Parking at the Messe Hannover: costs, tips and the affordable alternative
Anyone driving to the Messe Hannover soon asks the same questions: where do I park, what does it cost — and is there a cheaper way? A practical overview from the Dua Hotel in Sarstedt.
Hannover’s exhibition grounds have several large car parks around the halls. But for leading fairs such as the Hannover Messe or the IAA Transportation, tens of thousands of visitors arrive at the same time — the spaces then fill up fast and the access roads get congested.
Parking right at the fairgrounds: cost and crowds
The official fair car parks are chargeable; depending on the fair and area, the daily rate is usually in the low double-digit euro range. On busy fair days you should also allow time for the drive and finding a space — the access roads back up in the morning right at opening.
Tip: check in advance on the respective fair’s website which parking areas are open and whether there is an online parking ticket. That saves time at the barrier.
Camper, van and caravan
With larger vehicles it quickly gets tight and expensive at the grounds. Exhibitors with a van and visitors with a camper or caravan often travel more relaxed if they park outside. At the Dua Hotel the car parks are free of charge — including for vans.
Park and ride: cheaper by train
The cheapest and usually fastest option on busy fair days: leave the car outside and cover the last stretch by train. The Hannover/Laatzen trade-fair station is right by the grounds, and the skywalk leads to the entrances without detours. We compare all the ways to get there in the guide Getting to the Messe Hannover.
Park for free and reach your stand in 15 minutes
An insider tip is Sarstedt, south of Hannover. At the Dua Hotel you park free of charge and without a reservation right by the building. From Röntgenstraße station — a 2-minute walk away — you travel without changing to Laatzen trade-fair station and, including the walk, reach the grounds in around 15 minutes.
This way you save yourself parking fees and the hunt for a space, the car is safe, and on fair days you start with breakfast from 06:00. More on this on the pages Trade Fair Hotel Hannover and Trade Fair Hotel Sarstedt.
Frequently asked questions about parking
What does parking at the Messe Hannover cost?
The official fair car parks are chargeable; depending on the fair and area, the daily rate is usually in the low double-digit euro range. You park for free, by contrast, at the Dua Hotel in Sarstedt.
Can I park with a camper or van?
At the fairgrounds it quickly gets tight and expensive with large vehicles. At the Dua Hotel you park free of charge and without a reservation — including with a van or camper.
Where do you park cheaply for the Hannover Messe?
The cheapest option is park and ride: leave the car outside and take the train to Laatzen trade-fair station. From the Dua Hotel that means around 15 minutes onto the grounds.
Are there free car parks near the fair?
Right by the grounds the car parks are chargeable. In Sarstedt, around 15 train-minutes away, you park for free at the Dua Hotel and travel to the fair without changing.