Quick Answer
The best way to get from Bremen Airport (BRE) to Bremerhaven for most travelers is by train. The journey involves a quick 10-15 minute train to Bremen Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), followed by a direct regional train to Bremerhaven. Total travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a cost of around €25 to €35 for a standard one-way ticket. For the cheapest option, book a FlixBus in advance (from €5). For the fastest door-to-door service, a taxi takes about 1 hour but costs over €150.
By Train: The Most Balanced and Recommended Option
Traveling by train from Bremen Airport (Bremer Flughafen) to Bremerhaven is efficient, reliable, and scenic. The process is simple and involves one easy transfer at Bremen's main station.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport to Bremen Hbf: From the Bremer Flughafen station (located directly under the terminal), take either the RS1 (S-Bahn) or a Regionalbahn (RB) towards “Bremen Hbf”. This journey takes only 10-15 minutes and runs frequently (every 10-20 mins).
- The Transfer at Bremen Hauptbahnhof: Get off at Bremen's central station. Follow signs for “Regionalzüge” (regional trains). Your connection to Bremerhaven will depart from here. Allow 10-15 minutes to find your platform.
- Bremen Hbf to Bremerhaven: Board either a Regional-Express (RE 8) or a Regionalbahn (RB 33) bound for “Bremerhaven Hbf” or “Bremerhaven-Lehe”. The RE is slightly faster.
- Travel Time (Leg 2): Approximately 55-70 minutes.
- Final Stops: Trains terminate at either Bremerhaven Hauptbahnhof (central, near the city center and tourist attractions) or Bremerhaven-Lehe (northern district). Check your final destination.
Train Types, Tickets & Prices:
| Ticket Type | Price (Approx.) | Best For | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Flexible Ticket (Flexpreis) | €25 - €35 | Travelers needing flexibility on a specific day. | DB App, bahn.com, airport station machines. |
| Savings Fare (Sparpreis) | €17 - €25 | Travelers who can commit to a specific train time. Book in advance! | Online via DB website/app only. |
| Niedersachsen-Ticket | €24 (1 person) to €48 (5 people) *day pass* | Groups of 2-5 or individuals planning other regional travel that day. Valid on all RE, RB, S-Bahn after 9 AM on weekdays (all day weekends). | DB machines, app, or website. |
Pro Tip: Use the official Deutsche Bahn (DB) website or app for precise schedules, live train status, and the best fares. Enter “Bremer Flughafen” as your starting point.
By Bus: The Most Budget-Friendly Choice
For cost-conscious travelers, long-distance buses, primarily FlixBus, offer the lowest fares. However, note that buses do not depart from the airport itself.
Key Steps & Considerations:
- Get to Bremen Central Bus Station (ZOB): First, you must get from Bremen Airport to the Bremen Hauptbahnhof (by train, taxi, or tram). The long-distance bus station (ZOB) is directly adjacent to the main train station.
- Board the Bus to Bremerhaven: FlixBus operates direct services from Bremen ZOB to Bremerhaven Hauptbahnhof or the Bremerhaven Ferry Terminal.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Frequency: Several departures daily, but less frequent than trains. Booking in advance is essential.
- Luggage: You are typically allowed one large suitcase and one carry-on for free. Check FlixBus's luggage policy for exact dimensions.
Cost & Booking:
Fares are highly dynamic. You can find tickets for as low as €5 to €10 if booked weeks ahead. Standard prices range from €10 to €20 one-way. Always book directly through the FlixBus website or app for the best prices and reliable e-tickets.
Verdict: Ideal for solo travelers on a tight budget who don't mind the extra transfer at the start and have flexible timing.
By Taxi or Private Transfer: For Convenience & Special Needs
This is the most direct but by far the most expensive option. Taxis are readily available outside Bremen Airport arrivals.
What to Expect:
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic on the A27 motorway.
- Cost: A metered taxi will cost between €150 and €200+ for the one-way journey. Prices are not fixed for this distance.
- Private Transfer: You can pre-book a private car/van service online. This gives a fixed price beforehand and can be more comfortable. Expect to pay €180 to €250+.
When Should You Consider a Taxi?
- Traveling in a group of 3-4 people (splitting the cost can make it reasonable).
- Arriving very late at night after public transport has stopped.
- Having a lot of heavy or bulky luggage.
- Travelers with mobility issues requiring door-to-door service.
- On a tight business schedule where time is more valuable than money.
Important: For a pre-booked transfer, use reputable platforms like Welcome Pickups or local German services. Agree on the price in writing before the trip.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Bremen Airport (BRE) to Bremerhaven
Use this table to quickly compare all your options at a glance.
| Transport Mode | Approx. Total Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Key Advantages | Key Drawbacks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via Bremen Hbf) | 1.5 - 2 hrs | €25 - €35 (Std) €24+ (Group Day Ticket) |
Frequent, reliable, scenic, central arrivals, good luggage space. | Requires one transfer. | Most travelers, groups, families. |
| Bus (FlixBus) | 1.5 - 2 hrs (incl. transfer to ZOB) | €5 - €20 | Cheapest, direct bus leg, free WiFi/power. | Infrequent, requires transfer to ZOB, traffic-dependent. | Solo budget travelers. |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1h - 1h15m | €150 - €250+ | Fastest door-to-door, no transfers, maximum convenience. | Extremely expensive. | Late arrivals, groups, those with mobility needs. |
Winner for Value & Efficiency: Train. Winner for Lowest Cost: Bus.
Traveler Tips & Insider Insights
Essential Advice for a Smooth Journey:
- Download the DB Navigator App: This is non-negotiable. It provides real-time schedules, platform information, delay alerts, and mobile ticketing for all German trains. (Official Source).
- Validate Your Transfer Time: When booking a train ticket, the DB system will give you a “connection” with a specific transfer time (e.g., 12 minutes). This is usually sufficient at Bremen Hbf, but if you're delayed, the app will show you the next available connection.
- Luggage Logistics: If you have very heavy suitcases, consider taking a taxi just for the short hop from the airport to Bremen Hauptbahnhof (cost: ~€15-€20), then catching the train to Bremerhaven. This splits the cost and effort.
- Bremen Hbf Layout: The station is large but well-signed. Tracks (Gleise) for regional trains (RE/RB) to Bremerhaven are typically in the middle of the station. Look for the large departure boards.
- Which Bremerhaven Station?
- Bremerhaven Hbf: Alight here for the city center, cruise terminals (Columbus Cruise Center), and the German Emigration Center.
- Bremerhaven-Lehe: Use this for the northern districts, the Klimahaus, and the Zoo am Meer.
- Buying Tickets: You can buy all train tickets (including the Niedersachsen-Ticket) from the red DB machines at Bremen Airport station. Select English language. For buses, always book online in advance for the best price.
FAQs: Bremen Airport to Bremerhaven Travel
What is the best way to get from Bremen Airport to Bremerhaven?
For most travelers, the train is the best overall option. It offers a good balance of speed (about 1.5-2 hours), affordability (€25-€35), frequency, and convenience, taking you directly from the airport train station to the heart of Bremerhaven with just one easy change in Bremen Central Station.
What is the fastest way to travel from BRE to Bremerhaven?
A taxi or private transfer is technically the fastest door-to-door option (approx. 1h-1h15m), as it involves no waiting or transfers. However, the train is the fastest public transport option and is significantly cheaper.
Is there a direct train from Bremen Airport to Bremerhaven?
No, there is no direct train. You must take a short train ride (S-Bahn or Regionalbahn) from Bremen Airport (Bremer Flughafen) station to Bremen Hauptbahnhof (main station), which takes 10-15 minutes. From there, you transfer to a regional train (RE or RB) bound for Bremerhaven Hbf or Bremerhaven-Lehe.
How do I get from Bremen Airport to Bremerhaven late at night?
Late-night options are limited. The last trains typically depart around midnight. After this, your only practical public option is a taxi, which is expensive (€150+). Check the latest Deutsche Bahn timetable for exact times before you travel.
How do I get from Bremen Airport to Bremerhaven early in the morning?
The first trains start running very early, usually before 5:00 AM. This makes the train the best option for early morning travel. Buses like FlixBus may have later first departures. Always verify schedules for your specific travel date.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bremen Airport to Bremerhaven?
The bus (FlixBus) is almost always the cheapest option, with fares as low as €5-€15 if booked in advance. The train can also be cheap with a Niedersachsen-Ticket (from €24 for a day pass for up to 5 people), ideal for groups or day travel.
Is it easy to travel with luggage on the train from BRE to Bremerhaven?
Yes, it is generally straightforward. Regional trains have dedicated luggage racks and space near doors. The connection at Bremen Hbf is within the same station; just allow 10-15 minutes to find your new platform. For very heavy bags, consider using a taxi for the short airport-to-hauptbahnhof segment.
How frequent are the buses from Bremen to Bremerhaven?
FlixBus offers multiple daily departures, but frequency is lower than trains. There are typically 4-8 direct buses per day. Schedules can vary, so it's crucial to check and book online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.