Ruth Haines
Frankfurt Airport is Germany's busiest airport and the fourth busiest in Europe, with 65 million passengers passing through each year. The airport is located just 13km from Frankfurt city centre, which is easily accessible by train. If you have a long layover, there are plenty of things to do at the airport and in the surrounding area. From relaxing in an airport lounge to taking a flight simulator, there is something for everyone. Here is a guide to make the most of your time during a layover at Frankfurt Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from the city centre | 13 km from the city centre |
| Airport tours | Yes, starting at €11 for a 45-minute experience |
| Airport lounges | Available, with some airline-specific |
| Shops | Terminal 1’s Airport City Mall has German brands like Jack Wolfskin and Birkenstock |
| Restaurants | Yes, with deals and discounts |
| Quiet Zones | Yes, including the Room of Silence and Silent Chairs |
| Yoga rooms | Two, open 24 hours |
| Viewing points | Yes |
| Visitors' Terrace | Yes |
| Visitors' Centre | Yes, state-of-the-art |
| Roof terrace | Yes, open daily from 06:30 – 21:30 |
| Free Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Entertainment | Movie Worlds, Gaming World, and Entertainment Gate |
| Hotels | Yes, three inside the airport and more nearby |
| River cruise | Yes, 1-hour cruises available |
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What You'll Learn
Relax in a lounge or quiet zone
If you're looking for a quiet place to relax at Frankfurt Airport, you're in luck! The airport offers a variety of lounges and quiet zones to suit different needs and budgets.
For a truly tranquil experience, head to the Room of Silence in Concourse Z of Terminal 1. This space is dedicated to providing travellers with a moment of stillness and contemplation before their journeys. You can also find guided meditation videos on the airport's website to help you relax and centre yourself. Alternatively, look out for the Silent Chairs located throughout the airport. These comfortable seats are surrounded by soundproof glass and have built-in speakers, allowing you to listen to calming music.
If you're seeking a more traditional lounge experience, Frankfurt Airport has no shortage of options. The airport is home to several paid access lounges, such as the Lufthansa Business Lounges in Terminal 1 and the new Primeclass Lounge in Terminal 2, Concourse E. These lounges typically offer premium food and drinks, shower facilities, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, providing a pleasant and relaxing environment for travellers. Some lounges may also offer additional amenities like printers, copiers, and TVs. It's important to research the lounges beforehand, as the offerings vary.
For economy class passengers, purchasing a day pass for lounge access is an option to consider. Additionally, look out for the "Leisure Zone" in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which offers lounge-style seats for transit passengers.
Frankfurt Airport also has two Be Relax locations in Terminal 1, near Gates 23 and 56, where you can treat yourself to some spa services.
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Take a 1-hour cruise along the river
Frankfurt Airport is just 13km from Frankfurt's city centre, so it's easy to get into town and onto the river for a cruise if you have time between flights. The S-Bahn train takes around 15 minutes from the airport to the city's central Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof station. River cruise ships dock at a dedicated port area near the city centre.
A 1-hour cruise along the River Main is a great way to see Frankfurt, with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants along the banks, as well as parks and green spaces. There are 13 museums conveniently located along the river, including the Städel, so you can get your cultural fix, too.
You can choose between a 50-minute downstream cruise towards Griesheim, where you can see the skyscrapers of Frankfurt's Financial Centre, or a 50-minute upstream cruise towards Offenbach and the Eastern harbour. The upstream cruise takes you past the district of Sachsenhausen and its museum embankment. The 1-hour cruise combines both of these trips. Cruises depart at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm, so you can easily fit one in between flights.
If you have longer in the city, you might want to try a flight simulator experience at the airport, or one of the behind-the-scenes airport tours.
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Try the flight simulator
If you're looking for something to do around Frankfurt Airport, why not try the flight simulator? Located in the AiRail Check-in area, next to the Fraport AG counter, the flight simulator offers an exciting and unique experience. For €99, you can take off and land a simulated plane at Frankfurt am Main or choose from a thousand different international airports. This is a great way to pass time during a layover and an even better way to face your fear of flying.
The session includes a briefing on flight principles and aircraft controls, and you'll be guided by an experienced commercial or certified pilot, who will ensure your safety and provide expert guidance. The flight simulator is suitable for participants aged 12 and above, with a weight limit of 100 kilograms (220 lbs) and a height limit of 195 cm.
You can enhance your experience by combining it with an apron tour or a visit to the Fraport Visitors' Centre, where you can learn more about the fascinating world of aviation.
If you're looking for other activities to fill your time at Frankfurt Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from. The airport offers various airport tours, providing behind-the-scenes insights into its operations. These tours are a great way to explore the inner workings of one of the busiest airports in Europe.
Additionally, Frankfurt Airport has multiple lounges, quiet zones, and yoga rooms, offering relaxation and comfort. You can also enjoy the impressive views from the roof terrace or the Visitors' Terrace while watching a variety of aeroplanes take off and land.
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Visit the old town area
If you're looking to explore the old town area of Frankfurt after arriving at Frankfurt Airport, there are a few transport options available to you. The airport is located 12-13km from the city centre, so you have a few different options for travelling the 15-minute journey to the old town.
One option is to take the S-Bahn commuter train from the Regionalbahnhof station at the airport. This will take you to the Hauptwache stop in the city, from which it's just a 5-minute walk to the old town. If you accidentally get on a train that terminates at the main train station, don't worry – you can simply walk out front and catch the #11 tram to the old town, which is just one block away.
If you're looking to travel in style, you could also take a flight from the airport to the old town, which will only take an hour and a half. Alternatively, you could take a bus or train, although these journeys will take significantly longer at 6-9 hours.
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Take an airport tour
If you're looking to kill some time between flights, taking an airport tour is a great option. Frankfurt Airport offers several different tours that provide behind-the-scenes insights into the logistics and operations of one of the busiest airports in Europe.
The 45-minute Starter Tour, offered in German and English, gives you a glimpse of the airport "in a nutshell". You'll see aircraft refuelling, take-offs and landings, and even international aircraft paintings, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned or heated bus. This tour is perfect for those who want a quick overview of the airport's operations without spending too much time.
For those who want a more comprehensive experience, the 2-hour XXL Tour is the way to go. This tour takes you deeper into the world of Frankfurt Airport, including a closer look at ground handling, the new fire station, and CargoCity South. You'll also get to see the construction site of Terminal 3, giving you a sneak peek at the airport's future expansion plans.
If you're interested in the fire department, there's a dedicated Fire Department Tour that takes you into the fire station and gives you a closer look at the airport's emergency response capabilities. This tour is great for families, as children as young as 6 years old can participate.
All tours are led by knowledgeable guides who are happy to answer any questions you may have. Tickets must be booked online, and guests are requested to arrive at the meeting point in Terminal 1, Departure Hall C Centre, 30 minutes before the start of the tour. With so much to offer, an airport tour is definitely a fun and informative way to spend your time at Frankfurt Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Frankfurt Airport has plenty of things to keep you entertained during a long layover. The airport offers a range of lounges, some of which are airline-specific and some that are open to everyone. The airport also has two spas, a Room of Silence, and several Quiet Zones. If you want to be more active, there are two fully-equipped yoga rooms, a roof terrace, and a variety of viewing points. You can also take a tour of the airport, or head into Frankfurt city centre, which is only 13km away.
Frankfurt Airport has a variety of entertainment options. Movie Worlds offers a wide selection of free, multilingual, and family-friendly movies, documentaries, and TV series. In the Gaming World, you can try out the latest games for free. The airport also has an open-air deck and a Visitors' Terrace where you can watch planes take off and land.
Yes, Frankfurt Airport has multiple options for travellers looking to relax. The airport has two Be Relax spas located in Terminal 1, and the Room of Silence in Concourse Z of Terminal 1 offers a quiet space for meditation. There are also Silent Chairs located throughout the airport, which are comfortable chairs surrounded by soundproof glass and equipped with built-in speakers for playing relaxing music.
Frankfurt Airport has a variety of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and bars. The airport also has several shops and boutiques, as well as a giant duty-free area offering candy, chocolates, perfume, makeup, and alcohol.
