Frankfurt International Airport (Frankfurt Airport) is one of Europe’s major airports known for serving as a hub for Lufthansa Airlines, with millions of passengers using it annually. Frankfurt has gained popularity as a city where travelers can effectively utilize their time for tourism in Germany, as many passengers use it as a transit location for connecting flights.
In this article, we will suggest ways to enjoy Frankfurt based on the length of your transit time. We will also explain typical transit times at Frankfurt Airport and whether a temporary entry visa is required.
※Please note that this article assumes general cases when making suggestions. Depending on flight conditions, you may have less effective time available and may not be able to use the model plans below. Please be fully aware of this.
Transit Times at Frankfurt Airport
In this article, we have classified the time required for connections at Frankfurt Airport as follows:
Short (1-3 hours) Medium (4-6 hours) Long (7-9 hours) Extra Long (10+ hours)
Most flights involve short or medium transit times, but long transit times may occur when planning a cost-focused itinerary or using routes with limited flights.
Now, let’s introduce ways to enjoy your time both inside and outside the airport for each of these time frames.
1. Short Transit (1-3 hours)
During a short transit, you’ll barely have time beyond heading to your connecting flight gate. It’s fair to say that you’ll have almost no “free time.” Even if your connection goes smoothly, with only 1-2 hours to spare, you’ll mainly be focused on how to spend your time within the airport.
Activities Within the Airport
Shopping: Frankfurt Airport has numerous duty-free shops and brand stores. Even with limited time, you can easily enjoy some shopping. Restaurants & Cafés: There are various restaurants and cafés where you can taste German cuisine and dishes from around the world. For example, it might be interesting to enjoy German beer and sausages at a popular café within the airport. Relaxation: As expected of a world-renowned major hub airport, lounges and spas are well-equipped, allowing you to relax even during a short stay. Especially if you have a Priority Pass, you can spend time leisurely in a dedicated lounge.
2. Medium Transit (4-6 hours)
If you have 4-6 hours of transit time, it’s possible to leave the airport and tour parts of Frankfurt city. You can reach the city center in about 20 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes by train from the airport, allowing you to enjoy the German atmosphere even with relatively limited time.
However, when temporarily entering Germany, depending on your previous and next itineraries, you may need entry procedures, which can take time. The following explains these points to note.
About Temporary Entry
If arriving from within the Schengen Area, the procedures are particularly simple. On the other hand, if arriving from outside the Schengen Area, you need to pass through immigration. Since entry procedures can take time, it is not recommended to force entry within limited time.
City Sightseeing Spots
Römerberg Square: A beautiful square that has existed since medieval times, lined with historic buildings. It’s also recommended to take a break at the surrounding cafés while feeling the history of Germany here.
Frankfurt Cathedral (Frankfurter Dom): A magnificent Gothic-style cathedral where you can also visit the interior.
Stroll Along the Main River: You can walk along the promenade by the Main River and enjoy the river scenery.
These spots can be reached in about 20-30 minutes from the airport, making them accessible even with 4-6 hours of transit time.
3. Long Transit (7-9 hours)
If you have 7-9 hours of transit time, you can tour Frankfurt city more thoroughly. Beyond just walking around, you can enjoy a luxurious use of time such as watching an opera, visiting museums, or enjoying meals.
Old Opera House (Alte Oper): A must-visit spot for music lovers, where you can feel the history along with beautiful architecture.
Palmengarten: A beautiful botanical garden where you can immerse yourself in nature. It’s a spot where you can enjoy flowers of each season.
Senckenberg Natural History Museum: A recommended place for families and museum enthusiasts, with a rich collection of valuable exhibits such as dinosaur fossils.
Apple Wine: It’s also recommended to visit specialized taverns called “Apfelweinkelter” to taste apple wine, a Frankfurt specialty.
Frankfurt Sausages: Be sure to taste Frankfurt’s specialty sausages with beer at restaurants in the city!
4. Extra Long Transit (10+ hours)
If you have more than 10 hours of transit time, you can extend your visit beyond Frankfurt to nearby tourist destinations. However, Germany is quite a large country. There’s not enough time to go to Berlin or Hamburg, so focus on enjoying tours of the surrounding areas.
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
Heidelberg: About an hour and a half by train from Frankfurt. Famous as a beautiful ancient castle and historic university town. Walking along the Neckar River and the old town is a healing experience.
Mainz: About 30 minutes by train from Frankfurt. You can feel history with its cathedral and Roman-era ruins.
Rüdesheim: A town famous for its wine along the Rhine River, about an hour by train from Frankfurt. You can also enjoy a Rhine River cruise.
Luxembourg: For those who want to visit a different country because they’re tired of German tourism, Luxembourg is recommended. It’s a journey of just over 3 hours by car, but it feels good to drive while enjoying the wind in the European mountain regions by renting a car. However, since it requires more time than visiting nearby areas, it’s recommended to try only if you have plenty of time to spare.
Points to Note During Transit
As mentioned repeatedly, when sightseeing, it’s important to allow ample time for returning to the airport. In particular, consider the time needed for immigration and security checks. Also, for sightseeing involving temporary entry, you can use temporary baggage storage services at the airport. If you don’t want to carry heavy luggage while walking around, actively use such services to achieve a physically and mentally refreshing journey!
Summary
By effectively utilizing transit time in Frankfurt, you can experience the charm of Germany even in a short time. Beyond enjoying shopping and gourmet food, consider extending your visit to city tours and nearby tourist destinations. Plan according to the length of time available and enjoy a wonderful time in Frankfurt!
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