How to get from Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) to Lindau

Taking the train from Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) to Lindau is the optimal choice for most travelers, offering an ideal blend of speed, affordability, reliability, and scenic views of Lake Constance. Unlike major hubs, FDH has its own small train station (Friedrichshafen Flughafen) located just 100m from the terminal, making access incredibly easy.

Core Insight: There is no single direct train. Your journey will always involve one short, easy change. This is not a complication but a standard, well-timed procedure.

Step-by-Step Journey & Route Options

The universal route involves two legs:

1. Leg 1: A short ride on the Bodensee-Oberschwaben-Bahn (BOB) from Friedrichshafen Flughafen to a connecting station.
2. Leg 2: A connecting train (BOB or Regional-Express) from the connecting station to Lindau-Insel (the main station on the island) or Lindau-Reutin (on the mainland).

Primary Connection Options:

Change At	Total Journey Time	Advantages	Best For
Friedrichshafen Hafen	~35-50 min	Most frequent connections, scenic station by the lake, often a cross-platform transfer.	First-time visitors, those with tight schedules.
Friedrichshafen Stadt	~30-45 min	Sometimes slightly faster, central location in town.	If the connection timing is perfect.

Tickets, Costs & Travel Passes

You can buy tickets from the Deutsche Bahn (DB) vending machine at the airport station or via their app.

• Standard Point-to-Point Ticket: €8 - €12 (depending on exact destination station).
• Deutschland-Ticket (€49/month): Fully valid on all regional trains (BOB) and buses on this route. If you have this, your journey is essentially free for that month.
• Baden-Württemberg-Ticket: Also valid and excellent value for day trips in the region for individuals or groups up to 5 people.

Pro Tip: Use the DB Navigator app to check real-time schedules. Look for connections with a longer change time (7+ minutes) for a stress-free transfer, especially with luggage.

Bus travel provides the most budget-friendly surface transport, with options ranging from local public buses to intercity coaches. It's a practical choice for solo travelers, backpackers, and those whose accommodation is closer to bus stops.

Option 1: Regional Public Bus (Line 7585 – “SeeLinie”)

This is the cheapest public transport method available.

• Route: Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) → Friedrichshafen ZOB (central bus station) → Lindau ZUP (central bus station).
• Frequency: Hourly, with higher frequency on weekdays.
• Journey Time: Approximately 55-70 minutes.
• Cost: A single ticket within the Bodensee-Oberschwaben Verkehrsverbund (bodo) network is around €5-€7. Covered by the Deutschland-Ticket.
• Experience: A standard public bus; reliable but with multiple stops. Lindau ZUP is a 5-10 minute walk from the island and the train station.

Option 2: Long-Distance Coach (FlixBus)

FlixBus sometimes offers direct services from Friedrichshafen (city, not the airport) to Lindau, but they are infrequent. The key drawback is that you first need to get from FDH Airport to Friedrichshafen's city bus station, which negates much of the convenience. Therefore, for the airport-to-Lindau route specifically, the train is almost always a better choice than seeking out a FlixBus.

Verdict: For the FDH→Lindau segment, stick to the regional bus (7585) or train. Long-distance coaches are more useful for travel to/from cities farther away like Munich or Zurich.

For direct, door-to-door service without any hassle, taxis and pre-booked transfers are available right outside the terminal. This is the premium option in terms of cost and convenience.

Taxis at FDH Airport

• Availability: A taxi rank is directly in front of the arrivals hall. No need to pre-book for standard arrivals.
• Journey Time: 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact destination in Lindau.
• Cost: €45 to €60 for the trip. The meter will run based on distance and time. Confirm an estimated price with the driver before departing.
• Vehicle Types: Standard sedans and larger vans for groups or those with extra luggage are usually available.

Pre-Booked Private Transfers

Booking in advance through a service like KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups offers fixed pricing and a guaranteed driver meeting you with a name sign.

• Advantages: Fixed price (no meter surprise), flight tracking, English-speaking drivers, often include a short waiting time.
• Cost: Typically €55-€75, slightly higher than a hailed taxi but with more service guarantees.

When is a Taxi/Transfer Worth It?

Consider this option if:

• You are a group of 3-4 people (splitting the cost makes it competitive).
• You have a lot of heavy or bulky luggage (e.g., ski gear, golf bags).
• You arrive late at night or very early when public transport is not running.
• You have reduced mobility or are traveling with very young children and car seats.

For solo travelers or couples on a budget, the train remains significantly more economical.

Understanding the local transport network (bodo) is key to a flexible and cheap journey. The airport is well-integrated into this system.

The Key Bus: Line 7585 (SeeLinie)

As mentioned, this is your primary bus link. The stop is labeled “Friedrichshafen Flughafen” directly outside the terminal.

• To Lindau: Take it to the final stop, “Lindau ZUP”.
• To Connect to Trains: You can also take it 2 stops to “Friedrichshafen ZOB” (central bus station), which is adjacent to the Friedrichshafen Stadt train station, giving you another connection point to Lindau by train.

Ticketing for Local Buses & Trains

The entire region uses a unified tariff system. A single ticket is valid for the entire journey, including any necessary bus-train changes, within a specified time frame (usually 2 hours).

• Purchase: From the bus driver (cash/credit), DB vending machines, or via the bodo or DB Navigator apps.
• Best Deal: The Deutschland-Ticket is unbeatable if you plan to use public transport elsewhere in Germany during your trip.

For maximum freedom to explore Lake Constance and its surroundings, consider renting a vehicle directly at the airport.

Car Rental at FDH

Major companies like Sixt, Europcar, and Avis have desks in the arrivals hall.

• Journey to Lindau: A straightforward 25-30 minute drive via the B31 highway. Navigation is easy.
• Parking in Lindau: This is the major challenge. Lindau Island has limited and expensive parking. Use the large park-and-ride (P&R) garages on the mainland (like at Lindau-Reutin station) and walk/take the local bus onto the island.
• Cost: Rental rates from ~€40/day + fuel + parking (€10-€20/day). Best for day trips outside Lindau.
• Best For: Travelers planning extensive day trips (e.g., to Bregenz, Austria; Rhine Falls, Switzerland; or the Alps).

Bicycle & E-Scooter Rental

The Lake Constance region is a world-class cycling area. While you can't rent bikes directly at the tiny FDH airport, you can easily take the train to Lindau with your luggage and rent bikes there from numerous shops for exploring.

Tip: The train from FDH to Lindau has dedicated bike spaces, making this a perfect combo.

For a memorable and picturesque arrival, consider incorporating a ferry. This is not a direct airport service but a wonderful tourism-focused option.

• How it works: First, take a train or bus from FDH to a lake ferry port like Friedrichshafen or Langenargen (10-20 min). Then, board a Lake Constance ferry (Weiße Flotte) to Lindau's stunning harbor.
• Journey Time: Ferry crossing takes 1-2 hours, making the total trip 1.5-2.5 hours.
• Cost: Ferry ticket is ~€15-€25 one-way, plus the initial train/bus fare.
• Availability: Primarily April to October. Schedules are reduced outside summer. Always check the ferry company website for current timetables.
• Best For: Leisure travelers with time to spare, good weather, and a desire for a unique, relaxing experience with panoramic Alpine views.

This table summarizes all options to help you decide at a glance.

Transport Method	Approx. Cost (One-Way)	Total Travel Time	Key Advantages	Key Drawbacks	Best Suited For
Regional Train (BOB)	€8 - €12	30 - 50 min	Fast, reliable, scenic, covered by travel passes.	Requires one change.	Most travelers (Best Overall)
Public Bus (Line 7585)	€5 - €7	55 - 70 min	Cheapest, direct bus link, covered by travel passes.	More stops, longer travel time.	Solo travelers on a tight budget.
Taxi / Private Transfer	€45 - €70	25 - 35 min	Door-to-door, no changes, available 24/7.	Very expensive for individuals.	Groups, late arrivals, lots of luggage.
Rental Car	€40+/day + parking & fuel	25 - 30 min	Total freedom for exploring the region.	Parking in Lindau is difficult/expensive, rental overhead.	Travelers planning extensive regional day trips.
Boat (Ferry Combo)	€20 - €35+	1.5 - 2.5+ hours	Most scenic & memorable experience.	Seasonal, slower, dependent on weather/ schedules.	Leisure travelers with ample time in good weather.

Pro Tip for Ticket Purchase: For regional trains and buses, always check if a Deutschland-Ticket or regional day ticket (like the Baden-Württemberg-Ticket) would be cheaper than a standard single ticket, especially for round trips or group travel.

Go beyond the basics with these insights from frequent travelers and locals.

• Luggage Strategy: The regional trains have space, but if you have very large suitcases, position yourself near the multi-purpose areas (marked with a bicycle/luggage icon on the platform signs). For a completely hands-free arrival, consider sending luggage ahead via a service like DHL Gepäck-on-Tour (not cheap but ultra-convenient).
• App Essentials: Download DB Navigator for all train/bus schedules and tickets, and Google Maps or BVG (für bodo) for real-time local bus info.
• Seasonal Awareness: In summer and during festivals (like the Bregenz Festival), trains and ferries can be busy—book rental cars or accommodations well in advance. In winter, ferry services are minimal.
• Cross-Border Consideration: Lindau is on the German-Austrian border. If your trip extends to Austria (e.g., Bregenz) or Switzerland, remember that the Deutschland-Ticket is only valid in Germany. You will need additional tickets for cross-border segments.
• First/Last Mile: Lindau's island is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Once you arrive at Lindau-Insel station or Lindau ZUP bus station, your hotel is likely within a 15-minute walk. Taxis are available at both locations if needed.