Hamburg, Germany
Smoking policy at Hamburg, Hamburg Airport (HAM)
Warnings & Caveats
No smoking anywhere inside the terminal buildings outside of designated areas. The Gate C08 smoking zone is upstairs on the second floor and is not wheelchair accessible. No smoking area exists in the non-Schengen departure zone. Vaping policy is not explicitly stated; treat it the same as smoking and use designated areas only.
Hamburg Airport is one of the more smoker-friendly airports in Germany, with designated areas both before and after security. The best airside option for most travelers is the Lucky Strike Smoking Lounge between Gates A17 and A18, which is free to enter and open to any passenger who has cleared security. The situation has shifted a few times in recent years, so it's worth checking signage on arrival.
Before Security
Landside smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings. These are well-marked and accessible to anyone, including meeters and greeters. Additionally, arriving passengers will find smoking cabins in the baggage reclaim area, which is a handy option if you've just landed and want a cigarette before heading out.
Outdoor designated zones outside the terminal entrances (exact locations marked on airport signage)
Smoking cabins at baggage reclaim, accessible to arriving passengers before exiting
After Security
This is where Hamburg stands out compared to most German airports. There are currently three airside options:
Lucky Strike Smoking Lounge, between Gates A17 and A18 (Pier 1 area): This is the main draw. It's a proper branded lounge with red leather seating, a large wooden bar counter, and a bistro (Bistro Pier) right next door where you can grab food and drinks to bring in. No entry fee, no lounge membership required. Just walk in after security. The interior is styled in Lucky Strike branding with a stone feature wall. Ventilation has received mixed reviews from travelers, with some noting smoke drift toward nearby gates.
Smoking Zone near Gate A33: A designated smoking zone, approximately 400 m from the central pier area (per official airport signage). This spot is wheelchair accessible. As of June 2024, this zone replaced the old Pier 1 cabin that was closed during construction.
Smoking Zone near Gate C08: Located approximately 200 m in the other direction from the same signage point, upstairs on the second floor. Not wheelchair accessible. Some travelers have described this spot as quite small.
Airline Lounges
The Lufthansa Business Lounge in Terminal 2 near Gate A20 has a dedicated smoking room. Access requires a same-day Lufthansa or Star Alliance Business/First Class ticket, or Miles and More/Star Alliance Gold status. The Lufthansa Senator Lounge (also near Gate A19, Level 2) may also have a smoking area, though this is less definitively confirmed by recent reports.
Non-Schengen Flights
If you're traveling on a non-Schengen route and end up in the separate non-Schengen section, be aware that there is no smoking area in that zone, according to traveler reports. Plan accordingly and smoke before passing through the additional passport control.
Vaping Rules
No explicit vaping policy is published by Hamburg Airport. In practice, German airports generally treat e-cigarettes the same as traditional smoking, so stick to the designated smoking areas to be safe.
Bottom Line
Head to the Lucky Strike Lounge between Gates A17 and A18 after security. It's free, open to all passengers, and you can bring a drink in. If you're in the non-Schengen zone, smoke before you go through.
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