Dropping Off & Picking Up at Stuttgart Airport: Kiss & Fly

Stuttgart Airport (STR) is one of the most important aviation hubs in southern Germany, serving as a central point for both domestic and international flights. For those who just want to quickly drop off or pick up a traveler, the airport offers a highly efficient system: Kiss & Fly. This dedicated short-stay zone allows passengers to get in or out right next to the terminals—completely eliminating the stress of searching for a parking spot. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Kiss & Fly zones, the rules, pricing structures, and excellent parking alternatives.

What is Kiss & Fly at Stuttgart Airport?

The Kiss & Fly zone is located directly on the departures level right in front of the airport terminals. It is designed for quick stops where passengers can jump out with their luggage. The barrier system controls access automatically using digital license plate recognition—making it incredibly seamless.

Key Features at a Glance:

• 8 minutes of free parking.
• Automatic license plate recognition at entry and exit.
• Charges apply starting from the 9th minute.
• Maximum stay: 30 minutes.
• Warning: Exceeding 30 minutes risks a €240 towing fee plus standard parking charges.

Important Note: This zone is strictly meant for drivers who are on a tight schedule and do not need to leave their vehicle or enter the terminal building.

Fee Overview: Kiss & Fly (Departures Level)

If your stop takes longer than the allocated 8 free minutes, the fees scale up rapidly:

Duration	Price
Up to 8 minutes	Free
8 to 10 minutes	€5
10 to 15 minutes	€10
15 to 20 minutes	€20
20 to 30 minutes	€30
Over 30 minutes	€40 + €240 Towing Fee

Note: Re-entering the zone within 15 minutes of your last exit will incur an automatic €5 surcharge on top of the regular rates.

Alternative Option: Kiss & Ride Zone (Arrivals Level)

If you are picking up arriving travelers instead of dropping them off, you should use the separate Kiss & Ride zone located on the arrivals level (Level 2). Short stays are permitted here as well, but featuring a slightly different price progression after the first 15 minutes:

Duration	Price
Up to 8 minutes	Free
8 to 10 minutes	€5
10 to 15 minutes	€10
Every additional 30 minutes	€5

Note: Re-entering the Kiss & Ride zone within 15 minutes also triggers an additional €5 surcharge.

Where Should I Pick Someone Up at Stuttgart Airport?

For passenger pick-ups, the Kiss & Ride zone on the arrivals level is your best bet. It is clearly signposted and perfect if your traveler is already waiting outside. However, if flights are delayed or you want to walk into the terminal to greet them, you should avoid the Kiss zones entirely. Instead, opt for a short-term parking lot or book an affordable space in advance via Parkos.

Can You Park for Free at Stuttgart Airport?

Yes, but only for a very limited time:

• The first 8 minutes are free in both the Kiss & Fly and Kiss & Ride zones.
• The P0 short-term parking lot offers the first hour completely free of charge, which is ideal if you expect minor flight delays.

If you need to park for longer, booking a spot through Parkos Stuttgart Airport Parking provides a much more secure and budget-friendly solution, including convenient shuttle or valet options.

Smart Parking Alternatives Near the Terminal

If you plan on staying longer to say your goodbyes or enjoy a coffee at the terminal, consider these options:

1. Short-Term Parking Lots Directly at the Terminal

• P0: First hour is free.
• P2, P3, P4, P6, P12, P25: Only €2.50 per 30 minutes—the safest choice for brief family welcomes.

2. Shuttle Parking via Parkos

• Secure, low-cost parking spaces located just off-site.
• A complimentary shuttle bus takes you directly to your terminal and picks you up upon return.

3. Valet Parking via Parkos

• The ultimate convenience: drive your car straight to the terminal drop-off point.
• A certified employee takes your keys and parks the car safely for you, allowing you to head straight to check-in.

Getting to Stuttgart Airport

• By Car: Direct access via the A8 autobahn and B27 highway. It is highly accessible for travelers originating from southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria, or France.
• By Train: Quick connections via suburban train lines S2 and S3 from Stuttgart Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). The travel time is approximately 27 minutes.
• By Long-Distance Bus: Major coaches like FlixBus and BlaBlaBus connect cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, and Zurich directly to the Stuttgart Airport Bus Terminal (SAB).

Quick Tips for a Stress-Free Drop-Off

1. Keep an Eye on the Clock: Have all luggage easily accessible in the car so you can unload well within the 8-minute free window.
2. Know Your Alternatives: If a flight is delayed, do not idle in the Kiss & Fly lane. Move over to P0 where the first hour is free.
3. Watch the Digital Displays: Pay attention to the electronic signage upon approach for real-time information on parking availability.
4. Avoid Peak Hours: Traffic peaks heavily between 07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00. Plan your arrival outside these windows if possible.
5. Book Ahead: For long-term stays, remember to book your shuttle or valet parking early via Parkos to lock in the best rates.