If you have already ruled out the S-Bahn (maybe you have heavy luggage, are arriving late, or your destination is not near a train station), the choice comes down to a metered taxi or a pre-booked transfer.
Hannover taxis
Taxis at HAJ are well-regulated. Drivers are licensed, vehicles are clean (mostly Mercedes sedans or estates), and meters are mandatory. You join the queue at the rank outside arrivals and take the next available car. No negotiation needed.
The fare to central Hannover runs 25-35 euros. You pay at the end of the ride, by cash or card — most Hannover taxis now accept contactless payment. Drivers speak basic English and know the city well.
The main drawbacks: during trade fairs, the taxi queue can be 15-30 minutes. And if you need a larger vehicle (minivan), you may have to wait or call ahead.
Pre-booked private transfers
A private transfer costs 40-65 euros for a sedan — roughly 50-80% more than a taxi. For that premium, you get a driver waiting in arrivals when you walk out, a guaranteed vehicle size, and a fixed price regardless of traffic.
The experience is noticeably smoother. No queue, no meter anxiety, no wondering if the driver knows your hotel. The driver tracks your flight and adjusts for delays. For business travelers heading straight to a meeting, this time certainty has real value.
Minivan transfers for groups of 4-7 cost 55-85 euros, which often works out cheaper per person than individual taxis.
The trade fair factor
Hannover is one of the world's major trade fair cities. During events like Hannover Messe (April), CeBIT's successors, or Agritechnica, the airport is significantly busier. Taxi queues grow, surge pricing is not a thing (meters are fixed) but availability drops, and your transfer from the airport becomes a longer, more frustrating process.
This is where pre-booked transfers earn their premium. Your car is waiting, period. No queue. If you are attending a fair, the time savings alone justify the cost.
When to choose which
Take a taxi if you are a solo traveler or pair, arriving during normal hours outside of fair season, heading to central Hannover, and comfortable with a short wait.
Book a transfer if you are arriving during a trade fair, landing late at night, traveling as a group, need a specific vehicle type (minivan, child seat), or heading to a destination outside the city like Braunschweig, Hildesheim, or Wolfsburg.
For most leisure travelers arriving during normal hours, Hannover taxis are honest and efficient. The S-Bahn is still the best option for light travelers, but between taxis and transfers, the choice is really about how much you value predictability.