Hamburg is Germany's leading cruise port, the starting point for Norway, Baltic and Western Europe itineraries with AIDA, Mein Schiff, MSC and many other lines. Arrive a day early to enjoy the city and board relaxed.
Cruise terminals at a glance
| Terminal | Address & location | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Center HafenCity | Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, Überseeboulevard 7 | U4 station “Überseequartier” right at the terminal, two stops from the main station. Walk to the Elbphilharmonie and Speicherstadt, car park on site. |
| Cruise Center Altona | Van-der-Smissen-Straße 5, on the Elbe | Bus 111 from Altona station to “Große Elbstraße”, or harbour ferry 62 from the Landungsbrücken to “Dockland”. |
| Cruise Center Steinwerder | Buchheisterstraße 16, south bank | For large ships. Easiest by taxi or transfer; bus 256 runs to U/S Elbbrücken. Luggage service at the terminal. |
| Cruise Center Baakenhöft | Eastern HafenCity | Small berth for smaller ships. |
The terminals are run by Cruise Gate Hamburg. Your cruise documents tell you which terminal your ship uses.
Getting to the ship
By train
Long-distance trains stop at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof and Hamburg-Altona. From the main station, the U4 takes you two stops to the HafenCity terminal. For Altona, take the S1, S3 or U3 to Landungsbrücken and then harbour ferry 62; for Steinwerder a taxi or transfer is easiest.
By car
At the HafenCity terminal you park in the Westfield Überseequartier car park; the other terminals have cruise car parks. For a week or longer, compare park-and-ride offers on the city outskirts. Current prices and booking are in your cruise documents or at Cruise Gate Hamburg.
Transfer
From the airport or station straight to the terminal, with a fixed price and help with luggage: Compare Hamburg transfers*.
Where to stay before you sail
A night before embarkation is the best insurance against late trains and traffic. These are the areas we recommend:
- Altona & the Elbe shore: ideal for Altona departures, quiet, with waterfront restaurants. See hotels in Altona*
- HafenCity & Speicherstadt: central and modern, with an evening walk to the Elbphilharmonie. See hotels in HafenCity*
- St. Georg by the main station: practical for rail travellers, plenty of choice in every price range. See hotels by the main station*
Families and longer stays: apartments with a kitchen are often cheaper than two hotel rooms. Holiday rentals in Hamburg
Best things to do before or after your cruise
- Harbour cruise from the Landungsbrücken: container terminals, Speicherstadt and the cruise ships from the water. About 1 to 2 hours. See harbour cruises*
- Elbphilharmonie Plaza: a 360° view over port and city from 37 metres up. Book a timed ticket ahead. See Elbphilharmonie tours*
- Miniatur Wunderland: the world's largest model railway, in the Speicherstadt, with timed tickets. See tickets*
- Hamburg CARD: free travel on buses, trains and harbour ferries plus discounts, ideal for the day before you sail. See the Hamburg CARD*
Scout tip: Harbour ferry line 62 runs from the Landungsbrücken towards Finkenwerder, past Altona, on a regular HVV ticket. The cheapest harbour tour in town.
Itineraries from Hamburg
Hamburg is the start for Norway and fjord cruises, capitals routes to Britain and Western Europe and, in winter, transatlantic voyages. More on our ocean cruises page.
FAQ
When do I need to be at the terminal? The cruise line gives you a check-in window. If you arrive by train, allow at least two hours of buffer or travel the day before.
Can I drop off my luggage before check-in? The cruise line takes large luggage at check-in. Before that, most hotels offer luggage storage.
Last updated October 2026. The cruise line's information is binding.
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