How to Get from Frankfurt Airport: Transport Options, Prices & Tips

The Bank district of Frankfurt

Frankfurt Airport is one of Germany’s busiest transport hubs, with several convenient ways to reach Frankfurt city centre and other destinations in the region. Trains are usually the fastest choice, while buses, taxis, and rental cars offer more flexibility depending on your destination, arrival time, and budget.

I’ve flown to Frankfurt Airport myself and tried different ways of getting from the airport, including public transport and travelling by car. Based on these experiences, I’ve put together this guide to help other tourists compare the available options and choose the one that works best for their trip. Let’s find out how to get from Frankfurt Airport by your travel style.

✈️ Frankfurt Airport Travel Facts

  • 🛫 Airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
  • 📍 Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
  • 🚆 Train connections: S-Bahn, regional trains, and long-distance ICE/IC trains
  • 🚉 Regional train station: Beneath Terminal 1, Level 0
  • 🚄 Long-distance train station: At The Squaire, next to Terminal 1
  • 🚌 Other public transport: Buses connect the airport with Frankfurt and other destinations in the region
  • 🚕 Taxi: Available directly outside the airport terminals
  • 🚗 Car rental: Several rental companies operate at the airport
  • 🔄 Terminal transfer: The SkyLine connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 in around 10–15 minutes
  • Best for central Frankfurt: The S-Bahn is usually the simplest and most affordable option
  • 🧳 Best for exploring beyond Frankfurt: A rental car can be more convenient if you plan to visit several places outside the city

Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt City Centre: At a Glance

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is well connected to the city centre, making it relatively easy to continue your journey after landing. Here’s a quick overview of the key things to know.

How far is Frankfurt Airport from the city centre?

Frankfurt Airport is about 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of Frankfurt city centre. The airport is within the city’s wider metropolitan area, so you can reach central Frankfurt without a long transfer.

How long does the journey take?

Your travel time depends on the transport option and traffic conditions:

  • 🚆 S-Bahn: around 15–20 minutes
  • 🚄 Regional train: around 15–20 minutes
  • 🚕 Taxi: around 20–30 minutes
  • 🚌 Bus: around 30–45 minutes
  • 🚗 Rental car: around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic

Which transport option is best?

  • 💰 Best for budget: S-Bahn — affordable and frequent.
  • Best for speed: S-Bahn or regional train — avoids road traffic.
  • 🧳 Best with lots of luggage: Taxi — door-to-door convenience.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for groups: Taxi or rental car — can be more convenient when splitting the cost.
  • 🗺️ Best for exploring the region: Rental car — useful if Frankfurt is just one stop on your trip.

For most visitors heading directly to central Frankfurt, the S-Bahn is the easiest overall choice thanks to its combination of price, speed, and frequent departures.

I often use Frankfurt Airport as a starting point for trips around southwestern Germany, so I’ve tried several ways of getting around from the airport. If you’re planning to explore beyond Frankfurt, renting a car can be the most convenient option. I recently drove from the airport to Baden-Württemberg and was pleasantly surprised by how easy and comfortable the journey was. The excellent quality of German Autobahns also makes longer road trips a great option if you want to visit several towns and attractions at your own pace.

For a short stay in Frankfurt, however, I’d stick with public transport — it’s faster, cheaper, and you won’t have to worry about parking.

Evening Frankfurt panorama
Jorge Franganillo/Evening Frankfurt panorama

How to Get from Frankfurt Airport by Train

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Taking the train is one of the easiest ways to get from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre and to other destinations across Germany. The airport has two train stations: the Regional Railway Station for S-Bahn and regional trains, and the Long-Distance Railway Station for ICE and IC services.

Where to catch the train at Frankfurt Airport

  • Regional Railway Station: Located at Terminal 1, Area B, Level 0. This is where you catch the S-Bahn and regional trains.
  • Long-Distance Railway Station: Located next to Terminal 1 at the AIRail Terminal and used by ICE, IC and other long-distance services.
  • 🧭 From Terminal 1, simply follow the signs for “Train Stations”.
  • 🚌 Arriving at Terminal 2? Take the free SkyLine or shuttle bus to Terminal 1 before heading to the Regional Railway Station.

S-Bahn to Frankfurt city centre

For most tourists staying in Frankfurt, the S-Bahn is the simplest option. Lines S8 and S9 run from the airport towards Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, with frequent services continuing towards Offenbach and Hanau.

  • 📍 Get off at: Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof for the main railway station.
  • ⏱️ Journey time: about 15 minutes to Frankfurt Central Station.
  • 💶 Ticket: €6.90 for an adult one-way ticket between Frankfurt city and the airport; children pay €4.10.
  • 🧳 Suitcases and carry-on luggage can be taken on S-Bahn and regional trains at no extra charge.

Regional and long-distance trains

Regional trains are useful if you’re heading beyond Frankfurt to places such as Mainz, Wiesbaden, Offenbach or Hanau. The airport’s Regional Railway Station is served by S-Bahn and several regional services, including RE and RB trains.

For longer journeys, use the Long-Distance Railway Station. It is served by ICE and IC trains, providing direct connections to many cities in Germany and beyond.

Tip: Check your train carefully before boarding. If your destination is Frankfurt city centre, you normally want the Regional Railway Station, not the Long-Distance Railway Station.

Train tickets and prices

For the airport-to-Frankfurt journey, you can buy an RMV ticket from a ticket machine at the station or through the RMVgo app. The current adult single fare between Frankfurt city and the airport is €6.90.

For ICE and other long-distance journeys, fares depend on your destination, train and how early you book. These tickets are separate from the local RMV fare.

How long does the train journey take?

  • 🚆 S-Bahn → Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof: about 15 minutes
  • 🚆 S-Bahn → Hauptwache: about 15–20 minutes
  • 🚆 S-Bahn → Frankfurt Messe: about 20–25 minutes
  • 🚄 Regional/long-distance trains: travel times vary considerably depending on your destination.

My recommendation: If you’re staying in Frankfurt, I would choose the S-Bahn. It is quick, inexpensive, straightforward after a flight, and avoids traffic — exactly what I look for when I arrive at Frankfurt Airport.

Towers of Frankfurt
Jorge Franganillo/Towers of Frankfurt

Frankfurt Airport to the City by Bus

The bus is another option for getting from Frankfurt Airport, although for central Frankfurt I usually prefer the S-Bahn. Buses can be particularly useful for reaching destinations that are not directly served by rail.

Where to find the airport bus

Airport bus stops are located directly outside the arrival levels of Terminals 1 and 3. Follow the signs for “Bus” after leaving the baggage claim area.

Long-distance buses, including FlixBus, generally use the P36 bus parking area near Terminal 1. It is about a five-minute walk from the terminal.

Bus routes and destinations

There are several local and regional bus services from the airport:

  • 🚌 Bus 61: Frankfurt Airport ↔ Frankfurt Südbahnhof
  • 🚌 Bus 62: Frankfurt Airport ↔ Schwanheim
  • 🚌 X77: Terminal 3 ↔ Gateway Gardens, with connections to the S-Bahn network
  • 🚌 X14 and X18: Connect Terminal 3 with destinations in the surrounding region
  • 🚌 AirLiner: Direct service between Frankfurt Airport and Darmstadt
  • 🧳 Long-distance buses: Services such as FlixBus connect the airport with other German and European cities.

Tickets, prices, and travel time

For local buses, fares depend on your destination and the RMV fare zone. A standard adult journey between Frankfurt and the airport currently costs €6.90, while an airport-to-city day ticket costs €13.50. Tickets can be purchased through the RMVgo app, at ticket machines, or from the bus driver.

⏱️ Travel time: Allow roughly 30–45 minutes to reach central Frankfurt by bus, depending on the route and traffic. If you’re heading to Frankfurt city centre, the S-Bahn is generally faster, taking around 15 minutes.

When is the bus a good option?

The bus makes the most sense when:

  • 📍 Your destination is closer to a bus stop than a train station.
  • 🧳 You prefer not to use stairs or navigate a railway station with heavy luggage.
  • 🌙 Your particular bus connection operates when your preferred train does not.
  • 🗺️ You are travelling to Darmstadt, Schwanheim, or other regional destinations with a direct bus.
  • 💶 You find a good-value long-distance bus connection to another city.

My tip: For a hotel in central Frankfurt, I would normally choose the S-Bahn because it is quicker and less affected by road traffic. But if you’re travelling to a destination with a direct airport bus, it can save you the hassle of changing trains.

The Old town of Frankfurt
Jorge Franganillo/The Old town of Frankfurt

Taking a Taxi from Frankfurt Airport

A taxi is the easiest option if you want to go directly from Frankfurt Airport to your hotel without changing trains or carrying luggage through the station. It is available around the clock and can be especially convenient for families, groups, or late-night arrivals.

Where to find taxis

Taxis are available 24/7 at Frankfurt Airport. You can find official taxi ranks at all three terminals and at the long-distance train station. Simply follow the signs for “Taxi” after leaving the terminal.

Tip: Use the official taxi rank rather than accepting offers from anyone approaching you inside the terminal.

How much does a taxi cost?

For a journey from Frankfurt Airport to central Frankfurt, expect to pay roughly €50–€65, depending on your exact destination and traffic. Taxi fares are metered, so the final price can vary.

As a rough guide:

  • 💰 Airport → Frankfurt city centre: around €50–€65
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a group: the cost can make more sense when split between several passengers.
  • 🧳 Luggage: a taxi is particularly convenient if you have several large suitcases.

Prices can change, so it is worth checking the current fare before your journey.

How long does a taxi take?

The drive from Frankfurt Airport to central Frankfurt usually takes around 20–30 minutes, although traffic can make the journey longer during busy periods. During rush hour, allow some extra time — unlike the S-Bahn, taxis are affected by road traffic.

Taxi vs public transport

🚕 Taxi 🚆 Public transport
Travel time ~20–30 min ~15–20 min
Price ~€50–€65 per taxi From around €6.90 per person
Luggage ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Convenience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Traffic Can be affected Not affected by road traffic
Best for Groups, families, lots of luggage Solo travellers & budget trips

My tip: I would choose a taxi if I had a lot of luggage, was travelling with several people, or arrived late at night. For a solo trip to central Frankfurt, however, I think the S-Bahn offers much better value — it is considerably cheaper and usually just as quick or even faster during busy traffic periods.

Frankfurt
kurzkarl74/Frankfurt

Getting from Frankfurt Airport by Car

Renting a car is a great choice if Frankfurt Airport is the starting point for a longer road trip rather than just a visit to the city. The airport has direct access to the A3, A5 and B43, making it easy to continue towards other parts of Germany.

Renting a car at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport has several major car rental companies. As of May 19, 2026, the car rental centre at Terminal 2 is closed, so check your pickup location carefully before your trip. Car rental services are currently available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

  • 📍 Terminal 1: Car Rental Centre in Hall A, Airport City Mall, one level above the Regional Railway Station.
  • 📍 Terminal 3: Car Rental Centre on the arrivals level.
  • 🪪 Have your driving licence, passport/ID and payment card ready when collecting the car.
  • ⛽ If you need to return the car with a full tank, there are petrol stations close to the airport.

My car-rental tip: I recommend comparing rental cars before arriving rather than choosing a company at the airport. This gives you more time to compare the price, deposit, insurance conditions and mileage allowance.

When I want to find the best available rental option, I usually check comparison services such as Discover Cars and EconomyBookings. They let me compare offers from different rental companies in one place, which makes it easier to find a suitable car and compare prices and rental conditions.

Just remember: don’t look only at the headline price. Before booking, compare the deposit, insurance, mileage, fuel policy and cancellation terms so you know the actual cost of the rental.

Driving from the airport to Frankfurt

Driving from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre is straightforward. The airport is connected to the main road network by the A3, A5 and B43.

🚗 The drive to central Frankfurt usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. During rush hour, however, the journey can take considerably longer.

If you are planning a road trip, this is where having a car becomes much more useful. You can leave Frankfurt whenever you want and easily continue towards destinations such as Baden-Württemberg, the Rhine Valley or other parts of southwestern Germany as I did.

Parking in Frankfurt city centre

Parking is one of the main disadvantages of having a car in central Frankfurt. Instead of looking for a space on the street, I recommend using a multi-storey car park (Parkhaus) near your accommodation or sightseeing area.

  • 🅿️ Parkhäuser: Usually the easiest option in the city centre.
  • 💶 Check prices in advance: Parking costs can add significantly to your daily travel budget.
  • 📱 Check availability: Frankfurt’s Mainziel mobility portal provides real-time occupancy information for many participating car parks. The city is also testing its new Parken und Leiten guidance system, with roadside signs displaying available spaces at selected central car parks.
  • 🚆 Alternative: If you are staying in central Frankfurt, consider leaving the car at your hotel or an out-of-centre car park and using public transport around the city.

Is renting a car worth it?

For Frankfurt itself, probably not. The city centre is well connected by trains, trams, buses and the S-Bahn, and parking can be expensive and inconvenient.

However, I strongly recommend renting a car if you plan to explore beyond Frankfurt. I often use Frankfurt Airport as a starting point for trips around southwestern Germany, and having a car has given me much more freedom to visit smaller towns and scenic areas that are less convenient to reach by public transport.

🚗 My experience: I have driven from Frankfurt Airport to the Baden-Württemberg region, and I was pleasantly surprised by how convenient the journey was. The excellent quality of German Autobahns made the road trip comfortable, and having a car meant I could travel at my own pace rather than planning everything around train schedules.

Historic square in Frankfurt
Jorge Franganillo/Historic square in Frankfurt

Private Transfers from Frankfurt Airport

A private airport transfer is a convenient alternative to both public transport and a regular taxi. You book the ride in advance, provide your flight details and destination, and a driver is arranged to meet you at the airport.

How airport transfers work

The process is simple:

  • 💻 Book online: Choose Frankfurt Airport, your destination, travel date and number of passengers.
  • ✈️ Add your flight details: The transfer company can use these details to coordinate the pickup with your arrival.
  • 👋 Meet your driver: The driver waits for you at the agreed meeting point, often with a name sign.
  • 🚗 Go directly to your destination: You get a private, door-to-door ride without looking for a taxi or navigating public transport with your luggage.

One of the biggest advantages is that the car is arranged for your arrival time. For example, Kiwitaxi says its drivers monitor flights and adjust pickup times if a flight is delayed, while Intui.Travel also allows you to provide your flight details and provides pickup instructions in your booking voucher.

Typical prices and journey times

For Frankfurt Airport to central Frankfurt, a private transfer generally takes around 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic. Prices vary according to the vehicle, destination and number of passengers.

As a current example, Kiwitaxi lists Frankfurt Airport → Frankfurt am Main transfers from €53, while longer journeys cost more — for example, transfers to Heidelberg start from €145 and to Baden-Baden from €272.

🚗 Destination 💶 Example price* ⏱️ Approx. journey
Frankfurt city centre from €53 20–35 min
Heidelberg from €145 60–90 min
Baden-Baden from €272 90–120 min

*Prices are examples and can change depending on the date, vehicle and booking conditions.

When to choose a private transfer

I think a private transfer is particularly worthwhile when convenience is more important than getting the cheapest possible ride.

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families and groups: The price is usually for the vehicle, so it can be more attractive when shared between several passengers.
  • 🧳 Lots of luggage: You don’t have to carry suitcases through train stations or onto crowded public transport.
  • 🌙 Late-night or early-morning arrivals: A pre-booked car gives you peace of mind when you don’t want to search for transport after landing.
  • 🏨 Door-to-door convenience: The driver takes you directly to your hotel, apartment or another specified address.
  • ✈️ Flight delays: Services that monitor your flight can adjust the pickup time accordingly.
  • 🗺️ Travelling beyond Frankfurt: A private transfer can be especially convenient for destinations such as Heidelberg, Baden-Baden or other towns where public transport may require several connections.

My experience: I have used both Kiwitaxi and Intui.Travel for airport transfers and can recommend both services. What I like most is that you know that a car is waiting for you when you arrive. Unlike an ordinary taxi, you don’t need to join a queue, look for an available car or negotiate where to go after a long flight. You simply meet your driver and start the journey.

If you want to compare different transfer options, I would check both services before booking. Kiwitaxi offers fixed-price private transfers, while Intui.Travel lets you compare different vehicle types and transfer options, with prices shown in advance.

Historic quarter of Frankfurt
Jorge Franganillo/Historic quarter of Frankfurt

How to Get from Frankfurt Airport to Popular Destinations

Frankfurt Airport has direct rail connections with the city, so getting to the main tourist areas is usually straightforward. Here are the easiest options for some of the most popular destinations.

Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof

The easiest way to reach Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) is by S-Bahn.

  • 🚆 Take S8 or S9 from Frankfurt Airport Regional Railway Station.
  • ⏱️ The journey takes around 15 minutes.
  • 📍 Get off at Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof.
  • 💶 A standard local ticket covers the journey.

The S8 and S9 both connect Frankfurt Airport with Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, making this the best option for most travellers heading to the main railway station.

Frankfurt Old Town (Altstadt)

If you’re staying around Römerberg, the Cathedral or Frankfurt’s historic Old Town, you don’t need to take a taxi.

  • 🚆 Take S8 or S9 from the airport.
  • 🚉 Get off at Hauptwache.
  • 🚶 Walk for around 5–10 minutes towards Römerberg and the Old Town.
  • 🚇 Alternatively, you can change at Hauptwache for the U-Bahn to Dom/Römer.

Hauptwache is served by the S-Bahn and is about a five-minute walk from Frankfurt’s central administrative and historic area. The Dom/Römer U-Bahn station provides direct access to the Old Town.

Frankfurt Messe

Frankfurt Messe is particularly important if you’re visiting the city for a trade fair or conference.

  • 🚆 Take S8 or S9 from the airport to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.
  • 🔄 Change to S3, S4, S5 or S6.
  • 🚉 Get off at Frankfurt (Main) Messe.
  • ⏱️ Allow roughly 20–25 minutes for the complete journey.

The official Messe Frankfurt recommends this route from the airport. A taxi or car takes around 15 minutes in normal traffic, so it can be a good alternative if you’re carrying exhibition equipment or travelling with several people.

Other popular destinations

Frankfurt Airport is also a convenient starting point for exploring the wider Rhine-Main region:

  • 🍷 Mainz: Direct regional connections are available from the airport.
  • 🌳 Wiesbaden: Reachable by regional train, with connections from the airport.
  • 🏰 Heidelberg: Usually requires a train connection, but it is a popular destination for a day trip.
  • 🌊 Baden-Baden: A good option by rental car or long-distance train, especially if you’re continuing around southwestern Germany.
  • 🏙️ Darmstadt: The AirLiner bus provides a direct connection from Frankfurt Airport.

The airport’s Regional Railway Station has direct connections to Frankfurt, Mainz, Wiesbaden and several other destinations in the region.

My tip: If Frankfurt is just the beginning of a longer trip around southwestern Germany, consider renting a car at the airport. For exploring Frankfurt itself, however, public transport is usually easier and cheaper.

The Bank district of Frankfurt
Jorge Franganillo/The Bank district of Frankfurt

Frankfurt Airport Transport at Night

Arriving late at Frankfurt Airport does not necessarily mean you need to book a taxi. Public transport continues to operate at night, although services are less frequent and the exact timetable depends on the day and your destination.

Are trains available at night?

Yes. Frankfurt has an extensive night transport network. The S8 runs through the region every night from Monday to Friday, while additional S-Bahn services operate at night on weekends.

For the airport-to-city journey, the S8 and S9 are the main S-Bahn lines. However, late-night services can vary, so I recommend checking the current timetable shortly before your flight. RMV provides live departure information and journey planning.

Night buses and taxis

🚌 Night buses: Frankfurt’s night transport network operates every night, with services generally running at least every 30 minutes on the main night routes.

🚕 Taxis: Taxis are available at Frankfurt Airport if you prefer a direct journey to your hotel.

🚐 Hotel shuttles: Some hotels near the airport offer their own shuttle services, so check with your hotel if you’re staying close to FRA.

What to do if you arrive late

If your flight lands late in the evening, I recommend checking your connection before leaving the terminal rather than assuming the next train will be available.

  • 📱 Check the RMV timetable for your exact arrival time.
  • 🚆 If an S8 or S9 is available, the train is usually the most economical option.
  • 🚕 If public transport requires several late-night connections, take a taxi instead.
  • 🏨 If you’re staying near the airport, check whether your hotel provides a shuttle.
  • 🚐 For maximum convenience, consider pre-booking a private transfer so a driver is waiting when you arrive.

My tip: If I’m travelling alone and there is a convenient S-Bahn connection, I’d use public transport even late at night. But after a long flight, especially with heavy luggage or a family, a pre-booked transfer can be worth the extra cost because you can go directly to your accommodation without worrying about late-night connections.

Evening Frankfurt panorama
Jorge Franganillo/Evening Frankfurt panorama

Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt: Which Option Should You Choose?

The best way to get from Frankfurt Airport depends on your budget, arrival time, luggage, and whether you plan to stay in Frankfurt or continue travelling around Germany.

Cheapest option

The S-Bahn is the best choice for budget travellers. An adult single ticket from Frankfurt Airport to the city costs €6.90, and the journey to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof takes about 15 minutes.

  • 💶 Price: €6.90 per adult
  • 🚆 Travel time: about 15 minutes
  • Best for: solo travellers and couples on a budget

If you’re travelling with several people and plan to use public transport during the day, the group day ticket costs €22.50 for up to five people, which can be particularly good value.

Fastest option

For most journeys into central Frankfurt, the S-Bahn is also the fastest option. It reaches Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in around 15 minutes and Hauptwache in approximately 15–20 minutes. Unlike taxis and cars, it isn’t affected by road traffic.

  • 🚆 Best overall: S-Bahn S8 or S9
  • ⏱️ To Hauptbahnhof: about 15 minutes
  • 🚦 Advantage: no traffic jams

Most convenient option

If convenience is your priority, I’d choose a taxi or private airport transfer. You can go directly from the airport to your hotel without changing trains or carrying your luggage around.

A pre-booked private transfer has an additional advantage: your driver is expecting you at the agreed time and meeting point, so you don’t have to search for a taxi after landing.

  • 🚐 Best for: door-to-door service
  • 🧳 Best with: heavy luggage
  • 🌙 Especially useful: for late-night arrivals
  • 👌 Most hassle-free: private transfer

Best option for families and groups

For families and larger groups, I would compare the cost of public transport, a taxi and a private transfer rather than automatically choosing the cheapest ticket.

The S-Bahn is excellent value: a group day ticket for up to five people costs €22.50 and is valid for travel between the airport and Frankfurt as well as other journeys within the ticket’s area of validity.

However, a taxi or private transfer can be worth the extra cost when you have several suitcases, young children, or a hotel that is not close to a train or U-Bahn station.

My recommendation: For a normal sightseeing trip in Frankfurt, I’d take the S-Bahn. If I’m travelling with lots of luggage or a group, I’d check the price of a private transfer as well. And if Frankfurt is just the first stop on a longer trip around southwestern Germany, I’d rent a car instead.

Towers of Frankfurt
Jorge Franganillo/Towers of Frankfurt

Tips for Getting from Frankfurt Airport

A few simple tips can make your arrival at Frankfurt Airport much easier, especially if you’re visiting Germany for the first time.

Buying tickets at the airport

You have several ways to buy local transport tickets:

  • 📱 RMVgo app: Useful for checking connections and buying tickets before or during your journey. The app also provides real-time information about delays and timetable changes.
  • 🎫 Ticket machines: Available at the airport’s train stations. They accept cash and major bank and contactless cards, and the interface can be switched to English.
  • 🚌 On the bus: If there is no ticket machine at your stop, you can buy a ticket from the driver.

Buy your ticket before boarding a train. Travelling without a valid ticket can result in a €60 penalty fare.

Using public transport in Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s public transport network is easy to use once you understand the main options:

  • 🚆 S-Bahn: Best for travelling between the airport, Hauptbahnhof and other parts of Frankfurt.
  • 🚇 U-Bahn: Useful for getting around the city centre.
  • 🚋 Trams: Convenient for many central neighbourhoods.
  • 🚌 Buses: Useful for destinations not directly served by rail.

My tip: I recommend installing RMVgo before your trip. You can enter your destination and get a route with current departure times, connections and service disruptions. The app can also monitor a journey and notify you about delays or changes.

The Old town of Frankfurt
Jorge Franganillo/The Old town of Frankfurt

FAQ about Getting from Frankfurt Airport

What is the cheapest way to get from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre?

The S-Bahn is usually the cheapest and easiest option. An adult single ticket from Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt costs €6.90, and the journey to the city centre takes around 15 minutes.

How much is a train from Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt?

A standard adult ticket between Frankfurt Airport and Frankfurt costs €6.90 one way. If you plan to use public transport several times during the day, an Airport-to-City day ticket costs €13.50. Groups of up to five people can use a group day ticket for €22.50.

How long does it take to get from Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt city centre?

The S8 or S9 S-Bahn takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. Some city-centre destinations, such as Hauptwache, can also be reached in around 15–20 minutes.

Can I take public transport from Frankfurt Airport at night?

Yes. Public transport continues to operate at night, although services are less frequent. The S8 runs every night from Monday to Friday, with services generally every 30 or 60 minutes depending on the time. Night and weekend services vary, so it’s best to check the current RMV timetable before travelling.

If you arrive very late and don’t want to wait for the next train, taxis and pre-booked private transfers are convenient alternatives.

Is there Uber at Frankfurt Airport?

Yes, Uber operates at Frankfurt Airport. Uber provides airport pickup and drop-off services at FRA, with specific pickup information available in the app.

📱 When you request a ride, check the Uber app for the designated pickup location rather than simply going to the regular taxi rank. The exact pickup instructions can depend on your terminal.

How far is Frankfurt Airport from Frankfurt city centre?

Frankfurt Airport is approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) from Frankfurt city centre. Despite the relatively short distance, the airport is very well connected, and you can reach central Frankfurt by S-Bahn in about 15 minutes.

Historic square in Frankfurt
Jorge Franganillo/Historic square in Frankfurt

Final Thoughts

If you’re staying in Frankfurt, I’d choose the S-Bahn for the best combination of price and speed. If you’re travelling with lots of luggage or arriving late, a taxi or private transfer is more convenient. And if Frankfurt is the starting point for a longer trip around southwestern Germany, renting a car can give you much more freedom. As you can see there are a lot of ways how to get from Frankfurt Airport depending on your travel style.

Take a note!

When going on a trip to Germany, do not forget to take out travel insurance, which is useful for receiving a tourist visa and for solving emerging medical problems when travelling in another country. You can purchase insurance via online services, for example, via EKTA and others. You can choose from different modes, including quiet, active or extreme rest.

Photo above the article: Jorge Franganillo

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