By train to Frankfurt Airport: long-distance station, S-Bahn & Sky Line

Frankfurt Airport is one of the best rail-connected airports in Europe. Right at Terminal 1 there is a long-distance station with ICE connections to many German cities and a regional station for S-Bahn suburban trains and regional trains. If you fly from Terminal 1, you step off the train and are almost at check-in. If you fly from Terminal 2 or the new Terminal 3, you still need the Sky Line. In this guide we show you how the rail journey works, which walking routes you should plan for and in which cases the car with a booked parking space is the better choice.

Long-distance station: ICE straight to the airport

The long-distance station of Frankfurt Airport is located opposite Terminal 1 and is connected to the terminal by a bridge. ICE and IC trains from many directions stop here, for example from Cologne, the Ruhr area, Stuttgart, Munich or Nuremberg. For travellers from these regions the train is a real alternative to the car, because the high-speed lines cut journey times considerably. You can find the current connections in Deutsche Bahn’s timetable information.

Regional station: S-Bahn and regional trains

The regional station lies underneath Terminal 1. S-Bahn trains that connect the airport with Frankfurt city centre as well as with Wiesbaden and Mainz stop here, along with regional trains. From the city centre the airport is quickly reached by S-Bahn. Check the current lines and journey times in advance, because engineering works in Frankfurt’s S-Bahn tunnel can lead to diversions.

The Sky Line: to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3

The Sky Line is a driverless train that connects the terminals with each other. For years it has shuttled between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. With the opening of Terminal 3 in spring 2026, a new, longer Sky Line route was added that links Terminal 3 with the stations and the other terminals. According to reports, the ride from the stations to the main building of Terminal 3 takes around eight minutes.

After its launch the new route had technical problems and was at times out of service or running at reduced speed. The airport runs replacement buses during disruptions. If you fly from Terminal 2 or 3, you should therefore allow extra time and check the current information on frankfurt-airport.com before you travel. Which terminal your airline uses is explained in the guide Terminals at Frankfurt Airport.

Planning your time by train

1. The airline’s advance time at the terminal – in Frankfurt often two to three hours.
2. The way from the station to the terminal: a few minutes on foot for Terminal 1, plus the Sky Line including waiting time for Terminals 2 and 3.
3. A buffer for train delays: take at least one train earlier. Otherwise a missed connection can cost you your flight.

More details in the guide When do I need to be at Frankfurt Airport?

Rail&Fly and tickets

Many airlines and tour operators offer rail tickets together with the flight, known as Rail&Fly. With these you travel to the airport at reduced rates. Check the conditions carefully: often you are not tied to a specific train, but the ticket is tied to the travel date and the airport. For local transport, regional transport-association tickets or the Deutschlandticket also apply. When you compare with the car, count the tickets for all travellers – for families this quickly adds up to a large amount.

Advantages of the train

• Direct long-distance connections from many regions
• No traffic jams at the Frankfurter Kreuz motorway junction
• No parking costs for solo travellers
• Time on the train can be put to use

Disadvantages of the train

• Luggage and changes: carrying suitcases, pushchairs and sports equipment through stations and trains is tiring.
• Delays: a late train can cost you your flight. With a Rail&Fly ticket, the flexibility in choosing your train at least helps.
• Off-peak hours: for very early departures or late returns, suitable connections are often missing.
• Sky Line: for flights from Terminal 2 or 3 there is an extra stage, which costs additional time during disruptions.
• Costs for groups: from two people upwards, an affordable parking space is often comparable or cheaper.

Train or car? A decision guide

1. Alone, ICE connection nearby, little luggage: the train is often ideal.
2. Two or more people: compare the tickets for everyone with the final price of a parking space.
3. Family with children and suitcases: the car is usually more convenient, especially with valet parking at Frankfurt Airport.
4. Departure before 7:00 or return late in the evening: the car is more reliable.
5. Rural home without good rail connections: the car saves a lot of time.

If you go by car, you will find all tips on the route in the guide Driving to Frankfurt Airport. You can compare parking spaces with the final price including the service fee here: Find parking at Frankfurt Airport.

Combination: driving to the station?

Some travellers drive to the nearest major station and take the ICE from there. That is only worthwhile if parking at the station is cheap and safe for the length of the trip – which is rarely the case for trips of several weeks. It is usually more convenient to drive straight to the airport and park with a provider there.

Returning by train

After landing, follow the signs to the railway stations. From Terminal 2 or 3, take the Sky Line back to Terminal 1. Keep an eye on the last connections in the evening and change your plans if your flight is delayed. What you can do about delayed flights is explained in the guide Flight delayed or cancelled at Frankfurt Airport.

Accessible travel by train

If you travel with a wheelchair or reduced mobility, you can book mobility assistance with Deutsche Bahn and use the airline’s assistance service at the airport. The handover between the two services should be well planned. More in the guide Accessible travel from Frankfurt Airport.

What does the train cost compared with parking?

A fair comparison adds up all costs for the outward and return journey. For the train, that means the tickets for every traveller – long-distance, local transport and, if needed, seat reservations. For the car, it means fuel or electricity for the route and the final price of the parking space including the service fee. For one person on a route with a cheap saver fare, the train often wins. For two adults with children travelling for a week, the car with an affordable parking space is frequently ahead – quite apart from the comfort. An overview of parking prices is given in the guide How much does parking at Frankfurt Airport cost?

Luggage when travelling by train

If you travel by train, you carry your luggage yourself through stations, trains and terminal walkways. So plan with light luggage that rolls well. Large suitcases and sports equipment are impractical on a full ICE during the holidays, because the luggage racks fill up quickly. Backpacks or four-wheeled trolleys make the walks easier. If you have several large suitcases, you are usually better off with the car – your luggage stays with you from the boot to check-in.

ICE to the airport, car on the way back?

Some travellers combine both: there by ICE, and someone picks them up on the way back – or the other way round. That can make sense if your return flight times are uncertain, but it doubles the planning effort. If you want to stay flexible, you are usually better off with your own car and a booked parking space.

Conclusion: the train for solo travellers, the car for families and off-peak hours

With its long-distance and regional stations right at Terminal 1, Frankfurt is excellently reachable by train. For flights from Terminals 2 and 3 the Sky Line comes on top, which calls for an extra buffer. If you travel with family, lots of luggage or at off-peak hours, you are usually better off with the car and a parking space booked in advance. You can find all options on the page Parking at Frankfurt Airport.