Getting Around, Heidelberg Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany)



Photo of a cruise boatReaching Heidelberg is easy, with the city situated a relatively short drive from Frankfurt International Airport, one of Europe's primary air hubs. A handful of smaller regional airports also provide convenient access to Heidelberg, servicing major European hubs with low-cost airlines, and offering a range of inexpensive ground transport.

Once in Germany, the city is accessible via the excellent autobahn and rail transport networks. Bus travel is less popular in Germany, but can be an easy option if you wish to travel to Heidelberg directly from one of the nearby airports.


Photo of Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) / Arriving by Air

Visitors who wish to arrive by air will have to fly into the nearby two-terminal Frankfurt International Airport, about a one-hour drive from Heidelberg. The airport is a major European transport hub, the third-largest in Europe, and features flights to all continents. More than 250 destinations are serviced with direct flights, meaning you should have no trouble reaching Frankfurt, regardless of where you are flying from.

From the airport, passengers can travel to Heidelberg by taking shuttle bus transport directly to the city, operated by Lufthansa. Regular trains travel from the airport station into Frankfurt, where passengers can connect to Heidelberg's main railway station. Alternatively, visitors can drive themselves to Heidelberg, with the airport conveniently situated close to the A3 and A5 autobahns.

Alternatively, Frankfurt Hahn, Mannheim, Baden-Baden and Stuttgart airports service low-cost flights to European destinations and are also conveniently situated within proximity to Heidelberg.

Photo of central roads

Car Rental

Rental cars are available at Frankfurt International Airport and in Heidelberg, with transport agencies including Hertz, Avis and Budget. Frankfurt is around 80 km / 50 miles from Heidelberg and the drive is easy, taking no more than one hour. Autobahns A5 and A6 provide access to the city. Within the city, parking can be a problem, but having a rental car is essential for those who want to explore the surrounding areas and travel outside of the city proper.

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Bus and Coach

With Germany's rail transport being so efficient, most visitors prefer to arrive in Heidelberg by train, rather than travel by bus. However, the Lufthansa-operated shuttle bus from Frankfurt International Airport is a popular choice, as are regional buses from other airports within proximity to Heidelberg. Long-distance bus transport is also available to and from Berlin.

Photo of a city train

Trains

Germany's rail system is excellent and there are frequent Deutsche Bahn services, which regularly travel to Heidelberg's Hauptbahnhof (main railway station). Situated in the west of the city, the station is a 10-minute tram ride from the Old Town. Visitors coming from far away may arrive at Mannheim first, where they can transfer to a local train for the 15-minute ride to Heidelberg. Advance reservations are recommended on all long-distance train services.

Taxis

Taxi transport is readily available in Heidelberg, with taxi ranks situated in strategic places throughout the city. Taxis are metered, but fares can be negotiated for long journeys. If you can't find a taxi in the street, ask your hotel to pre-book you one by telephone.