Layover in Frankfurt am Main (FRA)
Frankfurt Main Airport (FRA). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
Plan my Frankfurt am Main layover
About Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt is the largest city in the German state of Hesse, and is considered the business and financial centre of Germany. It is the fifth largest city in Germany after Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne. The city is known for its modern skyline, and for hosting the headquarters of the European Central Bank, the Deutsche Börse stock exchange and numerous German financial services companies. Furthermore, it hosts some of the world's most important trade shows, such as the Frankfurt Auto Show and the Frankfurt Book Fair. It is on the river Main at a crossroad of the German Autobahn system and connected to several high-speed rail lines, with Germany's busiest airport on its outskirts, Frankfurt is one of the most important transportation hubs of Europe.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | About 1h 31m in the city | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 3h 31m in the city | About 1h 56m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 31m in the city | About 3h 56m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 31m in the city | About 7h 56m in the city |
Getting into Frankfurt am Main
About 27m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 13 km (8 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Frankfurt am Main?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into Frankfurt am Main and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from FRA to central Frankfurt am Main?
Allow about 27m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 13 km (8 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to FRA?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.