Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Hamburg Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
The early morning German charter flight crowd can be a bit rambunctious. – a traveller
HAM Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Hamburg Airport.
What to Expect
Hamburg Airport (code: HAM) comprises two large, interconnected terminals. The airport plaza, located between the two terminals, houses shops, restaurants and other airport services, though eateries and shops can also be found on the airside, and 24-hour dining is available. As Hamburg Airport is quite busy, expect long check-in and security lines. WiFi is available, and comfort can be found through fee-based access to the airport’s first-class lounge.
Sleeping in Hamburg Airport
The airport is officially closed between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM, and travellers are not allowed entry between these hours. Those travellers already in the airport are restricted to the arrivals area until the facilities re-open in the morning. No benches are in the arrivals area, so floor sleeping is the only option. Those considering sleeping here overnight should have a travel mat or sleeping bag for added comfort. A traveller reported having some luck sleeping on the couches at the Scoom sandwich shop, though that area was closed for cleaning between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. For uninterrupted sleep, there is an airport hotel and other hotels nearby. See locations in the Airport Hotels section below.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Hamburg Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The terminals are open 24 hours a day.
However, security checkpoints close overnight. If you are not already airside, you will need to remain in the public (landside) areas until security reopens in the early morning (typically around 4:00–4:30 AM, depending on the checkpoint).
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a hotel at Hamburg Airport:
Radisson Blu Hotel Hamburg Airport – Connected to Airport Plaza via a covered pedestrian bridge. Both terminals are about a 1–2 minute walk. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Leonardo Inn Hotel Hamburg Airport – Approximately 500 m from the terminals. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Ibis Hamburg Airport – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Hamburg Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.
- Airport Lounge – Location: Airside, Airport Plaza (between Terminals 1 & 2), Level 3. Hours: 5:15 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (EUR 45 for adults; children 3–12 EUR 15) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Airline Lounges
You may have access to the lounge listed below if you are a First or Business Class traveller. For more information, check the airline’s website.
- Emirates Lounge – Location: Airside, Airport Plaza, Level 3. Hours: 11:40 AM – 2:10 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (based on flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs: Emirates Skywards Platinum/Gold; eligible Business/First passengers.
- Lufthansa Senator & Business Lounges – Location: Airside, Pier near Gate A19, Level 2. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:15 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (relaxation room). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs: Star Alliance Gold (Senator Lounge) • Miles & More status (Senator/Business Lounge) • Same-day Lufthansa/Star Alliance premium-cabin passengers.
Drinking Water
Water dispensers are available in selected areas, including:
- Landside – near Baggage Claims 4 and 7
- Airside – near Gates B53 and C07
Food & Drinks
Food outlets operate on varying schedules. Most close overnight.
- Scoom (Terminal 1, Arrivals level) is generally open 24 hours.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Left luggage service is located in Terminal 2, Departures level (Level 1). Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM.
Rates (plus €3 processing fee per transaction):
- €4 per calendar day – small suitcase
- €5 per calendar day – regular suitcase
- €8 per calendar day – oversized luggage
Special rates available for extra-large items.
Mobile Charging
Power outlets are available near many gates. Availability may vary depending on seating areas. Bringing a portable battery pack is recommended, especially overnight when seating with outlets may be limited.
Showers
Public showers are available in the following locations:
- Airport Plaza, Arrivals level
- Terminal 2, Arrivals level
Fee: €5.00 (includes basic toiletries).
Towel rental: additional fee (reported €10.00).
Hours may vary; availability late at night is not guaranteed.
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Hamburg Airport for 24 hours. Connect to the “HAM AIRPORT FREE WIFI” network.
In addition, internet kiosks are available in the following locations: T2, landside, Arrivals (three workstations and a printer available) • Pier (at Gates A20 – A18), airside, Level 1 • Pier (at Gate A/B37), airside, Level 1 • Pier (at Gate A21 – A26), airside, Level 1. Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM. There is a one-hour time limit.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Airport Office – For general airport information, hotel reservations, key and document deposit, faxing and copying services, visit the Airport Office. Location: Airport Plaza, Arrivals Level.
Business Center – Meeting rooms are available in Terminal 2 (Levels 2 and 4).
Family Services
- Children’s Play Area – Location: Terminal 1, Level 3, Airside • Terminal 2, Level 3, Airside.
- Strollers – Free strollers are available for use until boarding. Pick-up is available airside (Hamburg Airport Livery).
Laundry -ZWO24Textilpflege offers laundry services. Location: Terminal 1, Level 0 (Landside). Hours: 3:00 AM – 8:00 AM.
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Trolleys – Available outside the terminals and in parking areas. A refundable €1 or €0.50 deposit is required.
- Luggage Wrapping – Services are available in the check-in area. Rates: Unknown.
Massage – Traditional Chinese and Western massage, as well as acupuncture treatments, are available at the Chi-Mas Institute.
Location: Airside, near Gate B52 (Level 1). Prices start at approximately €15 for 10 minutes.
Medical Services
- Dental Services – Preventative and urgent dental treatment is available. Location: Airport Plaza, House D, Level 2 (Landside).
- Medical Services – Urgent and emergency care is available. Location: Terminal 2, Departures area.
- Pharmacy – Location: Airport Plaza, Level 0 (Arrivals).
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Available in both landside and airside areas. Fees may apply depending on your bank.
- Currency Exchange – Exchange counters are available landside and airside in departure and arrival areas. Typical hours: early morning through evening (approximately 5:45 AM – 8:45 PM).
Prayer Room – Location: Terminal 1, Level 2 (behind the travel agents’ hall). Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Shopping – Heinemann Duty Free operates airside locations. In addition, more than 40 retail shops are available throughout the terminals, both landside and airside. Most shops operate from early morning until late afternoon or evening, depending on flight schedules.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking cabins, located in both landside and airside areas.
Supermarket – An Edeka supermarket is located in Airport Plaza (Arrivals Level). Sells groceries, bakery items, drinks and essentials. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Travel Agencies – The Travel Market in Terminal 1 (Level 2) includes multiple travel agencies offering booking assistance and trip planning services. Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Things to do & see
- Airport Model Exhibition – A miniature version of the Hamburg Airport. You will see every detail of Hamburg Airport, with all its buildings, taxiways, runways and landing strips, on a scale of 1:500. Rate: € 4.50 (adults). Shows: daily at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM without prior booking. Duration of the show: approx. 45 minutes.
- Airport Tours – Find out what happens at the airport during a behind-the-scenes airport tour. Visit the Fire Brigade and the Apron. Reservations required. Departure Time: 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Tour Duration: 150 minutes. Rate: € 12,00 (adults) and € 8,00 (children up to age 14).
- Art in the Airport – A rotating exhibit featuring the works of regional artists is on display at a designated area between Gates C09 – C14.
- Casino – The Spiel-In Casino is Hamburg Airport’s “little Las Vegas.” Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, Landside. Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM.
- Observation Deck – Relax and watch planes taking off and landing from the vantage point of the airport’s observation deck. Location: there are three access points: (1) adjoining the Model Exhibition, (2) Terminal 1, HMS Host Terrace, and (3) Terminal 2, Mövenpick Terrace. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
VAT Refund – Global Blue VAT refund desk is located airside near Gate A20 (Level 1).
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are located in Terminal 2, Level 0, Arrivals Hall: Avis/Budget, Buchbinder/Global Drive, Enterprise/Alamo/National, Europcar, Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty and Sixt.
Hamburg Card
If you plan to use public transportation during your visit to Hamburg, consider buying the Hamburg Card. The Hamburg Card includes:
- Unlimited rides on the public transportation network in Hamburg
- Discounts of up to 50% off on area attractions, restaurants and shops
- Price for the Hamburg Card starts at €10,50 for a 1-day card, or €21.90 for a 1-day Hamburg Card plus regional
- Additional days can be added to either card
Hamburg Cards are sold at The Airport Office (in Arrivals), Hamburg Tourist Information Offices, HVV service points and ticket machines. For further information, visit the Hamburg Tourismus website.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update, we could not find any hotels offering an airport shuttle. See Airport Hotels for hotels within walking distance.
Taxis
Taxis are available 24 hours a day at taxi stands in front of Terminals 1 and 2. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. Fares can be negotiated with the driver for trips to or from locations outside of Hamburg.
Train
Hamburg Airport railway station is located directly across from the passenger terminals, served by the S-Bahn S1 line. Trains depart every 10 minutes for the 25-minute trip between the airport and Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (main railway station). Connection to the U-Bahn U1 line available at the Ohlsdorf stop. For route maps, schedules and fares for the Hamburg public transportation network, visit the HVV website.
Last updated: 2026-02-24
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.