Flight Guide to Frankfurt (Germany)
If Berlin represents Germany’s trendy and edgy side, Frankfurt is the chic and cosmopolitan face of modern Germany. As a global hub for finance and trade, Frankfurt attracts a steady stream of business travelers, many of whom come for the city’s renowned trade fairs, which showcase everything from trains and books to electronics and furniture.
But Frankfurt isn’t all work and no play. After wrapping up your business, take time to explore the charming Römer Square in the old town, grab a quick schnitzel from riverside vendors along the Main River, or head to Sachsenhausen or Bockenheim to experience Frankfurt’s vibrant nightlife, complete with techno clubs and lively bars.
The city’s skyline, often compared to New York’s, is dotted with skyscrapers, but hidden among them are historic gems like St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, the Alte Oper (a 19th-century opera house), and the Hauptfriedhof, Frankfurt’s 180-year-old main cemetery. Between the German Stock Exchange, the Bundesbank, and world-class museums dedicated to architecture, film, and art, there’s plenty to keep you busy. And if you have time, consider a day trip to nearby destinations like Strasbourg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, or the scenic Rhine Valley, all just a short drive away.
Booking Flights to Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport (FRA), located just 20 minutes from the city center, is Germany’s largest airport and one of the busiest in Europe. It serves as a major hub for Lufthansa and is connected to over 130 other airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. Direct flights to Frankfurt are available from major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary, making it a convenient destination for Canadian travelers.
Be cautious when booking flights, as Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) is often confused with Frankfurt Airport. Despite its name, Hahn Airport is located 1.5 hours away from Frankfurt and is primarily used by budget airlines like Ryanair.
When to go and weather
The best times to visit Frankfurt are during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and sunny, and during the holiday season (November to early January), when the city’s famous Christmas Markets are in full swing.
• Peak Season: June to August and November to early January. Flights and accommodations are more expensive during these periods.
• Low Season: Mid-January to March. Flights are cheapest during this time, but temperatures average 3–5°C (37–41°F), and outdoor activities are limited.
• Shoulder Season: Late March to May and September to early November. These periods offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and affordable airfares.
Be sure to check for major trade fairs, as they can drive up flight and hotel prices.
Arriving in Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has two terminals connected by the free SkyLine train and shuttle buses. The airport also features an AIRail Terminal for long-distance trains, making it easy to travel across Germany and beyond.
For business travelers, the airport offers amenities like showers, left-luggage services, massage and salon services, and rest areas for a quick nap between flights.
• Public Transit: The RMV (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund) operates local trains and buses. Tickets can be purchased at the Mobility Center or via the RMV app.
• Trains:
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Regional Trains (S-Bahn): Located on Level 0 of Terminal 1’s B Concourse, these trains connect to downtown Frankfurt. A one-way ticket costs €4.95.
Long-Distance Trains (Deutsche Bahn): Located in the AIRail Terminal, these trains serve international and intercity routes.
• Bus: RMV buses connect the airport to downtown Frankfurt and surrounding areas. A one-way ticket costs around €5.
• Airport Shuttle: Lufthansa Airport Buses and other shuttle services operate from Terminal 1, connecting to cities like Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Munich. Fares vary by destination.
• Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels, such as Mercure Wings and Kempinski, offer complimentary shuttle services. Pick-up zones are located on Level 1 of Terminal 1 and Level 2 of Terminal 2.
• Taxi: Metered taxis are available outside both terminals. Fares to downtown Frankfurt range from €30 to €50, depending on traffic and destination.
• Car Rental: Major rental companies like Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Enterprise have counters at both terminals. Daily rates start at around €40–€70, depending on the vehicle type.
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