Getting Around, Hanover Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany)

Hanover is well-connected to the rest of Germany by air, rail transport and road. The city has its own airport, making it easy for international travellers to travel here.

For those already in Europe, Hanover is situated along the country's impressive railway network, and coaches regularly travel to the region from destinations all across the continent.

Driving is a real pleasure thanks to the autobahn, which cruises right past the city.

Hanover-Langenhagen Airport (HAJ) / Arriving by Air

Address: Petzelstrasse 84 / Flughafenstrasse, Langenhagen, DE-30855, Germany
Tel: +49 511 977
More than five million passengers fly into Hanover Airport each year from destinations around the globe. With some 300 international and 160 domestic flights arriving every week, it should not be hard to find a flight from your home country. If a direct flight isn't available, the chances are you can fly into the massive Frankfurt Airport and catch a short connection to nearby Hanover. Most international carriers provide service into Hanover as well as a handful of regional budget carriers.

The terminals themselves are pleasant enough, and offer all the amenities a traveller needs. There are several ways to travel from the airport to downtown Hanover, some 11 km / 7 miles away. Dedicated buses, which terminate at Hanover's central transport hub, operate Monday to Friday from 05:25 to 23:05, and Saturday and Sunday from 06:05 to 23:05. This trip takes around 30 minutes.

A faster alternative is the light rail train S5, which also provides travel between Hanover Airport and the city's central transport station. This journey takes just 15 minutes and runs from 05:00 until midnight.

Taxi transport is available directly outside the arrivals area and taxis aren't too expensive, otherwise passengers can opt for the 24-hour door-to-door service provided by Flughafen Transfer GmbH. Car hire companies have their travel kiosks just outside the arrivals area, should you prefer to drive yourself. Check out the airport information desk (tel: +49 0511 977 1223) for help and answers.

Hanover-Langenhagen Airport Guide

Car Rental

Driving in and around Hanover is as pleasant as anything you will find in Germany. The city boasts wide roads and fairly easy parking, helping to reduce transport congestion. Outside the city, autobahn routes A2 and A7 run right past the city, offering a speedy way to explore the surrounding countryside and travel to nearby destinations. To rent a car, you must be 19 years old and have a valid International Driving License.

Book your Hanover Car Rental here.

Buses, Trams and Coaches

Deutsche Touring GmbH and Eurolines are the main bus companies that operate long-distance coach transport between Hanover and dozens of international destinations. All long-distance coaches arrive at the main transport station, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof, which is sited right behind the Hauptbahnhof.

The very efficient local public service comes in the form of buses and trams, all of which travel 24 hours, most frequently between 05:00 and 23:30. The Hanover Card is a great ticket choice if you plan to travel a lot during your stay and use local public transport, and also offers discounts on some of the popular attractions around Hanover.

Taxis

Taxi transport in Hanover comes in the form of classy beige Mercedes and taxis are easily hailed on the streets. Alternatively, you can call for a pick up. In a welcome act of consideration (directed mainly at women), bus and tram drivers will radio for a taxi after dark if requested. Taxis are metered and prices are fair, making this a particularly convenient way to travel in the city of Hanover, although a 10 percent tip will be expected by the driver.

Trains

Hanover is on the route of several train networks, offering a pleasant and convenient way to travel to the city from other parts of Europe. National rail company Deutsche Bahn is the main winner behind Germany's wonderful train transport system.

Travellers can choose from the many high-speed InterCity Express trains that travel to prominent German cities. EuroCity and InterCity trains travel between German and other European cities, while InterRegio trains are designed to connect far-flung regions of Germany. All long-distance trains arrive at the central Hanover Hauptbahnhof, which is a major junction for the ICE railway network.

Within Hanover, there are five suburban train lines called the S-Bahn, which service the city and its environs. There are several ticketing options, but the best deal is the GVH Tages Einzel Ticket, which allows unlimited travel within the Hanover zone on all trains, and also applies to bus and tram transport as well.