Linz Airport (LNZ) – Complete Travel Guide 2026
IATA Code
LNZ
ICAO Code
LOWL
Linz Airport Quick Facts
| Airport Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Flughafenstraße 1, 4063 Hörsching, Austria |
| Website | www.linz-airport.com |
| Airlines | Ryanair, Eurowings, and various charter carriers including Avanti Air |
| Terminals | Single passenger terminal with clear landside and airside zones |
| Annual Passengers | Approximately 400,000 to 500,000 |
| Hub for | No designated airline hub; a key gateway for Upper Austria regional traffic |
| Phone Number | +43 7221 600 0 |
Linz Airport serves as a vital commercial and general aviation facility for the state of Upper Austria. With a single integrated terminal, the airport provides an efficient and stress-free travel experience, handling connections to major European hubs and popular holiday spots. Located southwest of Linz, it uniquely shares its runways with the Austrian Air Force at Vogler Air Base.
Linz Airport Terminal Map and Layout
Linz Airport operates with a single, compact passenger terminal that is fundamentally linear in design. This straightforward layout makes the airport one of the easiest to navigate in Central Europe. The terminal is divided into two clear zones: the ground-level landside area where you check in, and the airside departure zone accessible after passing through security screening. Because there is only one terminal, confusion regarding where to go is minimal.
The landside area houses the check-in counters, a cafe, and access to the viewing terrace. Once you pass through the central security checkpoint, you emerge into the airside waiting area. Walking from the main entrance, through check-in and security, to the farthest boarding gate takes approximately five to seven minutes. There are no inter-terminal trains, moving walkways, or shuttle buses required; everything is within a short indoor stroll. For connecting flights, passengers simply remain in the same airside lounge area, as all gates branch off from this central space.
Navigating Linz Airport Terminals
The Main Terminal
All commercial airlines, including Ryanair, Eurowings, and seasonal charter operators, check in at the single row of desks located immediately inside the terminal's main entrance. After checking in, passengers proceed upstairs to the security checkpoint, which leads directly into the departure lounge. The terminal underwent significant modernization in the early 2000s, resulting in a bright, glass-enclosed architectural style. The highlight of the facilities is the spacious airside waiting area featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the apron and the Austrian Alps on clear days. The airport does not have dedicated airline lounges operated by carriers; however, the terminal features a conference room available for business travelers.
Dining and shopping are modest but functional. Landside, the Frederic & Sons restaurant and cafe offers hot meals and snacks. Airside, passengers can find a duty-free shop and an additional cafe. While extensive shopping arcades are absent, the essentials for a comfortable wait are well-covered.
Transportation to and from Linz Airport
Despite its relatively compact size, the airport is well-integrated into the Upper Austrian transport network. As the official website provides the latest travel details, www.linz-airport.com serves as a handy resource. Most travelers choose between car, taxi, or the dedicated airport bus, as there is no direct heavy-rail train stop within walking distance, though nearby rail stations can be reached by shuttle or taxi.
Getting to and from Linz Airport by Car
Linz Airport is located in Hörsching, roughly a 15- to 20-minute drive southwest of Linz city center via the B1 highway or the A1 motorway. Traffic is generally very light compared to major capitals, though standard morning and evening rush hours near the city can add 5 to 10 minutes to the trip.
Parking at the airport is famously straightforward. The main parking lot sits directly in front of the terminal building, an easy walk of less than two minutes to check-in. Short-term lot rates are approximately $3.50 per hour, while the daily maximum for long-term parking is around $35. An economy lot slightly farther away offers rates closer to $25 per day. Notably, the airport provides free short-term parking for up to 30 minutes, a generous window ideal for passenger pickups and drop-offs. Payment is handled via automated machines accepting cash and major credit cards.
A convenient cell phone waiting lot is available on the access road approaching the terminal, allowing drivers to wait for arriving passengers without looping through the terminal roads. Curbside drop-off directly in front of the terminal entrance is permitted, though vehicles cannot be left unattended.
Getting to and from Linz Airport by Rideshare or Taxi
Taxis are the most prevalent on-demand service. Ride-sharing services are not widespread in the Linz metropolitan area; visitors should rely on a local taxi. The designated taxi stand is located immediately outside the arrivals hall exit. Official airport taxi rates are regulated, and fares to Linz Hauptplatz typically range from $40 to $55. While the LinzMobil app provides information on local taxi services and the regional AST (ride-share taxi) system, pre-booking a dedicated taxi is the preferred method for exact timing. Most taxis accept both cash and major credit cards, but confirming with the driver before departure is wise.
Getting to and from Linz Airport by Public Transportation
Bus route 601 is the dedicated public transport connection linking the airport to Linz city center. The bus stop is located directly in front of the terminal, on the arrivals level. The journey to central Linz takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes, and it terminates centrally, offering connections to ÖBB mainline trains and the LINZ AG tram network.
The LinzMobil app is the premier tool for planning this journey; it provides real-time departure data and allows you to buy tickets on your smartphone. There is no railway station at the airport terminal itself. The nearest train stop, Hörsching station, is approximately 3 kilometers away and requires a taxi or bus transfer, making the direct bus a significantly easier option for reaching the city center.
| Route | First Bus/Train | Last Bus/Train | Frequency | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 601 (Airport - Linz City Center) | 5:30 AM | 11:15 PM | Every 30-60 minutes | $4.50 |
Key Amenities at Linz Airport
ATMs
Several ATMs are available in the landside public area of the main terminal, adjacent to the entrance and the check-in desks. Dispensing euros, they cover the basic need for last-minute cash before a flight.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found services are expertly handled by ISS Ground Services on behalf of the airport. The office is located near the passenger service desk. For items lost on an aircraft or found within the terminal, call +43 664 80 574 1932 between 8:00 AM and 10:30 PM, or email [email protected].
Luggage Services
Baggage carts are available for rent within the terminal. While there is no long-term staffed left-luggage office, secure lockers are located in the parking area, allowing travelers to temporarily store items without entering the secure airside. Luggage wrapping service is not a permanent fixture here.
Pets
The airport provides essential facilities for animal travel. An outdoor green space is located just outside the terminal building for pet relief. Inside the terminal, strict rules require that pets remain inside their carriers unless they are certified assistance dogs. Travelers flying with pets should coordinate directly with their specific airline for check-in procedures.
Showers
Dedicated public shower facilities are not currently offered within the passenger terminal. The sole exception is within the jet charter terminal facilities, accessible only to private flight crew and clients.
Currency Exchange
A dedicated currency exchange counter is not currently operating for general walk-in traffic. Travelers should rely on the ATM bank machines to withdraw euros directly.
Smoking Area
A designated smoking room is provided airside in the departure gate area, allowing smokers a final opportunity before boarding. Smoking elsewhere in the terminal is strictly prohibited.
Terminal Building Features
The terminal at Linz Airport is purpose-built for efficiency. It features floor-to-ceiling glass panels, creating a light-filled atmosphere. The architecture emphasizes functionality, with a seamless flow from the check-in floor, up the escalators, through security, and into the spacious departure lounge. Brightly colored, functional seating complements the airy space, making it a calm, uncrowded place to wait for a flight.
WiFi
Completely free, unlimited WiFi blankets the entire terminal. Connect to the Linz Airport Free WiFi network, accept the simple terms and conditions, and you are online, making streaming and last-minute downloads a breeze. Charging stations with standard European power outlets are well-distributed across the gate areas.
Other Amenities
An information desk acts as a central help hub for all travel queries. The airport includes a children's play area, making it surprisingly family-friendly. A chapel and prayer room is available on the gallery level near the viewing terrace, offering a quiet place for reflection.
Airport Lounges at Linz Airport
Given the airport's compact size and focus on low-cost and charter carriers, the exclusive airline lounge landscape is minimal. Most flights operate on a no-frills European model, where standard lounge access is not a typical part of the ticket buy. However, various facilities serve the business and private flight community.
Airline Lounges at Linz Airport
Executive Conference Lounge
- Location: Landside, upper floor near the gallery and chapel.
- Features: This isn't a typical recliner-and-buffet lounge but a rentable, soundproofed business room ideal for meetings and focused work.
- Access: Available for hire by the hour. No flight ticket class automatically grants access; this is a pay-per-use facility.
Priority Pass Lounges at Linz Airport
Currently, Linz Airport is not featured in the Priority Pass network. No lounges accept Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass for walk-in access. Members leveraging such programs must use any dining or retail credit available at the landside cafe, if eligible, otherwise, standard facilities apply. Credit card-affiliated lounges like the Centurion Lounge from American Express are not present at this airport.
| Lounge Name | Location | Access Method | Day Pass Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Conference Lounge | Landside, upper floor | Hourly rental | $70 | Privacy, meeting table, WiFi, catering on request |
| General Departure Area | Airside, gate area | Open to all departing passengers | Free | Windows, standard seating, cafe adjacent |
Other Airports in the Region
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Distance to Linz city center: 190 km (1 hour 45 minutes by car, 1 hour 15 minutes by Railjet train). Vienna is the region's major intercontinental hub, offering the widest variety of global routes. Best for long-haul flights to Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. Its high-speed train connection directly from Linz main station makes it surprisingly accessible.
Salzburg Airport (SZG)
Distance to Linz city center: 130 km (1 hour 20 minutes by car). Salzburg Airport is a significant alternative, especially advantageous for winter sports travel due to its premier ski-season charter network. Ideal for reaching Western Austria and parts of Bavaria, with a terminal that shares the same manageable, stress-free feel as Linz.
Linz Airport Overview
Linz Airport, officially named Flughafen Linz, traces its commercial roots to the 1950s, evolving from a humble runway into a pivotal gateway for Upper Austria. It is located approximately 14 kilometers southwest of Linz city center in the town of Hörsching. Known alternatively for decades as the Blue Danube Airport, a brand used to highlight its economic and tourist appeal, the airport uniquely serves as both a civilian international airport and a base for the Austrian Air Force. Vogler Air Base occupies the northeastern part of the airfield. Annual passenger traffic sits in the range of 400,000 to 500,000, a figure characterized by seasonal leisure peaks rather than dense daily business commute routes. One passenger terminal handles all traffic.
Linz Airport Postal Code
Postal code: 4063
City: Hörsching
Province/State: Upper Austria (Oberösterreich)
Country: Austria
Complete address: Linz Airport, Flughafenstraße 1, 4063 Hörsching, Austria
Duty Free and Shopping at Linz Airport
Duty-free shopping is available airside for passengers traveling to non-EU destinations. The main shop is located in the departure lounge immediately after security. It is a compact yet well-stocked outlet. Because the airport is within the European Union, flights to other EU countries do not qualify for tax-free purchases on alcohol and tobacco. The best strategy is to shop at the airport for last-minute essentials and travel accessories, while the Christmas markets and retailers in Linz city center offer better variety and value for genuine Austrian souvenirs.
The shop stock focuses on core travel retail categories: popular spirits, boxes of Austrian chocolate from Manner and Mirabell, fragrances, and a corner for press and paperbacks. There is also a small travel essentials store landside.
| Product | Category | Approximate Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mirabell Mozartkugeln | Austrian Chocolate | $10 |
| Manner Schnitten Pack | Austrian Snack | $8 |
| 1L Classic Austrian Schnapps | Spirits | $22 |
| Designer Fragrance (30ml) | Perfume | $65 |
| Tobacco Carton (200 cigs) | Tobacco | $65 |
Security Wait Times at Linz Airport
The security screening at Linz Airport is a model of efficiency and calm. The compact nature of the terminal means passenger volume is manageable, rarely resulting in the lengthy, serpentine queues seen at larger hubs. At quiet times, travelers can expect to pass from the entrance to the gate lounge in under 10 minutes, including security. The single security checkpoint is centrally located, leading into the airside zone. Standard EU aviation security rules apply: liquids cannot exceed 100ml and must be in a clear, resealable bag, while large electronics must be out of cases for scan. The facility does not participate in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, as those are American programs, but the standard process is genuinely swift.
| Terminal | Typical Wait Time | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal | 5 to 17 minutes | 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM |
Linz Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information
Departures drop-off happens directly on the curbside of the terminal. The airport's kiss-and-fly zone allows passengers immediate access to the front door. Parking at the curb for longer than a quick unload is restricted, with marshals moving unattended cars promptly. For arrivals, the designated cell phone waiting lot offers free waiting for up to 30 minutes. This lot is positioned barely 100 meters from the arrival hall exit, so pickups are a seamless process of a short drive around. As a curb-safety measure, vehicles must be ready to greet passengers curbside immediately; lingering without a passenger is not allowed.
Flight Routes and Airlines at Linz Airport
The airlines serving the airport deliver a focused roster of vital connections. Ryanair, the anchor low-cost carrier, makes a dramatic impact on the summer timetable. Core scheduled flights link Linz to major European cities. In summer 2026, key Ryanair routes served with frequency include Alicante, Bari, and London. Eurowings also offers a presence, with flights connecting Linz to holiday destinations like Greece.
A substantial portion of the airport's traffic arises from chartered and package-holiday flights. These seasonal services burst onto the timetable in the warmer months. Destinations pivot towards Mediterranean sun spots, including an extensive Greek program to Rhodes, Kos, Crete, Kefalonia, Lefkas, and Skiathos, alongside routes spread across Croatia, Spain, the Balearics, Turkey, Egypt, and even rarer connections to Norman-French hubs like Le Havre and Montpellier. For the best seats and prices, booking early is imperative.
Getting to and from Linz Airport
This Austrian gateway is supremely convenient thanks to its regional positioning. Seamless road and bus infrastructure make transfers predictable.
Car Rental at Linz Airport
Taking to the wheel after landing is brilliant for exploring the Danube Valley and the Salzkammergut lake district at your own pace. Car rental desks sit inside the terminal on the arrivals floor. The lineup provides strong coverage from global and local players. Companies present include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt, alongside value-oriented options like Flizzr.
Popular vehicle choices reflect the region's tri-mix of city travel, autobahn cruising, and Alpine touring. Compact economy cars are a city favorite, while a sturdy SUV or sedan is highly recommended for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. All counters are immediately visible upon exiting baggage claim. An advance booking is not just recommended; it is critical during summer festival season, as inventory is limited. Click here to book your rental car in advance.
Linz Airport Taxi Services
The official taxi rank is right outside arrivals. Airport-specific taxis operate under a fixed agreement, with a typical tariff of $45 to $55 for a ride to Linz central hotels. The ride takes about 18 minutes. Meters are running, but drivers will offer a flat-rate quote that matches the usual cost. Payment is via both cash and credit card.
Private Car Services at Linz Airport
A pre-booked town car service is the premium option for those heading to business meetings or wanting a seamless greeting upon arrival. A driver will hold a nameplate in the arrivals hall, assist with bulky luggage, and offer a fixed, agreed-upon rate that is only marginally elevated above the standard taxi fare.
Bus Services at Linz Airport
The 601 bus is the public king for transport to the city. It stops within a minute's walk of the terminal exit and runs to the central train station and downtown over a 22-minute route. Fares are down-to-earth at $4.50.
Hotel Shuttles
A handful of area hotels near Hörsching and in the southern fringe of Linz provide private shuttle services. These are typically complimentary but must be requested at the time of hotel booking, as they rarely run on a continuous loop. It's worth confirming your flight time to coordinate.
Parking at Linz Airport
Parking is a stress-free experience. Lot P1 is the short-term choice directly opposite the terminal building, with a rate of about $3.50 per hour and $35 per day. The long-term parking extends into P2 and later lots, slightly farther but still only a brief 200-meter walk, with rates of $25 per day. A generous 30-minute free parking zone is allowed for quick hellos and goodbyes. For electric vehicle drivers, charging stations are located in the P1 premium zone, accessible to all parking ticket holders.
Places to Explore Near Linz Airport
The central attraction is, of course, the city of Linz itself, located 14 km away and reachable in 18 minutes. The Ars Electronica Center and Lentos Kunstmuseum are world-renowned. For regional beauty, head to St. Florian Monastery, a Baroque marvel just 15 minutes south. The natural magnificence of the Salzkammergut lakes can start with Gmunden am Traunsee, a 45-minute drive that rewards travelers with lake promenades and mountain backdrops. A day trip to the historic core of Salzburg takes 1 hour 20 minutes and is a must-do.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Linz
Linz enjoys a classic temperate Central European climate. Summers (June to August) are warm and pleasant, with high temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F), perfect for open-air events. Winter (December to February) is cold, typically hovering around freezing 0°C (32°F), with the chance of snow lending a magical charm to Christmas markets. Spring, from April onward, sees blooming gardens and days in the 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) range.
The optimal time to arrive is undoubtedly May to September, coinciding with the full summer flight schedule, lakeside swimming warmth, and cultural festival heights.
Essential Travel Tips
For a flight at Linz Airport, arriving 90 minutes before departure is ample time, even with a checked bag. Always check the flight status before leaving, particularly for winter fog delays. Pack a universal power adapter for Austria's two-pin European plugs.
Currency is the Euro. Cards are widely used, though some taxis prefer cash, so keep a mix. The local language is German, though English is spoken widely in the airport and by car rental staff. An international driver's permit is not required for holders of a US, UK, or EU license, though having one is still good practice. A fuel station is situated just two minutes from the airport roundabout on Wiener Straße, making refuel before rental return a breeze.
About the City
Linz is the picturesque capital of Upper Austria, embracing both its industrial past and a dazzling future as a UNESCO City of Media Arts. With 200,000 residents, it feels spirited yet not overwhelmingly busy. The magnificent Danube curves right through the city, flanked by the vibrant Lentos art museum and the futuristic Ars Electronica Center. The culinary soul lies in classics like Linzer Torte and cozy Heuriger taverns. Whether as a base for exploring the Salzkammergut or diving into a deeply creative local scene, Linz is an unheralded star of Austrian life.
Start Your Journey at Linz Airport
Touching down at Linz Airport is a palate cleanser from the hustle of high-traffic European hubs. With immediate access to car highways, an efficient local bus link, and an admirably compact terminal, your holiday can literally start in minutes. Do not wait to lock in the perfect transport this travel season. Tap the link and book your rental car today to unlock all the wonders of Upper Austria.
Frequently Asked Questions about Linz Airport (LNZ) Airport
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