Layover in Frankfurt

Transiting through Frankfurt Airport

Located just 12 kilometers from the city center, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the main international airport in Germany. Frankfurt Airport has two main terminals, Terminal 1, which houses Gates A-C and Z, and Terminal 2, which handles flights from Gates D and E.

An emphasis on passenger entertainment can be seen throughout each terminal, where you’ll find cinema and gaming areas, business lounges, countless shops and food outlets, flight simulators, and plenty of premium rest areas and quiet zones – everything you need for a fun and seamless layover in Frankfurt.

Things to do at the airport

If you don’t fancy leaving the airport during your layover in Frankfurt, or you don’t have enough time in between flights, there is plenty to keep you busy during your transit. 

Even if you only have a 1-hour layover in Frankfurt, you’ll have time to sample some local snacks and dishes at food outlets like Heberer’s Bakery, Kamps, and Hausmann’s Bar. Afterwards, you can take a quick browse at some of the shops on offer, including luxury brands such as Burberry and Gant, as well as duty-free stores and local souvenir shops. 

Aside from bars and restaurants, Frankfurt Airport offers some of the best facilities for keeping passengers entertained – both young and old. For holiday-makers with a 4-hour layover in Frankfurt, here’s what to do once you’ve had your fill of food and drinks. 

Stretch it out before your flight in the T2 yoga room, complete with follow-along screens, or take a moment of reflection in one of the prayer rooms or airport chaplaincy. Adults and children alike can try their hand at gaming, with a mix of old-school and modern arcade games available at the Gaming World in T1 (Level 3). 

Alternatively, you can pass the time during your layover in Frankfurt Airport with a movie or TV series at one of several Movie World locations in T1, where you can choose to relax on comfortable couches or in a private pod. Similarly, short films, documentaries, and impressive visuals can be enjoyed at the Entertainment Gate near gates B44-B48, also in T1. 

Traveling with children? Kids’ playgrounds are scattered around each terminal, where little ones can let off some steam before the flight. Older children can partake in the “FRAwards” challenge, where they can earn points and vouchers, as well as win prizes, by playing games and completing quizzes at kiosks dotted around the terminal buildings.

Frankfurt Airport transit hotels and lounges

Whether you’re passing through on your way to another country and have a long layover in Frankfurt Airport, or you’ve chosen to extend your stay to see the city, there are plenty of nearby hotels to choose from to rest and refresh before moving on to your final destination.

The most convenient choices for a 6-hour layover in Frankfurt or less, when your priority is to catch up on some sleep, are the Marriott Hotel Frankfurt Airport and the Hilton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, since they’re connected to T1 via pedestrian walkways. Otherwise, you can take advantage of free airport shuttles to several other hotels, such as the Steigenberger Airport Hotel and the ibis Hotel Frankfurt Airport.

Transiting passengers who are either arriving from or departing to a non-Schengen country also have the choice of the MY CLOUD Transit Hotel in T1 (near Gate Z25). You must book for a minimum of 3 hours, and an overnight check-in isn’t possible, which makes this option ideal for a quick nap and a shower. Similarly, the NapCabs in T1 in the Schengen area are perfect for getting some rest or catching up on work in peace and quiet.

Alternatively, you can use the airport shower facilities to freshen up. There are several cubicles located in each terminal (before and after security) available for use for €15, which includes a towel and all amenities. 

Finally, both terminals feature several airport lounges, where passengers can enjoy comfortable seating areas, workstations, high-speed WiFi, and charging outlets, and an array of complimentary food and beverage services. 

While some lounges, such as the Luxx Lounge, offer entry to all passengers for a fee of €39 for a stay of up to three hours, others are reserved for the exclusive use of first- and business-class passengers and certain membership holders. If you only have a 5-hour layover in Frankfurt, this is one of the best ways to relax and unwind. 

*For a complete overview of the hotels and lounges on offer, check out our comprehensive Frankfurt Airport Guide.

What to do in Frankfurt during a layover?

Frankfurt Airport is within easy reach of the city center, so for those of you with at least a 6 or 7-hour layover in Frankfurt, it’s possible to venture beyond the airport and explore some of the main attractions.

Catch a 20-minute S-Bahn train, a Frankfurt Airport taxi, or take a pre-booked Frankfurt Airport transfer to the popular Römerberg district and wander amongst its charismatic wooden houses, as well as the Roman Gothic Frankfurt Cathedral. 

From there, it’s just a short walk over to the Museumsufer district, where you can visit a collection of museums along the Main River, before grabbing a bite to eat in the trendy suburb of Sachsenhausen. 

If you have some time spare, make your way back to the other side of the river to check out the Kleinmarkthalle indoor market and the historic Goethe House. 

Not sure where to start? No worries, Welcome Pickups can make all of the arrangements for you, offering carefully designed private tours for up to 8 people. Whether you only have a few hours to see Frankfurt’s highlights or a 10-hour layover in Frankfurt to enjoy a day trip, you can visit destinations such as the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine, medieval castles, Rhine Valley vineyards, or the Würzburg Residence.

Tips for a Short Layover at Frankfurt Airport

• Rest and relax in the designated leisure zone of the terminal (Gate Z11), or curl up in your very own Silent Chair.
• Use the high-speed, unlimited Wi-Fi to check flight updates, download entertainment, or plan your onward travel. 
• Watch planes take off from the Visitor’s Terrace, or from a restaurant inside the terminal, such as The Bar.
• Book an airport tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the designs and system operations of Frankfurt Airport, or take a ride on a simulated flight at the Visitor Center. 
• If possible, skip poor exchange rates at currency booths and instead, use contactless cards or withdraw euros from ATMs with competitive fees.

Tips for a Long Layover in Frankfurt

• If you don’t quite have enough time to leave the airport, you can get some rest in one of nine available pods at NabCabs, or book a room at the MY CLOUD Transit Hotel, both in T1.
• Head to one of Frankfurt Airport’s premium lounges (Lufthansa, LuxxLounge, Primeclass, etc) in Terminals 1 and 2. You’ll find hot showers, buffet meals, quiet zones, and even nap pods in some.
• If you’ve got at least 6–7 hours, you can easily catch the RER B train, Bus Line 61, or a taxi into Frankfurt city center. Plot your must-sees in advance and pre-book timed entry tickets to avoid lines.
• For stress-free travel around some of Frankfurt’s most famous sights, you can book sightseeing rides for 1-8 people with Welcome Pickups.
• Take advantage of luggage storage options in T1, available 24/7, so you don’t need to worry about being weighed down as you tour the city.

Flight Connections

Visa Required: Certain nationalities may require a transit or short-stay Schengen visa.

Average Flight Connection Time: Travel time ranges from 10 minutes between gates within the same terminal and 20 minutes between terminals.

Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 6-7 hours

How you transit through Frankfurt Airport for a connecting flight will depend on whether you are flying from a Schengen country to a non-Schengen country, and vice versa, and whether your bags have been checked all the way through to your final destination. 

In general, if you’re remaining in the Schengen area or flying from one non-Schengen area to another, you won’t need to clear Passport Control again. As you disembark your first flight, refer to the display monitors for your new gate number and the estimated journey time to reach it on foot (if possible). A boarding pass for your next flight –if needed– can be issued at a transfer desk or the departure gate.

In all other circumstances, you may need to pass through Immigration and potentially Security again. Frankfurt Airport has an International Transit Area, which allows you to transit without officially entering the Schengen area, but if you wish to leave the airport, you may require a transit visa. While some nationalities are free to enter Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, others are not, and should apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.

If the airline staff at your departure location didn’t check your luggage all the way through (check the tag on your boarding pass), you will need to collect your luggage and then follow the standard Frankfurt Airport departure procedures to check in for your next flight. 

If you need to transfer between Piers or from Terminal 1 or 2, there are several transport options available to help you reach your gate on time:

• Transfer from Pier A to B, T1: Use the pedestrian walkway. Allow up to 20 minutes. 
• Yellow Shuttle Bus: Transfer between T1 & T2 every 10 minutes between 05:30 and 11:30 for free. The ride takes 10 minutes.
• SkyLine: Ideal for inter-terminal transfers between areas A, B, C, or Z in T1, and areas D or E in T2. Available 24/7, the train departs every 2-3 minutes and takes roughly 5 minutes.