Nuremberg Airport (NUE) – Complete Travel Guide 2026
IATA Code
NUE
ICAO Code
EDDN
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Nuremberg Airport quick facts
| Airport Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Flughafenstraße 100, 90411 Nürnberg, Germany |
| Website | www.airport-nuernberg.de |
| Airlines | Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair, Corendon Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Vueling, Swiss International Air Lines |
| Terminals | One main passenger terminal with departure and arrival halls, connected to a new Transfer Control Terminal (TCT) |
| Annual Passengers | Approximately 4.5 million |
| Hub for | Eurowings (focus city), Corendon Airlines (seasonal base) |
| Phone Number | +49 911 93700 |
Nuremberg Airport Terminal Map and Layout
Nuremberg Airport features a single, exceptionally well-organized passenger terminal designed for intuitive navigation. The architecture emphasizes natural light through extensive steel and glass construction, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The terminal operates linearly under one roof, seamlessly integrating departure and arrival areas. A major recent development is the Transfer Control Terminal, an 8,300-square-meter facility with 12 security lanes that officially opened in October 2025. This addition separates Schengen and non-Schengen passenger flows to meet updated European Union security regulations, significantly modernizing the travel experience.
Walking from the main entrance through security to the farthest gate takes no more than 10 minutes. The compact design eliminates the need for internal shuttles or trains. Moving walkways assist travelers along the main concourse. For connecting flights, simply follow the clearly marked signs — there is no need to change buildings. The airport's simplicity is one of its greatest assets, making it nearly impossible to get lost.
Navigating Nuremberg Airport Terminals
Main Terminal
- Airlines: All airlines operate from this terminal, including Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, Air France, KLM, Swiss, Vueling, Pegasus Airlines, and Corendon Airlines.
- Key Features: The terminal houses 40 check-in counters, a large departures lounge, and five boarding bridges. The new Transfer Control Terminal now serves as the primary security checkpoint for most passengers.
- Dining and Shopping: You will find a grocery store, a bakery, a bistro, and the Dürer Lounge post-security. The airside area features a duty-free shop with a solid selection of Franconian regional products.
Transportation to and from Nuremberg Airport
Reaching Nuremberg Airport from the city center is remarkably easy. Located just 5 kilometers north of the historic center, the airport connects directly to the metro network. This means you can step off your plane and be in the heart of the medieval old town within about 13 minutes, a speed that makes this one of Germany's most accessible airports.
Getting to and from Nuremberg Airport by Car
The airport sits right off the A3 motorway, exit Nürnberg-Nord. Traffic around the airport is generally smooth, though weekday morning rush hours between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM can see some congestion on surrounding roads. Allow an extra 15 minutes during these times.
Getting to and from Nuremberg Airport by Rideshare or Taxi
Uber and the local service FreeNow operate throughout Nuremberg. Designated pickup zones are located directly outside the arrivals hall. Simply exit the baggage claim area, and you will see the waiting vehicles. A ride to the city center costs approximately $25 to $35, depending on demand and exact destination. Taxis are also plentiful, with a dedicated rank immediately outside arrivals. A taxi to the Hauptmarkt costs a fixed rate around $30. All drivers accept both cash and card payments.
Getting to and from Nuremberg Airport by Public Transportation
The U-Bahn line U2 connects the airport directly to Nuremberg Central Station. This is the fastest and cheapest method. The station sits right below the terminal, accessible via elevators and escalators. Trains depart every 10 minutes during the day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow signs for U-Bahn U2 after exiting baggage claim.
- Purchase a ticket from the blue machines on the platform. Select a single ticket for Zone A.
- Board any train heading toward Röthenbach.
- Ride for approximately 13 minutes and exit at Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof.
| Route | First Train | Last Train | Frequency | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U2 to Central Station | Approx. 4:30 AM | Approx. 1:00 AM | Every 10 min | $3.50 approx. |
Key Amenities at Nuremberg Airport
ATMs
Several ATMs from German banks are located in the arrivals hall, near the check-in counters, and airside in the departures lounge. Most accept international Visa and Mastercard.
Lost and Found
The airport's lost and found office manages items left in the terminal. For items left on an aircraft, you must contact your airline directly. The lost and found office is located in the arrivals hall. You can reach them by phone at +49 911 937 2052 or via the inquiry form on the airport website.
Luggage Services
Luggage carts are available in the arrivals hall and near the parking garages, requiring a €1 or €2 coin deposit which is returned when the cart is docked. A secure luggage storage facility is not currently advertised, so plan to use your hotel for storage. A luggage wrapping service is available airside for approximately $10 per bag.
Pets
An outdoor pet relief area is located in the landscaped zones just outside the terminal building. When entering the terminal, pets must be in a secure carrier.
Showers
Shower facilities are available inside the Dürer Lounge. For passengers not accessing the lounge, public showers are not currently available airside.
Currency Exchange
A ReiseBank branch in the arrivals hall handles currency exchange and typical banking services, operating during peak flight hours from approximately 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Smoking Area
Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking cabins, which are located airside after security. Smoking is strictly prohibited elsewhere inside the terminal.
Terminal Building Features
The terminal is barrier-free, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout. Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility can be booked in advance through your airline. Clear signage guides travelers in both German and English.
WiFi
Complimentary WiFi is available throughout Nuremberg Airport. Connect to the Airport-Free-WiFi network, and you will be prompted to log in after accepting the terms of use. Clocking in at decent speeds, it allows for smooth browsing and streaming. Charging stations with power outlets and USB ports are located near most gate seating areas.
Other Amenities
An information desk operates in the main concourse during flight times. The airport also has a chapel and quiet room located on the gallery level, providing a calm space for reflection. A pharmacy and a supermarket are located within the airport complex, open during standard German shopping hours.
Airport Lounges at Nuremberg Airport
The lounge scene at Nuremberg Airport focuses on quality over quantity. Two main lounges serve the terminal, offering comfortable spaces to work or relax before departure.
Airline Lounges at Nuremberg Airport
Dürer Lounge
- Location: Departures level, airside, near the boarding gates.
- Standout Features: Named after the famous Nuremberg artist Albrecht Dürer, this lounge offers a quiet atmosphere, a manageable but tasty buffet with snacks and drinks, comfortable seating, shower facilities, and views of the apron.
- How to Access: Access is granted to business class passengers and status holders of Lufthansa and partner airlines. A day pass costs approximately $30 at the door.
Credit Card-Affiliated Lounges
Noris SKY Lounge
- Location: Departures level, airside. Follow signs for the Lounge.
- Standout Features: The Noris SKY Lounge features workstations, reading materials, a vegetarian-friendly menu, and a selection of beers and wines, including local Franconian specialties.
- How to Access: Open to Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and Diners Club members. Day passes are available for approximately $40.
Priority Pass Lounges at Nuremberg Airport
Priority Pass members can access the Noris SKY Lounge. There are no restaurant credit programs at this location. The lounge can occasionally reach capacity during peak summer months, but generally remains a peaceful retreat compared to larger European hubs like Munich or Frankfurt.
| Lounge Name | Location | Access Method | Day Pass Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dürer Lounge | Airside, near gates | Business class ticket, Lufthansa status | $30 | Showers, buffet, drinks, apron views |
| Noris SKY Lounge | Airside, departures | Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club | $40 | Workspaces, regional beer, vegetarian food |
Other Airports in the Region
While Nuremberg Airport is the gateway to Franconia, Munich International Airport serves as the major intercontinental hub for the region.
Munich International Airport (MUC)
- Distance to City Center: Approximately 100 miles south of Nuremberg, about a 1.5-hour drive via the A9 motorway or a direct ICE train ride from Nuremberg Central Station.
- Best for: Long-haul international flights, especially to Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
- Unique Advantages: Extensive shopping, numerous lounges, and a visitor's park. It is a major Lufthansa hub with global connectivity.
Nuremberg Airport Overview
Nuremberg Airport, officially branded as Albrecht Dürer Airport Nürnberg, sits on a site with deep aviation roots. It is one of Germany's ten busiest airports and the second busiest in Bavaria after Munich. After a few challenging years, passenger numbers have rebounded, cementing the airport's role as the economic engine of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. Frankfurt and Antalya rank as the busiest routes. The airport operates 24 hours daily and serves as a crucial freight hub for the region.
Nuremberg Airport Postal Code
The complete mailing address is:
Flughafen Nürnberg GmbH
Flughafenstraße 100
90411 Nürnberg
Bavaria, Germany
Duty Free and Shopping at Nuremberg Airport
A well-stocked Heinemann Duty Free shop sits in the departures area past security. Travelers flying within the Schengen zone can shop duty-free, while those with non-Schengen destinations get more favorable tax rates. The airport places a premium on local products. In addition to the duty-free outlet, you will find a small supermarket (Edeka) perfect for grabbing pre-flight water bottles, fruits, and snacks at standard German retail prices.
| Product | Category | Approximate Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Local Franconian Wine (1 Bottle) | Regional Alcohol | $18 |
| Nürnberger Lebkuchen (Gingerbread Assortment) | Local Confectionery | $8 - $25 |
| German Chocolates (Ritter Sport variety) | Confectionery | $5 |
| Premium Spirits (1L Whisky or Cognac) | International Alcohol | $35 |
| Designer Fragrance (50ml) | Perfume | $85 |
Security Wait Times Nuremberg Airport
The new Transfer Control Terminal has transformed the security experience at Nuremberg Airport. Travelers consistently report smooth and fast processing. Wait times shot upwards only during major holiday peaks. The advice here generally holds: arrive 2 hours before a domestic or European flight, and 3 hours before an international flight to be safe.
| Terminal | Typical Wait Time | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Control Terminal (All flights) | 6 - 12 minutes | 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Nuremberg Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information
Dropping off passengers is free for up to 8 minutes directly in front of the terminal on the departures level. This is the kiss-and-fly zone. For arrivals pickup, the short-term parking area P5 is closest. You get 15 minutes free, making it perfect for quick hellos and loading luggage. A cell phone waiting lot is not formally marked, but many drivers use the nearby supermarket parking lot on Flughafenstraße for a few minutes, or simply pull into P5. Do not wait curbside, as unattended vehicles are quickly flagged by airport security due to stringent local regulations.
Flight Routes and Airlines at Nuremberg Airport
Nuremberg Airport connects Franconia to Europe and beyond. It is a significant focus city for Eurowings, which offers a dense network of connections to Mediterranean destinations, the Canary Islands, and major German cities.
The airport handles around 4.5 million passengers annually. Key hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Zurich are all served multiple times daily, feeding into global networks. Low-cost carriers Ryanair and Vueling offer affordable routes to cities across Spain, Italy, and Eastern Europe. Seasonal flights expand significantly in summer, with Corendon Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, and Aegean Airlines adding routes to Turkey, Greece, and Egypt. Popular year-round international destinations from Nuremberg Airport include Antalya, Palma de Mallorca, and Amsterdam.
Getting to and from Nuremberg Airport
The compact geography of the region makes ground transportation simple. Whether renting a car for a road trip on the Romantic Road or catching the direct metro to the Christmas Market, you spend less time in transit and more time enjoying Franconia.
Car Rental at Nuremberg Airport
All car rental counters sit in the arrivals terminal, a few steps from baggage claim. The providers available include Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Avis, and Budget. Economy cars are the most popular and suitable for city parking, but an SUV or 4x4 is recommended if you plan to explore the Franconian Switzerland countryside. Renting a car gives you the freedom to visit the Nuremberg Castle, the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, and nearby medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber at your own pace. Book your vehicle in advance to secure a 4x4 or an automatic transmission, as these are limited.
Nuremberg Airport Taxi Services
Taxis wait in an organized rank directly in front of the arrivals exit. Uber and FreeNow are the main ride-hailing apps operating locally. Fares are competitive between apps and official taxis. Expect to pay approximately $30 to the Hauptmarkt. Taxis accept credit cards, but it is wise to confirm with the driver before the journey begins.
Private Car Services
For a premium, fixed-rate experience, services like Sixt Ride and local chauffeur companies can be pre-booked. This is a great option for business travelers or families needing a child seat. Drivers will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
Bus Services at Nuremberg Airport
While the U-Bahn is the primary public transit link, city bus line 30 connects the airport to the northern districts and the Thon neighborhood. This is a bus useful for workers and residents but not generally the fastest path to the city center. The bus stop is on the terminal forecourt, and a single ticket mirrors the U-Bahn fare.
Hotel Shuttles
No hotels run complimentary shuttle services directly to Nuremberg Airport. The Mövenpick Hotel, located on the airport premises itself, is a few steps from the terminal, requiring no transportation. Other nearby hotels in Ziegelstein and the Nordostbahnhof areas are easily reached by U-Bahn U2 or a 10-minute taxi ride.
Parking at Nuremberg Airport
The airport operates several parking structures all connected to the terminal by short, covered walkways. Booking parking online through the airport's website gives a significant discount and guarantees a space during busy holiday periods. Payment is available at pay stations in the parking garages, online, or directly at the exit barrier using a credit card or EC card.
Electric vehicle charging stations are installed in parking garages P2 and P3. A limited number of spaces exists, so check availability on the airport website map before you arrive. The highest allowable vehicle height for the parking garages is 2.10 meters.
- Short-term Parking: Lot P5 and the Terminal forecourt. Ideal for pick-ups. The first 8 minutes on the forecourt and 15 minutes in P5 are free. After that, incremental hourly charges apply, making longer stays expensive quickly.
- Long-term Parking: Garages P2 and P3. These are the main parking options for travelers. They connect directly to the terminal by foot. P3 is a premium option with wider spaces. P4 is available exclusively through online booking and offers competitive rates.
- Economy/Budget Parking: The P31 lot is a surface parking area approximately 400 meters, or a 5-minute walk, from the terminal. It offers the lowest official on-airport rates.
Places to Explore Near Nuremberg Airport
- Nuremberg Old Town (Altstadt): 5 km, 13-minute U-Bahn ride. A perfectly rebuilt medieval masterpiece with a massive imperial castle and the lively Hauptmarkt square.
- Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds: 8 km, 15-minute drive. An immense museum examining the causes and consequences of Nazi rule, located in the unfinished Congress Hall.
- Playmobil FunPark: 20 km, 25-minute drive. A vast outdoor adventure playground from the famous local toy brand, perfect for families.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 80 km, 1-hour drive west. The jewel of Germanys Romantic Road, this perfectly intact walled town is a must-see day trip.
- Franconian Switzerland (Fränkische Schweiz): 40 km, 30-minute drive north. A stunning region of limestone cliffs, castles, and caves offering hiking, climbing, and traditional brewery pubs.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Nürnberg
Nuremberg enjoys a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Spring sees blooming flowers and mild temperatures from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C). Summer is pleasant but rarely excessively hot, with averages from 65°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C) and periodic thunderstorms. Autumn is vivid with foliage and crisp air, slowly cooling from 60°F down to 35°F (15°C to 2°C). Winter is chilly but magical, with temperatures hovering around 23°F to 39°F (-5°C to 4°C), often dusted with snow.
The Christkindlesmarkt during December transforms the Hauptmarkt into perhaps the worlds most famous Christmas market. For warmer weather, July and August are peak tourist months, with the Fränkische Bierfest and Klassik Open-Air concerts in the Luitpoldhain park. To experience traditional Franconian beer culture with fewer crowds, target late May or September.
Essential Travel Tips
- Arrival Time: Aim to arrive 2 hours before a domestic or Schengen flight and 3 hours before a non-Schengen international flight. The airport is efficient, but check-in and bag-drop lines close 40 to 60 minutes before departure.
- Flight Status: Download the Airport Nürnberg app or check the website for real-time departure and arrival updates. Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout the terminal.
- Packing Advice: Bring a sturdy shopping bag for the duty-free Lebkuchen and wine. Compact umbrellas are advisable year-round, and comfortable walking shoes are a must for Nurembergs cobblestone streets.
- Currency: The currency is the Euro. While cards are widely accepted, having at least $30 in cash is practical for small bakeries, market stalls, or taxi drivers who claim their machines are broken.
- Language: German is the official language. However, you will hear the Franconian dialect locally. English is widely spoken at the airport and in city-center hotels and restaurants.
- Documentation: Non-EU citizens keep your passport ready for immigration upon arrival. If renting a car, an International Driving Permit accompanied by your national license is recommended.
About the City
Nuremberg is truly one of Germanys most historically layered cities. As the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, it was a center of trade, science, and the arts Martin Behaim created the first globe here, and Albrecht Dürer painted his masterpieces in a timber-framed house that still stands. The citys near-total destruction in World War II and its meticulous post-war reconstruction stand as a testament to its importance to German identity. Today, with over half a million inhabitants, it is the economic heart of Franconia. The local cuisine is legendary: Nürnberger Rostbratwürste are small grilled sausages with marjoram, strictly protected by an EU geographical indication. Pair them with sauerkraut, potato salad, and a locally poured cellar beer, and you have a meal worth the journey alone.
Start Your Journey at Nuremberg Airport
Nuremberg Airport is the perfect gateway to discover Germany beyond the usual tourist track. Its small footprint and direct transit link mean you walk from plane to pub in under 30 minutes. The charm of the medieval old town, the traces of a profound history, and the deeply satisfying local cuisine await within minutes of touching down.
To unlock the best of the region at your own pace, from the castles of Franconian Switzerland to the vineyards of the Main Valley, reserve your rental car in advance. Your company's car rental comparison platform helps you find the most competitive rates at the airport, ensuring the moment you arrive, your adventure begins. Book your rental car at Nuremberg Airport today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nuremberg Airport (NUE) Airport
Everything you need to know before traveling through Nuremberg Airport (NUE)
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