Sachin Walls
Frankfurt Airport is Europe's fourth busiest airport, with quick access to the city centre. The airport offers all essential amenities, including dining spots, shops, and lounges. However, with a long layover, you may want to explore beyond the airport. Frankfurt has an efficient public transport system, and its heart is only a 30-minute train or taxi ride away. A five-hour layover is sufficient to visit the old town, museums, and historical sites, while seven hours allows for a more relaxed exploration and a meal. If you're staying overnight, there are airport hotels like the Holiday Inn, or the more upscale Jumeirah Frankfurt. Keep in mind that you'll need to go through security and passport control when leaving and returning to the airport, so plan accordingly if you have an early morning flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Possible, but you will need to go through passport control and security checks upon exit and entry. |
| Recommended layover duration for leaving the airport | 5 hours or more. |
| Transportation to the city centre | S-Bahn (regional train) from Frankfurt International Airport to Hauptwache station (approximately €5 and 15 minutes). |
| Attractions near the airport | Römerberg old town, museums along the River Main, and the historical Städel Museum. |
| Food and drinks | Apfelwein (cider), Frankfurter sausages, Grüne Soße, and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated cheese with onions, vinegar, and caraway seeds). |
| Accommodation near the airport | Sheraton, Holiday Inn, and Moxy Frankfurt Airport. |
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What You'll Learn
Exploring Frankfurt: what to see and do
If you have a layover in Frankfurt, you can definitely leave Frankfurt Airport and explore the city. Frankfurt Airport is only 30 minutes from the city centre by train or taxi, so a five-hour layover should give you enough time to see some of the sights.
Frankfurt has an efficient public transport system (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses) and is generally safe, although you should be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially at night.
- Wander the Römerberg old town, with its charming cobbled streets and half-timbered medieval buildings.
- Visit the Kleinmarkthalle, a famous food hall where you can sample local specialities like Frankfurter sausages and Grüne Soße (green sauce).
- Explore the museums along the River Main, including the historical Städel Museum and the Gold Museum.
- Take a boat tour on the Main River.
- Climb the Main Tower for panoramic views of the city.
- Visit the botanical gardens of PalmenGarten, which cover 49 acres and feature meadows, ponds, creatively designed gardens, and special exhibitions.
- See a performance at the Alte Oper opera house, or take a guided tour of the building.
- Sample the local apple wine (Apfelwein) in a traditional tavern.
- Visit the Goethe-House, located near the Eiserne Steg footbridge, to learn about Frankfurt's cultural roots.
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Transport options: getting to the city centre
Frankfurt Airport is located approximately 7.1 miles or 12 kilometres from the city centre. The airport offers various transport options to get to the city centre, including train, taxi, bus, and airport transfer services.
Train
Frankfurt Airport has two train stations: one for regional trains and the other for long-distance trains. The regional train station, called "Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbahnhof", is located on the ground floor of the airport, below Terminal 1. From there, you can take the S-Bahn suburban train lines S8 or S9 towards "Offenbach (Main) Ost" or "Hanau Hauptbahnhof", respectively. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and trains run every 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost around €4.50 and can be purchased from ticket machines or the service centre.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport and offer a faster option compared to other public transportation methods. They can be a more affordable choice than airport transfer services, but passengers may need to wait in line. The SIXT app provides a convenient way to book a taxi and offers additional rental car and car-sharing features.
Bus
Passengers can use several bus lines to get to the city centre. Tickets can be purchased at ticket booths at the airport, on the bus from the driver, or online from RMV and Deutsche Bahn.
Airport Transfer Services
Companies like SIXT ride offer airport transfer services from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre. This option provides a convenient, reliable, and hassle-free journey with professional and English-speaking drivers. It features a fixed price, ensuring peace of mind without unexpected charges. While it may cost more than a taxi, the convenience and reliability make it a popular choice for travellers seeking a stress-free experience.
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How long does it take to clear security?
Yes, you can leave Frankfurt Airport during a layover. With a layover of at least five hours, you will have enough time to explore the city centre, which is about 30 minutes away by taxi or 17 minutes by train. However, the time it takes to clear security at Frankfurt Airport varies depending on several factors.
Firstly, it is important to note that Frankfurt Airport is a large airport, and it is recommended to allow for 60-90 minutes to clear security and make it to your gate, especially if you are travelling during peak times. Additionally, if you are travelling between different areas of the airport (such as areas A, B, C or Z in Terminal 1 and areas D or E in Terminal 2), you may need to use the SkyLine monorail or shuttle buses, which can add some time to your journey.
The time taken to clear security can also depend on your specific situation and flight connections. If you are arriving from or connecting to a flight outside the Schengen Area, you will need to go through passport control and a security check, which can take additional time. In some cases, you may also need to pick up your checked luggage at the baggage claim and recheck it, further extending the time needed to clear security.
To expedite the security process, Frankfurt Airport offers fast lanes at most major security checkpoints. Additionally, if your onward flight is tight, you may be able to take a shortcut to the gate, but you should still allow for potential delays and observe regulations on carrying liquids.
It is also worth noting that, in some cases, security lines at Frankfurt Airport may not open until 4 am, which could impact travellers with early morning flights. Therefore, it is generally recommended to allow for ample time when clearing security to ensure you do not miss your connecting flight.
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Where to stay: airport hotels
If you're looking for a place to stay during a layover in Frankfurt, there are several airport hotels to choose from. Here are some options to consider:
MY CLOUD Transit Hotel
MY CLOUD Transit Hotel is located behind Terminal One at Frankfurt Airport. It offers comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury for travellers looking to elevate their layover experience. You can expect perks like nice breakfasts and executive lounges.
Sheraton
The Sheraton, located at Frankfurt Airport, is a popular choice for travellers with long layovers. It offers comfortable accommodations, nice breakfasts, and executive lounges. It is also conveniently connected to the airport, making it an excellent option for those who want to stay close by.
Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn are also attached to the airport, providing easy access for travellers. These hotels are known for their comfortable accommodations and convenient locations.
Marriott
The Marriott is another option at Frankfurt Airport. It was recently renovated and offers a convenient and comfortable stay for travellers.
Meininger Hotel
The Meininger Hotel is located in Gateway Gardens, just one stop away from the airport via the local train. It is a budget-friendly option, with trains running every 15 minutes and taking only 2 minutes to get to and from the airport.
When choosing an airport hotel during your layover in Frankfurt, consider factors such as proximity to the airport, convenience, comfort, and your budget. These hotels offer a range of amenities and locations to suit your needs. Remember to also factor in time for immigration, security checks, and luggage pickup when planning your layover itinerary.
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Eating and drinking: local cuisine
If you have a long layover at Frankfurt Airport and want to sample some local German cuisine, there are plenty of options both at the airport and in the city centre, which is just a 30-minute train or taxi ride away.
If you're staying in the airport, you can try Flavors, an international restaurant with an open-show kitchen, or the Tavern, which serves German food and regional delicacies like Hessian apple cider. There's also a Sports Bar for cocktails and beers, and the Davidoff Lounge smoking room, which offers Cuban cigars. For something quick, Kamps is a German chain with pastries and coffee, and Heberer’s is a classic German bakery with pastries and pretzels. Kuffler & Bucher, a Frankfurt Terminal 1 classic, serves German and continental European food, and has a full-service bar. Lucullus offers Italian food and has a bar, while Ludwigs serves German dishes like wiener schnitzel, currywurst, and goulash.
If you have time to head into the city, Frankfurt is famous for its Apfelwein (cider) and hearty traditional foods like Frankfurter sausages and Grüne Soße (green sauce with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs). The Kleinmarkthalle is a must-visit for food lovers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Frankfurt. If you have a long layover, you can explore the city, but for shorter layovers, it is recommended to stay within the airport or book a room at a nearby airport hotel.
It is recommended to have at least a 5-hour layover to leave the airport and explore the city. With a 7-hour layover, you can fully enjoy the city without rushing back to the airport.
You will need to go through passport control and customs when leaving and returning to the airport. It is also important to consider the time required for security checks and passport control before your departure. Additionally, check the opening times of the security lines, especially for early morning flights.
