A complete Frankfurt Airport (FRA) guide


We’ve created this extensive Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) guide to help you find your way around the airport on your next visit. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Germany’s busiest airport.

Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport is Germany’s busiest airport. Image credit: kickers/iStock

Frankfurt Airport is the busiest in the country, serving more than 60 million guests in 2016. It’s also quite large, covering an area of more than 5,683 acres. All that space allows plenty of room for hotels, lounges, restaurants, bars, and shops, so you’ll have a range of options for things to do on your next stopover. However, so many options can be a bit overwhelming, so you might want to take advantage of this handy Frankfurt Airport guide.

Finding your way around huge airports can be difficult. If you’ve never been to FRA airport and would like to print out a Frankfurt Airport map ahead of time to make navigation easier, you can download one here.

Frankfurt Airport Wi-Fi access and work areas

If you’ve traveled enough, you may have ended up at an airport that didn’t offer easily accessible Wi-Fi, which can make for a boring stopover. Luckily, you’ll never have that problem at FRA.

FRA offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi. There are more than 300 access points scattered throughout the facility, most of which are located in the departure areas. To use the Wi-Fi, log into “Frankfort-Airport”, enter your email address, and agree to the terms and conditions.

If you travel through FRA on a regular basis, you may want to consider setting up an account that will allow your device to automatically connect whenever you touch down at the airport.

If you need a quiet area to work while at the airport, your best bet will be visiting one of the lounges. We’ll get to those later on.

Find a Frankfurt Airport hotel for your long layover

Whether you have an extended stopover at FRA, or you’ll be getting in on a late flight and prefer to head straight to a nearby hotel, you’re in luck. Frankfurt Airport has many quality hotels located right at the airport. This isn’t a complete list of hotels but rather an option for each budget range.

All listed prices are based on the most affordable rooms offered by the hotel. Prices are subject to change and include taxes and fees.

High-end: MY CLOUD Transit Hotel

You won’t even have to leave FRA to stay in this luxury hotel. Located right in the transit area of Terminal 1, this hotel is an excellent place to relax during a long stopover.

You can only make a booking here if your travel route will be taking you outside of the Schengen Zone, so if you’ll be staying in Germany, you’ll want to look for accommodations elsewhere. This hotel is designed to be a stopping point on a long international journey, so it’s reserved for passengers with non-Schengen tickets.

Many of the rooms at MY CLOUD Transit Hotel have large windows, providing plenty of natural light to help you regain balance when dealing with jet lag. There are also windowless rooms for those who want to block out light and sound and get some deep sleep.

Since this hotel is already located in the terminal, it doesn’t offer its own restaurants and bars. However, there are plenty of dining and shopping options right outside in Terminal 1.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms throughout the hotel.

Mid-level: Hilton Frankfurt Airport

The Hilton Frankfurt Airport is a high-end hotel within walking distance of the airport. The rooms feature contemporary interior design and offer all the little comforts you’ll want after a long flight. Every room has a flat-screen television, a desk, comfy chairs, and beds. Upgraded rooms with full kitchens are also available.

Around the hotel, you’ll find a gym and sauna, a business center, 11 meeting rooms, and a restaurant. Since there’s a pedestrian walkway connecting this hotel with the airport, you won’t need to worry about finding transportation.

Wi-Fi is available at this hotel, but there’s a fee.

Hilton at Frankfurt Airport.
Hilton at Frankfurt Airport. Image credit: ollo/iStock

Budget: Holiday-Inn Frankfurt

This hotel is located right across the street from the airport and is therefore a good option for those who want to settle-in immediately after arriving in Germany. It features cozy modern rooms, a cocktail lounge, and a 24-hour restaurant, perfect for when you’re jet-lagged and hungry at odd hours. Pets are welcome at this hotel so anyone traveling with their four-legged friend will want to head here.

Free Wi-Fi is offered by this hotel.

Frankfurt Airport lounges to relax in

FRA offers a full variety of airport lounges where you’ll find food and beverages, Wi-Fi access, and plenty of areas to relax and regroup before your next flight. Below are some of our top picks and if you require more information have a look at our Guide to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Lounges.

Welcome Lounge

All Frankfurt Airport arrivals coming from outside Europe can use this lounge to relax in while they wait for boarding to begin for their next flight.

The entrance fee for the lounge is 78 USD. It’s open between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and can be accessed at Terminal 1 landside, arrival area B, near baggage claim.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Economy and other passengers who are members of Air Canada can use this lounge.

You’ll need an annual membership with Air Canada to gain access to this lounge, which is open two hours prior to the first Air Canada flight departure and 30 minutes before the last night of the day. You’ll find the lounge airside in Terminal 1, in Concourse B on the third level.

Sky Lounge

This lounge is available for economy passengers who’ve booked their lounge passes in advance or who are members of Priority Pass, a lounge access program. You’ll also be able to purchase entry at the door when a room is available.

When available, three hours of lounge time can be purchased for 36.65 USD. The lounge is open between 6:45 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily. It can be found airside in Terminal 2, Concourse D on the third level opposite Gate D8.

Air France Lounge

If you’re an economy passenger traveling onward to a country within the Schengen Zone, you’re eligible to use this lounge.

You can get into this lounge as a member of Priority Pass or by paying 36.65 USD for three hours whenever space allows. The hours are 5:45 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. daily. It’s located airside in Terminal 2 on the second level in Hall D, Schengen Area opposite Gate D26.

Prime Class Lounge

Economy passengers can access this lounge using Priority Pass or by purchasing a lounge pass online.

Online passes for this lounge are 32.73 USD. It’s open between 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. The entrance can be found in Terminal 2 Airside, Concourse E, in the non-Schengen area near Gate E7.

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Lufthansa offers multiple business lounges in FRA. You can access them by purchasing a pass online.

The entrance fee for these lounges is 67 USD. They’re open between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. The first location is in Terminal 1 Airside, Concourse B, near Gate B44 and B48. The second location is in the same terminal and concourse but close to Gate B24 and B28.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge

This lounge is available for economy passengers coming from either terminal, but they must be departing on non-Schengen flights.

You can get into this lounge for 67 USD, and children under the age of 2 get in for free. The hours are between 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. It can be accessed in Terminal 1, Concourse C, near Gate C14 and C15.

LuxxLounge

You can access this lounge using Priority Pass, pre-purchased lounge passes, or door passes, but the latter is only available if there’s room. Keep in mind that this lounge is located landside, so you’ll need to go through security again when it’s time to head to your gate.

The cost is 32.73 USD if purchased online in advance. For door passes, you’ll pay 34.37 USD for three hours and 57.29 USD for an entire day. The lounge hours are between 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. daily, and the location is Terminal 1 landside, Departure Hall B/C, up the escalators from check-in counter 680.

Premium Traveler Lounge

This lounge is also known as the Iberia VIP Lounge. It’s available the guests with Priority Pass or those who purchased lounge passes online in advance.

Online passes for this lounge are 32.73 USD. It’s open between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. You’ll find it in Terminal 2 airside, Concourse D on the second level near Gate 26.

Take some time to relax at one of the many Frankfurt Airport lounges on offer. Image credit: RyanJLane/iStock
Take some time to relax at one of the many Frankfurt Airport lounges on offer. Image credit: RyanJLane/iStock

Frankfurt Airport restaurant offerings

Trying new restaurants is always a fun aspect of traveling. FRA has plenty of options, so whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something suitable for you.

If you’ll be hanging out in Terminal 1, you’ll have plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from. Those seeking a refined dining experience should head for Käfer’s Bistro, a French brasserie popular among the citizens of Frankfurt. From classic Viennese schnitzel to delicious fresh salads, you’ll find a variety of delicious foods to enjoy here. You can relax and take in the views of the runway through the restaurant’s windows as you dine.

If you’re in the mood for Asian food instead, head to Thong Thai, also located in Terminal 1. The chefs prepare elevated Thai cuisine with bold colors and flavors. It’s the perfect way to wake up your taste buds after a long flight.

Will you be traveling through Terminal 2? The terminal has less dining options, but there are still some great choices. Be sure to check out Sense of Taste, a Mediterranean restaurant with excellent ratings.

Frankfurt Airport shops/shopping

You’ll find plenty of places to shop in both terminals. If you’re looking for convenience stores in Terminal 1, head for Quicker’s or Hub Convenience. There’s also a Quicker’s located in Terminal 2.

When it comes to high-end shopping, FRA doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find a BOSS Store and Christ in Terminal 1. Both stores carry designer merchandise, including clothing and jewelry.

In Terminal 2, there are even more designer stores, including Tommy Hilfiger and Bulgari.

Other activities and services within the airport

Along with all the expected restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, and high-end shopping options, FRA offers a few other services and activity options to guests. Once you have made your way out of the airport, the city is booming with things to do and see. A few tips on Frankfurt City always come in handy to make the most of the city.

Visit the Airport City Mall

If you’d like to go landside during your stopover at FRA, you’ll find even more restaurants, bars, and shopping centers to enjoy. The Airport City Mall is the main shopping and dining area located below street level outside of Terminal 1. You can also access banks, beauty salons, and dry-cleaning services in this area.

Take a tour of the airport

If you have plenty of time to spare, and you’re a traveler who finds airports fascinating, you might want to consider a tour. A few options are available, so you’ll most likely be able to find something that can work with your travel plans. For more information on the tours offered by FRA, check out the airport’s website, or head to the information kiosk in the Airport City Mall.

Enjoy some pampering at an oxygen bar

At Be Relax, which is located near Gate 23 in Terminal 1, you can get your nails done, soothe aching muscles with a massage, or enjoy a number of beautifying spa services, including a special anti-jet lag facial. You can add oxygen therapy and aromatherapy to any service, increasing the relaxing effects.

This is the only spa located within the airport, but if you want to venture outside to the nearby Hilton hotel, you’ll find SOKAI Spa Lounge, another great place to relax.

Simulate a flight

Have you always dreamed of being an airline pilot? At FRA, there’s a flight simulator available for guests to use. If you’re looking for a unique way to pass the time, this option allows you to experience Frankfurt Airport departures from the perspective of the pilot. The simulation mimics the controls of a Boeing 737. You’ll receive instruction and education from a professional pilot. It’s an excellent option for anyone who’d like to learn more about the art of flying.

Now that you have a good idea of how to spend your time at Frankfurt Airport, book a dependable Blacklane airport transfer service at Frankfurt International Airport to transfer you to your hotel when you reach your destination.