Roberta Aguirre
Frankfurt Airport is Europe's fourth-busiest airport, with quick access to the city centre. The city's downtown core is located just 15km away from the airport, with excellent train services making it easy to hop into the city during a layover. If you don't require a visa to visit the Schengen Area, you're free to leave Frankfurt Airport during a layover. However, if you do require a visa, you'll need to be in possession of it to leave the airport. It's important to consider the length of your layover when deciding to leave the airport, as you'll need to ensure you have enough time to pass through security, immigration, and customs, as well as travel to and from the city. While Frankfurt is known as a financial and business hub, it also offers charming cobbled streets, medieval buildings, green spaces, museums, and a vibrant food scene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Allowed, but requires passing through the Schengen external border |
| Visa requirements | Depends on nationality; US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days |
| Transportation to the city centre | Quick and convenient via train (15-minute intervals, 15-minute travel time) or taxi (30-minute travel time) |
| Recommended layover duration for a quick visit | 5 hours |
| Security checks | Required upon returning to the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for non-Schengen citizens
If you are a non-Schengen citizen, you will need to check if you require a visa to enter Germany during your layover in Frankfurt. The requirements for a visa will depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here are the key visa requirements for non-Schengen citizens:
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned exit from the Schengen area and must have been issued within the last ten years.
- Transit Privilege: If you are simply transiting through a German airport without leaving the international transit area, you may be eligible for the "transit privilege," which exempts you from needing a visa. However, this privilege does not apply to all nationalities, so check if your country is included in the list of eligible countries.
- Visa Requirements for Specific Nationalities: Some nationalities, such as holders of certain national residence permits from Andorra, Japan, Canada, and San Marino, or valid visas from EEA countries, may need an airport transit visa (Category A) to enter Germany. Check the official German government sources for the specific requirements for your nationality.
- Duration of Stay: If you are a citizen of a country that has visa-free entry to the Schengen area, you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, in the future, an electronic travel authorization may be required for visa-free entry.
- Travel Insurance and Proof of Accommodation: While not always required, it is recommended to have travel medical insurance when entering the Schengen area. Additionally, while a booked accommodation is not mandatory, you should have sufficient means of subsistence during your stay.
- Visa Application Process: If you require a visa, you can apply at a German embassy or consulate, or a visa application center. The process typically involves completing an online application form, scheduling an appointment, submitting the required documents, and paying the visa fee.
Please note that the above information provides a general overview of the visa requirements for non-Schengen citizens. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the website of the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence or citizenship.
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Transport to the city centre
Frankfurt Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to get to the city centre. The simplest option is to take a taxi, which is a door-to-door service that takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi services are available 24/7, and all licensed taxis can seat either 4 or 7 passengers. The price of a taxi from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre ranges from €35 to €45.
A cheaper alternative is to take a bus, although the bus network does not extend to the central district of the city. Instead, it takes passengers to the main bus station, which is only convenient if you are connecting to another bus.
The most preferred travel method from the airport to the city centre is the renowned Frankfurt train network. The local trains leave every 15 minutes and it takes about 15 minutes to get to the centre of town. The airport's regional train station is served by RMV (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund) with direct connections to Frankfurt, Hanau, Aschaffenburg, Mainz, and Wiesbaden. You can use the S-Bahn Trains S8 and S9 or the Regional Express (RE) with the numbers RE59, RE2 and RE3.
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Top attractions to visit
If you have a long layover at Frankfurt Airport, you may be able to leave the airport and visit some of the city's top attractions. Whether or not you are permitted to leave the airport depends on your visa status. If you do not require a visa to visit the Schengen Area, you are free to leave the airport during your layover. However, if you are a citizen who requires a Schengen Area visa, you will only be permitted to leave the airport if you are in possession of that visa.
Assuming you are able to leave the airport, Frankfurt's efficient public transportation system makes it easy to get around the city. The airport is located just 15 kilometres from the city's downtown core, and you can take a train or taxi to reach the city centre in around 15 to 30 minutes.
Römerberg Old Town: This charming neighbourhood is the heart of Frankfurt and is home to important landmarks such as Römerberg, the central main square, and Frankfurt's City Hall. From here, you can easily walk to other nearby attractions.
River Main: Stroll along the banks of the River Main and take in the beautiful views. You can also visit the museums located along the river, such as the historical Städel Museum, which is a popular attraction for art lovers.
Kleinmarkthalle: This iconic indoor market is a food lover's paradise, offering a variety of culinary delights, including Frankfurt specialties such as Fleischwurst, a regional sausage served with a bread roll and mustard. You can also find oysters, local pastries, and tapas here.
Zeil Shopping Mile: If you enjoy shopping, head to Zeil, Frankfurt's main shopping drag. Here, you'll find high-end boutiques, luxury labels, department stores, and chains. However, keep in mind that shops are typically closed on Sundays.
Frankfurt Cathedral: This cathedral is located near Römerberg and is a beautiful example of religious architecture.
In addition to these top attractions, Frankfurt also offers charming cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and gorgeous green spaces. The city is also known for its Apfelwein (cider) and traditional foods like Frankfurter sausages and Grüne Soße.
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Food and drink to try
If you're looking for food and drink options during your layover at Frankfurt Airport, you're in luck! The airport offers a wide range of options, from fast food chains and coffee shops to German local food, bakeries, Asian cuisine, Italian dishes, and healthy choices.
For German specialities, try Goethe Bar, a German deli and bar named after the famed writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Here, you can enjoy typical bar food and well-priced beers, as well as breakfast options like pancakes with Nutella, croissants, and espresso. Kuffler & Bucher, located in Terminal 1, is another option for German fare and has been a Frankfurt favourite since 1999.
If you're craving Italian, Food Society offers continental European dishes like pasta, pizza, and salads, along with a full bar. Terminal 1 also houses Flavors, a restaurant within the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, which serves international cuisine.
For Asian cuisine, Cosi Asiate, a Thai restaurant with vegan options and a beer menu that includes IPAs, is available at the airport. Thong Thai, a local German Thai food chain, is another option for Asian flavours.
In addition to these, the airport also has various German chains like Bistrot and Scoom, which serve pastries, Schnitzel, sandwiches, and salads. McDonald's is also available and is open 24/7 during the summer months.
If you have a longer layover and wish to explore beyond the airport, head to the city centre, particularly Alstadt, the oldest part of Frankfurt. Here, you'll find a variety of dining options, including local and fresh food at Kleinmarkthalle (closed on Sundays). Along Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse, you'll discover a pedestrian street with an array of street food, ranging from German to Asian cuisine. For a unique dining experience, book a table at one of the Apfelwein (cider) pubs in the riverside Sachsenhausen quarter to indulge in Frankfurt's beloved traditional cider culture.
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Security and timekeeping
If you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa to visit the Schengen Area, you will be free to leave the Frankfurt Airport during a layover. If you are a citizen who requires a Schengen Area visa, you will only be allowed to leave the airport if you have that visa. Visa rules are complex and subject to change, so be sure to check your visa requirements before planning your trip.
When leaving the airport, you will need to go through passport control. This usually takes no more than 15 minutes. On your way back to the airport, you will need to go through security and passport control again. If you are travelling during the early morning, be aware that security lines may not open until 4 am. Therefore, if your outbound flight is early in the morning, you may not have enough time to get through security and catch your flight.
Frankfurt Airport is located just 15km from the city's downtown core, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the city centre by train or taxi. The local trains leave every 15 minutes and take about 15 minutes to get to the centre of town. The city has an efficient public transport system, including U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses.
If you have a 5-hour layover, you will have time to explore attractions such as the Römerberg old town, museums along the River Main, and the historical Städel Museum. With a longer layover of 7 hours or more, you will have ample time to see some of the city's sights, enjoy a meal, and spend a few hours in a museum. However, if you only have a 3-hour layover, this may not be enough time to leave the airport, explore the city, and get back in time for your flight.
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Frequently asked questions
If you do not require a visa to visit the Schengen Area then you will be free to leave the Frankfurt Airport during a layover. If you are a citizen who does require a Schengen Area visa, you will only be permitted to leave the airport if you are in possession of that visa.
It should take you no more than around 30 minutes to reach the centre of Frankfurt by train or taxi. The local trains leave every 15 minutes and it takes about 15 minutes to get to the centre of town.
Frankfurt has an efficient public transport system and is generally safe, though travellers should be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially at night. Frankfurt is famous for its Apfelwein (cider) and hearty traditional foods like Frankfurter sausages and Grüne Soße. The Kleinmarkthalle is a must-visit for food lovers, and the city's shopping scene is vibrant, though shops are closed on Sundays.
