Germany Airports: Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly

Germany is right in the center of Europe, so its airports see a lot of travelers each year. Whether you’re coming for the Christmas markets, the Bavarian Alps, or to explore cities like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne, your holiday begins as soon as you arrive.

Choosing the right airport and knowing what to expect can save you a lot of time. This guide covers Germany’s airports, from the largest to the smaller regional ones, to help you plan your holiday with less hassle.

How Many International Airports Does Germany Have?

Germany’s aviation network is one of the busiest in Europe. Out of the many airports in the country, around 15 are international airports with flights to and from all over the world. The others mainly handle domestic flights within Germany.

If you want to know which German airports are most important for international travellers, these are the ones you’ll see most often:

Tribe Travel Tip: If your holiday includes more than one German city, see if flying into one airport and out of another can help you avoid a long return train ride.

Which Is the Main Airport in Germany?

Most people mean Frankfurt Airport when they talk about Germany’s main airport. It’s the busiest in the country, with over 61 million passengers each year. Frankfurt has flights to hundreds of places on five continents, so it’s the main entry point for many long-distance travelers, including those coming from India.

So if someone asks about Germany’s international airport, it’s Frankfurt (FRA). Frankfurt is also the largest airport in the country, with four runways and two terminals (with a third under construction). 

Munich Airport is the second busiest in Germany. It’s known for being clean, efficient, and easy to get around, with good connections throughout Bavaria and southern Germany.

Tribe Travel Tip: If you’re flying into Frankfurt, plan for some extra time in your schedule because the airport is very large.

What Airport Serves Berlin, Germany?

If your vacation is centred around the capital, you'll be flying into Berlin Brandenburg Airport. This Berlin, Germany airport opened in 2020 and replaced the older Tegel and Schönefeld airports. It now handles all commercial flights to and from the city and connects easily to central Berlin by train in about 30 minutes. A few low-cost carriers also use it as a base, so fares into Berlin can be more competitive than fares into other German cities, especially if you're flying in during shoulder season.

Tribe Travel Tip: During busy holiday weekends, book your airport train ticket (FEX or RE lines) online ahead of time because ticket counters can get crowded.

What Other Airports in Germany Are Worth Knowing About?

Besides the three main airports, there are several other German airports that might be useful depending on your travel plans:

• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS): Serves North Rhine-Westphalia and is close to Cologne, Essen, and the wider Rhine-Ruhr region.
• Hamburg Airport (HAM): A good gateway if your plans include the north German coast.
• Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): Useful for the Rhine Valley and western Germany.
• Stuttgart Airport (STR): Handy for the Black Forest and southwestern Germany.
• Nuremberg Airport (NUE): A smaller option for Bavaria beyond Munich.

Tribe Travel Tip: Most of these airports have good connections to other European cities, so you might fly through another European hub before arriving at your final stop in Germany.

How Do You Get from the Airport into the City?

All major German airports have train connections to the city center. Most also have taxis and rental car desks right outside arrivals. Here’s a quick comparison to help you plan:

Tribe Travel Tip: German trains run often and are usually the fastest and most reliable way to get into the city, so it’s a good idea to plan your next steps before you arrive.

Do You Need a Visa to Fly Into Germany?

Yes, Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Germany for their holiday. This tourist visa also covers travel to other Schengen countries during the same visit.

You need to apply ahead of time through the German consulate or an authorized visa center, since Germany does not offer visas on arrival for Indian citizens. Processing can take a few weeks, so it’s smart to apply well before your vacation.

Conclusion

From Frankfurt’s huge hub to Berlin Brandenburg’s modern terminal, Germany’s airports are designed to handle millions of travelers smoothly each year. Once you know which airport works best for your vacation, planning the rest becomes much easier.

If you’d prefer not to handle the logistics yourself, Holiday Tribe’s travel advisors can help you create a custom German holiday package. They’ll arrange transfers between cities and guide you through the visa process, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.