If you’re traveling to Germany, chances are high that you’ll pass through Frankfurt Airport (FRA), the country’s largest and busiest airport. Not only is Frankfurt Airport the biggest in Germany, but it’s also one of the major aviation hubs in Europe, making it an essential gateway for both domestic and international travel. Whether you’re flying into Germany or just passing through, this guide will cover everything you need to know about navigating the airport, from routes and airlines to transportation options to and from the city.
Frankfurt Airport Overview
Frankfurt Airport is a massive hub, handling over 70 million passengers a year and serving more than 300 destinations across the globe. As one of Europe’s busiest airports, it’s a key connection point for travelers between continents, especially for flights between Europe and North America, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport operates two terminals, with Terminal 1 serving Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners, and Terminal 2 catering to a range of international airlines from around the world.
Airlines and Routes
Frankfurt is the main hub for Lufthansa, Germany’s national carrier, and a major hub for its Star Alliance partners. The airport offers direct flights to major cities around the globe, from New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto to Beijing, Singapore, and Tokyo. For European travelers, FRA connects to nearly every major city in Europe, with frequent flights to destinations such as London, Paris, Rome, and Madrid.
Budget airlines like Ryanair and Eurowings also operate out of Frankfurt, offering affordable regional flights for those looking to explore nearby countries or other German cities.
How to Get to Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport is located about 12 kilometers southwest of downtown Frankfurt, and it’s easily accessible by various modes of transportation:
- By Car: If you’re driving, the airport is well connected via the A3 and A5 motorways. Parking options range from short-term spaces near the terminals to long-term parking areas.
- By Train: One of the easiest ways to get to the airport is by train. Frankfurt Airport has its own long-distance railway station (Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbahnhof), where high-speed trains (ICE) connect to cities all over Germany and beyond, including Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, and even Zurich. There’s also a regional train station (Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbahnhof) for local trains serving nearby cities such as Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Frankfurt city center.
- By Bus: Numerous bus lines serve the airport, providing an affordable option for travelers from nearby towns and cities. FlixBus, a popular long-distance bus operator, also runs services from the airport to other cities in Germany and Europe.
- By Taxi or Ride-hailing Apps: Taxis are readily available outside both terminals, and ride-hailing apps like Uber also operate at the airport, providing a convenient way to get to your destination.
Getting from Frankfurt Airport to the City
Once you’ve arrived at Frankfurt Airport, getting to the city center is quick and easy. Here are the main options:
- By Train: The regional train (S-Bahn) lines S8 and S9 are the most efficient way to get from the airport to Frankfurt’s city center. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and trains run frequently. You can purchase tickets at the ticket machines located in the airport’s train station.
- By Taxi: A taxi ride from the airport to Frankfurt city center takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around €25-€35. Taxis are available 24/7 right outside the terminals.
- By Bus: Several buses also run from the airport to Frankfurt city center and nearby areas, though they take longer than the train or taxi. Bus stops are located at both terminals.
- By Rental Car: If you prefer to drive yourself, car rental agencies like Sixt, Hertz, and Avis have counters at the airport. From there, you can head directly into the city or start your road trip across Germany.
Terminals at Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport, one of the busiest in Europe, has two operational terminals, with a third scheduled to open in 2026. The airport, originally built in the 1930s, has undergone continuous expansion to accommodate growing traffic, especially since the opening of Terminal 1 in 1972. While these expansions have increased capacity, they’ve also led to some compromises in efficiency and comfort compared to newer airports like Munich Airport, which was built with modern design principles in mind.
Here’s an overview of the terminals:
- Terminal 1 is the largest and is primarily used by airlines in the Lufthansa Group, including Austrian, Swiss, Eurowings, Air Dolomiti, and Brussels Airlines. It also serves Star Alliance member airlines and other carriers like Qatar Airways (oneworld) and Middle East Airlines (SkyTeam), along with some independent airlines such as Condor and El Al.
- Terminal 2 serves airlines from the Oneworld and SkyTeam alliances that don’t operate from Terminal 1, as well as other unaffiliated airlines like Etihad and Emirates.
Understanding which terminal your airline operates from is essential for a smooth experience, as the terminals are spread out and require some transit time between them if you need to switch.
All Airlines and their Terminals can be found on the official page of Frankfurt Airport.
Airport Amenities and Services
Frankfurt Airport is well-equipped with amenities to make your layover or wait as comfortable as possible. Here are some highlights:
- Shopping and Dining: With more than 300 shops, restaurants, and cafes spread across both terminals, you won’t be bored. From luxury brands to duty-free shops, and from quick snacks to fine dining, there’s something for every taste and budget.
- Lounges: For those who want to relax in comfort, Frankfurt offers a wide range of airline lounges, including Lufthansa’s well-regarded First and Business Class lounges. If you’re flying economy, there are also paid-access lounges available.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the airport. There are also numerous charging stations for your devices.
- Airport Hotels: If you have a long layover or early flight, there are several hotels directly connected to the airport. The Hilton Frankfurt Airport and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel are both conveniently located near the terminals.
- Kids’ Play Areas: For families traveling with children, the airport offers several play areas to help keep the little ones entertained.
Tips for Navigating Frankfurt Airport
- Allow Plenty of Time: Due to its size, Frankfurt Airport can be overwhelming, especially if you’re transferring between flights or terminals. Be sure to allow extra time to navigate security checks and long walking distances between gates.
- Use the SkyLine Train: If you need to transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the SkyLine train provides a fast and free way to move between them.
- Check Your Terminal in Advance: Knowing which terminal your airline operates from will save you time and hassle when you arrive. Terminal 1 is for Lufthansa and Star Alliance members, while Terminal 2 is home to most other international airlines.
Frankfurt Hahn vs. Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA) are often confused due to their names, but they are two entirely different airports located far apart. It’s important to know which one you’re booking a flight from or to, as the wrong choice could lead to significant delays and added travel time.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the main international hub, located just 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of Frankfurt city center. It’s one of Europe’s busiest airports and is easily accessible. Travelers can reach Frankfurt am Main in just 15-20 minutes by train, taxi, or car, making it the most convenient option for those visiting the city. Public transportation to and from Frankfurt Airport is well-developed, with regular trains and buses connecting directly to the city.
On the other hand, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) is much farther away, around 120 km (75 miles) west of Frankfurt. Despite the “Frankfurt” in its name, it is not close to the city and is mostly used by budget airlines like Ryanair. If you book a flight to or from Frankfurt-Hahn thinking it’s the same as Frankfurt Airport, you may end up with a lengthy journey. Reaching Frankfurt am Main from Frankfurt-Hahn typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours by bus, with regular shuttle buses running between the airport and Frankfurt central station. There is no direct train service, so bus or car is your best option.
In summary, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the main airport located near the city, while Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) is much farther away and serves low-cost airlines. Be sure to check your booking carefully to avoid confusion. If you are flying into or out of Frankfurt-Hahn, plan for additional travel time to reach Frankfurt am Main, as it’s not as conveniently located as Frankfurt Airport.
Conclusion
Frankfurt Airport is much more than just a transit point; it’s a vital hub for international travel and a gateway to exploring Germany and Europe. With its wide array of airlines, global connections, and convenient transportation options, it’s a great starting point for your German adventure. Whether you’re flying in or out, or simply passing through, knowing how to navigate this massive airport will ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
