Frankfurt Airport Terminals
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany’s busiest airport and a major European aviation hub, handling millions of passengers and connecting to destinations worldwide. Its strategic location, just 12 km southwest of Frankfurt city center, makes it a gateway not only to Germany but to all of Europe.
Brief Historical Overview
The origins of Frankfurt Airport date back to 1909 when the world’s first airline, DELAG, was founded in Frankfurt, leading to the construction of the original airship base at Rebstock in 1912. As air travel demand grew, a new, larger airport was planned and eventually opened at its current site in 1936. The airport played a significant role during WWII and was later redeveloped for civilian use, with continuous expansion ever since.
Terminal 1, originally called Terminal Mitte, opened in 1972, revolutionizing airport design with its modular layout and advanced baggage handling system. Terminal 2 followed in 1994, and construction of Terminal 3 began in 2015 to accommodate future growth.
Terminal Layout and Zones
Frankfurt Airport features two main passenger terminals and a dedicated First Class Terminal:
- Terminal 1: The oldest and largest, divided into Concourses A, B, and C, with 56 gates. It is the main hub for Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners.
- Terminal 2: Opened in 1994, consists of Concourses D and E, serving various international airlines and alliances.
- First Class Terminal: Exclusively for Lufthansa First Class passengers, offering private check-in, security, customs, luxury lounges, and direct limousine transfers to aircraft.
Terminal 1 is directly connected to the regional and long-distance train stations, making transfers to the city and other regions seamless.
Terminal Levels
- Arrivals (Level 1): Baggage claim, customs, ground transportation.
- Departures (Level 2): Check-in counters, security, shops, and restaurants.
- Other Levels: Include lounges, offices, and access to the Airport City Mall and The Squaire, a commercial and hotel complex.
Shopping, Dining, and VIP Lounges
- Shops: Both terminals offer a wide variety of stores, from luxury brands (Hermès, Burberry) to duty-free, electronics, books, and travel essentials. The Airport City Mall in Terminal 1 and The Squaire feature supermarkets, pharmacies, and specialty shops.
- Restaurants: Options range from fast food (McDonald’s, Starbucks) to sit-down restaurants offering German, Asian, Italian, and international cuisine. Many venues cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
- VIP Lounges: Multiple airline and independent lounges are available, including Lufthansa’s First and Business Class lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and the exclusive First Class Terminal for eligible passengers. Amenities include showers, workspaces, fine dining, and spa services.
If you have a long layover, consider booking access to a lounge for comfort, showers, and complimentary food and drinks.
Services at Frankfurt Airport
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Frankfurt Airport provides unlimited free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals. Simply connect to the “Frankfurt Airport” network and follow the prompts. High-speed premium Wi-Fi is also available for a fee.
ATMs & Currency Exchange
Numerous ATMs and currency exchange counters are distributed across both terminals, including in arrivals, departures, and transit areas.
Smoking Area
There are smoking lounges available.
Location:
Terminal 1, Transit A, B and Z
Terminal 2, Level 2 and 3, Concourse D and E
Smoking Booths: Terminal 1 and 2
Luggage Services
- Luggage Storage: Secure baggage storage and lockers are available in both terminals for short- or long-term use.
- Luggage Wrapping: Protective wrapping services are offered at several points in both terminals.
- Location:
Terminal 1, between Concourses B and C, Level 2 (Departures), open daily from 6 am to 10 pm, phone +49 69 690 73277
Terminal 1, Concourse B, Level 1 (Arrivals), open daily 24/7 hours, phone +49 69 690 70786
Terminal 2, Concourse D, Level 2 (Arrivals), open daily from 6 am to 10 pm, phone +49 69 690 72860
Visitor Terrace
You can get nice views of the airport traffic and its surroundings in the Visitor Terrace.
Find it in Terminal 2 concourse D.
Family Services
- Play Areas: Children’s play zones are found in both terminals, equipped with toys and soft play features.
- Baby Care: Baby-changing rooms and nursing facilities are widely available and well-signposted.
- Family Security Lanes: Dedicated security lanes for families help speed up the process and reduce stress.
Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM)
- Step-free access, elevators, and accessible toilets are standard throughout the airport.
- Dedicated assistance teams help with check-in, security, and boarding. Advance booking is recommended for personalized support.
Yoga Rooms
Need to relax before boarding your flight? You can take some yoga lessons in Yoga Rooms.
Find one in Terminal 1 (concourse C) and another one in Terminal 2 (concourse D).
Gaming world
Want to get some amusement? Get into Gaming World, where free arcade games are available.
Find a couple of Gaming world rooms in Terminal 1, both in concourse Z and A.
Opening hours: From 00:00h to 23:59h (Monday to Sunday).
Lost&found
Lost property offices are located in both terminals. Items found within the airport are logged and can be reclaimed by presenting identification and a description of the lost item.
Other Facilities
- Showers: Available in select lounges and public areas.
- Medical Services: 24/7 medical center and pharmacies.
- Prayer Rooms: Multifaith prayer rooms are available.
- Consigna (Left Luggage): Secure left-luggage counters are available for travelers wishing to explore the city during a layover.
If you have a long layover, use the luggage storage service and take the S-Bahn to central Frankfurt in just 15 minutes.
Check-in and Boarding Information
Frankfurt Airport offers a wide range of check-in and boarding options to streamline your journey:
Check-in Options
- Online Check-in: Most airlines allow passengers to check in online up to 24–48 hours before departure. This service enables you to select seats and download or print boarding passes at home, saving time at the airport.
- Self-Service Kiosks: Located throughout both terminals, these kiosks allow you to check in, print boarding passes, and print baggage tags. Attach the tags and proceed to the self-service bag drop machines or staffed counters.
- Evening-Before Check-in: Some airlines offer the option to check in and drop off baggage the evening before your flight. This is especially useful for early morning departures; check with your airline for availability and possible fees.
- First Class & Priority Check-in: Lufthansa is renovating its First Class check-in area, with a new exclusive facility opening in summer 2025. Until then, eligible passengers use designated business class counters with expedited service and exclusive waiting areas.
Security & Boarding
- FRA SmartWay: Book a free time slot for security screening up to 72 hours before departure. This service, available at select checkpoints, helps you avoid queues and ensures a smoother experience.
- Walk-Through Security Scanners: Frankfurt is the first airport to implement walk-through scanners for routine passenger screening, allowing you to keep jackets and metallic objects on, speeding up the process and improving comfort.
- Special Lanes: Priority and family lanes are available for eligible passengers, including business/first class, families, and PRM.
- Boarding: Gates are clearly signposted, and information screens display real-time updates. Boarding usually begins 30–45 minutes before departure.
Always arrive at the terminal at least two hours before a European flight and three hours before a long-haul flight, especially if you need to check baggage or complete passport control.
Connecting Flights
- Follow clear signage for transfer routes between terminals and concourses.
- The SkyLine train connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for quick transfers.
- For Schengen/non-Schengen connections, be prepared for additional passport control and security checks.
Baggage & Security
- Baggage drop is available at both staffed counters and self-service machines.
- Security is efficient, with advanced technology and clear instructions for liquids and electronics.
- Fast Track and priority security are available for eligible passengers.
Use FRA SmartWay to book your security slot as soon as your travel plans are confirmed for the best time selection and minimal waiting.
Use the AiRail service if traveling to or from nearby cities like Mainz; you can check in your luggage at the train station and collect it at your destination airport.
Popular Routes: Airlines and Flight Durations
Lufthansa and Star Alliance dominate most European and intercontinental routes from Frankfurt, ensuring frequent connections and code-share flexibility.
| Route | Airline(s) | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt – London Heathrow | Lufthansa, British Airways | 1h 40m |
| Frankfurt – Berlin Brandenburg | Lufthansa, easyJet | 1h 10m |
| Frankfurt – Vienna | Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa | 1h 20m |
| Frankfurt – Munich | Lufthansa | 1h 00m |
| Frankfurt – Paris CDG | Air France, Lufthansa | 1h 15m |
| Frankfurt – Amsterdam | KLM, Lufthansa | 1h 15m |
| Frankfurt – Madrid | Iberia, Lufthansa | 2h 40m |
Additional Tips for Travelers
- The airport is open 24/7, but some shops and restaurants may close overnight.
- For early flights, consider staying at one of the airport hotels connected to The Squaire for maximum convenience.
- Public transport, including S-Bahn and long-distance trains, is integrated with Terminal 1, allowing easy access to Frankfurt city and beyond.
- The airport’s signage is clear and multilingual, but staff are always available to help.
Transfer between terminals
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are adjacent each other and connected through a couple of means of transportation:
Skyline monorail
Skyline is free of use and departs every 2-3 minutes from both public and transit area.
Terminal 1
- A/Z (transit area)
- B/C (via departure hall B second level)
- C (transit area)
Terminal 2
- D/E (via Shopping Plaza third level)
Shuttle buses
Free shuttle buses depart every 10 minutes from 05:30 to 23:30.
Stops:
- Facing both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Coach parking P36 (long-distance buses)
- Long-distance Railway Station in Terminal 2
Check transfer between terminals section.