The Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) is one of the world’s busiest international airports. There are two terminals, with a third one currently under construction. Terminal 3 is scheduled for completion in 2010.
Distance
12 km (7 mi) from the city center of Frankfurt am Main.
Hours Of Operation
This airport never sleeps. It’s open all around the clock, 24/7.
Frankfurt Airport Airlines
Frankfurt Airport is the main hub for Germany’s national airline, Lufthansa.
As the eighth-largest airport in the world, it would be a shorter list to say which (if any) airlines DON’T fly here. But you can find a full A to Z list on the Frankfurt airport’s Web site…
Frankfurt Airport Time Tables
Here are the links to the current time tables for both arrivals and departures…
Getting To And From Frankfurt International Airport
Frankfurt Airport is well-served and easily accessed by public transportation. There are two train stations at Terminal 1 for regional and long-distance travel.
The intra-airport Skyline connects both airport terminals. Get off Terminal 1, enter the arrival hall and walk towards the airport’s exit. In the areas A and B, right at the airport’s exit yet still inside the airport, notice the signs for the regional and long-distance train stations — both of which are to be found at a separate location.
If arriving for a flight at FRA, be sure to find out if your airline offers check-in services at the terminal. It’s an easy way to leave your baggage and make your way unencumbered through this exceptionally huge airport. ;-)
Regional Trains
The local train service (Regionalbahnhof) is often referred to as the “S-Bahn” or Metro. This is the train that will get you to and from the Frankfurt city center and other regional destinations.
S-Bahn and the other regional trains arrive at and depart from Terminal One, Level One, platforms one through three. Lines S8 and S9 connect the city center to the airport and the journey is about fifteen minutes.
Remember to buy and validate your ticket BEFORE you get on board!
Long-Distance Trains
The long-distrance train station (Fernbahnhof) can also be found in Terminal One. Long-distance trains arrive at and depart from platforms four through seven. You can easily connect to many of the major German cities, including Cologne, Siegburg/Bonn and Stuttgart, as well as selected European destinations.
Tickets can be purchased on board. Forms of payment: credit cards, EC debit cards, cash.
Buses
There are several ways to reach or leave the airport by bus. Most of them will bring you to just outside the Terminal One Arrivals Hall. For the local buses, you can buy your tickets from the driver upon boarding.
There is also a shuttle service offered by Lufthansa Airlines that will pick you up from a designated bus stop and bring you to the airport (or vice versa). A reservation is necessary for this service. And you can be proud that you are helping the “green” movement this way – Lufthansa’s bus fleet runs on alternative, environmentally-friendly fuel! :-)
Shopping
If you’re on a long layover at this airport, there’s no need to be concerned about what to do. The Frankfurt International Airport offers non-stop, 24/7 shopping.
Relay has books and newspapers that will provide some in-flight amusement. You can stock up on photo equipment or electronics at Photair, E-Plus and Fotec. There’s a supermarket you can stop at to get some snacks for the long flight. Close to two dozen fashion and department stores can be found here, from the duty-free shops to Hugo Boss, Tie Rack, Timberland and Swarovski.
Food & Drink
You will never go hungry in Frankfurt airport! Apart from the supermarket and ubiquitous American fast food joints (both McDonalds and Burger King are here), there’s a wide variety of food choices here.
If you’re in the mood for fine dining, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Caviar House. Typical German cuisine is available at Käfer’s Bistro. Mexican, Italian and Asian food are here too. And what airport lounge would be complete without a Starbucks? ;-)
Fun Facts
Did you know that Frankfurt am Main airport has its own song? It is by the Master Session Group and contains the lyrics “Baby if we try, we can ride across the sky.”
Feeling lucky? Or maybe you have a few extra Euros in your pocket? You can head to the two airport casinos that feature slot machines, Blackjack and a roulette wheel.
