Frankfurt airport transfers to the city center
Frankfurt Airport has separate regional and long-distance railway stations, so choosing the correct station matters more than finding the first train sign. For most central hotels, the S8 or S9 toward Frankfurt is the simplest starting point. Compare your final stop with your hotel address before boarding, especially if staying near Hauptwache rather than the main station.
The airports
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- about 12 km southwest, roughly 15 to 40 minutes depending on transport and destination
Every way from the airport to Frankfurt
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainS8 and S9 | FRA | about 12 to 15 minutes to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof | Most central hotels and trips to Hauptwache |
| TrainRegional trains | FRA | roughly 10 to 20 minutes to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof | Hotels near the main station |
| TaxiOfficial airport taxi rank | FRA | about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic | Heavy luggage or a direct hotel journey |
| BusAirport buses with onward connections | FRA | allow about 40 to 70 minutes with a connection | Addresses better served by a local connection |
How each one works
Train: S8 and S9
Follow signs to the regional station, Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbahnhof. Take an S8 or S9 service toward Frankfurt, checking the destination display. Both serve Hauptbahnhof and continue through central stops including Hauptwache. Buy the appropriate airport-to-city ticket from an RMV machine or app before boarding.
Train: Regional trains
At the regional station, check the departure board for a regional train calling at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. These can suit hotels near the main station but do not follow the S-Bahn route through Hauptwache. Buy a ticket valid for your selected service before boarding.
Taxi: Official airport taxi rank
Follow airport signs to an official taxi rank outside the terminal. Give the driver your hotel's full address, since several central districts have similar journey lengths. Confirm payment arrangements before departure and allow extra time during busy traffic periods.
Bus: Airport buses with onward connections
Use the airport's bus stop information and the RMV journey planner to find a connection for your exact address. Check the terminal and stop before walking outside. Buy a ticket through the available official sales channel and confirm that it covers your onward journey.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the RMV journey planner for your actual arrival or departure time, allowing for baggage collection and the walk to the station. Do not assume daytime services run unchanged overnight. If public transport leaves a long gap, use an official taxi or arrange a transfer through your accommodation.
Before you land
- Follow signs for the regional station when taking the S8 or S9; the long-distance station serves a different set of trains.
- Check terminal transfer arrangements on the airport's official site and add time to reach the railway station from your arrival terminal.
- Check that your ticket includes the airport journey; a ticket intended only for central Frankfurt may not cover it.
- For departures, work backwards from your airline's recommended airport arrival time, then add a margin for transport delays.
Frankfurt airport transfers to the city center
Which airport station should I use for the S-Bahn?
Use Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbahnhof, the regional station. Follow the airport signs carefully because Frankfurt Airport also has a separate station for long-distance trains.
Should I leave the train at Hauptbahnhof or Hauptwache?
Choose Hauptbahnhof for hotels around the main station and Hauptwache for much of Innenstadt. Compare the walking route from each stop with your hotel's exact address.
Is the train usually the cheapest option?
Public transport is usually cheaper than a taxi for one person. Compare the tickets available for your group and onward travel before choosing.
Can I rely on the same journey time early in the morning?
No. Check the timetable for your specific departure, including any changes or engineering work. Allow additional time for reaching the terminal and completing airline procedures.