Frankfurt Airport (FRA) handled about 63.2 million passengers in 2025. For frequent business travellers, knowing how to navigate it efficiently can save hours. Here are the ten most important tips.
1. Know Your Terminal Before You Arrive
Terminal 1 handles Lufthansa and Star Alliance; the new Terminal 3, in service since 23 April 2026, handles all the airlines that used to fly from Terminal 2, which closed to passengers on 9 June 2026 for modernisation. A surprising number of travellers head to the wrong terminal. Check your boarding pass for the terminal code before arriving.
2. Use the SkyLine Between Terminals
The free automated SkyLine people mover connects T1 and the new T3 in around 8 minutes. It runs from 04:00 to 23:00; outside those hours, shuttle buses link the terminals.
3. Pre-Book Your Transfer
Nothing wastes time like queuing for a taxi after a long flight. A pre-booked private transfer with FrankfurtRide means your driver is already waiting in arrivals with your name. No queue, no meter, no negotiating — reserve your pickup before you fly.
4. Allow Extra Time for Security on Monday Mornings
Monday morning security queues (07:00–09:00) at FRA can be exceptionally long. Allow at least 90 minutes from check-in to gate on Monday mornings. Fraport’s free FRA SmartWay lets you book a security time slot from 72 hours before departure, for flights from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
5. The Lufthansa Senator/Business Lounge in T1 is Excellent
If you have lounge access, the Lufthansa Business and Senator Lounges in Terminal 1 are among the best in Europe. They offer hot food, showers, quiet zones, and meeting rooms. Book showers in advance on long haul departures.
6. Use the Long-Distance Train Station for German Domestic Travel
For destinations like Cologne, Stuttgart, or Mannheim, the on-airport ICE station in Terminal 1 offers extremely fast connections. Frankfurt HBF and Frankfurt Airport station are sometimes cheaper when booked separately. For door-to-door alternatives with a fixed price, compare our Germany transfers from FRA.
7. The B Gates are Furthest from Security
In Terminal 1, the B gates (especially B40 and beyond) require a long walk or automated shuttle ride from security. Allow extra time if your flight departs from a high B gate number.
8. Pre-Order Currency or Use Airport ATMs
Currency exchange desks at FRA offer poor rates. Use a local ATM (Sparkasse or Deutsche Bank) for the best exchange rates, or bring EUR from home if you know you will need cash.
9. Hotels at the Airport Are Genuinely Convenient
Four hotels are connected to Terminal 1 on foot: the Frankfurt Airport Marriott and the Sheraton, plus the Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn at The Squaire above the long-distance station. For very early departures or late arrivals with an early continuation, staying at the airport is worth the premium. Compare them in our airport hotels guide; for onward journeys from any hotel, see our hotel transfers.
10. Flight Delays — Your Transfer Driver Knows Before You Do
If you booked a private transfer with FrankfurtRide, we track your flight in real time. We already know if your flight is delayed before you land. Your driver's schedule adjusts automatically — no need to call or send any messages.
