Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of Europe's busiest airports, and getting to the city center is surprisingly easy. The airport has its own train station with direct connections to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station) and the city center.
Your Options: S-Bahn vs. ICE/IC
🚇 S-Bahn S8/S9 (Recommended for Tourists)
- ✅ Price: €5.35 (cheapest option)
- ✅ Time: 10-15 minutes to Hauptbahnhof
- ✅ Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- ✅ Direct: No transfers needed
- ✅ Stops: Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station)
💡 Best for: Most tourists. It's cheap, fast, and goes directly to the main station.
🚄 ICE/IC (Long-Distance Trains)
- ✅ Price: From €19.90 (more expensive)
- ✅ Time: 10-12 minutes (slightly faster)
- ✅ Comfort: More spacious, quieter
- ⚠️ When: Only if you're continuing to another city
💡 Best for: If you're traveling onward to another German city (e.g., Munich, Berlin).
Step-by-Step: Using S-Bahn (Easiest Option)
Find the Train Station
After collecting your luggage, follow signs to "Fernbahnhof" (long-distance station) or "Regionalbahnhof" (regional station). Both are in Terminal 1, easily accessible.
🗺️ Tip: Look for train symbols or ask airport staff. The station is well-signed.
Buy Your Ticket
At the ticket machine, select "Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof" or "Frankfurt City". The ticket costs from €5.35 (prices subject to change) and is valid for the entire journey.
💳 Payment: Cash or card accepted. Machines have English language option.
Validate Your Ticket
Important! Before boarding, validate your ticket in the red or yellow Entwerter machine. Insert your ticket, wait for the stamp, then remove it.
⚠️ Warning: If you forget to validate, you could be fined €60!
Board the Train
Take S-Bahn S8 or S9 (both go to Hauptbahnhof). Check the departure board for the next train. They run every 15 minutes.
🚉 Platform: Usually platform 1 or 2 for S-Bahn trains.
Arrive at Hauptbahnhof
After 10-15 minutes, you'll arrive at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station). From here, you can walk, take a taxi, or use public transport to your final destination.
🗺️ City center: Hauptbahnhof is about 2km from the city center. You can walk (20 min) or take a tram/U-Bahn.
Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (e.g., bahn.com or omio.com).
Alternative: Taxi or Uber
If you prefer not to take the train:
- 🚕 Taxi: approximately €25-35, 15-20 minutes (depending on traffic)
- 🚗 Uber: Similar price, book via app
- ⚠️ Note: Much more expensive than the train, but door-to-door service
Continuing Your Journey
If you're traveling onward to another German city (e.g., Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), you can take an ICE or IC train directly from Frankfurt Airport. This is more expensive (from €19.90) but saves you a transfer.
Pro tip: If you're continuing by train, book your entire journey (airport → final destination) in one ticket. It's often cheaper than buying separately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting to validate: Always validate your S-Bahn ticket before boarding!
- ❌ Taking the wrong train: Make sure it's S8 or S9, not a regional train going elsewhere.
- ❌ Getting off too early: Wait for "Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof" – it's the main stop.
Pro Tips
Buy Tickets in Advance
Book online with Omio to avoid confusion at the airport.
Validate Immediately
Validate your ticket as soon as you buy it, before you forget.
Check Train Times
S-Bahn runs every 15 minutes, so you won't wait long.
Luggage Space
S-Bahn trains have space for luggage, but keep it close during busy times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Frankfurt Airport to the city center?
The S-Bahn S8/S9 takes approximately 10-15 minutes from Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station). The ICE/IC long-distance trains take about 10 minutes but are more expensive.
How much does a ticket from Frankfurt Airport to the city cost?
A single S-Bahn ticket costs €5.35 and is valid for the entire journey to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. The Airport-City-Day-Ticket costs approximately €7.35 and includes all public transport for the day.
Do I need to validate my ticket?
Yes! If you buy an S-Bahn ticket at the machine, you must validate it in the red/yellow Entwerter machine before boarding. If you forget, you could be fined €60.
Which train should I take from Frankfurt Airport?
Take the S-Bahn S8 or S9 - they go directly to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. Make sure it's going in the direction of "Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof" or "Offenbach". Avoid regional trains going to other destinations.
Where do I find the train station at Frankfurt Airport?
Follow signs to "Regionalbahnhof" (regional station) in Terminal 1. The station is located in the basement level. Look for signs with train symbols or ask airport staff for directions.
From Hauptbahnhof to Your Hotel
Once you're at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, you can:
- 🚶 Walk: Many hotels are within 10-15 minutes walking distance
- 🚇 U-Bahn/Tram: Take U-Bahn or tram to your destination (same ticket valid for 90 minutes)
- 🚕 Taxi: Taxi stand right outside the station