A Layover Guide to Frankfurt Airport

The S-Bahn

The S8 and S9 S-Bahn lines run every 15 minutes from the airport's regional train station (located under Terminal 1) to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (the main station). The journey takes about 15 minutes. Be sure to buy a ticket from the RMV machines before boarding.

Taxis

Taxis are available at both terminals and take about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the city center, depending on traffic. They are more expensive than the train but offer door-to-door service, which can be useful if you are heading to a specific location or traveling with others.

Long-Distance Trains

FRA also has a separate long-distance train station for high-speed ICE trains. If your layover is long enough, you could even consider a quick trip to nearby cities like Mainz or Wiesbaden, both of which are under 30 minutes away by train.

Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Ensure you have the correct visa and documents to enter Germany based on your nationality. The immigration process is usually efficient, but the sheer volume of passengers at FRA means there can be delays during peak times.

When returning to the airport, be mindful that security checkpoints can be quite far from your gate. FRA is famous for its long walking distances, so give yourself at least three hours back at the airport to ensure a stress-free boarding process.

Rules change - always check the official government or embassy website before you travel.

With six hours, take the S-Bahn to the Hauptwache or Römer station. From there, it is a short walk to the Römerberg, Frankfurt's historic central square. You can see the city's old town hall and the reconstructed half-timbered houses, then visit the nearby Frankfurt Cathedral.

Enjoy a quick lunch of Frankfurter sausages or a slice of local cake, then take a brief stroll across the Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge) for a great view of the city skyline. This allows you to see the most iconic parts of Frankfurt without straying too far from the train lines back to the airport.

A twelve-hour layover gives you time to explore the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) on the south bank of the Main River. You can choose from world-class institutions like the Städel Museum or the Museum of Applied Arts. The riverfront itself is a beautiful place for a walk.

After soaking in some culture, head to the Sachsenhausen district for a late lunch or early dinner. This area is famous for its traditional apple wine (Apfelwein) pubs, where you can enjoy hearty German food in a cozy, historic setting. Afterward, head to the Main Tower in the financial district for a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck.

With a full day, you can explore Frankfurt more deeply. Visit the Palmengarten, a massive botanical garden, or the house where the famous writer Goethe was born. Spend time shopping on the Zeil, one of Germany's busiest shopping streets, or explore the trendy Bornheim neighborhood.

If you have an overnight stay, enjoy the city's diverse dining scene and perhaps catch a performance at the Alte Oper. A 24-hour stopover also gives you time for a short day trip to a nearby town like Heidelberg, although there is plenty to keep you occupied within Frankfurt itself. Stay overnight in the city center for easy access to the main station the next morning.

Frankfurt Airport is a city in itself. It offers everything from luxury shopping and fine dining to play areas for children and quiet rooms for prayer or meditation. There are numerous lounges spread across both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, many of which offer showers and hot meals.

The airport also has a 'Visitor's Terrace' in Terminal 2 (accessible landside) for plane spotting. Airside, you will find many duty-free shops selling German products, including high-quality electronics, watches, and local spirits. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for all passengers.

1. 01Arrival and Immigration75 min
2. 02S-Bahn to City Center20 min
3. 03Sightseeing and Lunch4 hours
4. 04S-Bahn to Airport20 min
5. 05Security and Boarding90 min

Illustrative only. Follow your airline's boarding deadline and keep a generous buffer for queues and delays.