Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe's busiest, and the good news is that it is exceptionally well connected to the city and beyond. Whether you want a cheap S-Bahn hop into the centre or a fast long-distance train to another German city, the options are clear once you know what to look for.
The layout: two stations, one airport
Frankfurt Airport has two railway stations, and knowing which is which saves confusion. The Regionalbahnhof (regional station), directly beneath Terminal 1, handles S-Bahn commuter trains and some regional services. A short automated shuttle ride away, the Fernbahnhof (long-distance station) handles ICE and intercity trains. Both are signposted throughout the terminal.
S-Bahn: the everyday choice for Frankfurt city
The S8 and S9 S-Bahn lines are the standard way to reach Frankfurt city centre. Both run frequently — roughly every quarter-hour during the day when you take both lines together — and the journey to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (the main station) takes about 10–12 minutes. From there, the underground network connects to the rest of the city.
The fare is a standard Frankfurt transport-zone ticket. You can buy one from the machines at the station using a card or cash; make sure you validate it before boarding. The S-Bahn continues past the main station into the city, stopping at Taunusanlage, Konstablerwache and other central points, which is handy if your hotel is in the eastern part of the centre.
ICE and intercity trains: Frankfurt as a gateway
The Fernbahnhof turns Frankfurt Airport into one of Europe's most useful transit points. Long-distance ICE trains call here en route between Cologne, Brussels, Frankfurt city centre, Munich and many other destinations. You can arrive off a long-haul flight and board a train for Munich without going into central Frankfurt at all.
ICE trains do not require a seat reservation (unlike in France or Spain), though booking a specific seat is advisable on busy routes and is cheap to add. Advance tickets cost less than walk-up fares, and if you hold a rail pass, you can board ICE trains without any extra reservation fee, though reserving a seat is still recommended on peak services. See our guide to travelling Germany by train for more on how the network works.
The Fernbahnhof also connects to the high-speed line west toward Cologne and Belgium, making it a practical transfer point for onward European rail journeys.
Regional buses
Several long-distance coach operators serve Frankfurt Airport, with stops outside the arrivals halls. These connect to Frankfurt city centre and to nearby cities such as Darmstadt, Mannheim and Heidelberg. Fares are typically the lowest available and the journey into Frankfurt city by coach takes a little longer than the S-Bahn — usually around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. For city transfers, the S-Bahn is generally faster; for onward trips to smaller towns not well served by rail, the coach can be useful.
Taxi and private transfer
Taxis queue outside the arrivals exits of both terminals. The trip to the Frankfurt city centre typically takes 20–35 minutes depending on traffic, and the metered fare is higher than public transport but reasonable for a European capital airport. Traffic on the A3 and A5 motorways can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours, so factor that in if you have a connection to make.
Rideshare apps are also available in Frankfurt, and can be pre-booked for peace of mind. Private transfers with a set fare can be arranged in advance through several operators.
Terminal 2 and the Skytrain
If you arrive or depart from Terminal 2, the free Skytrain — an automated people-mover — connects Terminal 2 to the transit area between the terminals, from where you reach both rail stations. It runs continuously. Budget a few extra minutes if your connection involves crossing between terminals.
Which option suits you?
- Heading into Frankfurt city centre: the S8 or S9 S-Bahn is fast, frequent, affordable and stops at multiple points. It is the default choice for most visitors.
- Catching a train to another German city or beyond: head to the Fernbahnhof and look for your ICE or intercity service — no need to transit into the city first.
- Travelling as a group with luggage: a taxi or pre-booked transfer may be worth the extra cost for comfort, particularly late at night when S-Bahn frequency drops.
- Onward to a smaller town: check long-distance coach options from the airport before going into the city.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the S-Bahn take from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre?
The S8 and S9 reach Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in about 10–12 minutes, and continue into the city. Services run roughly every 15 minutes combined during the day.
Do I need to reserve a seat on the ICE from Frankfurt Airport?
No, ICE trains in Germany do not require a reservation, though buying one is advisable on busy routes and on weekends. Rail pass holders can board without a reservation fee, but reserving a seat is still recommended.
Is there a direct train from Frankfurt Airport to Munich?
Yes. ICE trains connect Frankfurt Airport Fernbahnhof directly to Munich several times a day, with the journey taking around 3 hours 15 minutes. You do not need to go into Frankfurt city centre.
How much does a taxi from Frankfurt Airport to the city cost?
Taxi fares are metered and the typical fare to central Frankfurt is moderate for a major European city. Traffic can add to the journey during rush hours.
Sources and further reading:
- Rail route detail for long-distance services: The Man in Seat 61.
- Frankfurt Airport official guidance on ground transport.