Frankfurt Airport Guide
Frankfurt is served by Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany's busiest airport and one of Europe's most important aviation hubs. It serves as Lufthansa's primary hub and offers excellent connections worldwide.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
FRA
Location: 12 km southwest of Frankfurt city center
Best for: International travel, business travel, European connections
Transport: S-Bahn, regional trains, long-distance trains, taxis
Airlines: Lufthansa, Star Alliance partners, international carriers
Terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 connected by SkyLine people mover
Alternative Airports Near Frankfurt
- Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN): 120km west, primarily served by low-cost carriers (note: not actually near Frankfurt)
- Stuttgart Airport (STR): 200km south, good alternative for southern Germany
- Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN): 190km northwest, served by various airlines
- Munich Airport (MUC): 400km southeast, Germany's second-largest airport
Airlines That Fly to Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a major global aviation hub served by numerous international carriers, with Lufthansa as the dominant airline.
Major International Airlines
- Lufthansa (Flag carrier and largest airline at FRA)
- United Airlines (Star Alliance partner with multiple US routes)
- Air Canada (Star Alliance connections through Toronto and Montreal)
- Singapore Airlines (Direct flights from Singapore)
- ANA (Direct flights from Tokyo)
- Emirates (Multiple daily flights from Dubai)
- Qatar Airways (Connections via Doha)
- Turkish Airlines (Extensive network via Istanbul)
European and Low-Cost Airlines
- Eurowings (Lufthansa's low-cost subsidiary)
- Ryanair (Limited service, primarily to Hahn Airport)
- easyJet (Selected European routes)
- British Airways (Multiple daily flights from London)
- Air France (Connections from Paris and French cities)
- KLM (Connections from Amsterdam)
- Swiss International Air Lines (Connections from Zurich and Geneva)
Frequently Asked Questions About Frankfurt Flights
How far is Frankfurt Airport from the city center?
Frankfurt Airport is located approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of the city center. The S-Bahn train takes about 15-20 minutes to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station).
What is the cheapest month to fly to Frankfurt?
January and February typically offer the lowest airfares to Frankfurt, as these are the colder months with fewer tourists and business travelers.
How early should I arrive at Frankfurt Airport for international flights?
For non-Schengen flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. For Schengen flights, 2 hours is usually sufficient.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Frankfurt from the US?
Lufthansa, United, Delta, and American Airlines offer direct flights from various US cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington DC.
What is the best way to get from Frankfurt Airport to the city center?
The S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 are the most convenient options, taking about 15-20 minutes to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. Regional trains and taxis are also available.
Is there a difference between Frankfurt Airport and Frankfurt-Hahn Airport?
Yes, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the main international airport near the city. Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN) is a former military airport 120km away, primarily serving low-cost carriers and not conveniently located for Frankfurt.
What is the flight time from New York to Frankfurt?
The flight from New York to Frankfurt takes approximately 7-8 hours.
Do I need to speak German in Frankfurt?
While German is the official language, most people in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants speak English. Learning a few basic German phrases is appreciated but not necessary.
What currency is used in Frankfurt?
Germany uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Is Frankfurt Airport good for layovers?
Yes, Frankfurt Airport is excellent for layovers with numerous amenities including lounges, shopping, dining options, and efficient connections between flights. The SkyLine people mover makes terminal transfers quick and easy.