If you’re planning a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber—a charming medieval town known for its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses—you might wonder how to get there.

Although Rothenburg doesn’t have its own airport, several nearby airports provide easy access, depending on your location and travel preferences.

Here’s everything you need to know about airport options, train connections, and tips to save money on your journey.

Note: This website contains affiliate links marked with * and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate partner programs. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

These are the 3 closest Airports by Distance

These three airports closest to Rothenburg ob der Tauber are:

  • Nuremberg Airport (NUE): Only 80 kilometers (50 miles) away, it’s the most convenient option with the shortest travel time.
  • Stuttgart Airport (STR): About 170 kilometers (106 miles) away, with many international flight connections.
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Around 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Rothenburg, it’s the main hub for international flights in Germany.

Traveling to Rothenburg? Check out these airports

1. Nuremberg Airport (NUE) – Closest Airport to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Distance: 80 km (50 miles)
Total Travel Time by Car: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Total Travel Time by Train: 2 hours

Nuremberg is often considered the best option for reaching Rothenburg. It’s a smaller, less crowded airport compared to major hubs, and it’s located just 80 kilometers (50 miles) away from Rothenburg.

How to Get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Nuremberg Airport

  • Regional Train with Deutsche Bahn: The Deutsche Bahn network connects Nuremberg to Rothenburg. You can take a train directly from the airport to the town. Tickets start at approximately €15 for a one-way trip, making it an affordable and convenient choice.
  • Private Driver with Daytrip*: If you prefer comfort and a hassle-free experience, you can book a private driver through services like Daytrip. This allows you to enjoy the scenic route and even add stops along the way.
  • Rental Car with Discover Cars*: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. The drive to Rothenburg takes about 1 hour and is straightforward. Services like Discover Cars make it easy to find a vehicle that suits your needs.
airplane flying into the sunrise

2. Stuttgart Airport (STR) – A Convenient Option for Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Distance: 170 km (106 miles)
Total Travel Time by Car: 2 hours
Total Travel Time by Train: 2.5–3 hours

Stuttgart Airport is a practical choice for reaching Rothenburg ob der Tauber, especially for those flying into southern Germany. While it’s farther than Nuremberg, it offers reliable transport options and a variety of flight connections.

How to Get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Stuttgart Airport

  • Train via Deutsche Bahn: The Deutsche Bahn network connects Stuttgart to Rothenburg, although the journey involves a few transfers—typically at Stuttgart Main Station and Steinach. Despite this, it remains a reasonable option for public transport users.
  • By Rental Car with Discover Cars*: Renting a car is the most flexible way to travel from Stuttgart to Rothenburg. The 170 km (106 miles) drive takes about 2 hours and allows for stops in picturesque towns along the way.
  • By Private Driver with Daytrip*: From Stuttgart, you can also book a private transfer to Rothenburg with services like Daytrip. A driver will pick you up directly at the airport and take you to Rothenburg, offering a stress-free and direct travel experience.

3. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – A Major International Airport

Distance: 180 km (112 miles)
Total Travel Time by Car: 2 hours
Total Travel Time by Train: 3 hours

Frankfurt Airport is one of Germany’s largest international airports, with direct flights from nearly any part of the world. Located around 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Rothenburg, it is a great alternative if direct flights to Nuremberg or Stuttgart aren’t available.

How to Get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Frankfurt Airport

  • Train via Deutsche Bahn: You can travel from Frankfurt Airport to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by train. The train station is located directly beneath Frankfurt airport. The journey usually takes 3 to 4 hours and requires 2 transfers (in Würzburg and Steinach). Tickets can be easily booked through the Deutsche Bahn website or app.
  • Rental Car with Discover Cars*: Driving from Frankfurt takes about 2 hours and is an excellent option if you want flexibility. The route is straightforward and follows major highways.
  • Private Driver with Daytrip*: For a hassle-free experience, you can book a private transfer through Daytrip.

4. Munich Airport (MUC) – A Convenient Gateway to Rothenburg

Distance: 240 km (150 miles)
Total Travel Time by Car: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Travel Time by Train: 4 hours

Munich Airport is a large international hub and a great option for those traveling to Rothenburg. 

Although it’s farther from Rothenburg—about 240 kilometers (150 miles)—it offers excellent transport connections to the town.

How to Get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Munich Airport

  • Train with Bayern Ticket: We recommend booking the Bayern Ticket, which is a regional day pass that allows unlimited travel on regional trains, buses, and trams throughout Bavaria. For a solo traveler, it costs just €27, and it’s even more cost-effective for groups. The journey to Rothenburg takes about 3 to 4 hours. 
  • Rental Car with Discover Cars*: Renting a car is another option, especially if you want to explore more of Bavaria. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and follows a well-maintained highway route.
  • Private Driver with Daytrip*: For a stress-free experience, you can book a private driver to take you from Munich Airport directly to Rothenburg. 
German ICE Train in a train station

5. Memmingen Airport (FMM) – A Smaller Airport for Rothenburg

Distance: 180 km (111 miles)
Total Travel Time by Car: 2 hours
Total Travel Time by Train: 4 hours 15 minutes

For those flying within Europe, Memmingen Airport (sometimes called “Munich West”) is a good option to consider.

It’s a smaller, quieter airport, with budget airlines like Ryanair frequently offering flights. However, keep in mind that Memmingen is farther from Rothenburg—about 180 kilometers (111 miles)—so the train journey may take a bit longer.

How to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Memmingen Airport

  • By Train: From Memmingen Airport, you can take a train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. However, the journey may require up to five transfers, which can make it a less convenient option. For this reason, we would not recommend it as the best choice. You can check train schedules and book tickets via the Deutsche Bahn website or app.
  • By Rental Car: We recommend renting a car at Memmingen Airport and driving to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The drive takes around 2 hours and offers a scenic route through the Bavarian countryside.

Additional Tips for Choosing the Best Airport Near Rothenburg ob der Tauber

1. Consider Your Arrival Time
If you arrive late in the evening or at night, train connections might be limited. In this case:

  • A private transfer or car rental is a better option, especially from airports like Nuremberg or Memmingen.
  • Check airport car rental hours to ensure availability during your arrival time.

2. Combine Travel with Sightseeing
If you have time, also consider exploring a nearby city when heading to Rothenburg:

  • From Nuremberg Airport: Nuremberg itself and it’s charming old town is well worth exploring. Additionally, consider spending a day in Bamberg, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • From Frankfurt Airport: Stop in Würzburg along the Romantic Road.
  • From Munich Airport: If traveling from Munich Airport, think about visiting the city of Munich (we recommend 2 days at least) itself before heading to Rothenburg. 
  • From Memmingen Aiport: Consider stopping in Augsburg or Ulm along the way to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

3. Check Regional Public Transport Passes
If you plan to travel extensively within Bavaria or Franconia, look into:

  • The Bayern-Ticket, which offers unlimited travel for a day on regional trains within Bavaria for a fixed price.
  • The Deutschland Ticket
  • The VGN Day Ticket, which covers transport in the Nuremberg area and nearby towns, including Rothenburg.

4. Travel Time vs. Cost
Weigh the trade-offs between travel time, cost, and convenience:

  • By Train: Trains are often more affordable, but journeys to Rothenburg may take longer and require multiple transfers.
  • Private Driver/Rental Car: Opting for a private transfer or driving yourself offers flexibility and faster travel times. This is especially convenient if you’re traveling with a group or have a tight schedule.

Choose based on what matters most to you—cost-efficiency or a hassle-free journey.

The Plönlein in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The famous “Plönlein” in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany

Final Thoughts: Nuremberg is the Closest Airport to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

When considering the closest airport to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg Airport (NUE) is your best option. It’s just 80 kilometers (50 miles) away, offering the most convenient and straightforward access. The airport is well-connected with various European destinations, and you can take the train, a rental car or a private transfer to Rothenburg.

While Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC) are also viable alternatives, they are farther away. These airports offer more international flights but require longer travel times to reach Rothenburg.

In summary, if you’re looking for the closest and easiest option, Nuremberg Airport is the ideal choice.

Continue Reading here:

Save or share this post