Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt city: the easy way in
Last checked: 24 September 2026. Fares, platforms and services can change. Check RMV’s live route planner before you travel.
Just landed at Frankfurt Airport? You have a few good ways into town. If you’re travelling light and staying near a station, the S-Bahn is usually the simplest place to start. If you have several cases, young children, or a hotel far from the railway, a taxi or a prebooked car may feel easier. There’s no need to choose until you know where your hotel is.
| Your situation | A good starting point | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Travelling light, close to a city station | S8 or S9 from the Regional Station | About 15 minutes to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof on the train; allow extra time to walk through the airport. |
| Several people, luggage, or a door-to-door destination | Licensed taxi or prebooked transfer | The road journey and price depend on your destination, traffic and service. Check the quote or meter details before travelling. |
| Continuing to another German city | Check your full rail route first | The airport’s Fernbahnhof is for long-distance trains; it is a different station from the Regionalbahnhof. |
First, find the right airport station
Frankfurt Airport has two train stations that are easy to mix up:
- Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Regionalbahnhof is beneath Terminal 1. This is where the S8 and S9 leave for Frankfurt city.
- Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbahnhof is the long-distance station for IC and ICE services. If you’re simply taking the S-Bahn into town, follow signs for the Regionalbahnhof instead.
If you arrive at Terminal 3, follow airport signs for the free SkyLine to Terminal 1, then for the Regionalbahnhof. The airport estimates roughly 10–15 minutes between Terminal 3 and the regional station via SkyLine; allow more time for walking, waiting and finding your way. The SkyLine currently runs from 04:00 to 23:00; outside those hours the airport provides a shuttle bus. Check airport signs on the day. Frankfurt Airport: train stations · Terminal 3 connections
Taking the S8 or S9 into Frankfurt
- After collecting your luggage, follow the signs for Bahnhöfe or Regionalbahnhof. The Regionalbahnhof is downstairs at Terminal 1.
- Look for an S8 or S9 towards Frankfurt / Offenbach / Hanau. RMV says departures towards the city are usually from platform 1, but always check the display before boarding.
- Buy the right RMV ticket before travelling. Ticket machines and the RMVgo app sell single tickets; RMV also offers a web-based Airport-to-City day ticket.
- For the main railway station, get off at Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof. If your destination is in the central shopping area, check whether Hauptwache is a better stop. Put the exact hotel address into the RMV route planner to see the best stop and any change.
The train ride to Hauptbahnhof is approximately 15 minutes. That’s time on the train, not a promise about your whole trip from aircraft door to hotel. Trains can change because of construction or disruption, so check the departure board and the live route before setting off. RMV airport guide · RMV S8/S9 timetable
Which ticket should you buy?
For one journey from the airport into Frankfurt, look for a ticket covering Frankfurt Flughafen (fare area 5090) and Frankfurt city (5000). As checked on 24 September 2026, RMV lists an adult single ticket between city and airport at €6.90. The standard Frankfurt city-only ticket costs less, but does not cover the airport. Buy the correct airport ticket for your route. RMV single-ticket details
If you plan to use local transport again on the same day, compare a day ticket. RMV’s Airport-to-City-Ticket currently costs €13.50 for one adult, or €22.50 for a group of up to five. It covers local transport in the specified Frankfurt and airport areas until 05:00 the next morning, but not IC/ICE trains. It can be bought on the web without creating an RMV account; its validity starts when you buy it, so don’t buy it days before you land. Check the current price and coverage on RMV’s Airport-to-City page.
Going to Bad Homburg, Mainz, Wiesbaden or another town instead? Enter your actual destination in RMVgo or the route planner. A ticket described as “Airport-to-City” is for the specified Frankfurt and airport areas, not automatically your whole onward journey.
When a car is easier
A taxi can take you directly to your address. Frankfurt Airport says taxis are available around the clock at Terminals 1 and 3 and at the long-distance station. For an app-based ride, follow the pickup location shown in your app and the airport’s current guidance; pickup points differ by terminal. Frankfurt Airport: taxis and ride-hailing
A prebooked transfer may suit a family, a group with large bags, or anyone who wants to know the meeting arrangement before landing. Compare the total quoted price, luggage capacity, cancellation terms and where your driver will meet you. Road time varies with traffic.
A few questions you may have
Is Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof the city centre?
It’s the main railway station and a useful arrival point, but not every hotel or attraction is beside it. Check your exact address: Hauptwache or another stop may be more convenient.
I arrive at Terminal 3. Is there a train station inside it?
For the S8 or S9, take the airport’s free SkyLine connection towards Terminal 1 and then follow signs to the Regionalbahnhof. Outside SkyLine operating hours, follow airport signs for the shuttle bus.
Can I tap my bank card on the train instead of buying a ticket?
Don’t count on that. RMV says its network does not currently offer a tap-and-go fare. Buy a valid ticket before boarding and show it if checked. RMV airport guide
What if my flight arrives late?
Check the live RMV journey planner for the exact date and time. Rail service and construction change, and the terminal shuttle arrangement may be different overnight. Taxis are listed by the airport as available around the clock.
Useful official links: RMV route planner · RMV airport ticket and FAQ · Frankfurt Airport train guide · Frankfurt Airport terminal connections