Welcome to your essential guide to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany’s largest airport and one of the busiest and most important transportation hubs in all of Europe. As the primary hub for Lufthansa and a major hub for the Star Alliance, Frankfurt is a critical connection point for millions of travelers, including many flying from India to Europe and North America. Navigating this vast airport can be challenging, but this guide provides clear information on its terminals, transfer process, and transportation to make your journey a smooth one.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
| Feature | Details |
| IATA Code | FRA |
| Location | Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany |
| Terminals | 2 (Terminals 1 and 2) |
| Official Website | frankfurt-airport.com |
| Operator | Fraport |
Navigating Frankfurt’s Terminals
Frankfurt Airport has two main terminals, and knowing which one you’re using is key.
- Terminal 1: This is the larger and older of the two terminals. It is the primary home for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners (like Air India). It is divided into Concourses A, B, C, and Z.
- Terminal 2: This terminal is used by many other international airlines, including members of the Oneworld (like Qatar Airways) and SkyTeam alliances. It is divided into Concourses D and E.
Connecting Flights & Transfers at FRA
Connecting flights at Frankfurt Airport can be time-consuming due to its size, and you may need to go through both security and passport control.
- Check Your Terminals: The most important step is to know if you are arriving and departing from the same terminal. A T1-to-T1 connection is much faster than a T1-to-T2 connection.
- SkyLine Train & Shuttle Bus: To move between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, you can use the free SkyLine Train (located landside and airside) or a shuttle bus.
- Schengen vs. Non-Schengen: If you are arriving from a non-Schengen country (like India) and connecting to a Schengen country (like France or Italy), you will need to clear immigration (passport control) in Frankfurt. Allow extra time for this.
- Follow the Signs: The airport has clear signage for “Connecting Flights” or “Transfer.” Follow these signs carefully.
Transportation Between the Airport and City
Frankfurt Airport is exceptionally well-connected to the city of Frankfurt and the rest of Germany.
- Regional & Long-Distance Trains: The airport has its own train station with direct access to Germany’s excellent Deutsche Bahn (DB) rail network. You can take a high-speed ICE train to cities all over Germany directly from the airport.
- S-Bahn (Suburban Trains): The S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 are the most common ways to get to Frankfurt’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and the city center. The journey takes only 10-15 minutes.
- Taxis / Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available outside both terminals. Uber also operates at the airport.
Lounges at Frankfurt Airport
As a major hub, FRA has a vast selection of lounges.
- Lufthansa Lounges: Lufthansa operates a huge network of lounges in Terminal 1, including Business Lounges, Senator Lounges (for Star Alliance Gold members), and the legendary First Class Terminal, a separate building offering the ultimate ground experience.
- Other Lounges: Many other airlines have their own lounges in both terminals. There are also several pay-per-entry lounges and options for Priority Pass members.
Final Tips for Navigating FRA
- Allow Plenty of Time: This is the #1 rule for Frankfurt. It is a massive and busy airport. For connections, a minimum of 2 hours is highly recommended.
- Check Your Gate in Advance: Know your arrival and departure gates and terminals before you land, if possible.
- Terminal 1 is Huge: Be aware that walking from Concourse A to Concourse B/C in Terminal 1 can take a significant amount of time (15-20 minutes).
FAQs
Do I need to go through immigration for a connecting flight in Frankfurt?
It depends on your itinerary. If you are flying from a non-Schengen country (like India) to another non-Schengen country (like the USA), you typically do not need to go through immigration. If you are flying from India to a Schengen country (like Germany, France, Spain), you will clear immigration in Frankfurt.
Is 1 hour enough for a transfer at Frankfurt Airport?
One hour is extremely tight and not recommended. While it might be possible for a simple same-terminal connection with no delays, it leaves no room for error. A minimum of 90 minutes to 2 hours is much safer.
How do I get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2?
You can use the free SkyLine people mover train, which runs every few minutes. The journey takes about 2 minutes. There are also free shuttle buses that run between the terminals.
