Frankfurt Airport has changed. In April 2026, the brand-new Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 opened its doors, and by June 2026 almost every airline that used to fly from Terminal 2 had moved over. If you are flying into Frankfurt soon, there is a good chance you will land at T3 — and it works quite differently from the older terminals.
This guide explains what Terminal 3 is, which airlines use it, how to move between terminals, and the easiest way to get from FRA Terminal 3 to your hotel, office, or home without stress.
What Is Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3?
Terminal 3 is the largest expansion in Frankfurt Airport’s history. It was built on the site of the former US Rhein-Main Air Base, on the south side of the airport — across the runways from Terminals 1 and 2. The first phase is designed for around 19 million passengers a year, more than the old Terminal 2.
Because of its location, Terminal 3 is not a short walk from Terminal 1 or 2. That is the single most important thing travellers need to know, especially if you have a connecting train, a meeting, or someone waiting to pick you up.
Table 1: Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening | 22–23 April 2026 (airlines moved in phases until June 2026) |
| Location | South side of Frankfurt Airport, on the former Rhein-Main Air Base |
| Capacity (phase 1) | Around 19 million passengers per year |
| Connection to T1 / T2 | Sky Line people mover, about 8–10 minutes |
| Sky Line frequency | Roughly every 2 minutes |
| Train stations | Regional (S-Bahn) and long-distance stations are at Terminal 1 |
| Walkable to T1? | No – you need the Sky Line, a bus, or a car |
Which Airlines Use Terminal 3?
The airlines that previously operated from Terminal 2 have moved to Terminal 3. This includes many international carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, plus SkyTeam airlines. Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners stay in Terminal 1, and Condor is expected to move to Terminal 3 later (planned for 2027).
Table 2: Which Frankfurt Airport Terminal Do I Need?
| Terminal | Main airlines / use | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners, Condor (until its planned move) | Home of the S-Bahn and long-distance train stations |
| Terminal 2 | Sky Line interchange; planned redevelopment from around 2030 | Most former T2 airlines have moved to Terminal 3 |
| Terminal 3 | Former Terminal 2 airlines, e.g. Emirates, Qatar Airways, SkyTeam carriers | New terminal on the south side; Condor planned from 2027 |
Tip: Always check your booking confirmation or the airline’s website before you travel. Terminal allocations can change, and it is the fastest way to avoid going to the wrong side of the airport.
How to Get Between Terminal 3 and Terminals 1 & 2
Terminal 3 is connected to the rest of the airport by the new Sky Line people mover:
- Driverless trains run roughly every two minutes
- The journey to Terminal 1 takes about 8–10 minutes
- The Sky Line links T3 with Terminal 2 and Terminal 1, where the regional and long-distance train stations are located
In the first months of operation, there were some reliability issues and replacement buses were used at times. If you need to connect from T3 to a train at Terminal 1, give yourself plenty of buffer time — many travellers recommend planning at least 90 minutes for the whole connection.
Getting From Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 to Your Destination
Once you have collected your luggage and left the arrivals hall, you have three main options.
1. Train (via Terminal 1)
The train is good value, but from Terminal 3 you first need to take the Sky Line to Terminal 1 to reach the S-Bahn or the long-distance station. With heavy luggage, children, or a late arrival, this extra step can quickly become tiring.
2. Taxi from the rank
Taxis wait outside Terminal 3. This works well when queues are short, but at peak times — especially when several long-haul flights land together — waiting times can grow. The price is also only known at the end of the ride because it runs on the meter.
3. Pre-booked private transfer (the stress-free option)
A pre-booked Frankfurt Airport transfer is the easiest way to leave Terminal 3, particularly after a long flight. Your driver tracks your flight, meets you in the arrivals area, helps with your luggage, and drives you directly to your destination — Frankfurt city centre, Wiesbaden, Mainz, Darmstadt, or anywhere in Germany.
Table 3: Train vs Taxi vs Private Transfer from Terminal 3
| Feature | Train | Taxi from rank | Private transfer (Veloria Ride) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra step from T3 | Sky Line to Terminal 1 first | None | None – driver meets you at T3 |
| Waiting time | Depends on train timetable | Can be long at peak times | Driver ready when you land |
| Price | Low | Metered – known at the end | Agreed when you book |
| Flight delay | You rebook yourself | Join the queue again | Driver tracks your flight |
| Luggage help | No | Sometimes | Yes |
| Door-to-door | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Light travellers on a budget | Short trips, no pre-planning | Families, business travellers, groups, late arrivals |
Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 Pickup with Veloria Ride
At Veloria Ride, we serve all Frankfurt Airport terminals, including the new Terminal 3. When you book, simply add your flight number — we confirm the correct terminal and monitor your arrival time.
Here is how your Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 pickup works:
- Book online with your flight number, pickup time and destination
- Receive your confirmation with your driver and meeting details
- Land and collect your luggage — your chauffeur follows your flight in real time
- Meet your driver at the agreed pickup point (see our Pickup Instructions)
- Relax while we drive you directly to your destination
Whether you are a business traveller heading to Frankfurt’s banking district, a family going on holiday, or a group needing a larger vehicle, we have a solution. Explore our services or read more about our taxi and airport transfer service in Frankfurt.
Travel Tips for Terminal 3
- Check your terminal twice — T1 and T3 are far apart
- Allow extra time for the Sky Line if you must reach Terminal 1 or the train station
- Share your flight number with your transfer company, not just your arrival time
- Keep your phone switched on after landing so your driver can reach you
- Book your return trip early so your ride to the correct terminal is already arranged
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 open?
Terminal 3 opened on 22–23 April 2026, and airlines moved in step by step until June 2026.
Which airlines fly from Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3?
Most airlines that used Terminal 2 have moved to Terminal 3, including carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and SkyTeam airlines. Lufthansa and Star Alliance airlines remain at Terminal 1. Always check your ticket for the latest terminal information.
Is Terminal 3 connected to Terminal 1?
Yes. The Sky Line people mover connects Terminal 3 with Terminals 2 and 1. The ride takes around 8–10 minutes, and trains run about every two minutes.
Can I walk from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1?
No. Terminal 3 is on the opposite side of the runways, so you need the Sky Line, a bus, or a car.
Is there a train station at Terminal 3?
No. Both the regional (S-Bahn) and long-distance train stations are at Terminal 1. From Terminal 3, take the Sky Line first.
How long should I allow to connect from Terminal 3 to a train?
Plan generously. Many travellers recommend at least 90 minutes between landing at Terminal 3 and a train departure from Terminal 1, to cover passport control, baggage and the Sky Line ride.
Are there taxis at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3?
Yes, taxis wait outside Terminal 3. At busy times the queue can be long, so a pre-booked transfer is often faster and more relaxed.
Can Veloria Ride pick me up at Terminal 3?
Yes. We offer pickups and drop-offs at all Frankfurt Airport terminals, including Terminal 3. Add your flight number when booking and we handle the rest.
What happens if my flight to Terminal 3 is delayed?
When you give us your flight number, your driver follows your flight’s real arrival time, so a delay does not mean a missed pickup.
Conclusion
Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 is modern, spacious and a big upgrade for travellers — but it also sits on the far side of the airport. The Sky Line connects it to Terminals 1 and 2, yet reaching the train stations or a taxi queue can still add time and stress after a long flight.
The simplest solution is to have everything arranged before you land. With a pre-booked Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 pickup, your chauffeur tracks your flight, meets you at arrivals and takes you straight to your hotel, office or home — no Sky Line changes, no taxi queues and no surprises on the price.
Book your Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 transfer with Veloria Ride now →