A thriving international airport facility in the capital of Germany’s Baden-Wurttemberg state, Stuttgart Airport provides service to millions of passengers travelling throughout Europe and to longer-haul destinations. Dozens of upscale retail shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants and airport lounges make the journey more relaxing, while attractions in the city appeal to those with extra time in their itineraries.
Little ones at Stuttgart Airport have plenty of ways to expend energy with several bright play areas for climbing and riding, while adults can pamper themselves with a massage, styling lounge, casino slots and panoramic views from the visitor’s terrace and observation deck. Museums within a few minutes of the airport are well worth the effort, including the Porsche Museum with classic, racing and prototype models, and the Mercedes Museum showcasing about 100 vehicles, including the earliest Daimler Reitwagen motorcycle from 1885. The Linden Museum in Stuttgart harbours fascinating ethnology collections from across the world, such as a full-size reproduction of an Islamic bazaar.
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Drivers can reach the airport via exit roads from the A8 or B27, and travellers have access to a full array of passenger vehicles such as taxis, limos and shuttles. S-Bahn commuter trains connect the airport to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof station, and the Stuttgart Airport Bus terminal offers numerous bus routes for passengers.
Stuttgart Airport dates back to 1939, built as a replacement for Boeblingen Airport, which previously serviced Stuttgart. After World War II, it was in the hands of the United States Army for about four years, returning to German control in 1948. The U.S. Army continued to operate helicopters and the Grumman OV-1 Mohawk from Echterdingen Army Airfield on the southern end of the airport grounds, which still serves as a base for various military and police operations.