Frankfurt Travel Guide
Frankfurt, Germany has an illustrious past. Long, long, long before airlines offered cheap flights to Frankfurt, the Romans and Charlemagne held court in the city, kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned there, and German democracy was “born” there in 1848.
Like other major German cities, such as Munich and Berlin for example, Frankfurt was bombed heavily during World War II. Small parts of its original Old Town still stand however and, again, like many other German cities, a methodical restoration program has ensured that Frankfurt’s medieval buildings remain.
Frankfurt’s reputation today is as a banking and business capital. It is Germany’s financial center, with more than 300 banks based there, as well as a stock exchange, German Federal Bank and the European Central Bank. It’s also a major industrial center in Germany, with thousands of factories located in the city.
Frankfurt is also one of Germany’s largest cultural cities, and a huge supporter of the arts. Travelers book airline tickets to Frankfurt for ground-breaking art expositions and international trade fairs. The world-famous International Book Fair attracts writers and authors booking cheap flights to Frankfurt to meet with international publishers for the sale of book rights and translations. In between expos and exhibitions, visitors can admireEurope’s tallest office building, enjoy five-star cuisine and shop retail boutiques. Whether your flight to Frankfurt is for business or pleasure, this city is bound to leave a lasting impression. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.
Getting to and around the city of Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of the busiest in Europe, and the busiest in Germany. It’s a continental hub for many major airlines. The airport is located 8 miles southwest of Frankfurt. A second international airport serves Frankfurt as well – Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN). It is small, has few amenities, shops and restaurants and its best-known resident is Ryanair; it is also much further away to the city center than Frankfurt Airport. Here are a few tips for getting to where you need to go from each of these two airports.
Frankfurt-Hahn Airport:
Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is equidistant between Frankfurt and Luxembourg; about 75 miles from both. It’s closer to Koblenz (approximately 43 miles) and Mainz (56 miles). Frankfurt Hahn has adequate public transport, but you’ll need to allow at least two hours to get to Frankfurt. Its remote location makes for cheap flights, however, so it’s popular with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. If you’ve got time and are on a budget, this is a good alternative to the busy Frankfurt International Airport.
Train:There is no train service from Frankfurt Hahn Airport. The nearest rail station is Bullay, 9.3 miles to the northwest, or Idar-Oberstein, 16 miles south.
Bus:There is a bus stop outside Terminal 2, opposite Exit E9. Buses depart to downtown Frankfurt every couple of hours between 5:15 AM and 12:30 AM via Frankfurt International Airport. It takes nearly two hours to get to Frankfurt. There is also a bus service into Mainz, Koblenz, Heidelberg and Luxembourg.
Taxi:There are taxi stands in front of the terminal, including Airport-Taxi, Taxi Bucke GmbH, and Taxi Konrad.
Frankfurt Airport:
Due to its closeness to the city center, trying to find a way into the city center is relatively easy. Below Terminal 1 you can find the S-Bahn railway station, which can take you into the city. You can purchase your ticket from level 0 of Terminal 1, and you’ll be able to find information regarding the train times and the city. If you land in Terminal 2, you’ll find a free shuttle to Terminal 1. Failing that, you can opt for a bus. There are several different lines that go all over Germany, so once your flights to Frankfurt have landed it is worth checking the information to decide which bus you’ll need. Generally, you’ll want to aim for bus number 61 which goes into Frankfurt-Südbahnhof. You can also decide to jump into a taxi. They are more expensive than the other options, but you won’t have to wait around. They’re a lot more direct as they can drop you at the door of your hotel or accommodation. Make sure to agree on the price of the journey before you get in though to avoid being ripped off. Many hotels offer shuttles to and from the airport so be sure to check if yours offers this service. Lastly, renting a car is also an option if you feel comfortable driving on your own.
Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore, you’ll find that Frankfurt has a great public transportation system. The RMV (Rhein-Main Verkehrsverbund) sends efficient, modern subways, trams and buses all over the city. You can get unlimited travel around Frankfurt with a Frankfurt Card. You could rent a car if you’d like as well. You can find reasonably priced parking downtown, but battling traffic, construction and accidents could eat into your sightseeing time.
Tips for your stay in Frankfurt
- Frankfurt is not just a banking city. It is also atrade-fair center, attracting travelers on cheap flights to Frankfurt for events such as the International Music Trade Fair, International Jazz Festival, Wilhelmstrassenfest Theatrium Street Festival, the world’s largest Book Fair, and a month-long Christmas Fair.
- Lots ofmuseumsin Frankfurt are closed Mondays. Wednesdays are a good day for budget-conscious travelers. Many museums have free admission then.
- Swimming and inline skating are popular pastimes in Frankfurt. The swimming centers offer more than lengths; they often have slides, waterfalls, and other amusem*nts. On Tuesday nights, between March and October, inline skaters take to the road for a free, 27-mile skate. The event starts at the Ignatz Bubis Bridge.
- You can dance the night away at Frankfurt’s many clubs. The city is also a leading center forjazz. Sound of Frankfurt, a giant, outdoor music festival, is held every July with live bands, DJ’s, techno, house, rock, rap, and Latin American music.
- Frankfurt’s “Left Bank” district – Sachsenhausen – is where you’ll find Apfelwein (apple wine) taverns. The Apfelwein tradition dates back to the 1790’s. A tavern with a pine wreath over its door makes its own apple wine.
- Bicyclingis also a popular activity in Frankfurt. The Stadtwald has paths that are well-tended and flat. There are many bike paths along both sides of the Main River and also the Nidda River (in the Heddernheim, Eschersheim, Hausen, and Rödelheim districts). For something more strenuous, try the paths of the Taunus Hills.
Finding Flights from Frankfurt
Whether you’re traveling within Germany or venturing abroad, you’re sure to find some great deals on flights leaving Frankfurt. Find tickets from major German airlines such as Lufthansa as well as international airlines including Emirates, Star Alliance and United. Visit https://www.cheapflights.co.uk for the top flight deals for routes out of Frankfurt.
Getting to Frankfurt Airport takes around twenty minutes from downtown by car or taxi, but you can also take the S-Bahn commuter railway. Lines S8 and S9 take you directly to Terminal 1. Frankfurt Airport is famously busy, so be sure to give yourself plenty of extra time to check in and get past security. If you are going to Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, you’ll need even more time to get there from the city center.
Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Frankfurt airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.
What’s the weather like in Frankfurt?
Summers are warm and fluctuate between sunny and rainy. Spring and fall are mild with temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s (Fahrenheit), and winter is quite cold. July and August are the warmest months with temperatures averaging in the mid-to-upper 60’s, which make them good months for last minute flights to Frankfurt. January is the coldest month with temperatures averaging in the low 30’s. Summers typically see the most rain, while winters are usually dry but snow is possible.
How long is the flight to Frankfurt?
A center-point of business and metropolitan entertainment, Frankfurt is a unique travel destination with convenient flight times from major U.S. air traffic hubs. A flight from Boston arrives in just under eight hours, and if you leave from Seattle, the flight time is around eleven hours. Flying from Orlando would put you in Frankfurt in around ten hours. From Los Angeles, that flight time is just over twelve hours.
Which airlines fly to Frankfurt?
Frankfurt Airport is Germany’s busiest airport by number of passengers, so you should have no problem finding a flight to Frankfurt with a major international airline. United, Delta, Emirates, Lufthansa, Korean Air and TAM are just a few of more than 100 airlines flying into Frankfurt.What should you pack for a flight to Frankfurt?Cool, crisp weather awaits you in Frankfurt most of the year with average temperatures ranging from 35 degrees (Fahrenheit) in January to close to 70 degrees in July, so come prepared with a light jacket and plenty of layers. Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city, and don’t forget to pack some formal attire for your nights out. Like most of Germany, Frankfurt boasts plenty of sunny weather, so be sure to bring a pair of sunglasses and some sunblock.
What are some things to do in Frankfurt?
Frankfurt may be a major German financial and industrial hub, but once you step off the plane, you quickly discover this bustling metropolis is far from being “just business.” Marvel at dinosaur skeletons at Senckenberg Natural History Museum, or check out one of the city’s many art museums. If you want to get outside and enjoy the sunny weather, take a walk through Palmengarten, Frankfurt’s expansive botanical gardens. If you feel like snapping some photos of Frankfurt’s historic sites, you can’t leave without seeing St. Paul’s Church or gazing up at the steeples of Cathedral of St. Batholomew.Looking for a more unique Frankfurt experience? The city is famous for hosting world-class annual events to satisfy adventure-hungry travelers. Jam out at the International Jazz Festival or Sound of Frankfurt, an outdoor extravaganza featuring various music styles. If you’re flying into the city in the second week of June, don’t miss Wilhelmstrassenfest, the city’s biggest outdoor festival featuring music, rides, street food and more.For a more toned-down stay in Frankfurt, head to the historic Sachsenhausen to grab a beer and some authentic German eats at a pub or apple wine tavern, or head downtown for some fine dining. For some great photo ops, check out Messeturm, one of Europe’s tallest office buildings, or enjoy the riverside views studded with skyscrapers from Mankai Street. After a day of sightseeing, head to one of the many nightclubs for a taste of Frankfurt’s vibrant nightlife scene.
What does FRA mean?
This is defined as Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA). Codes like FRA are often used to just call airports uniquely. While you’re still figuring out your travel plans, it’s not a bad idea to learn the names and codes of other airports around these areas: Cologne Köln/Bonn Airport (CGN), Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN), Karlsruhe Söllingen Airport (FKB), Saarbruecken Ensheim Airport (SCN), Mannheim City Airport (MHG).
Can I find cheaper flights to Frankfurt am Main if I am willing to have layovers?
Yes, flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Frankfurt am Main on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.
What is the best airline to fly to Frankfurt am Main?
Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, PLAY is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Frankfurt am Main.
What is the cheapest airport to fly to in Frankfurt am Main?
null is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in Frankfurt am Main. One-way flights to null typically cost null, while round-trip flights cost around null.
How much is a round-trip flight to Frankfurt am Main?
A round-trip flight to Frankfurt am Main will typically cost around $228, however they can be found for as little as $129.
Where does the fastest flight to Frankfurt am Main depart from?
For those looking to save time traveling to Frankfurt am Main, Boston offers the quickest one-way flight (7 hours 0 minutes).
Which airport is closest to Jahrhunderthalle?
If being close to Jahrhunderthalle is important to you, you’ll want to land at Frankfurt am Main Airport.
Does Frankfurt am Main Airport have rental cars?
Yes. Those touching down at Frankfurt am Main Airport can take advantage of the rental car services offered upon their arrival.
Are there hotels close to Frankfurt am Main Airport?
Yes. Frankfurt am Main Airport has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. My Cloud Transit Hotel is the closest property to Frankfurt am Main Airport (0.0 mi away from Frankfurt am Main Airport).
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