Overview
Frankfurt Airport – Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt Airport (IATA: FRA, ICAO: EDDF) is Germany's largest international aviation hub and one of Europe's major connecting airports.
Located southwest of central Frankfurt, the airport connects travellers with destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North America, South America and other international markets.
Frankfurt Airport provides convenient access to Frankfurt city centre, Mainz, Wiesbaden, Darmstadt and the wider Rhine-Main region. Its extensive rail connections also make the airport an important gateway for onward travel throughout Germany and neighbouring European countries.
As of August 2026, passenger airline operations are centred on Terminal 1 and the new Terminal 3. Terminal 3 began operations in April 2026, and airlines previously operating from Terminal 2 have moved to Terminal 3.
Passengers should always check their current terminal and gate information before travelling.
For current airport information, passengers can refer to the official Frankfurt Airport website.
At a glance
Airport Information
- Airport Name
- Frankfurt Airport
- Also Known As
- Frankfurt am Main Airport / Flughafen Frankfurt
- IATA Code
- FRA
- ICAO Code
- EDDF
- Location
- Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany
- Nearest Major City
- Frankfurt
- Airport Type
- International and Domestic
- Country
- Germany
- Passenger Terminals
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
Arrivals
Arrivals at Frankfurt Airport
Passengers arriving on international flights should follow airport signs towards arrivals, passport control where applicable, baggage reclaim and customs.
The exact process depends on whether the passenger is arriving from:
Frankfurt Airport provides a wide range of passenger services, including:
Typical Arrival Process
- 1Arrival at Frankfurt Airport
- 2Follow signs towards Arrivals
- 3Passport control where applicable
- 4Baggage collection
- 5Customs procedures where applicable
- 6Enter the public arrivals area
- 7ATM, mobile connectivity or other services if required
- 8Train, S-Bahn, bus, taxi or other transportation
- 9Hotel or onward travel
Passengers should ensure they meet Germany's current passport, visa and immigration requirements before travelling.
Arrival Facilities
- Currency and banking services
- ATMs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Mobile connectivity services
- Medical facilities
- Accessibility assistance
- Baggage services
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shopping
- Duty-free facilities
- Passenger lounges
- Family facilities
- Prayer and quiet areas
- Passenger information
- Regional railway station
- Long-distance railway station
- S-Bahn services
- Public buses
- Taxi services
- Car rental
- Hotels and onward transport services
Facilities vary by terminal and passenger area.
Germany and Schengen Visa Requirements
Germany is part of the Schengen Area.
Visa requirements depend on:
Sri Lankan passport holders currently require an appropriate visa to enter Germany for a normal short visit, subject to the applicable Schengen visa rules.
Travellers should verify their individual requirements through the German Federal Foreign Office or the responsible German mission before applying or travelling.
- Nationality
- Passport type
- Purpose of travel
- Length of stay
- Whether the passenger is entering Germany
- Whether the passenger is only transiting
- Individual circumstances
Airport Transit Visa
Some travellers connecting through a German airport without entering the Schengen Area require an Airport Transit Visa.
The German Federal Foreign Office currently includes Sri Lanka among the nationalities generally subject to Germany's airport-transit-visa requirement, although exemptions may apply depending on the passenger's visas, residence permits and other circumstances.
Passengers should therefore not assume that remaining airside at Frankfurt means no transit visa is required.
Exemptions can apply, for example, to certain travellers holding:
Requirements are traveller-specific.
Sri Lankan passengers transiting Frankfurt should check the current German Federal Foreign Office rules for their exact itinerary and documents before travelling.
- Valid Schengen visas or residence permits
- Certain EU/EEA documentation
- Certain valid visas or residence permits issued by specified countries
Departures
Departures from Frankfurt Airport
Passengers departing from Frankfurt should allow sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, passport control where applicable and travelling to the boarding gate.
Because Frankfurt is a large airport, travellers should check their:
before travelling.
Departure Process
- 1Confirm your airline and terminal
- 2Arrive at Frankfurt Airport
- 3Airline check-in
- 4Baggage drop
- 5Security screening
- 6Passport control where applicable
- 7Enter the departure area
- 8Check airport screens for your gate
- 9Proceed to the boarding gate
- 10Flight departure
Frankfurt Airport currently recommends that many non-EU passengers arrive at least three hours before departure, although travellers should follow the guidance provided by their airline for their specific flight.
Terminals
Terminals at Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport's current passenger airline operations use:
Terminal 3 began passenger operations in April 2026.
Airlines that previously operated from Terminal 2 have been relocated to Terminal 3.
Passengers should always check their booking and the airport's current flight information rather than relying on older terminal guides.
- Terminal 1
- Terminal 3
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 (T1) is Frankfurt Airport's long-established main passenger terminal.
It includes passenger areas:
Terminal 1 handles domestic, Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
Facilities include:
The airport's Regional Railway Station is located beneath Terminal 1.
The Long-Distance Railway Station is nearby at The Squaire and connected with the terminal complex.
- A
- B
- C
- Z
- Airline check-in
- Baggage services
- Security screening
- Border control
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shopping
- Passenger lounges
- Regional rail access
- Long-distance rail access
- S-Bahn services
- Bus and taxi connections
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 (T3) officially began operations in April 2026.
The terminal includes departure areas and piers:
It handles domestic and international passenger services.
Facilities include:
Terminal 3 is connected with Terminal 1 by Frankfurt Airport's SkyLine people mover.
Passengers arriving by regional or long-distance train can continue from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 using the SkyLine.
- G
- H
- J
- Airline check-in
- Self-service check-in
- Fast bag drop
- Security screening
- Border-control facilities where applicable
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shopping
- Passenger lounges
- Family facilities
- Passenger information
- Bus and taxi connections
Transfers
Connecting Flights at Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe's major international connecting hubs.
Transfer procedures depend on whether passengers are travelling:
Passengers should follow the airport's Transfer / Connecting Flights signs and check their onward gate on the airport information screens.
Typical Transfer Process
- 1Schengen to Schengen
- 2Non-Schengen to non-Schengen
- 3Non-Schengen to Schengen
- 4Schengen to non-Schengen
- 5Domestic to international
- 6International to domestic
- 7On one through-ticket
- 8On separate tickets
- 9Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
Non-Schengen to Non-Schengen Connections
Passengers connecting between two non-Schengen international flights may be able to remain within the international transit area.
The exact process depends on:
Transfer security may be required.
Passengers should follow airport and airline instructions.
- Airline
- Terminal
- Gate
- Ticket arrangement
- Baggage arrangements
- Boarding-pass availability
- Transit visa requirements
Non-Schengen to Schengen Connections
Passengers arriving from outside the Schengen Area and connecting to a Schengen flight will normally complete Schengen entry passport control at Frankfurt Airport.
Typical Process
Passengers should allow enough time for border processing.
- Follow transfer signs
- Complete passport control
- Complete transfer security where required
- Transfer terminals if necessary
- Proceed to the onward gate
Schengen to Non-Schengen Connections
Passengers arriving from a Schengen destination and connecting to a non-Schengen flight normally complete Schengen exit passport control before the onward flight.
Passengers should allow sufficient time for:
- Terminal transfer
- Security
- Passport control
- Travel to the boarding gate
International to Domestic Connections
Flights within Germany operate within the Schengen travel area.
Passengers arriving from outside Schengen and connecting to a German domestic flight will normally complete Schengen entry formalities at Frankfurt.
Baggage arrangements depend on the airline and ticket.
Passengers should follow the airline's transfer instructions.
Connecting on Separate Tickets
Passengers travelling on separately booked tickets may need to:
Passengers on separate tickets should allow substantial additional connection time.
They must also ensure they have the required visa or entry permission if they need to enter Germany.
- Pass through German immigration
- Collect checked baggage
- Clear customs
- Enter the public arrivals area
- Transfer to the appropriate terminal
- Check in again
- Re-check baggage
- Complete security
- Complete passport control where applicable
- Proceed to the departure gate
Transferring Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
Frankfurt Airport provides a free SkyLine people mover connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
The airport currently states that the journey between the two terminals takes approximately eight minutes.
Passengers should nevertheless allow additional time for:
The SkyLine provides the main daytime terminal connection.
A shuttle bus is also used during periods when the SkyLine is not operating according to its normal daytime schedule.
Because operating hours can change, passengers should follow current airport signage and transfer guidance.
- Walking to and from the SkyLine station
- Waiting
- Security
- Passport control
- Finding the onward gate
Getting into the city
Transportation from Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport has one of Europe's strongest airport rail connections.
The main transportation options include:
- S-Bahn
- Regional trains
- Long-distance ICE and IC trains
- Public bus
- Taxi
- Private transfer
- Car rental
S-Bahn
Frankfurt Airport is served by the S-Bahn lines S8 and S9.
The airport's regional railway station is located beneath Terminal 1.
S8 and S9 provide convenient connections towards destinations including:
Passengers travelling from Terminal 3 can use the SkyLine to reach Terminal 1 and continue to the regional railway station.
Operating times and service patterns may change, so passengers should check current RMV information before travelling.
Frankfurt city centre
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
Mainz
Wiesbaden
Other destinations within the Rhine-Main transport network
Best for
- Frankfurt city centre
- Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Solo travellers
- Mainz and Wiesbaden connections
- Travellers with manageable luggage
Regional Trains
Frankfurt Airport's Regional Railway Station also serves regional train services.
Current airport information lists services including regional and regional-express trains connecting the airport with destinations across the Rhine-Main region.
Passengers can use regional trains for journeys towards destinations such as:
Routes and schedules should be checked before travelling.
Frankfurt
Mainz
Wiesbaden
Hanau
Other regional cities
Long-Distance Trains – ICE and IC
Frankfurt Airport has a dedicated Long-Distance Railway Station connected to Germany's national rail network.
The station is located at The Squaire, close to Terminal 1.
Deutsche Bahn long-distance services provide connections from Frankfurt Airport to destinations throughout Germany and neighbouring countries.
Depending on the current timetable, passengers can travel towards cities such as:
This makes Frankfurt particularly convenient for passengers continuing beyond the city by rail.
Cologne
Düsseldorf
Stuttgart
Munich
Nuremberg
Hamburg
Berlin
Basel
Other European destinations
Best for
- Intercity travel
- Business travellers
- Passengers continuing elsewhere in Germany
- Travellers connecting with European rail services
- Travellers wishing to avoid a domestic connecting flight
Public Bus
Public buses connect Frankfurt Airport with surrounding areas.
Current airport information includes bus links serving locations around Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main region.
Bus stops are provided at the airport terminals.
Routes, schedules and operating arrangements can change, so passengers should check current RMV or airport information before travelling.
Taxi
Official taxi services are available from Frankfurt Airport.
Passengers should use designated airport taxi stands.
Taxis provide direct travel to:
Journey time depends on traffic and the exact destination.
Frankfurt city centre
Hotels
Business districts
Residences
Regional destinations
Best for
- Families
- Groups
- Travellers with significant luggage
- Business travellers
- Direct hotel travel
- Late arrivals
Private Airport Transfer
Private transfers can be arranged in advance between Frankfurt Airport and hotels, residences or other destinations.
They may be useful for:
Families
Groups
Business travellers
First-time visitors
Passengers with significant luggage
Travellers continuing outside Frankfurt
Car Rental
Car rental services are available at Frankfurt Airport.
Frankfurt's location near major German motorways makes a rental vehicle useful for some regional journeys.
Visitors planning to drive should understand:
For passengers staying mainly in central Frankfurt, rail and public transport are generally convenient alternatives.
German driving licence requirements
Autobahn regulations
Parking rules
Environmental zones
Local road regulations
Where to go next
Transportation to Popular Areas in Frankfurt
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
Recommended options
- S-Bahn
- Regional train
- Taxi
- Private transfer
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is the city's main railway station and one of Germany's major rail hubs.
S8 and S9 provide direct connections between the airport and Frankfurt's central railway station.
Frankfurt City Centre / Innenstadt
Recommended options
- S-Bahn
- Regional train
- Taxi
- Private transfer
Frankfurt's city centre includes major business, shopping, dining and tourist areas.
Passengers can use the rail network and connect onward depending on the exact destination.
Römer / Old Town
Recommended options
- S-Bahn + local transport/walking
- Taxi
- Private transfer
The Römerberg and Frankfurt Old Town area is one of the city's main historic and tourism districts.
Messe Frankfurt
Recommended options
- S-Bahn / local rail
- Taxi
- Private transfer
Messe Frankfurt is one of Germany's major exhibition and convention centres.
Frankfurt's public transport network provides convenient access from the airport area.
Bankenviertel / Financial District
Recommended options
- S-Bahn
- Taxi
- Private transfer
Frankfurt is one of Europe's major financial centres.
The central financial district includes many banks, offices and hotels.
Sachsenhausen
Recommended options
- S-Bahn / local public transport
- Taxi
- Private transfer
Sachsenhausen is a popular dining, nightlife and residential area south of the River Main.
Travelling from Frankfurt Airport to Other German Cities
Recommended options
- Cologne
- Düsseldorf
- Stuttgart
- Munich
- Nuremberg
- Mannheim
- Heidelberg
- Karlsruhe
- Hamburg
- Berlin
One of Frankfurt Airport's biggest advantages is its direct connection with Germany's high-speed rail network.
Passengers can continue to many cities by ICE or IC train without travelling into central Frankfurt first.
Popular onward destinations include:
Travellers should check current Deutsche Bahn schedules before travelling.
Frankfurt Airport to Cologne
Recommended options
- ICE high-speed train
- Other Deutsche Bahn services
- Rental car
- Private transfer
Cologne is a popular onward destination from Frankfurt Airport.
Passengers can travel using:
The airport's Long-Distance Railway Station allows passengers to board eligible long-distance trains without first travelling into Frankfurt city centre.
Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg
Recommended options
- Regional and long-distance rail combinations
- Private transfer
- Rental car
Heidelberg is a popular tourism, university and business destination.
Travellers can continue using:
Passengers should check the most convenient current rail connection before travelling.
Before you land
Tips for Travellers Arriving at FRA
- Check whether your flight uses Terminal 1 or Terminal 3.
- Do not rely on older Frankfurt Airport information that directs airlines to Terminal 2.
- Terminal 3 began operations in April 2026.
- Airlines formerly operating from Terminal 2 have moved to Terminal 3.
- Keep your passport, visa and immigration documents accessible.
- Check Germany and Schengen visa requirements before travelling.
- Sri Lankan passport holders should check Germany's Airport Transit Visa rules carefully when transiting.
- Do not assume that remaining airside automatically removes the transit visa requirement.
- Confirm whether checked baggage is tagged to your final destination.
- Follow airport Transfer signs when connecting.
- Allow sufficient time when transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
- The free SkyLine connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
- Consider the S8 or S9 for travel into Frankfurt city centre.
- Use Frankfurt Airport's Long-Distance Railway Station for onward intercity travel.
- Check RMV and Deutsche Bahn schedules before travelling.
- Use official airport taxi stands.
- Allow extra time during major trade fairs and events in Frankfurt.
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Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frankfurt Airport uses the IATA airport code FRA.
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FRA · Frankfurt Airport guide
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iCanFly is an independent Sri Lankan online travel booking platform and is not the official website of Frankfurt Airport, Fraport AG or the German Government. Airport facilities, terminal arrangements, transportation services, visa and immigration requirements, operating hours and other travel information are managed by the relevant airport, government, airline and transport authorities and may change. Passengers should confirm current information with Frankfurt Airport, their airline, the German Federal Foreign Office, RMV, Deutsche Bahn or the relevant transport provider before travelling.