Frankfurt Airport Guide

Terminals and concourses

Terminal 1 is divided into concourses A, B, C and Z. Concourse A serves Schengen flights, B and C mostly non-Schengen, and Z sits above A for additional gates. Terminal 2 has concourses D and E and is linked by a shuttle train.

• Allow 60 to 75 minutes for a transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• Passport control between Schengen and non-Schengen areas can be slow at peak times.
• Some flights board from bus gates. That adds 15 to 20 minutes before departure.

Airport to city and beyond

The regional station sits beneath Terminal 1. The long distance station is a short walk away across a bridge. They are different buildings, and boarding the wrong one is a common mistake.

Check-in and security

Two hours for European flights and three for intercontinental. Security lanes are distributed near the gate clusters rather than in one hall, which spreads the load but means you should go through early if you want to eat afterwards.

Lounges

Frankfurt has an extensive lounge network concentrated in Terminal 1, including dedicated first and business facilities. Independent lounges accept paid access. Some lounges are landside, which is useful if you have a long wait before check-in opens.

Restaurants and food

Choice is broad, from German bakeries to full restaurants, and the landside area above the regional station has cheaper options than the gate areas. Late evening options are more limited in Terminal 2.

Wi-Fi and charging

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals with no strict time limit. Power sockets are common in newer gate areas and in the lounges, less so in older corridors.

Baggage storage

Frankfurt has both staffed left luggage and self-service lockers in the terminal area. This is a well organised airport for storage, and it makes a short trip into the city practical during a long layover.

Airport hotels

There are hotels attached to the terminal complex, including one within walking distance of Terminal 1, plus a cluster in the nearby business district reachable by shuttle. Day-use rooms are available at some properties.

Sleeping at the airport

The airport is open at night and there are quiet areas, but it is a functional environment rather than a comfortable one. Sleep cabins are available for hire if you want privacy without booking a full hotel room.

Family services

• Baby changing and nursing rooms are available in both terminals.
• Play areas are provided in several concourses.
• Family security lanes operate at busier checkpoints.

Accessibility

Assistance should be booked through your airline. Because of the distances involved, this is one of the airports where requesting help is sensible even for passengers with mild mobility limits. Meeting points are marked at both rail stations and in arrivals.

Layover guide

Published minimum connection times are short, but they assume everything runs on time and you walk quickly. Ninety minutes is comfortable within Terminal 1. Two hours is better if you change terminals or cross the Schengen boundary. With six hours or more, central Frankfurt is easy by train.

Things to do nearby

Frankfurt's old town and museum embankment are 15 minutes away by train. Mainz is around 30 minutes and makes a quieter alternative for a half-day gap.

Frequently asked questions

How long between Frankfurt Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?

Allow 60 to 75 minutes using the shuttle train, more if you also cross passport control.

Which train station do I need at Frankfurt Airport?

The regional station under Terminal 1 for the S-Bahn into the city, and the separate long distance station for high speed trains to other cities.

Are there lockers at Frankfurt Airport?

Yes, both staffed left luggage and self-service lockers are available in the terminal area.

Is 45 minutes enough for a Frankfurt connection?

It is sometimes permitted but very tight. Ninety minutes is a safer plan, especially with checked baggage.