Compared to other European airports, Frankfurt Airport is the fourth busiest in Europe and the twelfth busiest airport in the world, after London Heathrow Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, respectively.

Numerous causes contribute to this: Frankfurt, the country’s financial hub, sits in the geographic center of Germany, between the country’s two most significant metropolitan areas in the west (the Ruhr and Munich).

Lufthansa, the national airline of Germany, operates out of Frankfurt as its primary hub. Together, Lufthansa and the airport have flourished over several decades.

Lufthansa owns shares in the airport. However, the majority is still in the hands of the general public (Lufthansa was fully privatized in the 1990s but retains informal political connections). Frankfurt is the hub or final destination for most of Lufthansa’s long-haul routes. 

The airport is served by many airlines, nearly all of which are members of the Star Alliance. The airport is done mainly by low-cost carriers EasyJet and Wizz Air; budget airline Ryanair has ceased operations.

Even though other domestic routes have been outsourced to Eurowings, Lufthansa continues to fly all routes to and from Frankfurt. Lufthansa’s air-rail agreement with Deutsche Bahn includes using some ICE trains from Stuttgart and Cologne as “feeder flights” to the airport.

What to Anticipate

The terminals at Frankfurt Airport (also known as FRA) are massive, and the terminal layout can be challenging to decipher. Concourses A through Z are located in Terminal 2, while Concourses D and E are in Terminal 2.

Travelers can take the SkyLine train or a shuttle bus between terminals for no cost. Shops, duty-free stores, restaurants, and other amenities can be conveniently spread across the airport (see map below). 

You can use the airport’s free WiFi if you need something to do while waiting. Both terminals have pay showers available to passengers. Economy-class travelers can upgrade their experience by purchasing a day pass to one of the lounges. Check out our airport lounges page to learn more about their locations and how to gain entry.

Hanging Out At Frankfurt Airport While Trying To Get Some Rest

Passengers report feeling safe and comfortable sleeping at FRA Airport. This may be due to the substantial security presence needing them to be awakened for a passport or ticket check.

There is a combination of armrests and unarmed seats. You should look around before making yourself comfortable. In designated areas around the airport, passengers can relax in reclined lounge chairs equipped with footstools. 

Concourse B at Terminal 1 is the most common place for passengers to sleep, while this could be because Concourses A, C, and Z are locked overnight. One critic praised the relaxing atmosphere of “Movie World” in Terminal 1.

It has been said that the seats on the landside of Terminal 2 are more comfortable because they lack armrests. Passengers have reported seeing cots in the Airside area of Terminal C, next to Gate C. 

Travelers may have to ask staff about these perks. Read some airport reviews written by travelers, or check out our guide to sleeping in Frankfurt Airport.

A transit hotel in Terminal 1 allows foreign travelers (with at least one Non-Schengen Flight) to check in without leaving the transit area if none of that sounds appealing (and you don’t mind paying for privacy and comfort). There are three airport hotels on-site, all connected to Terminal 1 via an airport shuttle.

Airport Parking

Although the Frankfurt Airport has more than 15,000 parking spaces, those who intend to leave their cars there for an extended period must make reservations in advance due to the high traffic volume.

Parking reservations can be made online at the airport’s website, but you’ll need to pay at least one day in advance. Shuttles to Terminals 1 and 2 run every 20 minutes and are free of charge.

In addition, the Intercity and Sheraton hotels in Terminal 1 offer Park, Sleep, & Fly packages, which include 15 days of free parking with a minimum one-night stay.

Driving Instructions

Because of its proximity to Frankfurter Kreuz, where the A3 and A5 meet, the Frankfurt Airport enjoys excellent Autobahn access. In German and English, clear signs point the way to the airport and other destinations.

Taxis And Other Public Transport Options

At Frankfurt Airport, there are two terminals, both of which house train stations. You may catch the metro, regional, or local train from the Airport Regional Railway Station; lines S8 and S9 will take you directly into the heart of Frankfurt in about 15 minutes, and both lines connect with the Hauptbahnhof, the city’s central railway station (approximately 10 minutes).

High-speed intercity trains (ICE) depart from the Airport Long Distance Railway Station, conveniently located close to Terminal 1. Passengers arriving via train can check in for flights on approximately 60 airlines at the station.

Public buses connect Frankfurt Airport with downtown Frankfurt, Schwanheim, and Darmstadt. Long-distance buses such as those operated by FlixBus and BlaBlaBus allow you to travel between cities all over Germany and Europe.

Both terminals have taxi stands outside. It takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes and about 40 euros to go to the heart of Frankfurt by taxi.

You can also investigate if your hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport if you are staying close.

Locating Restaurants And Bars

Get your meal at the Squaire before going through airport security in Frankfurt for the best selection of restaurants in the area.

Paulaner in the Squaire, Thong Thai, and Flavors are just a few of the fantastic eateries and watering holes that can be found in this massive structure. You can find fast food alternatives like McDonald’s and Deli Bros. 

Close to your gate or relax with a sit-down dinner and a drink at the bar at trendy restaurants like Haussmann’s or Käfer’s. Smoothies may be had at Italian American deli Goodman & Filippo, while healthy snacks can be purchased from the Natural Shop in Terminal 1.

Merchandise Markets

You may get anything from Rolexes to Rubik’s Cubes among Frankfurt Airport’s hundreds of upscale and specialty stores.

Luxury labels such as Hugo Boss, Versace, Burberry, Duty-Free, Swarovski, and others may be found in Terminal 1’s expansive shopping area. In addition, there are grocery stores, souvenir shops, and even a camera shop, all within walking distance.

Caviar House and Prunier is the place to go for champagne, caviar, and caviar accessories like gold-plated caviar spoons, perfect for toasting a successful business deal or treating yourself to a bit of luxury. Stop by Geox or Jack Wolfskin on the route to your next exciting destination.

The Terminal 2 coupon wall on the third floor of the retail plaza can provide valuable information about which stores are currently running sales.

Although this terminal is smaller and has fewer services, luxury brands such as Brinckmann & Lange, Mont Blanc, and Tumi are still represented.

Optimal Use Of Downtime

If you want to kill time during a layover at Frankfurt Airport, you can do it by shopping or taking one of the Airport Experience Tours, which will give you an inside look at the vast airport.

If you and your fellow passengers get bored while waiting for your flight, you can visit one of Terminal 1’s many entertainment facilities.

Would you benefit from rest and a clean-up before your next getaway? Private rooms are available hourly at the My Cloud Transit Hotel in Terminal 1.

If you exit the terminal, there’s much more to do, but you’ll have to go through security again on your return. Public transit can take you into the heart of Frankfurt, where you can see the rebuilt Old Town, an active recreation of the section of the city that was devastated in World War II.

Looking to avoid a lengthy commute? To pass the time until your flight, you can either visit the nearby Squaire shopping mall or take advantage of the airport’s own retail offerings (including a grocery store, casino, hair salon, and laundromat) located in a shopping center. A conference room is available for rent if business travelers need to hold a meeting.

There are plenty of comfortable hotels close to the airport if you need to spend the night there or have an early morning flight. Sheraton, Hilton Garden Inn, Park Inn by Radisson, and Steigenberger Airport Hotel are all within walking distance.

Others, such as the Park Inn by Radisson and the Steigenberger Airport Hotel, provide free airport shuttle service.

Airport Lounges

A large and busy airport like Frankfurt’s is bound to have several VIP waiting areas for passengers. Frankfurt Airport, which serves as Lufthansa’s primary hub, features first-class lounges, senator lounges, business lounges, a Welcome Lounge (for transoceanic passengers), and a Private Suite.

You require a membership or a premium ticket to enter the Lufthansa lounges. However, you may buy day passes to the Air France, Premium Traveller, Primeclass, Priority, or Sky lounges in Terminal 2 or the LUXX lounge in Terminal 1.

Airport lounges in Terminal 2 are closed because of the current closure caused by COVID-19. The website is the best place to find the latest details.

Read Also: Albany Airport Full Guide

Conclusion

Many international tourists to Germany arrive at Frankfurt Airport, also known as Flughafen Frankfurt am Main. Built on more than five thousand acres of land, the airport is home to two passenger terminals, four runways, and various passenger amenities.

As the primary hub for Lufthansa and Condor and a significant transfer point for local and international travel, this airport ranks high among the world’s busiest. Frankfurt Airport can transport you everywhere in Germany or Europe, including Frankfurt itself.