Frankfurt

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Airports

Frankfurt is home to one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe, providing international and domestic travel options.

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Comprehensive Guide to Airports in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt, Germany, is a major international hub for air travel, home to one of the busiest airports in Europe. Below is a detailed guide to the main airports in Frankfurt, transportation options, facilities, costs, procedures, and local tips to help you navigate your journey.

1. Main Airports in Frankfurt

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

  • Location: 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of Frankfurt city center.
  • Type: International hub and Germany’s busiest airport.
  • Terminals:
    • Terminal 1: Primarily used by Lufthansa and Star Alliance airlines.
    • Terminal 2: Used by other airlines, including low-cost carriers.
    • Terminal 3: Under construction (expected to open in phases starting 2026).
  • Passenger Volume: Over 70 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic).
  • Website: Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN)

  • Location: Approximately 120 km (75 miles) west of Frankfurt.
  • Type: Secondary airport, primarily serving low-cost carriers like Ryanair.
  • Passenger Volume: Much smaller than Frankfurt Airport.
  • Website: Frankfurt-Hahn Airport

2. Transportation Options to and from the City

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

By Train

  • Regional Trains (S-Bahn):
    • Lines: S8 and S9 connect the airport to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and the city center.
    • Travel Time: ~15 minutes to the city center.
    • Cost: €5.60 (single ticket, adult, 2023 prices).
    • Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
  • Long-Distance Trains (ICE/IC):
    • Frankfurt Airport has its own long-distance train station for high-speed trains (ICE) connecting to other German cities (e.g., Cologne, Munich) and neighboring countries.
    • Cost: Varies by destination; Frankfurt to Cologne starts at ~€20 (advance booking).

By Bus

  • Regional Buses: Connect the airport to nearby towns and cities.
  • Long-Distance Buses: FlixBus and other operators provide connections to cities across Germany and Europe.
  • Cost: Starts at €5 for regional routes.

By Taxi

  • Travel Time: ~20-30 minutes to the city center.
  • Cost: €30-40 (depending on traffic and destination).

By Rideshare

  • Services like Uber and Free Now operate in Frankfurt, with similar costs to taxis.

By Car

  • Rental Cars: Available at both terminals. Major providers include Sixt, Europcar, and Hertz.
  • Parking Costs:
    • Short-term parking: €5 for 30 minutes.
    • Long-term parking: Starts at €29 per day or €145 per week (online booking discounts available).

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN)

By Bus

  • Shuttle Buses: Connect Hahn Airport to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.
  • Travel Time: ~2 hours.
  • Cost: €16-20 (one way).

By Taxi

  • Travel Time: ~1.5-2 hours.
  • Cost: €150-200 (not recommended due to high cost).

By Car

  • Rental Cars: Available at the airport.
  • Parking Costs:
    • Short-term parking: €3 for 30 minutes.
    • Long-term parking: Starts at €5 per day.

3. Facilities Available

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

  • Wi-Fi: Free and unlimited throughout the airport.
  • Lounges: Multiple lounges, including Lufthansa lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and pay-per-use lounges (e.g., Sky Lounge).
  • Shopping: Duty-free shops, luxury brands (e.g., Gucci, Hermès), and local German products.
  • Dining: Wide range of options, from fast food (McDonald’s, Starbucks) to fine dining (German and international cuisine).
  • Hotels: On-site hotels include Hilton Frankfurt Airport and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport.
  • Other Services:
    • Currency exchange and ATMs.
    • Luggage storage: €7-10 per item per day.
    • Medical services and pharmacies.
    • Children’s play areas.

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN)

  • Wi-Fi: Limited free access.
  • Shopping: Small duty-free shop and convenience stores.
  • Dining: Limited options, mostly fast food and cafes.
  • Other Services:
    • Currency exchange and ATMs.
    • Basic medical services.

4. Procedures for Arrivals and Departures

Arrivals at Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

  1. Immigration:
    • Non-EU travelers must pass through passport control.
    • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use automated e-gates.
  2. Baggage Claim:
    • Follow signs to the baggage claim area.
    • Luggage carts are free to use.
  3. Customs:
    • Green lane for nothing to declare; red lane for items to declare.
  4. Transportation:
    • Follow signs for trains, buses, or taxis.

Departures from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

  1. Check-In:
    • Online check-in is recommended to save time.
    • Self-service kiosks are available for many airlines.
  2. Security Check:
    • Allow extra time during peak hours (morning and evening).
    • Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a clear plastic bag.
  3. Passport Control:
    • Required for non-Schengen flights.
  4. Boarding:
    • Gates close 15-30 minutes before departure.

Arrivals and Departures at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN)

  • Similar procedures but on a smaller scale.
  • Expect fewer facilities and longer travel times to/from Frankfurt.

5. Costs for Services

| Service | Frankfurt Airport (FRA) | Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) | |----------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------| | Wi-Fi | Free | Limited free access | | Parking (per day) | €29 (long-term) | €5 (long-term) | | Train to City Center | €5.60 | Not available | | Bus to City Center | €5-10 | €16-20 | | Taxi to City Center | €30-40 | €150-200 | | Luggage Storage (per day) | €7-10 | Not available |

6. Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Language: English is widely spoken at Frankfurt Airport, but learning basic German phrases can be helpful.
  2. Peak Times: Avoid traveling during major trade fairs (e.g., Frankfurt Book Fair) as the airport and city can become very crowded.
  3. Public Transport Tickets: Purchase tickets at machines before boarding trains or buses. Validate your ticket if required.
  4. Luggage Carts: Free at Frankfurt Airport but may require a deposit at Frankfurt-Hahn.
  5. Security Checks: Be prepared for thorough checks, especially for flights to the U.S. or U.K.
  6. Layovers: Frankfurt Airport is large, so allow at least 1.5-2 hours for layovers, especially if switching terminals.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Frankfurt’s airports and make your journey as smooth as possible. Safe travels!