Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ) – The Complete Traveler's Guide

Quick info:

• IATA code: BRQ
• ICAO code: LKTB
• Location: Brno-Tuřany (approx. 7.5 km from Brno city center)
• Open: Nonstop (service operating hours vary according to flight schedule)
• Transport: Bus E76 (direct connection from Main Station), taxi, car (exit 201 from D1 motorway)
• Parking: P1 (short-term/express), P2 (long-term directly at the terminal)

Brno is not just a city of coffee and functionalism, but also home to one of the most important regional airports in the Czech Republic. Brno-Tuřany Airport represents an ideal starting point for travelers from Moravia, Vysočina, and northern Austria. Thanks to its compact size, modern terminal, and fast check-in, hundreds of thousands of passengers have come to love it annually. Whether you're flying for a holiday with a travel agency or using regular low-cost carrier routes, this guide will provide you with all the practical information you need for a smooth journey.

Article content:

• Basic identification and significance of BRQ
• Why Brno-Tuřany Airport is key for the region
• Brno-Tuřany Airport in numbers and context
• Geographical data, terminal, and infrastructure
• Key carriers and air traffic
• History and interesting facts
• Transport: How to get to the airport and the city center
  • Distance and time
  • Public transport
  • Individual transport
• Parking at the airport
• Services and waiting for your flight
  • Lounges
• Comfort for passengers with children and specific needs
• Accommodation nearby
• Tips for the end
• Frequently asked questions

Basic identification and significance of BRQ

Brno Airport, located in the Brno district of Tuřany, is a strategic transport hub for the entire South Moravian Region. Its history dates back deep into the 20th century, but its current appearance was shaped by the modern architecture of the new millennium. For passengers, it is crucial that it is a public international airport offering full comfort, comparable to large European hubs, but without lengthy waiting times and stress.

• Official name: Brno-Tuřany Airport.
• IATA code: BRQ (You will see this code on your baggage tag).
• ICAO code: LKTB.
• Location: The airport is located approximately 7.5 km southeast of Brno city center, near the historic Austerlitz battlefield.
• Address: Letiště Brno-Tuřany 904/1, 627 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
• Significance: Serves as a gateway for tourism and business in Moravia. It is popular for its accessibility from the D1 motorway.
• Operator: LETIŠTĚ BRNO a.s. (Brno Airport plc).

Why Brno-Tuřany Airport is key for the region

The airport not only serves as a transport hub but is also a significant economic driver. Airports in the Czech Republic often compete for the favor of carriers, and Brno Airport has built a strong position, especially in the segment of charter flights and low-cost transport. Every season, crowds of tourists head here for seaside destinations, while regular routes provide connections to important European metropolises.

• Accessibility: Thanks to its location near the motorway, it is easily accessible not only for residents of Brno but also for travelers from Slovakia or Austria.
• Regional development: Supports the influx of foreign investors and tourists into the South Moravian Region.
• Employment: Brno Airport company and related services provide jobs for hundreds of people in the region.
• Cargo transport: Thousands of tons of cargo are transported here annually (e.g., regular DHL routes).

Brno-Tuřany Airport in numbers and context

Although it cannot compare in size to Prague's Václav Havel Airport, Brno Airport's statistics are respectable. The number of passengers has been growing again in recent years, and the airport confirms its vitality and ability to flexibly respond to market demand. The modern check-in hall is dimensioned to handle even a sudden increase in passengers during the summer months.

• Annual capacity: The terminal is designed to handle even a significant seasonal increase – its capacity far exceeds current passenger numbers.
• Records: In record years, the airport handled over half a million passengers – for example, in 2011 or 2023.
• Aircraft movements: Tens of thousands of take-offs and landings occur here annually (including training and cargo flights).
• Runway systems: The main runway measures 2,650 meters, allowing even large commercial aircraft to land.

Geographical data, terminal, and infrastructure

The dominant feature of the airport is undoubtedly the architecturally acclaimed departure hall. The author of the futuristic design is architect Petr Parolek. The building resembles an aircraft wing or an organic shell and won the prestigious Building of the Year 2007 award. This terminal primarily serves departures, while the arrivals section is located in an adjacent building. The entire complex provides passengers with an airy and clear space.

• Terminals: The airport has one main terminal divided into departure and arrival sections.
• Operational division: Within the terminal, zones for flights to the Schengen area and outside it are separated.
• Departure hall: A modern building with an organic design, where check-in and security control take place.
• Arrival hall: Located in the original, administrative building, which is connected to the new terminal.
• Runways: One concrete runway for main operations and one grass runway for sport aviation.

Key carriers and air traffic

Several stable carriers operate at Brno-Tuřany Airport. The most prominent is the airline Ryanair, which provides year-round scheduled flights. In the summer season, charter airlines (e.g., Smartwings) play a primary role, transporting tourists to popular holiday destinations such as Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Spain.

• Scheduled flights: Ryanair has long provided connections to London (Stansted). In some seasons, other routes also appear, e.g., to Bergamo in Italy or Malaga in Spain – always depending on the current flight schedule.
• Charter flights: Smartwings and other carriers provide flights for travel agencies.
• Cargo carriers: DHL, FedEx, and others use Brno Airport for fast parcel transport.
• General aviation: The airport is also widely used by private aircraft and flight schools.

Tip: Is low-cost travel your style? Can you do without large luggage and prefer to pack into a compact backpack? For a long weekend in London, a cleverly designed travel backpack will certainly suffice. Check out our wide range and choose the one that dimensionally matches the carry-on baggage limits of your airline.

History and interesting facts

Originally a military airport, it has undergone a fascinating evolution. From a grass airfield to a military base with MiGs, to a modern civil port. Interestingly, Brno-Tuřany Airport is located in an area with a rich history, not far from where the famous Battle of the Three Emperors took place.

• Establishment: The history of aviation in Tuřany dates back to the 1930s, functioning as a military airport from the 1950s.
• Civilian operation: Since 1992, the airport has primarily served civilian traffic.
• Architecture: The departure hall is a unique example of high-tech architecture in the Czech Republic.
• Space connections: The airport was previously a backup airport for the Buran space shuttle (never used, however).

Did you know that… the Soviet Buran space shuttle was an equivalent to the American Space Shuttles? In the 1980s, Brno-Tuřany Airport was chosen as one of the backup airports for a potential emergency landing of this craft. The reason was its strategic location in Central Europe and, above all, a sufficiently long and load-bearing runway. However, it was never used because the Buran program was terminated after its single flight in 1988 and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union.

Transport: How to get to the airport and the city center

The accessibility of the airport is one of its main benefits. Whether you drive your own car or use public transport, the journey from Brno city center and transport to the airport are fast and trouble-free. Here is practical information on transport options.

Distance and time

The airport is truly within easy reach of the city. The journey doesn't take long, which you'll appreciate especially for early morning departures.

• Distance: Approx. 10 km from the city center.
• Driving time by car: Approximately 15–20 minutes outside of peak hours.
• Connection: Direct exit from the D1 motorway (exit 201).

Public transport

If you're not driving your own car, rely on the Brno Public Transport Company. Bus lines will take you directly in front of the terminal for the price of a regular public transport ticket.

• Day line E76: Express bus connects Brno Main Station and the airport. Runs every 30 minutes.
• Night line N89: Provides transport during night hours (approx. 23:00 – 5:00), also from the Main Station.
• Tickets: The price is 25 CZK (zone 100+101, valid for 60 minutes). Can be bought at a vending machine at the stop, from the driver (by card), or via SMS/app.
• Stop: Located immediately next to the departure terminal.

Individual transport

For maximum comfort, you can use taxi services or modern applications.

• Taxi/Uber/Bolt: Uber and Bolt apps commonly operate in Brno. A trip to the city center costs approximately 250–400 CZK.
• Contractual taxi: Taxi vehicles of the airport's contractual partner (BRNO AIRPORT Taxi) usually wait in front of the arrival hall.
• Car rental: Several car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, etc.) operate at the airport, ideal if you plan to travel further within the Czech Republic.

Parking at the airport

For motorists, a sufficient number of parking spaces are available directly on the airport premises. The parking lot is monitored and is within walking distance of the terminal. Parking at the airport is divided according to the length of stay.

• Express parking (P1): Intended for quick drop-off/pick-up. You can stop briefly in front of the terminal for free (currently 15–20 minutes, according to the airport price list).
• Short-term parking: If you stay longer, for example, when accompanying someone, you can use the hourly rate. The price is 60 CZK for each commenced hour (applies to the first 4 hours).
• Long-term parking: For passengers on holiday. The price for a week ranges around 1000–1300 CZK (we recommend online reservation).
• Payment: Payment is made at automatic payment machines in cash or by card before departure.
• Entry: The entire area is managed by an automatic parking system. A great advantage is that you have 20 minutes free on the entry parking ticket for passage and dropping off passengers.

Services and waiting for your flight

Although the terminal is smaller, it offers basic services to make waiting before departure more pleasant. Don't expect giant shopping galleries, but rather a cozy and functional environment.

• Duty Free: The Travel Value & Duty Free shop offers perfumes, alcohol, and confectionery. You'll find it in the transit zone.
• Refreshments: In the departure hall (public and transit areas), there are bistros and cafes (e.g., Baguetterie Boulevard, Fast Food).
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the airport.
• ATM and currency exchange: ATMs and currency exchange services are available in the arrival hall.
• Information: The information desk helps with inquiries about flights and services.

Lounges

A lounge is available for more demanding passengers.

• Business Lounge: Located on the 1st floor of the departure hall after security control.
• Entry: Free for holders of selected cards (Priority Pass, LoungeKey) or for a one-time fee.
• Offer: Refreshments, drinks, TV, daily press, and a quiet space for work.

Tip: Enjoy every business trip as comfortably as possible. Practical laptop cabin suitcases will make your work travel easier, allowing you to keep everything important with you while saving your back.

Comfort for passengers with children and specific needs

The airport also caters to families and persons with reduced mobility. Thanks to the terminal's compactness, distances to gates are minimal.

• For children: Changing tables are available in the restrooms. A small children's play area is usually available in the transit zone (depending on the current arrangement).
• Assistance (PRM): Brno Airport provides free assistance for persons with disabilities. Please request the service at least 48 hours in advance from your airline.
• Barrier-free access: Almost the entire terminal is barrier-free, with elevators available.

Tip: Children will travel better and more joyfully with their own luggage. Choose from our wide range of children's suitcases and backpacks for children. For undecided and careful parents, we have prepared a detailed guide to choosing a children's backpack, as well as tips for an informed choice of children's suitcase!

Accommodation nearby

If you have an early morning flight or arrive late at night, accommodation nearby might be useful. There is no hotel directly at the airport, but there are several options around the airport and in the adjacent Slatina district.

• Guesthouses in Slatina: Distance approx. 2–3 km. Accessible by taxi or bus.
• Hotels in Brno city center: Due to the short travel time (15 min), accommodation directly in the city is often the best choice.

Tips for the end

To make your journey from Brno as comfortable as possible, we have prepared a few final tips. Brno Airport may be small, but that is its biggest advantage.

• Arrival: Even though check-in is fast, we recommend being at the airport 2 hours before departure, especially during the summer season.
• Liquids: Security control strictly adheres to rules for transporting liquids (max 100 ml bottles in a transparent bag).
• Water: After security, there is a water fountain where you can fill your empty bottle with water for free.
• Transport: If you are flying with Ryanair, check that you have your boarding pass printed or in the app to avoid fees.
• Smoking: There is no smoking lounge in the transit zone; smoking is only permitted outside the terminal.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Brno Airport located?

The airport is located in the Brno-Tuřany district, near the D1 motorway (exit 201).

What are the parking fees?

Short-term parking for up to 20 minutes is free. Long-term parking for a week costs approximately 1000–1300 CZK.

Is the airport open nonstop?

The terminal is open to the public 24 hours a day; however, services (shops, restaurants) have opening hours according to the flight schedule.

Does Ryanair fly from Brno?

Yes, Ryanair is the main scheduled carrier at the airport, flying primarily to London and Malaga.

How to get from the Main Station to the airport?

The fastest connection is provided by bus line E76 (during the day) or N89 (at night). The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

How many passengers does the airport handle annually?

The number of passengers is in the hundreds of thousands; in record years, the number of handled passengers exceeded half a million.

Bagalio wishes you a pleasant journey!