage city of Weimar.
State-of-the-Art Terminal and Services
Erfurt-Weimar Airport operates from a single, modern, and highly efficient terminal building. The airport’s design prioritizes minimal walking distances (less than 200 meters from parking/transport to the aircraft) and swift passenger flow, contributing to an excellent travel experience.
Key Terminal Features:
- Modernized Operations: The airport recently implemented an updated Airport Operational Database (AODB) solution, modernizing processes and ensuring fast, digitized operational control.
- Accessibility: The facility is fully equipped to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.
- Amenities: Essential services include free high-speed Wi-Fi, a café/bistro offering snacks and refreshments, and limited duty-free shopping options primarily focused on travel essentials.
- Nearby Accommodations: Several hotels, including the Dorint Hotel Erfurt and Victor’s Residenz-Hotel, are situated close to the airport for early departures or late arrivals.
Current Airlines and Expanding Destination Guide
ERF primarily focuses on providing direct connections to popular Mediterranean and North African holiday destinations, relying heavily on charter and seasonal carriers. The flight schedule is robust, particularly during the summer season, offering diverse choices for sun-seekers from Central Germany.
| Airline | Destinations (2025 Season) | Route Type |
| Corendon Airlines | Antalya (AYT), Heraklion (HER) | Seasonal |
| Freebird Airlines | Antalya (AYT) | Year-round/Seasonal |
| Pegasus Airlines | Antalya (AYT) | Seasonal |
| SunExpress | Antalya (AYT) | Seasonal |
| Air Cairo | Hurghada (HRG) | Year-round |
| Nile Air | Hurghada (HRG) | Seasonal |
| Eurowings | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | Seasonal |
| Leav Aviation | Heraklion (HER), Rhodes (RHO) | Seasonal (New Routes) |
| Mavi Gök Airlines | Antalya (AYT) | Seasonal Charter |
Popular Routes:
The most frequent routes are those to Antalya, often boasting up to nine flights per week, followed by popular routes to the sun-drenched beaches of Hurghada and the cultural island hub of Palma de Mallorca. New additions to Greek islands like Heraklion (Crete) and Rhodes further enhance its seasonal offerings.
Seamless Ground Transportation and Connectivity
Getting to and from Erfurt-Weimar Airport is fast and simple, benefiting from Thuringia’s excellent transportation infrastructure.
- Public Transport (Bus/Tram): A dedicated bus service (and soon-to-be tram connection) provides a rapid 15-minute link directly to Erfurt’s main train station (Erfurt Hauptbahnhof, Hbf), which is a major ICE hub for Deutsche Bahn. Fares are typically low (approx. €1.50).
- Taxi: A taxi ride to the city centre is a quick 10-minute trip, with estimated fares ranging from €15 to €20.
- Road Network: The airport is ideally situated with direct, quick access to Germany’s extensive motorway network, specifically the A4 and A71 motorways. This exceptional connectivity extends the airport’s catchment area significantly, reaching regions far into Northern Bavaria, Hesse, and Saxony.
- Car Rental & Parking: Major rental agencies like Hertz and Europcar maintain desks within the terminal. Over 500 paid parking spaces are available for short- and long-term stays directly opposite the terminal entrance.
Aviation Infrastructure and Facts
Erfurt-Weimar Airport possesses robust infrastructure, capable of handling medium-haul jets and executive aircraft.
| Fact Category | Detail |
| IATA Code | ERF |
| ICAO Code | EDDE |
| Runway Length | 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) |
| Landing System | ILS Category IIIb (allowing operations in near-zero visibility) |
| Operational Hours | Typically 06:00 to 22:00 (Check official site for specific slots) |
| Noteworthy History | Site of Germany’s first scheduled flight in 1919 (Weimar to Berlin). Has hosted high-profile visitors, including US President Barack Obama and Pope Benedict XVI. |
Contact Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date travel information, passengers should always refer to the official airport channels.
- Address: Binderslebener Landstraße 100, 99092 Erfurt, GERMANY
- Phone: +49 361 6562200
- Website: www.flughafen-erfurt-weimar.de