Stuttgart Airport

Stuttgart Airport (STR): Official Guide to Germany’s Gateway to the Southwest

Stuttgart Airport (STR) is the principal international airport for the state of Baden-Württemberg and ranks among Germany’s top seven busiest airports. Located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of the city center in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, STR serves as a critical travel hub for both leisure tourists exploring the Black Forest and business travelers heading to the headquarters of global automotive giants like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

The airport successfully managed 9.14 million passengers in 2024, confirming its vital role in connecting Southwestern Germany to over 120 destinations across 43 countries. Its efficient operations and commitment to sustainability make it a modern and reliable travel facility.

Terminals, Amenities, and Premium Services

Stuttgart Airport comprises four interconnected modern terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4), all within a single building complex, ensuring easy transfers. The airport is designed to provide a comfortable and stress-free experience for all travelers.

• Shopping & Dining: Passengers can enjoy a diverse range of amenities, including extensive duty-free shopping areas, fashion boutiques, and various dining options. From quick-service cafés to premium restaurants like the renowned Caviar House, the culinary selection caters to all tastes.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals. Numerous power outlets and charging stations are strategically placed.
• Lounges and Business: The airport hosts several lounges, including the Executive Club Lounge and airline-specific facilities, offering quiet working spaces, complimentary refreshments, and priority services.
• Accommodation: For early departures or late arrivals, convenient on-site and adjacent hotel options include the Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport & Messe and Wyndham Stuttgart Airport Messe.

Seamless Ground Transportation and Parking

Stuttgart Airport offers excellent multimodal connectivity, making travel to and from the city center and the adjacent Messe Stuttgart (Trade Fair Centre) exceptionally fast and efficient.

• Rail (S-Bahn): The airport boasts a direct underground connection to the Stuttgart regional rail network. S-Bahn lines S2 and S3 run every 10 to 20 minutes, reaching Stuttgart’s main train station (Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof) in a fast and reliable 27 minutes. The fare is approximately €4.
• Bus: Regional and long-distance bus services connect STR with various towns in the region and neighboring countries. Travel time to the city center is about 30 minutes.
• Taxi: Taxi stands are located directly outside the terminals. A ride to the Stuttgart city center typically takes around 20 minutes, with fares ranging from €25 to €30.
• Car Rental: Major international car rental agencies such as Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Avis, and Enterprise operate desks on-site, conveniently located near the arrival halls.
• Parking: The airport provides over 11,000 paid parking spaces, including long-term and short-term options, mostly located within secure, covered parking garages directly linked to the terminals.

Airlines, Key Destinations, and Network

As a major base for both scheduled and low-cost carriers, Stuttgart Airport connects the region to all major European hubs, key business centers, and popular Mediterranean leisure destinations. The airport is currently served by approximately 45 airlines.

Major Airlines Operating at STR include:

• Lufthansa (Connecting to Frankfurt and Munich hubs)
• Eurowings (Major base for European and domestic routes)
• Turkish Airlines (Extensive connections via Istanbul)
• SunExpress, TUI fly, and Corendon (Focusing on popular holiday routes)

Key Destinations (Typical):

• Business Hubs: London, Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam.
• Leisure & Sun: Palma de Mallorca, Antalya, Istanbul, Lisbon, Faro.

STRzero: A Commitment to Climate and Sustainability

Stuttgart Airport has established a binding and ambitious climate strategy, STRzero, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This commitment involves significant investment in green infrastructure and operations:

• Renewable Energy: The airport is aggressively expanding its renewable energy capacity, planning to increase electricity generation from solar power to approximately 39 gigawatt hours by 2040. This includes placing photovoltaic systems on all suitable areas, including terminal and parking garage roofs.
• Electric Mobility: STR utilizes an extensive electric fleet on the apron, leading to a substantial reduction in diesel consumption and carbon emissions in ground handling operations.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: The airport prioritizes the energy-efficient refurbishment and modernization of its existing terminals and operational buildings, which consume a large portion of the airport’s electricity. It also boasts a high recycling rate, reaching approximately 98%.

Airport Contact and Local Attractions

For travelers seeking local excursions, the airport’s location is ideal for accessing cultural sites and attractions in the region. The S-Bahn connection provides quick access to downtown Stuttgart’s highlights, such as the Schlossplatz (Palace Square) and the bustling shopping street Königstraße.