How to get to Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Train Station

Travel to the train station Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen from Frankfurt am Main city center

Like most of Germany's urban areas, public transportation in and around Frankfurt am Main is extensive and efficient. Frankfurt itself has long been a business hub, which means numerous regional and intercity trains pass through the city, in addition to the plentiful local transport, which includes the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. The Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen is both a train station and a major German airport; within the railway station, travelers can catch intercity trains, known as the ICE, that connect all around Germany as well as to international destinations like Amsterdam. It's also easy to take the S-Bahn right to the city center. Within Frankfurt itself, the city offers historic charm in the original and reconstructed buildings of the Altstadt (which directly translates to "old city") and among the cobbled streets of the Sachsenhausen​ district right across the Main river. There's great shopping in both the Innenstadt and Bornheim districts. For a hip, trendy area, head to Nordend, which is increasingly known for bars, cafes, and restaurants.

The best way to get to the train station from Frankfurt city center

To travel to the train station Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen from the Frankfurt city center starting at historic Sachsenhausen, travelers will rely on the quick and easy S-Bahn. Take the S3 or S4 from Frankfurt South Station to Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof, then switch to the S8 or S9 the rest of the way, alighting at the Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbahnhof stop (this is the official name of the train station at Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen—"Flughafen" is the German word for airport). From the city's iconic Römer square in the Altstadt, walk about a third of a mile (500 meters) to the Hauptwache station and take the S8 or S9 a mere 16 minutes to the Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen train station. The journey from Frankfurt's famous zoo, meanwhile, is just as easy. Simply take the S8 or S9 from the Ostendstraße stop directly to Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbahnhof, a 20 minute train ride away.

How far is it from the Frankfurt am Main city center to the Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen train station?

Even though the Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen train station is about nine miles (15 kilometers) outside the Frankfurt city center, the station and the city's more central areas are quite well-connected via public transportation. For example, it takes only 13 minutes to reach the Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbahnhof from Frankfurt's Hauptbahnhof, or central station, on either the S8, S9, or one of the ICE (intercity) trains that covers this route. Reaching the train station from the Frankfurt city center is also quite easy after, say, an afternoon of shopping in the Innenstadt—just take the S8 or S9 from the Hauptwache S-Bahn station for a total journey time of about 25 minutes. And the incredibly scenic Römer square in the Altstadt is only eight miles (13.5 kilometers) away, an easy journey via a 16 minute ride on the S8 or S9 trains. 

How accessible is the train station for those with limited mobility?

Travel to the train station from Frankfurt's city center is generally quite possible for those with limited mobility, as most of the S-Bahn stops on the S8 and S9 covering this route are wheelchair-accessible, and it is clearly noted when they are not. The accessible stations' elevators, as well as S-Bahn train cars that offer more ample space than the U-Bahn, will be useful for those traveling with copious luggage. Once at the Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen train station itself, it is quite easy to get around thanks to elevators and escalators. The station also has accessible bathrooms. Furthermore, there is clear signage for limited mobility passengers throughout the S-Bahn and the Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen train station. Just look for the blue wheelchair symbol. 

Local tips: points of interest near the train station Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen

The train station Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbahnhof directly abuts the city's major airport, one of the biggest in Germany, so what to do near the train station is somewhat circumscribed by this fact. That said, there are a few nearby points of interest. It's a quick hop on the SEV bus to take in views of the flowing Main river in nearby Kelsterbach, a small town southwest of Frankfurt and directly adjacent to the airport. Another option is to take full advantage of the enormous Frankfurt Airport itself. Here, travelers will find dozens of restaurants, bars, and stores, many of which are accessible before going through security, so grab a bite, have a drink, or fit in some retail therapy, all right next door to the train station.