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Frankfurt Airport is Europe's fourth-busiest airport and the busiest in Germany. It can be confusing to navigate, especially if you're in a rush to catch a connecting flight. If you're transiting in Frankfurt, it's recommended that you arrive at the terminal two and a half hours before your departure time, especially if you need to check in luggage or go through security and passport control. To get between Terminals 1 and 2, you can use the free SkyLine monorail, which operates 24/7 and departs every 2-3 minutes. If you have a long layover, you can use this time to explore the city centre, which is about a 30-minute drive or a 17-minute train ride from the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to arrive at the terminal before departure | 2 hours for domestic flights and 2.5 hours for international long-haul flights |
| Luggage regulations | Only one item of luggage per person; rechargeable batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes may not be placed in checked luggage; liquids may only be carried in containers holding no more than 100ml each |
| Transit visa requirements | Most travellers do not need a visa as long as they don't leave the International Airport Area; citizens of certain countries need a transit visa and can stay in the airport's international transit area for up to 24 hours |
| Facilities | Lounges, a transit hotel, nap cabs, gaming world, movie world, leisure zones, restaurants, and shops |
| Transportation within the airport | Free SkyLine monorail between Terminals 1 and 2 every 2-3 minutes; shuttle buses from Terminals 1 and 2 and the P36 bus parking lot every 5-10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. |
| Transportation to the city | 30 minutes by taxi or 17 minutes by train to the city centre |
| Navigation | Overhead signage in German and English; blue signs for directions between concourses and gates; gray signage for passenger services |
| Information | Display boards in both terminals with current flight details, gate information, and journey time to the gate; monitors at the arrivals gate showing onward flight gate information; Mobile Service Guides in red uniforms at important process points |
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What You'll Learn
Transit visas and passport control
If you are transiting in Frankfurt, you must carry valid personal identification, such as a passport or ID card, for your trip. If you are a citizen of an EU country and arrive from a country that has signed the Schengen Treaty, no passport check is required. However, it is recommended that you always carry the necessary identification documents as per the national regulations of the Schengen states. These include a passport, ID card, or equivalent, which you must show to the German Federal Police if requested.
Frankfurt Airport has an International Transit Area, and most travellers do not need a visa if they don't leave this area. This is known as the "'transit privilege."' However, citizens of certain countries need a transit visa even if they don't leave the transit area. You can check if you need a transit visa based on your nationality and destination country. The German transit visa allows you to stay in the airport's international transit area for up to 24 hours, and leaving this area with this visa is prohibited.
The standard fee for a German airport transit visa is €90, with children aged 6-12 years paying €45. The processing time for the transit visa is a minimum of two weeks, and you can apply up to six months in advance. The application process involves completing an online or paper form, which must be printed and signed, and submitting it along with the required documents to a German embassy or consulate, or a visa application centre. The necessary documents include a valid passport, two passport-size photos, a round-trip ticket or itinerary, and proof of visa for the final destination, if applicable.
Frankfurt Airport offers an automated border control system called EasyPASS and EasyPASS-RTP, enabling travellers to clear passport control within seconds. EasyPASS is available for holders of electronic passports (ePassports) from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, provided they are at least 12 years old. EasyPASS-RTP is accessible for eligible citizens from Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA after registering with the Federal Police at the airport.
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Navigating the airport
Frankfurt Airport is Europe's fourth-busiest airport and the busiest airport in Germany. The airport is large and sprawling, so it can be confusing to navigate, especially if you're in a rush. However, there is clear overhead signage in both German and English to help direct passengers. Blue signs will help you find your way between concourses and to gates, while grey signage offers directions to passenger services.
Both terminals host domestic and international flights, so you may have to transit between them. Terminals 1 and 2 are located next to each other and are connected by the free SkyLine monorail, which departs every 2-3 minutes from both the public and transit areas. If you need to change between areas A, B, C, or Z (Terminal 1) and areas D or E (Terminal 2), follow the signs to the SkyLine. It operates 24/7, and passengers can board and alight from both the public and transit areas.
If your connecting flight is tight, you can take a shortcut to the gate via the fast lanes at most major security checkpoints. However, you may have to go through security again, so plan accordingly and observe the regulations on carrying liquids, especially duty-free goods. You can also take advantage of the FRA SmartWay service, which allows you to book a time slot for the security checkpoint in advance.
To find your way around the airport, you can use the airport map, which provides an overview of all facilities and routes. Additionally, monitors at the arrivals gate will show your onward flight's gate, and display boards in both terminals will list current flight details, departure gates, and journey times to the gates. You can also use the new update function via WhatsApp to receive information about flight updates and helpful service offers.
If you need assistance, multilingual service staff are available at Service Points in Terminals 1 and 2. They can be identified by their red uniforms and are located at important process points.
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Transport to the city centre
Frankfurt Airport is located approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of Frankfurt's city centre. If you're looking to get from the airport to the city centre, here are some transport options available to you:
Train
The airport has its own long-distance train station, which offers direct connections within Germany and to neighbouring countries. The 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. The airport's train station for short distances is located on the ground floor of the airport, below Terminal 1. From there, you can reach areas A, B, and C of the arrivals area. Follow the signs towards "Train stations S T". On local trains (S-Bahn, RE, or RB), you will arrive at the regional train station on tracks 1 to 3. On tracks 2 and 3, you can use the elevator or escalator to get to the departure level. On Track 1 in section B, there is an elevator to the rail service point.
Taxi
Taxis to the city centre (ask for Hauptwache) cost approximately €25-30 and can be found at ranks outside the first level of Terminal 1 and the ground level of Terminal 2. Large-capacity taxis for up to seven people are also available, but it's always good to check with the driver first to see if they accept credit cards. The journey to the city centre takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Bus
There are numerous bus connections available right at the airport. The bus stop is located in front of Terminals 1 and 2 and at the P36 bus parking lot for long-distance buses. Buses leave every 5-10 minutes, depending on the time of day, and operate daily from 5:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. The shuttle is free of charge.
Car
If you prefer to drive yourself, there are parking facilities around Terminals 1 and 2. However, these car parks are in high demand during German school holidays, so it's advisable to book spaces online in advance.
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Airport facilities and services
Frankfurt Airport offers a wide range of facilities and services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable transit experience. Here are some key services to be aware of:
Information and Assistance:
Frankfurt Airport provides comprehensive information and assistance services to travellers. The airport is equipped with 12 interactive InfoGates, which are touch-screen kiosks located in the Arrivals and Departures areas of both terminals. These kiosks allow passengers to directly contact the multilingual service staff via video call and obtain helpful information. Additionally, Service Points in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have friendly staff who are happy to assist with any queries or issues.
Transportation and Parking:
The airport offers convenient transportation options, including a complimentary SkyLine train and shuttle bus service between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It also has excellent connections to long-distance train services, with the train station just a 10-minute walk from Terminal 1 via a pedestrian walkway. For those driving, parking facilities are available near the terminals, although these can fill up quickly during German school holidays, so booking in advance is recommended.
Shopping and Dining:
Frankfurt Airport boasts over 130 retail establishments, ranging from designer fashion boutiques to duty-free shops. Passengers can also take advantage of the option to purchase duty-free items online in advance of their departure. Additionally, most shops and restaurants within the airport are open during their normal operating hours.
Relaxation and Entertainment:
The airport offers various entertainment options to make your transit more enjoyable. This includes Movie Worlds, where you can watch movies, documentaries, and popular series for free. There's also the Gaming World, where you can play classic and modern games for free. Additionally, the Visitors' Centre features AR and VR worlds and interactive stations for all ages to explore. For those seeking relaxation, there are yoga rooms offering free yoga exercises in a peaceful atmosphere.
Medical Services:
Frankfurt Airport provides comprehensive medical services through its Medical Center, which is open 24 hours a day. Pharmacies are located in the public areas of both terminals and Transit Area Z of Terminal 1, offering medications, facemasks, and other health-related products.
By utilising these facilities and services, passengers can navigate Frankfurt Airport efficiently and make their transit experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
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Security and boarding
Frankfurt Airport is Europe's fourth-busiest airport and the busiest airport in Germany. The airport has two terminals, located adjacent to one another, that host both domestic and international flights. If you are transferring between terminals, you can use the free SkyLine monorail, which operates 24/7 and departs every 2-3 minutes.
When it comes to security and boarding, there are several important things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your departure, especially if you need to check in baggage or have booked an international long-haul flight. In such cases, arriving two and a half hours early is advised. You can use the FRA SmartWay service to book a time slot for the security checkpoint in advance.
Fast lanes are available at major security checkpoints, which you can use if your connecting flight is displayed on the monitor and you are short on time. However, you may have to go through security checks again, so be sure to plan accordingly and observe regulations on carrying liquids and duty-free goods.
If you are arriving from a non-Schengen country and connecting to a Schengen country, you will need to go through passport control. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a transit visa. To speed up this process, you can use the automated border control system, EasyPASS or EasyPASS-RTP.
After arriving at Frankfurt Airport, the monitors at the arrivals gate will display your onward flight's gate and the time it will take to get there. You can then follow the signs to your gate, keeping an eye on the journey time display. If you need assistance, multilingual service staff are available at Service Points in both terminals.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you arrive at the terminal two and a half hours before your departure time, especially if you need to check in baggage or are flying internationally.
The terminals are adjacent to each other and are connected by the free SkyLine monorail, which operates 24/7 and arrives every 2-3 minutes.
Fast lanes are available at most major security checkpoints. If your onward flight is soon and is displayed on the monitor at the checkpoint, you can take a shortcut to the gate via the fast lanes.
Most travellers do not need a visa to transit in Germany as long as they do not leave the International Airport Area. However, there are around 20 countries whose citizens do need a visa to transit, even if they do not leave the transit area.
Frankfurt Airport offers free entertainment services such as Gaming World and Movie World. There are also lounges, napcabs, and a transit hotel. The city centre is also only 30 minutes away by taxi or 17 minutes by train, so you can explore the city if you have a layover of at least 5 hours.
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