Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport is Germany’s largest airport and the main hub of Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners. Its biggest practical advantage is rail: the airport has both a regional S-Bahn station and a long-distance ICE station, so many travellers continue across Germany or into neighbouring countries by train without going into Frankfurt at all.
Terminals and airlines
- Terminal 1 is the largest and the base of Lufthansa and many Star Alliance partners. Both railway stations are next to it.
- Terminal 2 serves a range of other international airlines.
- Terminal 3 opened on 22 April 2026 and entered service on 23 April 2026, initially with piers G, H and J. According to the airport operator, 57 airlines were moving there in four waves through early June 2026, and Condor is due to switch to Terminal 3 in summer 2027.
Terminals are linked by the automated SkyLine train. Because allocations have recently changed, always confirm your terminal on your booking or the airport website.
Transit and connections
Connections within Terminal 1 are the simplest. Moving between terminals means taking the SkyLine and, depending on where you come from and go to, passing passport control and security again, which can take time at busy periods. On a single ticket your bags are normally checked through; on separate tickets you will need to collect and recheck them. Use our Layover Planner to check your margin.
Passenger facilities
The terminals offer shops, restaurants and lounges; the new Terminal 3 alone has 64 shops and restaurants. Check the airport website for what is available in your terminal and area.
Official links
- Frankfurt Airport: frankfurt-airport.com
- Arriving and leaving by train: rail information
Rules and services checked against official sources in October 2026. Airlines and airports change their policies, fares and services regularly: always confirm the details for your own booking on the official pages linked here before you travel.
Transport Links
From the airport's official rail page:
- Regional station (underground, Terminal 1, level 0): S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 plus regional trains (RB58, RE59, RE2, RE3) to Frankfurt city, Offenbach, Hanau, Aschaffenburg, Rüsselsheim, Mainz and Wiesbaden. Follow the signs for "Train stations".
- Long-distance station: direct ICE and IC trains to cities across Germany and neighbouring countries, about 5 minutes' walk from Terminal 1. Tickets and timetables are on the Deutsche Bahn website.
- To Terminal 3: from either station, take the SkyLine train (about 10–15 minutes) and follow the signs for "Terminal 3 G, H, J".
Taxis, buses and car hire are also available at the terminals. Compare transfer costs with our Airport Transfer Cost Calculator.
Traveler Information
- Check your terminal before travelling. Many airlines moved to Terminal 3 in spring 2026, and more moves are planned, so information you found earlier may be out of date.
- Allow time for the SkyLine if you arrive by train and fly from Terminal 3.
- Entering Germany? Check the requirements for your nationality and read our Germany guide.
