Located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Frankfurt's city center, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major global aviation hub known for its efficiency and connectivity. It's also distinguished by "The Squaire," a distinctive office complex and shopping mall built above the airport's railway station.
Terminal layout and gates
The airport in Frankfurt features two primary terminals, both handling domestic and international flights.
Terminal 1
The older and larger of the two terminals, primarily used by Lufthansa and Star Alliance members. It is divided into four concourses: A, B, C, and Z, with Concourse Z located on a higher level above Concourse A. Terminal 1 includes customs and immigration facilities for both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations.
Terminal 2
Primarily used by non-Star Alliance airlines, including SkyTeam and Oneworld members. It is divided into Concourses D and E, handling a mix of Schengen and non-Schengen flights. A SkyLine monorail connects Terminal 2 with Terminal 1, ensuring seamless transfers between the terminals.
Baggage handling when connecting at FRA
Frankfurt Airport is a common stop on the way if you are traveling through Europe, or from Europe to another part of the world. When it comes to luggage handling, the process is tailored to accommodate different ticketing and travel arrangements.
Single ticket connections
For passengers traveling on a single ticket, baggage is typically checked through to the final destination. Customs checks are conducted at FRA for those arriving from non-Schengen countries.
Multiple tickets or different airlines
Travelers holding multiple tickets or flying with different airlines might need to collect their baggage and recheck it for subsequent flights, especially when switching between Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
Security routine at the airport
Passengers arriving at Frankfurt Airport from Schengen Area countries typically bypass additional passport control or security checks, as these flights are treated like domestic flights within the Schengen zone.
However, passengers coming from non-Schengen countries must pass through passport control when entering Germany. During this process, travelers may be asked a few questions about their journey and will need to present travel documents such as a passport and, if applicable, a visa.
Dining options – find the best restaurant
Frankfurt Airport offers a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes. Below we have listed some popular alternatives together with their location at the airport.
Hausmann’s (Terminal 1, Concourse B): Serves modern German cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Goethe Bar (Terminal 1, Concourse A): Perfect for a quick drink or snack before your flight.
Little Italy (Terminal 1, Concourse B): A cozy Italian restaurant known for its authentic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas.
Lucullus Nero (Terminal 2, Concourse D): Offers Mediterranean specialties, including fresh seafood and grilled meats, in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Deli Bros (Terminal 1, Concourse B): A delicatessen serving high-quality gourmet sandwiches, salads and pastries, perfect for travelers on the go.
Lounges at Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport provides several lounges where travelers can relax before their flight. Main operator Lufthansa has a number of lounges at the airport, for example the Lufthansa Senator Lounge that offers premium snacks, drinks, and complimentary Wi-Fi. This lounge is accessible to Star Alliance Gold members and first-class passengers.
Another lounge found at the airport is the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. The lounge provides light meals, drinks and business facilities, and can be accessed by Air Canada and Star Alliance passengers. There are also lounges that are available to all passengers for a fee, like the Primeclass Lounge that is found in Concourse E and offers a tranquil environment with complimentary snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi.
Hotels in the area
If you are looking for a place to stay at, or close to, the airport there are a number of different options to choose from. Listed below you find some popular hotels.
Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center: Directly connected to Terminal 1, offering modern rooms and comprehensive business facilities.
Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport: Located within "The Squaire" building, providing easy access to the airport's railway station.
Hilton Frankfurt Airport: Also situated within "The Squaire," offering upscale amenities and a fitness center.
Moxy Frankfurt Airport: A trendy, budget-friendly option just a short shuttle ride from the terminals.
Transportation to and from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
There are several transportation options for reaching Frankfurt and other parts of Germany from the airport.
Train
Frankfurt Airport has two railway stations. Regionalbahnhof offers regional train services to Frankfurt city center and other nearby towns, and the tickets to Frankfurt city center start at €5. The other option, Fernbahnhof, provides long-distance train connections to cities across Germany and Europe.
Bus
Regular buses operate between the airport and various locations. Fares to Frankfurt city center start at €4.
Taxi and ride-sharing
Taxis are available outside each terminal, with fares to Frankfurt city center typically costing around €30-€35. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.
Car rental
Several car rental companies operate at the airport, with daily rates starting at around €40, depending on the vehicle and season.
Alternatively, travelers can choose a private car transfer from the airport. Follow the link below to see available companies.
Frankfurt, Germany
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