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Frankfurt Airports Guide

Frankfurt Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The Frankfurt metropolitan area is served by two major airports. One is Germany’s primary global hub and one of Europe’s busiest, while the other is a significant base for low-cost carriers. Understanding the distinction between them is critical, as they are far apart and serve different purposes. This guide explains both Frankfurt airports, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear explanations of how to get to and from each one.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Overview: Frankfurt Airport is Germany’s largest and busiest airport, and one of the world’s most important international hubs. Located approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of central Frankfurt, it is the primary hub for Lufthansa, the Star Alliance, and Condor. It is a massive complex with extensive shopping, dining, and efficient transport links.

Terminals: FRA has two main passenger terminals and a dedicated First Class Terminal.

Terminal 1:
The largest and oldest terminal, divided into concourses A, B, C, and Z. It is the main base for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners (United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, etc.). Gates in Concourse A and Z are for non-Schengen flights and are reached via a people mover or bus from the central area.
Terminal 2:
A newer terminal used by airlines outside the Star Alliance, including SkyTeam (Delta, Air France/KLM) and oneworld (American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia), as well as many other international carriers.
First Class Terminal:
An exclusive, separate terminal for Lufthansa First Class passengers, located near Terminal 1.

The two main terminals are connected airside by the SkyLine people mover (a free, automated train) and landside by a free shuttle bus. The journey between terminals takes about 10-15 minutes.

Getting to and from Frankfurt Airport (FRA):

S-Bahn (Regional Train – Lines S8 & S9):
The fastest and cheapest way to reach Frankfurt city centre. Trains depart from the Regionalbahnhof station beneath Terminal 1. They reach Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station) in about 10-15 minutes and the city centre (Hauptwache, Konstablerwache) in 15-20 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes.
Long-Distance Trains (ICE, IC, EC):
The airport has its own Fernbahnhof (long-distance station) with direct high-speed connections to cities across Germany (Cologne in 1h, Berlin in 4h) and Europe. This is incredibly convenient for onward travel.
Taxi:
Taxi ranks are located outside Terminal 1 (Arrivals B) and Terminal 2. The ride to the city centre takes 20-30 minutes and costs approximately €35-€45.
Car Rental:
All major companies are located in the Car Rental Center, accessible via a free shuttle bus from both terminals.
Hotel Shuttles & Buses:
Many Frankfurt hotels offer shuttle services. Long-distance buses (FlixBus, etc.) also operate from the airport.

Best for: International long-haul flights, Lufthansa/Star Alliance passengers, and travellers connecting across Europe via rail or air. It is the primary gateway for most visitors.

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN)

Overview: Important: Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is not near Frankfurt. It is located about 120 km (75 miles) west, in the Hunsrück region, closer to cities like Koblenz and Trier. It is primarily a base for low-cost carriers, especially Ryanair. The name is often considered misleading, and the journey from Frankfurt city is long and requires careful planning.

Terminals:

Single, basic terminal: A no-frills facility with limited amenities.

Getting to and from Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN):

Shuttle Bus (Flibco):
The only direct public transport link to Frankfurt. Buses run to/from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main train station). The journey takes at least 1 hour 45 minutes and is heavily dependent on traffic. Tickets should be booked online in advance for the best price and guaranteed seat.
Car Rental:
Available at the airport. Almost a necessity if your final destination is not Frankfurt city.
Taxi:
Prohibitively expensive for the distance to Frankfurt (can exceed €200). Not a practical option.

Best for: Travellers on a very tight budget flying Ryanair to specific European destinations, and those whose final destination is in the Rhineland-Palatinate region, not Frankfurt. Use with caution if your destination is Frankfurt proper.

Which Frankfurt Airport Should You Choose?

Choose Frankfurt Airport (FRA): If you are flying any full-service airline (Lufthansa, United, Delta, etc.), arriving on a long-haul flight, or your destination is Frankfurt or nearby. It is the only practical choice for most travellers.

Choose Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN) only if: You are flying Ryanair or another low-cost carrier, have found a drastically cheaper fare, and are prepared for a long (2+ hour) and potentially expensive bus transfer to Frankfurt city. Double-check the airport code on your ticket (FRA vs. HHN). Confusing the two is a costly and time-consuming mistake.

Essential Information for Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Before You Go:

Schengen vs. Non-Schengen: FRA has separate areas for flights within the Schengen Area and outside it. Your passport will be checked when leaving the Schengen zone, even for a connecting flight.
Check-in: For Schengen flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours early. For non-Schengen/long-haul, arrive 2.5-3 hours early. Security can have queues, especially at Terminal 1 during peak morning hours.
Lufthansa Passengers: Use the fast baggage drop counters and self-service kiosks. If connecting from a long-haul to a Schengen flight, you must clear passport control and, if checked bags are not through-tagged, collect and re-check them.

Upon Arrival at FRA:

Non-Schengen Arrivals: Follow signs to passport control, then baggage claim, then customs. The process is generally efficient.
Ground Transport: After customs, follow the green “Train” signs to the Regionalbahnhof or Fernbahnhof, or the “Taxi” signs to the ranks.

Transfers at FRA:

If connecting between two flights within the same terminal (e.g., both in T1), it’s usually a walk. Between T1 and T2, use the SkyLine people mover airside.
Minimum connection times are typically 45 minutes for Schengen-Schengen and 60+ minutes for international connections, but aim for more.

Travel Tips for Frankfurt

Rail Travel from FRA: The airport is a major rail station. Consider buying a Frankfurt Card or a German Rail Pass from the DB (Deutsche Bahn) offices in the airport if you plan extensive travel.

Language: German is official, but English is widely spoken at the airport and in the city.

HHN Warning (Repeated): The distance and travel time from Frankfurt-Hahn to Frankfurt city cannot be overstated. A flight landing at 22:00 may mean you miss the last bus and be stranded. Always research the bus schedule before booking a flight to/from HHN.

Airport Lounges: FRA has numerous lounges, including the famous Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounges in Terminal 1. Many are accessible via Priority Pass or business class tickets.

Bottom line: For a seamless experience, fly into Frankfurt Airport (FRA). It is a world-class hub with superb rail connections. Treat Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN) as a distant, regional airport—only use it if you fully understand the logistical implications and have budgeted extra time and money for ground transport.