Stuttgart, a vibrant city in southern Germany, is well-connected and accessible through various modes of transportation. Whether you’re arriving by air, train, bus, or car, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your journey. Its central location makes it a key travel hub in Europe, with efficient connections to neighboring countries and cities. The city’s well-developed infrastructure ensures smooth transit, whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or a family trip. No matter your starting point, reaching Stuttgart is convenient, affordable, and stress-free.
Best Ways to Get to Stuttgart
By Air
Fast & Easy Connections
Stuttgart Airport (STR) is the primary gateway for international and domestic flights to the city. Located about 13 kilometers south of Stuttgart’s city center, the airport ensures a smooth arrival for travelers. It serves numerous airlines offering flights from major European cities and beyond.
- Major Airlines: Stuttgart Airport is served by popular airlines such as Lufthansa, Eurowings, and KLM, offering connections across Europe and beyond.
- Getting to the City Center S-Bahn Train: S2 and S3 lines connect the airport to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (main train station) in approximately 30 minutes. Trains run frequently, and a ticket for 2 zones is required.
- Taxi and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available outside the terminal and take about 20 minutes to reach the city center.
- Airport Shuttles: Several hotels offer shuttle services, or you can use regional bus transfers.
Search and Compare Cheap Flights to Stuttgart – Book Your Tickets in One Click.
By Train
Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof: Germany’s Key Rail Hub
Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is one of Germany’s busiest and most well-connected train stations. It serves as a major gateway for high-speed ICE, IC, and regional trains, all operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) for reliable and efficient travel. high-speed ICE, IC, and regional train connections. Trains are operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB), ensuring a reliable and efficient travel experience.
Popular Train Routes to Stuttgart
- Frankfurt → Stuttgart: ~1.5 hours (ICE)
- Munich → Stuttgart: ~2.5 hours (ICE)
- Paris → Stuttgart: ~3 hours (TGV high-speed train)
How to Book Train Tickets
Purchase tickets easily through:
✅ Deutsche Bahn (DB) Official Website – Best for direct bookings
✅ Trainline – Compare prices & routes
✅ Omio – Multi-transport booking
📌 Pro Tip: Book in advance for the best fares!
Traveling to Stuttgart from the Netherlands?
Planning a train trip to Stuttgart from the Netherlands? NS International offers fast, reliable connections with easy booking and up-to-date schedules.
✅ Why Choose NS International?
- Direct routes & seamless transfers
- Real-time schedule updates
- Easy online ticket booking
📌 Pro Tip: Book early for the best prices and seat availability.
🔗 Plan your trip: NS International Official Website
By Bus
Budget-Friendly Option
Traveling to Stuttgart by long-distance bus is the most affordable option, perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. Leading operators like FlixBus and BlaBlaBus provide direct routes from major cities across Germany and Europe.
📍 Key Bus Stations in Stuttgart
✅ ZOB Stuttgart (Central Bus Station)
- Located near the city center
- Easy access to local transit (U-Bahn, trams, buses)
✅ Stuttgart Airport Busterminal (SAB)
- Serves international & long-distance buses
- Features waiting areas, shops, and direct S-Bahn connections to downtown
How to Book Cheap Bus Tickets
Compare prices and book easily on:
🔹 FlixBus (Best for direct routes)
🔹 Omio (Compares multiple providers)
💡 Pro Tip: Book early for the lowest fares—last-minute tickets cost more!
Driving to Stuttgart
The Ultimate Road Trip Option
Stuttgart is perfectly connected to Germany’s Autobahn network, making it an easy and scenic drive from cities across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Key Highways to Stuttgart
- A8 (Munich–Stuttgart–Karlsruhe) – Connects to Austria & Eastern Europe
- A81 (Würzburg–Stuttgart–Lake Constance) – Links to Switzerland
- A7 & A6 – Alternative routes from northern Germany & France
Why Drive to Stuttgart?
- Flexibility – Explore at your own pace
- Day Trip Potential – Visit the Black Forest, Heidelberg, or Hohenzollern Castle
- Easy Rentals – Major agencies (Sixt, Europcar, Hertz) at Stuttgart Airport and city locations
👉 Compare rental deals: DiscoverCars (best for price comparisons)
Smart Parking Tips
- Park & Ride (P+R) – Cheaper parking on the outskirts + quick U-Bahn to center
- City Center Garages – Try “Parkhaus Königstraße” or “Q-Park am Schlossplatz”
- Avoid Rush Hour – Weekdays 7-9 AM & 4-6 PM get congested
💡 Pro Tip: Use Google Maps’ “Avoid Tolls” feature to skip expensive Autobahn vignettes (Switzerland/Austria).
By Ferry
Alternative Ferry Routes to Stuttgart (Via Nearby Ports)
While Stuttgart itself is not directly accessible by ferry due to its inland location, travelers can arrive at nearby ports like Frankfurt or Basel and continue to Stuttgart via train or car. Ferry services primarily connect travelers from neighboring countries across rivers or coastal routes.
📍 Closest International Ferry Ports
- Basel, Switzerland (Rhine River) – 3h to Stuttgart by train/car
- Frankfurt (Main River) – 1.5h by high-speed ICE train
- Strasbourg, France (Rhine–Marne Canal) – 2h by car
Why Consider a Ferry?
- Scenic & Relaxing – Perfect for river cruises from France/Switzerland/Netherlands
- Multimodal Adventure – Pair with a train ride through Germany’s countryside
- Eco-Friendly – Lower carbon footprint than flying
📌 Planning Tips
- Book Early – Limited ferry routes; reserve ahead for peak seasons
- Compare Routes – Use Direct Ferries for schedules/pricing
- Seamless Connections – Trains from Basel/Frankfurt run hourly to Stuttgart
💡 Pro Tip: Some river cruises (e.g., Viking, A-Rosa) include Stuttgart excursions—check itineraries!
How to Get Around Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a dynamic city with a well-connected and efficient transportation network, making it easy to explore its cultural landmarks, scenic vineyards, and bustling markets. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, this ultimate transportation guide will help you navigate Stuttgart effortlessly.
1. Public Transport (VVS) – Trains, Trams & Buses
Stuttgart’s VVS network covers every corner of the city:
- S-Bahn – Fast connections to the airport (S2/S3) and suburbs.
- Stadtbahn (Trams) – Iconic yellow trams are perfect for city-center sightseeing.
- Buses – Fill in gaps where trains/trams don’t reach.
Tickets & Passes:
- Single/group tickets at stations or via the VVS app.
- Stuttgart Card – Unlimited rides + discounts on attractions.
2. Cycling, Eco-Friendly & Scenic
Explore Stuttgart on two wheels. The city is increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and bike rental services like Call a Bike and Nextbike.
- E-Bikes: Perfect for tackling Stuttgart’s hills.
- Cycle Routes: Neckar River path or vineyard trails (e.g., Untertürkheim).
3. Taxis and Ride-Sharing
For a more personalized travel experience, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available. Taxi stands are conveniently located near major transport hubs.
- Taxis: Metered fares (~€3.50 base + €2/km). Find them at hubs like Hauptbahnhof.
- Apps: FREE NOW (local taxis) or Uber.
4. Driving & Car Rentals – For Day Trips
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Stuttgart and the surrounding regions, including the Black Forest and Schwäbisch Hall.
- Rentals: Compare prices at DiscoverCars.
- Parking: Use Park & Ride (P+R) lots (e.g., Möhringen) or garages like Parkhaus am Schlossplatz.
- Note: You need an Umweltplakette (emission sticker) to enter the city center!
5. Walking in Stuttgart, Best for the City Center
Stuttgart’s compact center is perfect for exploring on foot!
📍 Top Walkable Areas:
- Königstraße – Vibrant shopping street with cafes and historic buildings
- Schlossplatz – The heart of Stuttgart, ideal for people-watching
- Schlossgarten – A lush urban park perfect for relaxing strolls
Walking Tours:
- Free Option: Stuttgart Greeters (Local-led tours with insider tips)
- Guided Group Tours:
- “Old Town Highlights Tour” – Explore history from the Market Hall to the Collegiate Church
- “Stuttgart Wine Walk” – Sample local wines while touring vineyards
- “Third Reich & WWII Tour” – Dive into Stuttgart’s wartime history
💡 Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes – those cobblestone streets look charming but can be tough on feet!
6. Getting to the Suburbs
For day trips or exploring beyond the city, use regional trains or buses. Destinations like Ludwigsburg Palace or the vineyards of Esslingen are easily accessible.
- Regional Trains & Buses: Quick rides to Ludwigsburg Palace, Esslingen, and more.
- Baden-Württemberg Ticket: Unlimited travel for €25/day (group discounts).
- My Tip: Travel early to beat crowds and enjoy the local cafés.
Bonus Tip: Download These Apps
To make your transport stress-free, I use:
- VVS Mobil – Live transport updates
- DB Navigator – Regional train schedules
- Google Maps/Citymapper – Real-time routes
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid rush hour (7:30–9 AM & 4–6 PM) for smoother trips.
Best Tips for Traveling to Stuttgart
✅ Compare Flights to STR (Stuttgart Airport)
Use platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kiwi.com to find the best deals. Stuttgart Airport (STR) is just 25–30 minutes from the city center via S-Bahn.
✅ Book Train Tickets Early with Deutsche Bahn
For cheap long-distance travel, book Deutsche Bahn Saver Fares in advance. Consider a BahnCard if you’ll take multiple trains in Germany.
✅ Check Alternative Airports (Frankfurt or Zurich)
Flying into Frankfurt (FRA) or Zurich (ZRH) can save money. Both offer fast train links — book through Deutsche Bahn.
✅ Buy a Day Pass for Public Transport
Staying a few days? Grab a VVS Day Ticket to save on metro, tram, and bus rides across Stuttgart and nearby areas.
✅ Download the VVS or DB Navigator Apps
Use the VVS App or DB Navigator for real-time transit info, ticketing, and English-language route planning.
✅ Book Ahead for Event Seasons
During events like the Stuttgart Christmas Market or Cannstatter Volksfest, hotels get full quickly. Use Booking.com – Stuttgart to secure a stay early.
✅ Stay Central for Short Trips
If you’re visiting for 1–2 days, book a hotel near Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof or in Mitte for maximum convenience.
✅ Travel Light – Some Stations Lack Elevators
Not all metro or train stations are elevator-equipped. A small suitcase or backpack will make navigating stairs easier and smoother.
With all these tips and tools, I hope your trip to Stuttgart gets off to a smooth and stress-free start. Whether you’re flying in, hopping on a train, hitting the road, or even cycling your way here, getting around is super easy. I’ve done it myself and can say Stuttgart is a welcoming and well-connected city, no matter how you arrive. So pack your bags and get ready to explore – safe travels and enjoy every minute of your adventure.
Plan Your Full Trip to Stuttgart
Ready to explore Stuttgart? Check out my other helpful articles to make the most of your visit:
Stuttgart Travel Itinerary 2025 – Must-Visit Attractions & Local Tips – Discover top sights, local gems, seasonal highlights, and time-saving tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Where to Stay in Stuttgart: 2025 Guide to the Best Hotels, Hostels & Travel Tips – Find the perfect stay for every budget, from luxury hotels to cozy hostels and solo-friendly stays.