The fastest way from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to Frankfurt Airport is the S-Bahn line S8 or S9, which takes around 12 minutes and runs several times an hour from the underground platforms. A taxi or private transfer takes 20–30 minutes but brings you door to door – the better choice with heavy luggage, a group, or an early-morning flight.
Option 1: S-Bahn S8 / S9 (cheapest)
- Where: underground S-Bahn platforms at Frankfurt Hbf (follow the green “S” signs).
- Direction: trains towards Wiesbaden or Mainz – “Flughafen Regionalbahnhof” is the third stop.
- Time: about 12 minutes.
- Ticket: buy an RMV ticket for “Frankfurt Flughafen” at the machine or in the RMV / DB app before boarding. The airport is a special fare zone, so a normal city ticket is not valid.
- Arrives at: the regional station below Terminal 1. For Terminal 2 or 3, continue on the free SkyLine train.
Watch out: S-Bahn service is sometimes reduced by construction work at weekends. Check the DB app the day before.
Option 2: Regional or ICE train
Some regional trains and ICE trains also stop at the airport (regional or long-distance station). They can be faster, but the long-distance station is a walk from the terminal. Good if your ticket is already part of a Deutsche Bahn journey.
Option 3: Taxi
The taxi rank is outside the main exit of Frankfurt Hbf. The ride takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. You pay by meter, so traffic jams on the A5 make the trip more expensive.
Option 4: Private transfer with a fixed price
With Veloria Ride, the driver meets you at the station entrance or at your hotel near the station, loads your luggage and drives you straight to the correct terminal – including the new Terminal 3, which has its own road access. The price is fixed when you book.
This option makes sense if you:
- travel with suitcases, children or a group (up to 7 in a Mercedes V-Class),
- have a flight before 7 a.m., when trains are less frequent,
- arrive at Frankfurt Hbf by train with a tight connection to your flight.
Quick comparison
| S-Bahn | Taxi | Veloria Ride | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | ~12 min + walking | 20–30 min | 20–30 min, door to door |
| Price | Lowest | Meter | Fixed in advance |
| Luggage help | No | Sometimes | Yes |
| To Terminal 3 door | No (SkyLine change) | Yes | Yes |
The other way: airport to Frankfurt main station
Arriving at FRA and staying near the Hauptbahnhof? Your driver waits at Terminal 1, Exit B6 with a name sign and tracks your flight. See airport to city transfer and our terminal guide.
Book a ride to the airport · 24/7: +49 172 5868264
FAQ
How long is the train from Frankfurt Hbf to the airport?
About 12 minutes with the S8 or S9.
Which station at Frankfurt Airport do S-Bahn trains use?
The regional station (Regionalbahnhof) below Terminal 1.
Can I use a Frankfurt city ticket to go to the airport?
No. The airport has its own fare level – buy a ticket to “Frankfurt Flughafen”.
How do I get from Frankfurt Hbf to Terminal 3?
Take the S-Bahn to Terminal 1 and then the SkyLine (about 8 minutes), or take a car directly to Terminal 3.