Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt Airport · Frankfurt, Germany
Verified airport guidance · Last checked September 2026
Frankfurt (FRA) is Germany's largest hub. Terminal 1 has gates A, B, C and Z; Terminal 3 has gates G, H and J. Terminal 2 has been closed to passengers since June 9, 2026 — its airlines moved to Terminal 3. Whether you pass passport control depends on the Schengen Area: crossing into or out of it means border control at Frankfurt.
Passport control and the Schengen Area
Flying between Schengen countries, there are usually no border controls. Arriving from outside Schengen and flying on inside it — or the other way round — you go through border control at Frankfurt.
EasyPASS automated gates are available to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and German residence-permit holders aged 12 and over, and to travelers from the US, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. Travelers from outside the EU may have fingerprints and a photo taken under the EU Entry/Exit System.
Security
You may have to go through a security check again when you transfer. Short Transfer Lanes are available at most border and security checkpoints in Terminal 1.
Baggage
In most cases your checked baggage is automatically checked through. If not — or if you booked separately — collect your bags at baggage reclaim and check them in again. Airline transfer desks issue boarding passes.
Terminal transfers
You can't walk between Terminals 1 and 3. Take the free SkyLine train (4:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m., every 2–3 minutes); at night a shuttle bus runs from the arrivals forecourt. Inside Terminal 1's Schengen area, a passenger tunnel links piers A and B (gates A15 to B19).
Terminal 2 closed to passengers on June 9, 2026 for refurbishment; the SkyLine still runs.
Departing from Frankfurt
Check-in options depend on your airline: online, evening-before check-in, self-service kiosks and Fast Bag Drop. Then go through security — liquid rules depend on whether your checkpoint has the newer CT scanners.
Leaving the Schengen Area, you also pass border control; non-EU travelers are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System. Frankfurt's guideline is 3 hours before departure for non-EU passengers, about 2.5 hours for EU passengers with checked bags and about 2 hours with hand luggage only.
Connection tips
- Look for Short Transfer Lanes at Terminal 1 checkpoints.
- Frankfurt doesn't publish a minimum connection time on its transfer page.
- Terminal 2 is closed (since June 2026) — if anything mentions T2 or gates D/E, check with your airline.
Getting around FRA
Where you can walk, and where you'll need a train or bus. Walking times are shown only where the airport publishes them.
| Between | Walk? | Other ways |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 ↔ Terminal 3SkyLine (before or after security); night shuttle bus (before security) | No | SkyLine (before or after security)night shuttle bus (before security) |
Sources: Frankfurt Airport — Transferring at FRA
Airport map — FRA
FRA indoor map
Map data © Mapbox. Indoor maps are an experimental Mapbox feature. We don't draw walking routes.
We don't mark gates or checkpoints until we have verified locations for them.
Getting away from FRA
Official options, in no particular order. Times only where the operator publishes them.
S-Bahn S8 / S9 and regional trains
Regional Station, underground below Terminal 1 (Level 0). From Terminal 3, take the SkyLine to Terminal 1 first.
Long-distance trains (ICE / IC)
Long-distance station at The Squaire — about 5 minutes on foot from Terminal 1.
Taxis
At all terminals, 24/7.
About 20–30 minutes to the city centre.
Check fares and schedules with the operator before you travel.
Official resources
- Frankfurt Airport — Transferring at FRA (opens in a new tab)
- Frankfurt Airport — Border control (opens in a new tab)
- Official airport website (opens in a new tab)
- Fraport — Terminal 2 closure (opens in a new tab)
- Frankfurt Airport — To and from the airport (opens in a new tab)
- Frankfurt Airport — Customs (opens in a new tab)