How to get from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to your hotel
Compare prices and travel times for the best transfer options to Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany's busiest airport and a major European financial hub. It is located just 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of the city center. Frankfurt’s efficiency shines in its transport links; the airport has two railway stations found directly at Terminal 1. The Regional Station (Regionalbahnhof) handles local S-Bahn trains to the city, while the Long-Distance Station (Fernbahnhof) connects high-speed ICE trains to the rest of Germany and Europe.
Want the easiest arrival from Frankfurt Airport?
Pre-booking a private airport transfer works best when you arrive late, have lots of luggage, or just want a driver waiting at arrivals instead of comparing taxis and rideshare lines.
S-Bahn Train (S8 / S9)
The S-Bahn (Suburban Train) is the fastest and most popular way to reach Frankfurt city center (City/Hauptwache/Hauptbahnhof). Lines S8 and S9 run from the Regional Train Station (Regionalbahnhof) under Terminal 1. Trains depart every 15 minutes and take only about 11-15 minutes to reach Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). Tickets cost approx. €5.80 and can be bought at teal-colored RMV machines.
Pros
- Very fast (15 mins to city center).
- Frequent service (every 15 mins).
- Connects directly to Central Station and trade fair grounds.
Cons
- Can be crowded with commuters during rush hour.
- Ticket machines can be confusing for first-timers (look for 'Einzelfahrt Frankfurt').
- Requires walking to Terminal 1 if you land at T2 (via Skyline or bus).
Map of hotels near Frankfurt Airport FRA
Compare nearby hotels if you want an easier airport base after a late arrival, before an early departure, or when transfer simplicity matters more than staying in the city.
Best airport hotel picks near FRA
Three stays worth checking when the smoothest terminal-to-bed plan matters as much as the room itself.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A ride to Frankfurt city center takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately €30-€40. German taxis are reliable, metered, and usually high-quality vehicles (often Mercedes sedans). Tipping is optional but rounding up is common.
Pros
- Door-to-door convenience.
- Comfortable and clean vehicles.
- Available 24/7 right outside arrivals.
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than the train.
- Risk of traffic jams on the A3/A5 autobahns during peak times.
Long-Distance ICE Train
If you are traveling beyond Frankfurt to other German cities (like Cologne, Munich, or Stuttgart), utilize the 'Fernbahnhof' (Long-Distance Station) at the AIRrail Center near Terminal 1. High-speed ICE trains leave directly from here, meaning you don't even need to go into Frankfurt city center to start your onward journey. It is a seamless air-to-rail connection.
Pros
- Direct high-speed connection to major German cities.
- No need to transfer at Frankfurt Central Station.
- Extremely comfortable and fast.
Cons
- Tickets can be pricey if not booked in advance.
- Not relevant if your final destination is just Frankfurt city.
Airport Shuttle Bus
Various hotel shuttles and the Lufthansa Express Bus operate from the bus station at Terminal 1 Arrivals level. The Lufthansa bus offers connections to nearby cities like Heidelberg or Strasbourg. Public buses to Frankfurt city are available but are generally slower and less convenient than the S-Bahn.
Pros
- Good for reaching specific non-central destinations.
- Direct hotel shuttles save walking.
Cons
- Slower than the train.
- Less frequent for city center routes.
Have a layover at Frankfurt Airport?
See whether you should stay in the airport, use lounges or transit rest options, take the train into Frankfurt, or book MY CLOUD or an airport hotel instead.