Frankfurt Airport Guide

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany's main aviation hub and Lufthansa's home base, about 12 km southwest of central Frankfurt. The important 2026 change is that travellers now use Terminal 1 or the new Terminal 3.

• Terminal 1 contains Piers A, B, C, and Z and remains the main Lufthansa and Star Alliance complex.
• Terminal 3 contains Piers G, H, and J. Airlines that previously used Terminal 2 have moved to Terminal 3.

The terminals are linked by the free SkyLine train. Frankfurt's regional and long-distance railway stations are at Terminal 1, so allow another 10 to 15 minutes for the signed SkyLine route if your flight uses Terminal 3.

Watch out for: old guides and booking confirmations may still mention Terminal 2. Check the live flight record or your airline before setting out.

Direct answer: check the onward gate on the arrival monitor, then follow the transfer signs and the airport's displayed walking time. FRA is efficient for a same-pier connection, but the long corridors and a T1–T3 change make airport-wide averages misleading.

Changing between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3

Use the free SkyLine. The airport publishes an approximately eight-minute train ride between Terminals 1 and 3, with service every two to three minutes from about 04:00 to 23:00 and a shuttle bus outside those hours. Build in additional time to reach the stations and complete any required controls.

Within Terminal 1, Piers A and B are also linked by a passenger tunnel with moving walkways. Use the live journey-time display after security or passport control instead of an old gate-to-gate table.

Passport control, security, and bags

Crossing between Schengen and non-Schengen flights requires border control. Depending on your arrival origin and onward route, you may also be screened again; the airport explicitly advises transfer passengers to plan for that possibility.

Checked bags usually continue automatically on a through itinerary. If your airline has not checked the bag to the final destination—or if you booked the flights separately—collect it and check it in again. You may need to enter Germany to do so.

How much connection time to allow at FRA

The applicable minimum depends on the airlines and itinerary, so use the time accepted in your booking rather than a generic table. For a calmer plan, our preference is at least 90 minutes within Terminal 1 and two hours or more when changing between Terminals 1 and 3 or crossing the Schengen border. Add more time for separate tickets or mobility assistance.

If a delay makes the connection tight, check whether your flight appears on the fast-lane monitor at security. Transfer desks can issue an onward boarding pass; otherwise ask at the departure gate or your airline's public-area check-in desk.

Best for central Frankfurt: use the S8 or S9 from the regional station below Terminal 1. Best for another German city: check direct IC and ICE options at the adjacent long-distance station before routing through Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.

If you arrive at Terminal 3, follow Train stations S/T signs to the SkyLine; the airport estimates 10 to 15 minutes from Terminal 3 to either rail station. A taxi is the simpler choice for a door-to-door trip or substantial luggage, but road time varies with traffic.

Taxis are available around the clock outside Terminals 1 and 3 and at the long-distance station. Tell the driver your airline as well as “Frankfurt Airport”; that helps the driver choose the correct terminal. The airport estimates 20 to 30 minutes from central Frankfurt when traffic is flowing.

Uber's official airport pickup is at P31 on the Terminal 1 departures level. If you are at Terminal 3, compare the time needed to reach P31 with taking a taxi directly from the terminal before requesting the ride.

S-Bahn (Suburban Rail)

The S8 and S9 connect Frankfurt Airport with Frankfurt, while regional trains also serve destinations across the Rhine-Main area. All use the regional station on Level 0 below Terminal 1.

To Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station):

1. Follow signs to "Regionalbahnhof" or "S-Bahn" in Terminal 1
2. Take S8 (direction: Offenbach Ost) or S9 (direction: Hanau Hauptbahnhof)
3. Exit at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof; check the live RMV or DB planner for that day's running time and platform

To Frankfurt Hauptwache (City Center):

1. Use the same Frankfurt-bound S8 or S9 service
2. Exit at Hauptwache for the central shopping district

Buy and validate the correct RMV ticket before boarding, or use the RMV app. Fares, service patterns, and engineering changes are date-sensitive, so check the journey planner rather than relying on a fixed price or frequency here.

ICE High-Speed Trains

The Fernbahnhof (long-distance station) is about a five-minute signed walk from Terminal 1 and has direct IC and ICE services across Germany and to neighbouring countries. Check Deutsche Bahn for the current departure and whether a reservation or supplement applies.

From Terminal 3, take the SkyLine toward Terminal 1 and follow signs for Fernbahnhof / Long-Distance Trains. Do not confuse it with the underground regional station if your ticket is for an ICE or IC service.

Frankfurt Airport has terminal, business, and longer-stay parking products. The Terminal 3 opening changed which facility is most convenient, so choose parking only after confirming your departure terminal. Use the airport's official booking flow for the current garage, vehicle-height rules, price, and transfer instructions rather than relying on an older Terminal 2 map.

Frankfurt Airport offers dining in its current passenger terminals. Check the live airport map for the nearest open option because the Terminal 3 opening changed the restaurant inventory and opening hours.

Terminal 1

Sit-down restaurants:

• Hausmann's (by Tim Mälzer): Celebrity chef restaurant, German cuisine (Area A, Level 2)
• Kuffler & Bucher: Frankfurt classic since 1999, German and European fare
• Asia Street Cooking: Authentic Asian dishes
• AMORE: Italian pasta, pizza, and focaccia
• Ludwigs: German classics like schnitzel and currywurst

Quick bites:

• Best Worscht in Town: Authentic Frankfurt currywurst
• Heberer Traditional Bakery: Fresh pretzels and pastries
• Le Crobag: French-style croissants and baguettes
• McDonald's and Starbucks: Multiple locations

Bars:

• Goethe Bar: German beers and bar food, breakfast options
• MONDO Bar: Coffee, cocktails, and light bites

Near Terminal 1 (The Squaire)

The Eatery: American street food including burgers, mac & cheese, and BBQ, located between the Sheraton and Marriott hotels with direct terminal access.

Free WiFi is available throughout Frankfurt Airport with no time limit.

Detail	Information
Network name	Airport-Frankfurt-Free-WiFi
Registration	None required
Time limit	Unlimited
Coverage	Over 300 access points

Quality: Speeds vary by location and time. For faster, more reliable WiFi, check the lounge options available in your current terminal.

Security tip: Use a VPN when accessing sensitive information on public WiFi networks.

Prepaid SIM cards are available at Frankfurt Airport, primarily in Terminal 1, Arrival Hall B.

Where to Buy

• Vodafone, Telekom, O2 stores: Arrival Hall B, Terminal 1
• Ortel Mobile: Arrival Hall B
• Tegut supermarket: Ground floor, Terminal 1, Halle C (often cheaper)

Store hours: 06:00-22:00 daily

Prices

Provider	Price	Data
Telekom	From €10	Varies by plan
Vodafone	From €10	5G available on select plans (+€3)
O2	From €10	Budget-friendly options

Important: German law requires SIM card registration with ID. Bring your passport and provide a German address (your hotel address works).

Tip: Airport prices tend to be €5-10 higher than city stores. If you have time, buy at a city center shop or supermarket for better deals.

ATMs are available in the airport's public and gate areas. Use the live terminal map to find a machine near your route and inspect any operator fee before accepting the withdrawal.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters are also available, but compare the displayed rate and commission with an ATM or card payment before exchanging cash.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw euros from ATMs using a no-fee debit card
• Use Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates
• Pay directly with credit/debit card (most places accept cards)

Frankfurt Airport offers extensive shopping in its current passenger terminals, with Heinemann as the main duty-free operator. Use the live airport directory for Terminal 3 locations and hours.

Duty Free (Heinemann)

Location	Hours
Terminal 1A, Level 2	05:30-22:00
Terminal 1Z, Level 3	06:30-21:30
Terminal 1C, Level 2	06:00-22:00

Products: Perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, tobacco, chocolates, German souvenirs, accessories.

Services: Gift wrapping, pre-ordering online (collect at store), Miles & More partner.

Notable Stores

• Porsche Design: German luxury accessories (Terminal 1)
• Montblanc: Writing instruments and leather goods
• Steiff: Famous German teddy bears
• BOSS: German fashion brand
• Swarovski: Crystal jewelry

Tips

• Pre-order online at shop.frankfurt-airport.com up to 12 hours before departure
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €50

Frankfurt Airport has numerous lounge options, particularly in Terminal 1 where Lufthansa operates multiple lounges. Terminal 3 changed the non-Terminal-1 lounge inventory, so verify the lounge, eligibility, and opening hours against the airport or airline directory before travel.

Lufthansa Lounges (Terminal 1)

Senator Lounges (Star Alliance Gold, Business Class):

• Area A, Level 2: 05:00-22:00
• Area B, Level 3: 06:00-22:00 (non-Schengen)
• Area Z, Level 3: 05:00-22:00 (non-Schengen)

Business Lounges (Star Alliance Silver, Premium Economy):

• Area A, Level 2
• Area B, Level 2
• Area Z, Level 2

Amenities include hot buffet, made-to-order dishes, premium bar, showers, daybeds, and spa services (Senator).

First Class Lounge and First Class Terminal: Invitation-only for Lufthansa First Class passengers and HON Circle members.

For independent lounge access, search the current terminal and gate area in your lounge program immediately before travel. Do not plan around a Terminal 2 lounge listing: former Terminal 2 airlines now use Terminal 3.

Several hotels are connected to Terminal 1 via covered walkways, ideal for early departures or late arrivals.

Connected to Terminal 1

Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel

• Direct pedestrian bridge from Terminal 1, Area A and C
• 4-star, full-service
• From €150/night

Hilton Frankfurt Airport

• Located in The Squaire, 10-minute covered walk from Terminal 1
• Above the ICE train station
• From €140/night

Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport

• Budget-friendly option in The Squaire
• Connected via same walkway as Hilton
• From €100/night

Frankfurt Airport Marriott

• Located in The Squaire near Hilton
• Direct connection to Terminal 1
• From €130/night

Near the Airport

• NH Frankfurt Airport: 5-minute shuttle, from €90/night
• Holiday Inn Frankfurt Airport: Free shuttle, from €80/night
• Mercure Hotel Frankfurt Airport: 10-minute shuttle, from €75/night

Frankfurt is a vibrant financial capital with a mix of modern skyscrapers and medieval old town. For layovers of 5+ hours, it's worth venturing into the city.

Getting to the City Center

• S-Bahn to Hauptwache: about 20 minutes; check the live RMV fare
• Taxi to Römerberg: roughly 25-30 minutes when traffic is flowing

Top Attractions

Attraction	Travel Time from Airport	Highlights
Römerberg (Old Town)	25 min by S-Bahn	Medieval town hall, half-timbered houses, cafes
Kaiserdom (Cathedral)	25 min by S-Bahn	Gothic cathedral, tower views
Kleinmarkthalle	25 min by S-Bahn	Indoor food market, local specialties
Main Tower	20 min by S-Bahn	200m observation deck, city panorama
Museumsufer	30 min by S-Bahn	Museum embankment along River Main
Palmengarten	35 min by S-Bahn	Botanical garden, 13,000 plant species

Layover Recommendations

• 5-hour layover: Visit Römerberg and walk along the Main River
• 7-hour layover: Add Kleinmarkthalle for local food and a museum
• Day trip from airport: Heidelberg (1 hour by ICE), Rhine Valley castles

Frankfurt Specialties

• Apfelwein (apple wine): Traditional Frankfurt drink, try in Sachsenhausen district
• Grüne Sosse: Green herb sauce with eggs, a Frankfurt classic
• Frankfurter Würstchen: The original Frankfurt sausage
• Handkäse mit Musik: Strong cheese with onions (acquired taste)