Frankfurt Airport to City: S-Bahn, Train & Taxi
Quick answer
The S-Bahn (S8/S9) reaches Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in about 11–15 minutes for roughly €5–6. Long-distance ICE trains depart the airport's own station for cities across Germany. Taxis to the centre take 20–30 minutes for about €30–40.
From Frankfurt Airport, the S-Bahn (lines S8/S9) reaches the central stations in roughly 10–15 minutes — one of the quickest airport-to-city links in Europe. Regional and long-distance trains run from the airport's own station for travel beyond the city, and taxis are a door-to-door option. The fast S-Bahn makes a short city visit viable even on a moderate layover with Schengen entry — see the Frankfurt layover guide.
- S-Bahn (S8/S9) ~10–15 min to the central stations.
- The airport has its own long-distance rail station.
- Leaving needs Schengen entry.
- Worth a city visit? See the Frankfurt layover guide.
Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe's best-connected hubs, with its own regional and long-distance railway stations. Reaching the city is quick and cheap, and onward travel across Germany is seamless. This guide covers local S-Bahn trips and the long-distance options.
S-Bahn — quickest to the centre
The S8 and S9 lines run from the airport's regional station to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station) in about 11–15 minutes for roughly €5–6. Frequent and reliable, it's the obvious choice for reaching the city centre.
- ~11–15 min to Hauptbahnhof
- ~€5–6
- Frequent S8/S9 service
Long-distance ICE trains
The airport's long-distance station (Fernbahnhof) serves ICE trains to Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich and beyond — sometimes faster than connecting through the city. If your real destination is another German city, you may be able to train straight there.
Taxis
Taxis reach the centre in 20–30 minutes for about €30–40. Useful late at night or with heavy luggage, but the S-Bahn is far cheaper and barely slower during the day.
S-Bahn, long-distance train or taxi?
For central Frankfurt, the S-Bahn is fast, frequent and cheap. The airport's long-distance station (ICE trains) is handy if you're continuing to another German city. Taxis are convenient door-to-door but pricier and slower in traffic. Staying overnight? See our Frankfurt hotels guide.
On a layover
Because the S-Bahn reaches the centre in 10–15 minutes, a short city visit is realistic even on a moderate layover with Schengen entry — confirm in the Schengen transit guide, and allow for FRA's size on return.
The best way into the city from Frankfurt?
Answer five quick questions and we'll rank taxi, train, bus, ride-hail and private transfer for your trip.
Guidance only — prices, service hours and rail links vary by airport. Check the specific route guide for fares and timings.
Best way from the airport: at a glance
| Mode | Approx time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Bahn (S8/S9) | ~10–15 min | Low | Fast, frequent to the centre |
| Long-distance train | Varies | Medium | Onward travel to other cities |
| Taxi | Traffic-dependent | High | Door-to-door, luggage |
The verdict
Pros
- Very fast S-Bahn
- Long-distance trains on site
- Cheap fares
Cons
- Taxis pricier
- Two stations can confuse first-timers
- City is compact — little need for taxis
Frequently asked questions
How long is the S-Bahn from Frankfurt Airport to the city?
About 11–15 minutes to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof on the S8 or S9 lines, for roughly €5–6.
Can I catch a long-distance train at Frankfurt Airport?
Yes. The airport's Fernbahnhof serves ICE trains to many German cities, often avoiding the need to go via the city centre.
Is a taxi worth it from FRA?
Only for late arrivals or heavy luggage. The S-Bahn is cheaper and almost as fast for the city centre.
What's the fastest way from Frankfurt Airport to the city?
The S-Bahn (lines S8/S9) reaches the central stations in about 10–15 minutes — fast, frequent and cheap. The airport also has a long-distance rail station for onward travel.
Can I visit Frankfurt on a short layover?
With Schengen entry, yes — the S-Bahn reaches the centre in 10–15 minutes, making it viable even on a moderate layover. See the Frankfurt layover guide.
Layover tips that actually help
One concise email when we publish a new airport or layover guide. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.