Frankfurt Airport Train Station
Trains from Frankfurt airport to the Frankfurt city centre are a fast, efficient, and cost-effective way to travel to your final destination when you are visiting Germany.
Trains run from the airport train stations to destinations in the heart of the city, including the the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main train station).
Trains to the city centre depart from either the regional train station (Regionalbahnhof) in the airport or the long-distance train station (Fernbahnhof) adjacent to Terminal 1. The former is located inside the terminal building, while the latter can be reached via a walkway in the terminal. If your flight arrives at Terminal 2, you can take a bus or the Sky Line to get to the train stations in Terminal 1.
Once at Terminal 1, you have three choices. The easiest of the three is to go to the Regionalbahnhof and take an S-Bahn S8 or S9 train from Frankfurt airport to the Frankfurt city centre. There are multiple stations at which you can get off, so you can choose the one closest to your final destination.
The train journey on the S-Bahn will take 11 minutes and cost around 4 euros. Trains operate every 5 to 15 minutes at peak times and less frequently at off-peak times. Trains run almost around the clock for journeys from the airport to the city.
The second option is to take a regional train from the Regionalbahnhof to Frankfurt. They are opertated by Deutsche Bahn, but are no better than the S-Bahn. You’re better off taking the S8 or S9 unless the timing of the regional train is better. If you do take a regional service, the journey time will be 11 to 15 minutes.
If you want to take a slightly nicer train, you can travel to Frankfurt on an InterCity Express (ICE) train from the long-distance Fernbahnhof station. They are also run by Deutsche Bahn and will take 11 to 14 minutes to reach the Hauptbahnhof. These trains run slightly less frequently than S-Bahn trains, but are more comfortable. Tickets for ICE trains cost 12 euros each way, and can be purchased online or at the station.
Whatever you choose for your train from Frankfurt airport to the Frankfurt city center, make sure to puchase a ticket before you board the train. Tickets are not sold on board, and you will be fined if an inspector discovers that you do not have a ticket.