Frankfurt has an efficient, integrated public-transport network run under the regional RMV authority. One ticket covers the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses across the city. Here is how it works in 2026.
The Four Systems
- S-Bahn: regional trains linking the airport, Hauptbahnhof, Hauptwache and the suburbs — the workhorse for visitors.
- U-Bahn: the underground/metro for crossing the city quickly.
- Trams: useful for shorter hops and reaching Sachsenhausen.
- Buses: fill in the gaps. At night the network runs at least every 30 minutes — night buses Monday to Friday, while U-Bahn lines U4, U5, U7 and U8 and trams 11, 12, 16 and 18 run through weekend nights.
Tickets and Prices
Buy from machines at stations, on the RMVgo app, or contactless where available. A single city journey costs a few euros; a day ticket (Tageskarte) is better value if you make several trips. There are no ticket barriers — but checks happen, and riding without a valid ticket costs a €60 penalty fare.
The Deutschland-Ticket
If you are in Germany for a month, the Deutschland-Ticket is unbeatable value — €63 for unlimited regional transport nationwide.
As of January 2026 the Deutschland-Ticket costs €63 per month (up from €58) and covers all local and regional public transport across Germany — including Frankfurt's network and the S-Bahn to the airport. It is a subscription, cancellable monthly, and ideal for longer stays.
Getting To and From the Airport
The S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 connect Frankfurt Airport's regional station to the Hauptbahnhof and Hauptwache in about 15 minutes. For long-distance travel, the airport's separate long-distance station (Fernbahnhof) runs ICE trains across Germany.
Both stations are at Terminal 1: the regional station directly beneath it on Level 0, the long-distance station about five minutes' walk away. Terminal 2 closed to passengers on 9 June 2026 and its airlines now fly from the new Terminal 3 — if you land there, take the free SkyLine to Terminal 1 first. It runs every 2–3 minutes from 4am to 11pm, and Fraport allows about 10–15 minutes for the trip.
When Public Transport Isn't the Best Choice
Public transport is cheap and frequent, but with heavy luggage, a group, young children, or a late-night arrival, a private transfer is simpler and door-to-door. It also avoids stairs, changes and crowds after a long flight. Compare options in our train vs private transfer guide and see routes.
And when the network doesn't fit — heavy luggage, a group, a 4am start — a fixed-price airport transfer closes the gap door-to-door.
