Hamburg, Germany is a fantastic cruise port destination, and I'm excited to share some insider tips with you. Located on the Elbe River, the port is easily accessible by car or train, with the nearest airport just a short drive away.
The Hamburg cruise port is a major hub, with over 2 million passengers passing through each year. You'll find a wide range of cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, including Baltic Sea and Northern Europe cruises.
Hamburg is a treasure trove of history and culture, with over 2,500 years of history to explore. From the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall to the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district, there's something for every interest and age.
Getting around Hamburg is a breeze, with a comprehensive public transportation system and plenty of taxis available.
Getting from Hamburg Airport to Vice Versa
If you're planning a cruise from Hamburg, Germany, getting from the airport to the cruise port is relatively straightforward.
You have three options to get from Hamburg Airport to the HafenCity Cruise Center: take the metro to the Überseequartier metro station, which is just 300 meters from the port.
For the Altona Cruise Center, head to the Königstraße metro station by metro.
If you're headed to Steinwerder, take the metro to Veddel and then either take a taxi for the remaining 5 kilometers or wait for bus 256.
Location and Terminals
Hamburg's cruise terminals are strategically located along the Elbe River, with three modern facilities catering to the growing demand for cruise travel. The city's cruise port is Europe's second largest, stretching from the historic Speicherstadt to the modern container port.
The Steinweder Terminal, Hamburg's newest and most modern cruise terminal, is situated on the southern bank of the Elbe River, about 9 km from the city centre. It's the furthest cruise terminal away from Hamburg City Centre.
You can easily get to Hamburg City Centre from the Altona Terminal, which is on the northern bank of the Elbe River and the closest cruise terminal to the city centre. From here, you can walk along the Elbe River promenade to the Landungsbrücken in 30 minutes. If your ship is docked at Altona on a Sunday, you can visit the Fish Market, a few minutes' walk from the cruise terminal.
Location:
Hamburg has three modern cruise ship facilities within the port, located at HafenCity, Altona, and Steinwerder. Each terminal offers a unique experience and convenient access to the city.
The Hafen City terminal is within walking distance of the downtown area of Hamburg, making it an ideal location for cruise passengers.
The Steinwerder terminal, also known as the Cruise Center Steinwerder, is located on the southern bank of the Elbe River, about 9 km from Hamburg City Centre. It's the furthest cruise terminal away from Hamburg City Centre.
The Altona terminal, on the northern bank of the Elbe River, is the closest cruise terminal to the city centre, making it a convenient option for passengers. It's also well-connected to the city centre via multiple transportation options.
The Baakenhöft terminal, located on the eastern side of Hamburg city centre, is near the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall and the vibrant HafenCity district. It's well-connected via the U-Bahn and buses throughout the city.
The new HafenCity Cruise Centre will open in 2025, offering even more options for cruise passengers.
Which Is Where
So, you're trying to figure out which terminal to use at the airport. Well, it's usually determined by the airline you're flying with.
Some airports have multiple terminals, like Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. For example, at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Terminal 1 is used for United Airlines flights.
Transport and Arrivals
The Port of Hamburg is a major cruise hub, with three cruise terminals and a variety of ship arrivals.
You can get to the city centre from the Steinweder Terminal via your cruise line's shuttle bus, which takes under 30 minutes.
The ferry from Argentinienbrücke to Landungsbrücken is another option, with services running every 20 minutes during peak hour and 40 minutes otherwise.
Ferry #62 from the Altona Terminal also runs regularly, taking you to Landungsbrücken and allowing you to change to Ferry #72 to Elbphilharmonie for attractions.
Elbe Ship Arrivals
The Port of Hamburg is a major hub for cruise ships, with three cruise terminals catering to visitors from around the world.
The Port of Hamburg is known as the Gateway to the World, attracting visitors with its variety of ship arrivals and first-class cruise terminals.
You can find current cruise ship arrivals at the Cruise Centre Baakenhöft, the Docking Station in Altona, and Kronprinzkai in Steinwerder.
The Port of Hamburg is the starting point for most cruises to and from Germany, making it a convenient and popular destination for travelers.
The innovative and ultra-modern new HafenCity Cruise Centre will open in 2025, offering even more amenities and services for cruise ship fans.
Your Transport Options
Traveling from the cruise terminal to Hamburg City Centre is a breeze, and I'm excited to share my insider knowledge with you. The easiest option is via your cruise line's shuttle bus, which typically takes under 30 minutes.
The cruise shuttle drop off is usually near the Rathaus (Town Hall), but be aware that it may change at short notice for operational reasons. You can also catch the ferry from Argentinienbrücke ferry terminal, which is about a 15-20 minutes walk from Steinweder cruise terminal.
Ferry #73 runs regularly from Argentinienbrücke to Landungsbrücken, with services every 20 minutes during peak hour and 40 minutes otherwise. You can check the timetables and fares online.
If your ship is docked at Altona Terminal, you have three choices: cruise line run shuttle, ferry to Landungsbrücken, or walk. Ferry #62 runs from "Dockland (Fischereihafen)" and will take you to Landungsbrücken.
Alternatively, you can walk from Altona Terminal to Landungsbrücken in about 30 minutes. This is a great option if you want to stretch your sea legs and take in the sights.
If your ship is docked at Baakenhöft Terminal, you can take the U-Bahn from HafenCity Universität U-Bahn station (U4 line) to Jungfernstieg and change trains to Landungsbrücken. Alternatively, you can walk to Speicherstadt in about 20 minutes.
Shipping
Hamburg is one of the most popular cruise ports in Europe, attracting dream cruise liners like the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria from Cunard.
The Port of Hamburg is Europe's second largest port, extending from the cruise terminal to the historic Speicherstadt and the Landungsbrücken to the modern container port.
The city is a great place to experience the metropolis on the Elbe before or after your cruise, with plenty of opportunities to watch the ships arrive at Hamburg's cruise terminals.
Discover
Hamburg is a treasure trove for maritime enthusiasts, with an impressive array of sights to explore.
The list of maritime sights seems almost endless, with about 2,500 ships passing through the port every year.
Tours and Excursions
You can make the most of your time in Hamburg by taking a boat tour of the harbor from Landungsbrücken. These tours, known as Hafenrundfahrten, take around an hour and are available from various companies.
Big ships offer more comfort, but smaller ships also go through the Speicherstadt, making both worth the money. Be sure to inquire about English language tours, often available at noon time.
At Landungsbrücken, you'll also find the u and s bahn station, making it easy to get around the city. Take the s1, s2, or s3 to Jungfernstieg, the lively center of Hamburg on the Alster.
Alternatively, take the u3 to Baumwall to visit Hafencity, Europe's largest inner-city development project. For a glimpse into Hamburg's past, explore the Speicherstadt, a historic warehouse district now home to museums and leisure activities.
Some popular attractions in the Speicherstadt include the Minatur Wunderland, a fascinating toy railway world, and the Hamburg Dungeon. If you're interested in maritime history, visit the International Maritime Museum with its thousands of ship models and nautical charts.
If you'd rather not plan your excursions, hop on a hop on/off bus for a convenient way to see the sights. Or, compare your cruise line's excursions with those offered by GetYourGuide and Viator to find the best deal.
Hamburg is famous for its festivals, but even without one, the city has plenty to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the cruise terminal in Hamburg from the city?
The Hamburg Cruise Centre Altona is approximately 15-20 minutes away from the city centre by public transport. You can take a public ferry from the cruise terminal to reach the city centre.
Is Hamburg Port worth visiting?
Yes, the Port of Hamburg is a must-see attraction. Take a ferry ride from the landing bridges for an unforgettable experience.
Is there a shuttle bus from Hamburg cruise terminal to city centre?
Yes, a shuttle bus is usually provided from the Hamburg cruise terminal to the city centre, dropping you off near Hamburg City Hall. From there, you can explore the city on foot, starting with nearby attractions like St Nicolas's Church and St Michael's Church.
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