I dont need to look anywhere else for recommendations. stay safe on your travels and all the best! Read on for transportation tips, must-sees, fantastic eats and recommendations on how to manage your time while having a layover in Frankfurt, Germany! 13 hours is a long time to sit in an airport! This article will become saved to the Pinterest board, making it easily accessible in the future. The first season is filled with beautiful blossoming flowers in the spring and beautiful trees, while the latter is stunning golden-orange color throughout the city, as the leaves of the plants begin to shift colors. However, plainclothes ticket control officers can check the access for validity. Yet, its reputation as a boring bankers city completely ignores the rich cultural and historical heritage that this vibrant and international city offers. This central German city is best known as a financial center. The longer answer is, it depends on the length of your layover, visa rules . In short walking distance from here, you will also stumble across the 14th-century Catholic Church of St. Leonard, and Frankfurt Cathedral. These affiliate links dont cost you anything, but we might earn a few Euros if you decide to purchase something from one of our recommended website partners. My wife and I and our 5 year old daughter are transiting through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You may not be able to gain a total insight into Danish culture, but still you'll have visited some of the most well-known attractions and neighborhoods. My lay over is 6 hours, getting to Frankfurt at 7:20 am. Please advise and thank you in advance. The vast majority of foreign travellers benefit from the "transit privilege" - if during a stopover at a German airport, you do not leave the International Airport Area and if the. Frankfurt is Germanys second most expensive city, but its just as easy to spend your layover time here on a budget as it is to splash out and treat yourself. Traveling back to the airport may be quick and easy, but if you have an early flight on a weekday, when commuter traffic might cause issues with timings, it might be best to book a room at an airport hotel instead. If youre carrying luggage during your layover, trolleys are available at dispensers in both terminals for the EUR1 cost, which is payable with either a debit or credit card. Blue signs will help you find your way between concourses and to gates; gray signage offers directions to passenger services. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110611794', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');airline doesnt really care about quarantine requirements. TRANSPORTATION - GETTING INTO FRANKFURT Can you leave the airport during a layover in Frankfurt? Spring and Autumn are mild in Frankfurt, with daily high temperatures in the region of 68F (20C). From Malaysian curries to French-Japanese patisserie and Michelin-starred vegan menus, you wont be short of dinner options in Frankfurt. In Europes Schengen Zone, citizens of numerous countries, such as the United States, can travel to Germany without visas for as long as 90 days. Frankfurt International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a hub for Lufthansa, which is the largest German airline. Sorry! Note that tickets are time-stamped and dont require validation prior to travel, but plainclothes ticket controllers may check for tickets at any time. VicIslander 1 yr. ago. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Just a short stroll and a quick bite to eat would make it worth it for me. Frankfurt is a city with plenty of beautiful green spaces. So without further adieu let us start with our Frankfurt Layover Guide. Can one take the EXPRESS HOP ON HOP OFF BUS in Frankfurt City? It takes about 1 hour to get off the plane and pass through customs and immigration (Frankfurt Airport is huge, and therefore this depends on your arrival gate, as well as other factors like the length of the lines at the immigration counter and whether or not you have to store or recheck your luggage), 30 minutes to get a taxi from downtown, dependent on traffic conditions, or for up to 30 mins by train with. My friends in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Pretty much everyone (and I mean everyone, from waiters to taxi drivers) speak English very well. I'm doing the same thing in reverse, flying through Frankfurt to the states, in Dec. My husband is European citizen (we live in Cyprus) but i'm American citizen, so curious if I will be able to leave the airport? But if it is a shorter layover, you can still make the best of the few hours you have. Hi Kara,,, thank you for your blog and it is really helpful. Find out everything you need to know to smoothly catch your ongoing flight Arrival at Frankfurt Airport: For up-to-the-minute information on your connecting flight, please consult one of the monitor screens located around the airport. Again, you might be fine, but thats what could happen. Im flying from Italy to Istanbul with an 8hr layover in Frankfurt and was wondering if anyone knows if I can leave the airport during this time? There are three such facilities: two are located in Terminal 1 (Hall B, Level 1 Arrivals and Hall B-C, Level 2 Departures), and the other is in Terminal 2 (Hall D, Level 2 Arrivals). A five-hour daytime layover will give you sufficient time to travel to the city centre and spend a couple of hours wandering around Frankfurts medieval old town and along the river before heading back to the airport. I remember there being some cafes in that area that should be open! Train station entrances are easily accessible, and the majority, but not all stations, is equipped with elevators and escalators. Top Things to do during Frankfurt Layover, Reaching to Hauptwache City Center of Frankfurt. Is there a storage for luggage in the airport? Head to the large and modern Visitors Terrace, located on Level 4 of Terminal 2, and you can choose a seat in the sun or shade to watch the plentiful plans taking off and coming in to land. You must have a ticket for a connecting flight in order to transit Frankfurt. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. No, you are entering the country of Germany. Last week my husband and I flew to Frankfurt with Lufthansa on a project. Despite the popularity of this airport, I couldnt find a concise list of fun things to do on a 5 or 8-hour layover in Frankfurt and how to optimize time. Hence, it's important to look at what . Frankfurt Airport is known as an area of high-end shopping. Generally, youd be able to enter the country. If youd prefer a calmer layover, youll find quiet zones, prayer rooms, and fully equipped yoga rooms as well as various airline lounges. Hi Kara Old St Nicholas Church (akaAlte Nikolaikirche)is that towering red church on Rmer Square. Any passenger can pre-arrange, and pre-pay for, entrance to the Vip Lounge. The local language is German, often spoken with a thick Frankfurt dialect, but its a very international city and you wont have any trouble getting by in English. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108359175', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Germany on your way to Istanbul? Read More 25 Exciting Day Trips from BerlinContinue, Enjoying our travel guides & tips? Main Tower is the 4th-largest skyscraper in Germany. The summers in Frankfurt are usually hot and sunny, with temperatures that average between 24 C (75.2 F) 35 C (95 F). Frankfurt Airport is located approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of Frankfurt. More details are available on Frankfurt Airports website. And even if I am right you might get away with it. Frankfurt is the second-most expensive city, yet its equally easy to enjoy your in the city on a tight budget as you can splash out and pamper yourself. And is it safe? Yes! Kara, We will arrive from the US around 9:00 am and have exactly a 4 hr 15 min layover before flying on to Prague. There are plenty of options for drinks and food at both terminals, including fast-food restaurants to restaurants and bars; since Terminal 1 is bigger, Terminal 1 offers a more diverse selection. Keep track of your time though! With over half of the population in Frankfurt being people from more than 180 nations, Theres also a vast selection of international cuisines available to choose from. Every town has its favorite Apfelwein pub for Frankfurt the best one is ATSCHEL Apfelweingaststtte. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to go through security again when you . Your email address will not be published. Airport guidelines also suggest a minimum of 45 minutes for international connections, but given the size of the airport, allowing 60-90 minutes would provide a more comfortable buffer. If you dont want to stay at a Frankfurt Airport hotel, you can spend time at the airport lounges, but usually for a fee. Not a restaurant, but the name for the local apple cider that Frankfurt is known for producing. my husband and I (US citizens) have a 5 hour layover returning from Italy back the states next month and I am eager to get out and explore. Germanys official currency is the euro (). With such a brief travel duration from airports to the center of city life, a vast pedestrianized downtown, and a wealth of centrally located museums and historical sites, you can take advantage of the time of a brief stopover in the capital of Germanys economy. , Your email address will not be published. With an excellent network of bike lanes as well as plentiful bike rental stations throughout the city, bicycles are another great way to get aroundand see more ofthe city. Do ensure that you check visa requirements before you travel to avoid disappointment and potential problems. Summers in Frankfurt are generally sunny and warm, with daily temperatures averaging around 77F (30C). Meal costs in Frankfurt vary widely, but depending on the number of courses, the cost of a mid-range dinner is around 20 per person, excluding drinks. Also keep in mind that right now (2020) you may not be allowed to leave depending on Germanys COVID policies. If your layover is on a Sunday, keep in mind that many venues may be closed; make sure to plan a bit before you arrive to avoid disappointment. Look for the Coupon Wall, which has deals and discounts on airport eateries and shops. How to travel from Frankfurt Airport to City Center? Airport Security: 45 minutes I would at least ask being your husband has a EU passport wouldnt hurt. Are there any old historic churches what would be open maybe or maybe a place where we could listen to some great music? They run every 15 minutes and tickets prices are 3.80. Want more? Its the more expensive option, but if you are running on a tight schedule, sometimes its worth it to pay a little extra to get more time to explore and visit Frankfurt sightseeing. Navigating your way around Frankfurts very large airport can be confusing, especially if youre in a rush, however there is clear overhead signage in both German and English to help direct passengers through the airport. Seven hours of travel time will allow the opportunity to take in the centrally situated cities sights and have an eat-in-the-park or perhaps visit the museum. But if it is not being done then you would need more time in your Frankfurt layover to sort of the luggage. Ill be passing through there on 3/17 any other suggestions for a very quick 48hr visit? Michelle, There may be some German pubs open but most things will be shut down that time of night unless its a Friday or Saturday night. It dates to the 15th century (aka back to the medieval times!) Depending on your route, nationality, and vaccination status, you may need to meet different requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic. Cross the river using the love lock-covered Eisener Steg bridge and head to the world-class Stdel Museum, home to 700 years of art from the Middle Ages to the present, for artwork by Picasso, Francis Bacon, and Gerhard Richter. As part of the European Unions Schengen Zone, citizens of many countries including the United States are permitted to visit Germany without a visa for a period of up to 90 days., Frankfurt Airport is Europes fourth-busiest airport, and the busiest airport in Germany. However, its a highly international city, so youll not struggle to get by in English. But one thing, for me not a really layover. Additionally, citizens of some countries are not allowed to leave the transit area, even with a valid Transit Visa; this visa merely allows a person to fly via Germany. One hour to get through security, return to your gate and then board the plane (longer if you have to check in your luggage and get a boarding pass for your flight that connects). Plus, the food here is to die for. She is a regular contributor to National Geographic Traveller Food (UK), and has also written for publications including Food and Travel (UK), Fodors, The Guardian, Time Out and The Spruce Eats. In this post we will cover all the options for Weekend Trips from Frankfurt within Germany. Most larger restaurants, bars, and stores accept debit and major credit cards, however cash is king here and smaller and/or more traditional eating and drinking establishments as well as food stalls at markets may still only take cash. - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, layover in frankfurt airport: what can you do? But I think your 5 yo is technically required to quarantine. Wondering what to do during your flight Layover, then in this Frankfurt Layover Guide I will be sharing all the details you need to know about Frankfurt airport layover. Allow extra time for the ride during peak times, when commuter traffic may be heavy. Look how gorgeous you are. It connected the banks of the Main River and is a very popular spot to see the great views of the city. After a 12-hour layover you can officially add Copenhagen in your visited-places list. Be prepared for a long journey during peak hours during commuter times, when traffic can be heavy. After you walk from Rmer Square and across the Iron Bridge, I recommend strolling along this side of the Main River for a bit. Yes, but it depends from the country and their entry rules. He is passionate about travel, photography, and food. If you are not using the credit card which has the base currency Euro then I would recommend you to get your Revolut Travel Card it is the best way to travel to places with different currency then your base currency because it doesnt charge any fees. How long of a layover is enough to leave airport? The language spoken in the city is German and is often expressed in the Frankfurt dialect. Hi Kara, My son (19) and I are traveling to Portugal next month from the United States and have a 11h 45m layover in Frankfurt, but its from 8:55 pm to 8:40 am. Most of the flights which are heading to USA end up having a Frankfurt layover first. Its known for its lush forests, charming villages, and quaint towns. The airport is situated about 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) from downtown, thus making the city easily accessible for tourists who have a long layover in Frankfurt Airport. To reach MyZeil Shopping Center, you can take the S9 or S8 to Hauptwache. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Frankfurt is well-known for its shopping options, from the luxury boutiques and high-end brands on Goethestrasse to chain stores and department stores along its shopping avenue and the Zeil. To make international to domestic connection: 45 minutes. How you get a taxi from Romer back to airport? Frankfurt Airport is the first major German airport to offer free, unlimited, and 24-hour Wi-Fi access to passengers, so you can play on your phones, tablets, and laptops, surfing the web, catching up with some work, or even streaming a movie. Im sure the Church and the museums will be open around 8am or 9am, so should be good timing for a bite and some sightseeing! Additionally you can have lunch as well on the patio. Were open to anything other than sitting or sleeping in the airport for 12 hours if we dont have to. Now that you have decided to explore the city during your Frankfurt Layover, the first thing would be reaching to the city center of Frankfurt that would be Hauptwache. Some nationalities cannot pass into the main part of the airport, and must remain in a secure transit area. What is the minimum connection time in Frankfurt? I f your time is limited, say under four hours, you really should just stay in the airport, but if it's longer, you should definitely leave the Frankfurt airport! Many thanks for the response, can you link to that guidance please? Frankfurt is well known for its shopping, from the high-end boutiques and luxury labels on Goethestrae to the department stores and chains along its shopping mile, the Zeil. The good news is that Schiphol is just a short train ride from the center of Amsterdam, so it is easy to head into the city for a few hours if you have some time to kill between flights. Thanks for the great article. One point, though the link for Marienplatz, the main plaza took me to a main square in Munich. (purchase these tickets online). You'll have to remain in the international transit area of the airport. Things to do at Frankfurt Airport Layover, Enjoy your meal at one of the restaurants. Then this is the article for you to read! You just have to be prepared to go through Frankfurt International Airport security again and to lug around any carryon suitcases. Follow the signs out of your terminal and to the train station. Can we leave the airport - 9 hour layover 1 year ago Save Hi, My wife and I and our 5 year old daughter are transiting through Frankfurt on Saturday and have 9 hours between flights, we're travelling onto Cyprus from the UK. Prepare yourself for long walks through Terminal 1; however, moving walkways could cover further distances. By the way, British children 12 and older who are unvaccinated are completely banned from entering Germany (i.e. Can I leave Frankfurt airport during a 10hr layover between Namibia and the UK (during covid!) The need to go through a passport verification is contingent upon whether the airport youve arrived from and the destination you are heading to is in or outside the Schengen Area. Frankfurts traditional food culture can be experienced in its lively, rustic Apfelwein (the local sour, flat cider) pubs. only a trip from the airport to the childs accommodation would be permitted. If you want to be prepared and plan the Shopping then you can check the discount on duty free shop of Frankfurt. We both have US passports. If youre traveling with children, then the Junges Museum back at the Romerberg is a beautiful alternative that is family-friendly. So, during your layover, take time to sample some of the best desserts and beers available in Old Town. Yes for sure you can, just get the security check-in done and you can leave the Airport, but it also depends if you need German Visa or not, if you dont have Schengen VISA then unfortunately you can not leave the airport. Cafs and restaurants in Frankfurt cater for every budget, from street snacks to Michelin-starred meals. Both terminals, 1 and 2, host domestic and international flights, so unless both of your connecting flights are with Lufthansa and/or one of its partners, all of whose flights operate out of Terminal 1, its not unlikely you will have to transit between them.. Transport is not at all a problem if you wish to head to the city from the terminal. There is generally access to shops and eateries though. If you stay airside at the airport, then you don't have to quarantine, that's correct i thought that you were relocating to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I know its a very stereotypical thing to say but Germans are VERY organized and all the trains Ive taken in Germany are always fast and reliable. Uber and Lyft dont operate in Frankfurt, so a traditional taxi is the one to take. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108359326', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Germany is going back on lock down for 4 weeks so I doubt they would let you leave. I'm a type 3 enneagram cat lady who lives in San Francisco and loves to find everyday magic to share with others. Thank you for your support to help keep this platform up and running! Alternatively, you may use, Hotel Atlantic Hamburg, Autograph Collection. Hi Kara- Amazing post with great detailed information. Minimum layover times for Frankfurt To make international to domestic connection: 45 minutes To make international to international connection: 45 minutes. Yes, you can leave airports during domestic layovers. Visitors should head towards Terminal 1 for designer stores like Burberry, Loewe, Longchamp, and Hermes. Getting to town is quick and painless. The citys skyline is shaped by its many skyscrapers. Its also Frankfurts red-light district, even though its been increasingly gentrified over the past few years. Still worth the 5 euros to go into the city? Was wondering if am eligible to just see a bit of Frankfurt for just 4 hours than to be bored inside the airport. If you are looking for Hostels in Frankfurt then Meininger Hotel is the nearest one available to Airport. Take an early-evening boat ride down the River Main and enjoy impressive views of Frankfurt from the water, watching the sun set over the citys famous skyline. How about sharing it with your friends on social media? However, if the two flights are with different airlines, you may have to claim and re-check your baggage during your layover. So if you have a layover of 5 hours or less, it is best to spend it inside the airport exploring what is on offer. Terminal 1's Airport City Mall is the place to go, where German brands like Jack Wolfskin and Birkenstock are located, along with many other boutiques. A 0.3L of Apfelwein will cost approximately EUR 2,30. Because of this, I recommend spending most of your time around this old town part of the city. The winters in Frankfurt are cold and dry, with the freezing temperatures generally being around -1 C (30 F). | savor traditional german fare and beers, layover in frankfurt airport: what can you do? A cozy, German-style pub with great food. The local trains leaves every 15 minutes and it takes about 15 minutes to get to the center of town. You'll have to remain in the international transit area of the airport. If you are travelling with kids, you can spend time at the fun play area in the airport. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up at the airport and having your luggage left in the car so you can explore freely. In the same area as the Hauptwache and The Goethestrasse, just a few streets away and within walking distance, you will find the headquarters of the German Stock Exchange, similar to Wall Street in USA. You can probably find me hunting down hot springs with girlfriends, kayaking, cooking with my husband, petting strangers' dogs or watching like, all the things on Netflix. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Dont sit in the airport all day, its a waste of an adventure. Services are generally on time and efficient. Hi! Along with the fact that the airport gives you a chance to get your clothes cleaned or even altered, you will also find a pharmacy, banking and post office services, and money exchange outlets inside of the premises. The citys central area can be packed with tourists, but those who prefer to stay cool should be aware that air conditioning is not standard in this area. It is enough if you dont have to take the luggage and then check-in again because since the Airport is big you should have time to do that. Even locals dont even consider Frankfurt to be the most beautiful city in Europe, and I think thats true in many areas, it looks like just any other large city. Spend time checking out about 100 shops inside the airport. Of all the Frankfurt attractions, tours and places to visit in Frankfurt, the old town took my heart. Leaving the airport to explore the city and them going back to that same airport isnt exactly leaving by the quickest route by my definition. An adult single fare costs 5 and a child fare 2,95, however day tickets including group tickets for up to five people (16,70) are also available.. We have a 7 hour layover so will do everything on your list! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Download Deutsche Bahns Call A Bike app before your arrival and you can hop on and off as you please. Frankfurt Airport is known as a hotspot for high-end shopping; travelers should head to Terminal 1 for designer stores such as Burberry, Loewe, Longchamp, and Hermes.. Either way, youll never overpay on flights again. Is a week day ( 9am till 8pm ) a good time to ride on this bus ? And itll be really pretty then with lights twinkling. It is said that Frankfurts elite go to The Goethestrasse to shop. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript.