Frankfurt Airport Guide (FRA) – Frankfurt

Airport Overview

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the busiest airport in Germany and one of the three busiest in Europe by passenger volume, handling approximately 58 million passengers per year. Located just 12 km southwest of Frankfurt city centre, it serves as the primary global hub for Lufthansa and a major transit point for the Star Alliance network. Frankfurt is uniquely positioned as a major intercontinental hub connecting North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with European destinations. The airport is operated by Fraport AG and is one of only a few European airports with two competing runways and a fully integrated long-distance rail station on-site.

Terminals

FRA has two main terminal buildings — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — connected by a free Sky Line automated people-mover. Terminal 1 has three concourses (A, B, C) while Terminal 2 contains concourses D and E.

• Terminal 1, Concourse A: Lufthansa non-Schengen intercontinental long-haul flights.
• Terminal 1, Concourse B: Lufthansa Schengen and German domestic routes.
• Terminal 1, Concourse C: Star Alliance partner airlines (United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, etc.).
• Terminal 2 (Concourses D and E): Non-Star Alliance carriers including Air France, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Emirates, and others.

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout Frankfurt Airport under the network "Frankfurt Airport Free WiFi". Connect by selecting the network and completing a brief registration. Free sessions provide unlimited access. The Fraport WiFi portal offers both free standard and paid premium (faster) tiers. Lufthansa Senator and HON Circle members receive premium WiFi access automatically when using their lounges.

Transport to City Center

S-Bahn (S8/S9) and ICE/IC Trains

Frankfurt Airport has two railway stations: the Regional Station (S-Bahn) and the Long Distance Station (Fernbahnhof) for ICE and intercity trains. The S8 and S9 S-Bahn lines reach Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in 11 minutes, running every 15 minutes. ICE trains also connect the airport to major German cities (Cologne, Munich, Berlin) directly. S-Bahn fare to Frankfurt Hbf costs approximately €5.10 with an RMV day ticket or Deutschlandticket.

Bus Services

Several bus routes serve Frankfurt Airport including Lufthansa City buses to nearby cities and regional bus services. Local Bus route 61 connects to Frankfurt city (Mühlberg terminal) taking about 40 minutes. Long-distance FlixBus and other coach operators also serve the airport.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis operate from ranks outside both terminal arrival areas. A taxi to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof costs approximately €25–35 and takes 15–25 minutes in normal traffic. Uber is also available from designated zones. Car rental companies maintain a large on-site fleet at the airport.

Airport Lounges

Frankfurt Airport has an exceptional lounge offering, with Lufthansa operating some of its finest global lounges here including the legendary Senator and HON Circle facilities.

• Lufthansa HON Circle Lounge (T1, Concourse A): Ultra-exclusive lounge for Lufthansa's top-tier frequent flyers (HON Circle), with exceptional personal dining and privacy.
• Lufthansa First Class Lounge (T1, Concourse A): World-class first-class lounge featuring individual dining rooms with table service, shower suites, and a cigar lounge.
• Lufthansa Business Lounge (T1, multiple): Multiple business-class lounges with hot meals, shower suites, and workspaces throughout T1.
• Lufthansa Senator Lounge (T1, Concourse B/C): For Star Alliance Gold and Lufthansa Senator cardholders, offering premium food and drink.
• Aspire Lounge (T1 and T2): Priority Pass-accessible lounges with buffet food and bar service.

Hotels Near the Airport

• Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel: The largest hotel in Germany, directly connected to Terminal 1 via covered walkway, with extensive dining and conference facilities.
• Hilton Frankfurt Airport: Premium hotel directly in the terminal building with multiple restaurants and spa.
• Steigenberger Airport Hotel Frankfurt: Luxury 5-star hotel within the airport grounds, offering top-tier dining and wellness facilities.
• Marriott Frankfurt Airport: Well-appointed hotel with easy terminal access and excellent business amenities.
• Ibis Frankfurt Airport: Budget-friendly hotel adjacent to the airport with a free shuttle to terminals.

Food and Restaurants

Frankfurt Airport offers a comprehensive dining scene across both terminals, with a particular focus on German specialties alongside international cuisine.

• Frankfurter Botschaft (T1): Classic Frankfurt specialties including green sauce (Grüne Soße), Handkäse, and local sausages in an authentic German setting.
• Gordon Ramsay Plane Food (T1): Celebrity chef dining in the premium section of Terminal 1, serving British and European classics.
• Zum Gemalten Haus (T1 airside): Authentic German Apfelwein tavern with cider, sausages, and hearty German dishes.
• Starbucks (T1, T2): Coffee and snacks at multiple locations throughout both terminals.
• McDonald's / Burger King: Fast food options in both terminals for quick meals between flights.
• Marché (T1): Fresh food market concept with a wide variety of hot dishes, salads, and baked goods.

Travel Tips

• Frankfurt's rail connections are exceptional — the on-site ICE station allows direct train connections to major German cities, making FRA a genuine intermodal hub.
• The S-Bahn (S8/S9) to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof takes just 11 minutes — one of the fastest airport-to-city-centre rail links in Europe.
• Lufthansa's First Class Lounge at FRA is widely considered one of the best in the world — worth the premium if you qualify for access.
• T1 and T2 are connected by Sky Line — allow extra time if your transit requires moving between terminals.
• The airport's massive size means walking distances within T1 can be 20+ minutes — use the Sky Train people-mover where available.
• Frankfurt's duty-free shops are well-stocked with German wines, beer, and spirits; the airport shopping mall is also extensive landside.
• Book parking well in advance if driving to FRA — it's one of the largest parking operations in Europe with multiple on-site and off-site options.