Travel

Telephoning

For those traveling internationally, when dialing any number, hold down the "0" key on your cell phone to display the "+" then enter the country code. You should drop the (0) when calling from your cell phone. So, the hotel's number would be dialed as: +49 40 3502, Luke's number would be dialed as: +1 425 417 5241. The country code for Germany is 49, for the United States it is 1.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, please contact your wireless carrier before you leave for coverage and pricing information while in Germany.

Passport and Entrance Requirements

Please verify with your appropriate government agency that you will meet all entrance requirements. For those traveling from the USA, please ensure your passport is valid for six months after your travel date. More information for those traveling from the USA.

VISA Invitations

For those traveling from outside of EU, USA or Canada, you may need to get a visa for your stay in Hamburg. Contact your local government for more information. Be aware that it may take up to 3 months to get a visa, so please plan accordingly. Download the invitation letter, fill in the information and then email to hamburgvisainvite@casualconnect.org. [download visa letter]

Getting Around

With a compact city size, plenty of taxis and good public transit - you will not need to rent a car. For all planned events, you should be fine walking around the city or taking a short taxi ride from the hotel. If you need a taxi call: +49 40 61112-2. Try to have a map of where you are going with you so you don't get lost!

Hamburg is easily accessible by train and possesses four train stations in addition to the central railway station, those being Altona, Dammtor, Bergedorf and Harburg. Both InterCity (IC) and InterCityExpress (ICE) trains stop at all five stations. Dammtor is the stop you want to get out at which is next to the Congress Centre and Radisson Hotel and about a 7 minute walk to the Marriott Hotel.

Travel from/to Hamburg Airport

Taxi Taking a taxi to and from the airport is relatively easy. Right outside the airport are taxis and any hotel in the area can call you a taxi to the airport. The ride is about 15 minutes. If you take a taxi - it is about 20 - 25€ so make sure to have enough cash in Euros before getting into the taxi.

Train When you exit the baggage claim area turn left and walk until the end. This will bring you to the S-bahn (train). You will need to purchase a ticket at the electronic ticket machines there. The machines have options to display in English. You will need to purchase a ticket to the "Grossbereich Hamburg/Greater Hamburg area", the ticket should cost 2.60 EURO. Next go down the stairs and take either of the trains that will be waiting there. The trip should last about 30 minutes and you will want to get out at stop "Dammtor Messe/CCH" Once you exit the train station you will see the Radisson Blu and Congress Center Hamburg to the northwest.

Food

The food in Hamburg is very good, and since we descend upon Hamburg outside of the normal tourist season - restaurants are accessible. If you would like to plan ahead, view restaurant options. You will likely want to favor locations to the southeast of the conference venue.

Weather

In February, the average high is 40F/5C and the average low is 31F/-1C. This is winter guys! Bring a winter coat, gloves and a hat if you are bald. It also may be a bit rainy, so an umbrella is advised. View Hamburg weather forecast.

Health & Safety

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's guide to Travelers' Health. The US State Deparment's information relating to International Travel.

Lost?

Please call the hotel: +49 40 3502. If they can not help you then call Luke at: +1 425 417 5241.