Friedrichshafen Airport

Friedrichshafen Airport, also known as Bodensee Airport, is more than just an air gateway to southern Germany. Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee), it welcomes travelers with stunning views and an atmosphere close to nature. Thanks to its unique position at the foot of the Alps, the airport serves as an ideal starting point for trips to the ski resorts of Austria and Switzerland in winter and for summer holidays on the lake. As the third-largest airport in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, it combines compactness with modern infrastructure.

The main advantage of Friedrichshafen Airport is its exceptional convenience. Thanks to its compact size and the thoughtful layout of its single terminal, passengers can go through all pre-flight formalities quickly and without unnecessary stress. The airport has its own railway station (Friedrichshafen Flughafen), located directly opposite the terminal, from where trains regularly depart to the city center and other locations in the region. This makes it an excellent choice for tourists who value their time and prefer to travel in comfort, enjoying easy access to the beauties of Lake Constance and the Alpine peaks.

Below you will find useful contact details for Friedrichshafen Airport, which will help you plan your trip and navigate your way upon arrival.

• Official Website: The most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations is available at www.bodensee-airport.eu.
• Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries and consultations, you can call +49 7541 284-0.
• Address: Am Flugplatz 64, 88046 Friedrichshafen, Germany.
• Email: Written inquiries can be sent to info@bodensee-airport.eu.
• Social Media: Follow news and special offers on the official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost and Found: In case of lost luggage during a flight, you should first contact your airline's representative. If you have left items in the terminal building, contact the Lost and Found office (Fundbüro) via the information desk phone.
• Passenger Support: The airport information center is ready to assist with any questions related to your stay at the airport.

Getting to Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) from the city center and its surroundings is effortless thanks to a well-developed transport system. The airport is located just 3-4 kilometers from the center of Friedrichshafen, so the trip will take very little time, whichever method you choose.

Public transport is the most popular and economical option. A dedicated railway station (Friedrichshafen Flughafen) is located right at the airport terminal. Regional Bodensee-Oberschwaben-Bahn (BOB) trains run at short intervals and take passengers to the main city station (Friedrichshafen Stadt) in just 3-5 minutes. The cost of a single ticket is about €3-4. This is arguably the fastest and most convenient way. Additionally, the airport can be reached by bus, where the same ticketing system applies.

If you value comfort or are traveling with heavy luggage, taxi or private transfer is a good choice. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals area. The trip to the city center will take about 10 minutes, and the cost usually ranges from €12-€15 depending on traffic conditions. Although this is a more expensive option compared to public transport, it provides maximum "door-to-door" convenience. Transfer services can be booked online in advance.

For those planning to actively explore the Lake Constance region, car rental is the ideal solution. Offices of several major rental companies operate in the arrivals hall of Friedrichshafen Airport. With a rented car, you can easily reach your hotel and freely explore the picturesque corners of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. For motorists arriving at the airport in their own cars, convenient parking lots are provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking located within walking distance of the terminal.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) is a modern and compact regional airport in southern Germany. Its key feature is one passenger terminal, which handles all flights, both domestic and international, including Schengen and non-Schengen destinations. Such a simple structure makes the airport extremely convenient for travelers, eliminating the need for long walks and complex navigation.

The terminal building is designed very logically and efficiently. All key zones are on the same level and within walking distance of each other. The main hall houses check-in counters, the information service, as well as airline offices and travel agencies. Since there is only one terminal, you won't have to worry about finding the right building or taking shuttles.

The airport layout is intuitive. The Departures zone begins immediately after the check-in counters. After passing security control, passengers enter the secure area, where boarding gates, several shops, and cafes are located. The Arrivals zone is located in the same part of the building; after disembarking, passengers proceed to the baggage claim belts and pass through customs control, after which they exit into the general arrivals hall. Here you can find car rental desks, order a taxi, or catch a bus to the city.

One of the main advantages of Friedrichshafen Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Check-in and pre-flight security checks usually take significantly less time compared to large international hubs. Despite this, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to calmly check in luggage, have a coffee, and proceed to your gate without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear signs in German and English. Due to the compactness of the building, you are unlikely to get lost. All services and zones are within a few minutes' walk, making travel through FDH maximally comfortable and predictable even for those visiting for the first time.

The history of Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) is essentially the history of the birth of aviation in Germany. Its story began long before the appearance of the airplanes we know today and is inextricably linked with the name of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. The official founding date is considered to be 1913, when the first hangar for airships was built here, and in 1915, the first test flights of the legendary Zeppelins launched from this site. This makes it one of the oldest operating airports in the country.

In the interwar period, the airport began receiving airplanes as well. As early as 1929, Lufthansa launched the first regular flight on the Stuttgart-Friedrichshafen-Zurich route. During World War II, the airfield was used for military purposes and was seriously damaged. After the war, it came under the control of French occupation forces, who restored it and used it for their needs, but civil transport soon resumed, marking the beginning of a new era in the airport's development.

The airport received a significant boost in development at the end of the 20th century. In 1994, a new modern terminal was opened, which allowed for a significant increase in passenger traffic. However, modernization did not end there. Due to the growing popularity of budget airlines and the Lake Constance tourist region, another more spacious and modern terminal was put into operation in 2010, which is still in use today. The runway was also extended to accommodate larger aircraft.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is its unique heritage. The Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik company, which builds next-generation airships, is still based next to the modern terminals. Tourists can not only fly into Friedrichshafen but also see these graceful giants in the sky conducting sightseeing flights — a direct reminder of where the history of this amazing place began.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait before their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal features thoughtful infrastructure that meets the needs of modern travelers.

Within the terminal, you will find several options for dining and shopping. There is a restaurant where you can have a full meal, and a cozy cafe for a light breakfast or a cup of coffee. The Duty Free shop offers a standard range of goods: perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs. For those seeking greater comfort, a premium lounge is available.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters online. Charging stations for electronic devices are also available. Financial services include ATMs and a currency exchange point where you can perform necessary transactions before departure.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. For families with small children, there are mother and child rooms with changing tables. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance: from special parking spaces and ramps to accompaniment on board the aircraft. In case of need, you can contact the first aid station.

If you need to stay overnight or hold a business meeting, several hotels offering comfortable rooms and conference halls are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. The proximity to the Messe Friedrichshafen exhibition center makes the airport convenient for participants of various events.

Despite its compact size, Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) offers passengers several cozy places where they can have a snack or a full meal while waiting for a flight. The selection of establishments here is modest but allows for a comfortable time both before and after passing security control.

The main establishment is located in the public zone (landside), before security screening. This is the Restaurant am Flugplatz, which is often praised for its excellent view of the airfield and the Zeppelin airship hangar. Here you can enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring local Swabian and international cuisine. We recommend trying traditional specialties such as Maultaschen (German ravioli) or Käsespätzle (cheese noodles). In the warmer months, an outdoor terrace may be open nearby — a great place to experience the Bavarian atmosphere with refreshments in the fresh air.

For those who have already passed security and are in the departure zone (airside), the Gate 66 bar-bistro is available. This is an ideal place for a quick snack. They offer sandwiches, pastries, salads, as well as hot and cold drinks, including coffee and various beverages. The assortment is designed for passengers who have limited time before boarding.

Regarding special dietary needs, choices may be limited. Vegetarian dishes are generally available in the main restaurant, but for vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options, it is best to verify their availability with the staff in advance. Prices in the airport establishments correspond to the average European level for such locations — slightly higher than in the city. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, starting from early morning until the departure of the last aircraft, however, it is strongly recommended to check current information on the official airport website before traveling.

Traveling through Friedrichshafen Airport, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Constance in Germany, usually goes smoothly thanks to its compact size. However, to avoid rushing, arrive at the airport in advance. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic and flights within the Schengen area — 1.5–2 hours. This will give you enough time for all pre-flight formalities.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to go straight to baggage drop-off or, if you are traveling light, to the security checkpoint. Security control here is standard for the EU, but be prepared to present electronic devices and containers with liquids separately. Procedures are quick, but it is better not to risk it.

When packing hand luggage, remember the general European rules: all liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter. Sharp objects, weapons, and other dangerous substances are prohibited. It is better to check the full list on your airline's website in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises at control.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that one side offers a stunning view of Lake Constance and the Alps — it is worth choosing a window seat for such shots. If you have a connecting flight, do not worry: thanks to the small size of the airport, navigation and transfer to the desired boarding gate usually take minimum time. The main thing is to ensure that your luggage is checked through to the final destination.

Customs control at Friedrichshafen Airport complies with European Union regulations. If you arrive from a country outside the EU, you will need to go through the "Green Channel" (if there is nothing to declare) or the "Red Channel" (if you have goods subject to declaration). For travelers within the Schengen area, passport control is generally absent, but random customs checks are possible.

There are several ways to save money. Book parking at the airport online and in advance — this is often cheaper. Instead of a taxi, consider public transport: buses run to the city and the railway station. Also, bring an empty reusable bottle to fill with water after passing security control and avoid spending money on expensive drinks.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information. Passengers in the EU are protected by Regulation 261/2004, which provides for assistance and compensation in certain situations. While waiting for your flight, you can use the services of cafes and shops located in the terminal.