Graz Airport

Graz Airport (Thalerhof) is often referred to as the "airport of short distances" due to its incredible compactness and convenience. It serves as the aerial gateway to Styria — the "Green Heart" of Austria, where travellers are greeted not by the hustle of a massive hub, but by a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. Here, the journey from the car park to the boarding gate takes mere minutes, and the terminal windows offer picturesque views of the Alpine foothills. The airport perfectly combines modern infrastructure with Austrian hospitality, making the start or end of your journey as comfortable as possible.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Graz Airport is renowned for its well-thought-out logistics and lack of queues. It is one of the few airports where passengers can complete all formalities literally 20–30 minutes before departure.

A key advantage is transport accessibility. The airport is connected to the city not only by bus routes but also by the S-Bahn city train line (the station is within walking distance, about 300-400 metres from the terminal), allowing you to reach the centre of Graz in just 12 minutes.

All necessary amenities are provided for passengers: from a supermarket open seven days a week (a rarity for Austria) to a panoramic terrace where you can watch aircraft take off and land. There is also a comfortable VIP lounge and modern conference rooms.

• Official Website: www.flughafen-graz.at
• Information Desk Phone: +43 (316) 2902 172
• Address: Flughafenstraße 51, 8073 Feldkirchen bei Graz, Austria
• Email for General Enquiries: info@flughafen-graz.at
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on their official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost & Found Information: It is recommended to contact the airline directly. Contact details for the airport baggage tracing service: email: baggage.tracing@flughafen-graz.at, phone: +43 (316) 2902 535.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and answers to questions, you can use the main information desk phone number and email address.

Graz Airport (GRZ), located approximately 10 km south of the city centre, boasts excellent transport links, allowing travellers to reach it easily and quickly. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods.

Public Transport is the most economical and popular option. You can use either the train or the bus.

• Train (S-Bahn): The fastest way to reach the airport is the S-Bahn commuter train, line S5. It departs from Graz Central Station (Graz Hauptbahnhof) and reaches the Flughafen Graz-Feldkirchen station in just 12 minutes. From the station to the airport terminal, it is a walk of about 300 metres via a covered walkway. This is the ideal choice for those who value speed and accessibility.
• Bus: Regional buses (lines 630 and 631) connect the airport with the central bus station at Jakominiplatz. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or at ticket machines.

Taxi and Transfers are an excellent alternative for those travelling with a large amount of luggage or simply valuing comfort. A taxi ride from the centre of Graz to the airport will take about 15-20 minutes. The cost of the trip is usually between 25-35 Euros. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which is particularly convenient for groups and families, as the price will be fixed.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings of Styria. Offices of all major international rental companies are present at Graz Airport. The airport is conveniently located near the A2 and A9 motorways, making it easy to reach any point in Austria and neighbouring countries.

For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available, including covered multi-storey car parks and open-air lots. It is recommended to book a space online in advance to secure a more favourable rate.

If your plans include travelling around the region or you are looking for alternative routes, it is worth considering other nearby airports. These include Maribor Edvard Rusjan International Airport (59 km), Klagenfurt Airport (93 km), the major Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (113 km), as well as capital hubs — Zagreb Airport (147 km) and Vienna International Airport (151 km).

Graz Airport (GRZ), also known as Thalerhof, is distinguished by its compactness and convenience for passengers. Thanks to its well-thought-out layout, orientation here is very simple, making it ideal for those who dislike the hustle of large aviation hubs.

Structurally, the airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This completely eliminates the need to transfer between buildings — all procedures, from check-in to boarding, take place in one location. The terminal layout is intuitive: the ground floor houses check-in counters, the arrivals area, and baggage reclaim points. Rental company offices and exits to taxis and buses are also located here.

Going up to the first floor, you will enter the departures area. Here you will find the security checkpoint, after which passengers find themselves in the airside area with Duty Free shops, cafes, and boarding gates. Due to the small size of the airport, the path from the terminal entrance to the gate takes minimal time. All navigation is accompanied by clear signs in German and English.

Check-in and security screening at Graz Airport usually proceed very quickly. On average, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes, although during peak hours or at the height of the tourist season, this time may increase slightly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to drop off luggage without rushing, pass through control, and enjoy a cup of coffee before your flight. The simplicity and logic of the layout make Graz Airport one of the most comfortable in Austria.

The history of Graz Airport (GRZ), also known as Thalerhof, begins in 1913, when the construction of hangars began on the meadows near the city. Officially, it opened in 1914 and became one of the first airports in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Initially, it was used for military purposes, serving as a base for the Imperial and Royal Air Forces during the First World War.

After the war, the airport transitioned to civil use. A significant event occurred in 1925, when the first domestic air route in Austria was launched, connecting Vienna, Graz, and Klagenfurt. This route marked the beginning of civil aviation development in the region. However, like many European airports, it ceased civil flights during the Second World War and resumed them only in 1951.

The second half of the 20th century was a period of active growth and modernisation. In 1951, the first concrete runway, 1,500 metres long, was built, allowing for the reception of larger aircraft. In 1969, the runway was extended to 2,500 metres, and in 1998 to 3,000 metres, making the airport capable of handling almost all types of modern aircraft. The first regular international flight was operated in 1962 to Frankfurt.

The most extensive reconstruction took place at the turn of the century. Between 1994 and 2005, a new, modern passenger terminal was built, significantly increasing capacity and the level of comfort for passengers. These improvements allowed the airport to set a record in 2018, when annual passenger traffic exceeded 1 million people for the first time. Today, Graz Airport is an important transport hub connecting Styria with all of Europe and the world.

Graz Airport (GRZ) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find cosy cafes and a restaurant where you can have a full lunch or a quick snack before departure. For those who enjoy shopping, the Duty Free & Travel Value shop operates, offering a wide range of perfumery, cosmetics, beverages, confectionery, and Austrian souvenirs.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets. Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the services of the VIP Lounge, where one can relax in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy snacks and refreshments. For business travellers, modern conference rooms suitable for meetings and events are equipped.

ATMs and currency exchange points are located in the terminal building, allowing you to conveniently resolve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility, who are provided with all necessary assistance and accompaniment. For travellers with small children, there are baby care rooms with changing tables.

In case of feeling unwell, you can visit the first aid station. If you need to stay overnight, hotels such as the Amedia Express Graz Airport and Hotel Ramada Graz are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering comfortable accommodation and convenient access to the terminal.

Graz Airport (GRZ) offers passengers several cosy establishments where one can refresh oneself before departure or after arrival. Despite its compact size, the airport ensures a decent selection for every taste and budget, from a quick coffee with pastries to a full lunch in the traditions of Austria.

For those who have time and wish to have a substantial meal, the Globetrotter restaurant operates in the public area (landside) on the first floor of the main terminal. Here you can order dishes of international and local Styrian cuisine. This is the ideal place to try a classic Viennese schnitzel or a hearty goulash before your flight. The restaurant is open throughout the day and is suitable for meetings with those seeing you off. The price range here is moderate, allowing you to enjoy quality food without significant expense.

If you need a quick snack, pay attention to the Kitchen by Trautmann café-bistro, also located in the public area. Here, fresh sandwiches, salads, soups of the day, and, of course, famous Austrian coffee with apple strudel or Sacher cake await you. After passing security control (airside), in the departure zone, you will find another café, Sparrow, where you can grab a coffee to go or have a light snack while waiting for boarding.

Regarding dietary preferences, the menus of the main restaurant and cafes usually feature vegetarian dishes, such as salads or vegetable sides. It may be more challenging to find specific gluten-free or vegan options, so it is recommended to check information directly with the staff. Most establishments begin operations early in the morning to serve passengers of the first flights and close after the departure of the last aircraft, ensuring food availability throughout the day.

Travelling through Graz Airport (GRZ) usually proceeds smoothly and comfortably, as it is a small and well-organised aviation hub. However, a few tips will help make your trip even more pleasant and avoid unforeseen situations.

Arrival Time: For flights within the Schengen area, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If your destination is outside the Schengen area, it is better to arrive earlier — 2.5-3 hours in advance. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, even during peak hours.

Check-in and Security: To save time, complete online check-in for your flight and save the boarding pass on your smartphone. Graz Airport is not as busy as major hubs, so security queues are usually short. Nevertheless, prepare liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and electronic devices in advance to present them quickly for inspection.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. In hand luggage, besides standard restrictions on liquids, sharp objects are prohibited. Power banks and other batteries must be carried only in hand luggage.

Connecting Passengers and Customs: If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Generally, when transferring within the Schengen area, re-screening is not required. When entering Austria from non-EU countries, follow the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare, or the "Red Channel" if you do.

Savings and Useful Hacks: To save money, use public transport to travel to or from the airport — it is cheaper than a taxi. Bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so a light snack brought from home would not go amiss.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, monitor information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. For long delays (more than 2-3 hours), the air carrier is obliged to provide you with beverages and meals. Do not hesitate to contact the airline counter for information and assistance. Stay calm and use the free time to relax or browse the shops.