It should take you no more than around 30 minutes to reach the center of Frankfurt by train or taxi. Have fun! However, if the two flights are with different airlines, you may have to claim and re-check your baggage during your layover. You'll have to remain in the international transit area of the airport. Plenty to do! Yes, but it depends from the country and their entry rules. A seven-minute walk from the Hauptwache Metro station lies Frankfurts historic old town center and the Romerberg area, which is home to elaborate half-timbered buildings that have been reconstructed and restored, including those dating back to 700 years, the City Hall and the medieval Lutheran Old St Nicholas Church. I mean, I might be misinterpreting the law I quoted above, thats quite possible. In general, according to SmarterTravel, in order to make a connecting flight at a U.S. airport, you should allow 60 to 90 minutes to make your flight. Required fields are marked *. To depart from the Frankfurt airport and explore the city for an hour or so: 5 hours. A train ride or taxi to Hauptwache will get you right to the center of Frankfurt. However, if not, youll have to take it to the baggage claim area and go through rechecking it. Large-capacity taxis for up to seven people are also available; always check with the driver first as to whether or not they accept credit cards. There are lovely shops in this area and you can spend quite a few hours in this place. Want to earn up to 12,000 airline points for FREE? There are more than 300 connectivity hotspots, and youll also find charging points, so no fear of your battery going flat! With such a brief travel duration from airports to the center of city life, a vast pedestrianized downtown, and a wealth of centrally located museums and historical sites, you can take advantage of the time of a brief stopover in the capital of Germanys economy. Definitely going to head out and explore. We search for deals and let you know when we find incredible fares. Frankfurt, the home of the German stock exchange, and its home to the European Central Bank. We have a 7 hour layover so will do everything on your list! For those who have more than 5 hours but less than, or around, 24 hours of transit time, there are several things to do around Frankfurt Airport. VicIslander 1 yr. ago. You can get free internet connectivity around the clock. Well, who doesnt like shopping, especially if it is duty free! Download Deutsche Bahns Call A Bike app before your arrival and you can hop on and off as you please. However, the airport team will most likely send the luggage you have checked in directly to your destination. But, Rmerberg is unique and full of beauty. These affiliate links dont cost you anything, but we might earn a few Euros if you decide to purchase something from one of our recommended website partners. During the summer months, locals embrace outdoor life at cafs, in parks and on the banks of the river, and at the various food, drink and cultural festivals that take place. You will not be permitted to leave the transit area of the Frankfurt airport, no matter how long your layover may be. Take an early-evening boat ride down the River Main and enjoy impressive views of Frankfurt from the water, watching the sun set over the citys famous skyline. Lufthansa is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $1,241 and an overall rating of 7.8. Living in South East Asia for the past 7 years opened up a lot of doors to explore in this part of the world for a newbie (Do a quick search on the following sites). Frankfurt is a city with plenty of beautiful green spaces. Hi Kara. However, it could go up dramatically, for instance, during the Frankfurt Book Fair in October. Its also Frankfurts red-light district, even though its been increasingly gentrified over the past few years. While researching things to do on a short layover in Frankfurt, I noticed that a LOT of flights around the world frequently use Frankfurt for layovers. Re: Can I leave Frankfurt airport during layover during COVID 2 years ago Save No, assuming the restrictions are the same next month (seems likely), if you're a US resident (and non-EU citizen) then you will not be allowed through passport control to enter Germany. After you walk from Rmer Square and across the Iron Bridge, I recommend strolling along this side of the Main River for a bit. How long of a layover is enough to leave airport? Theres a 60 fine for anyone caught traveling without a (or with an incorrect) ticket. The need to go through a passport verification is contingent upon whether the airport youve arrived from and the destination you are heading to is in or outside the Schengen Area. Of course, always practice safety when traveling alone but I never felt sketched out. (purchase these tickets online). Any concerns about Covid restrictions nowadays? And even if I am right you might get away with it. The citys skyline is shaped by its many skyscrapers. Depending on the day/time, you may have to wait about 20 minutes to get seated but trust me, its worth it. You can purchase tickets at multilingual kiosks located at the regional train station concourse that accepts debit and cash. If you have up to 10-hour connection time between flights, it is advisable to stay at the airport and not risk losing your next flight. Again, you might be fine, but thats what could happen. This time of year is packed with tourists and locals celebrating the holidays at the Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany. Not sure how long your layover is but we had a 5 hour one and debated on the pod hotel and decided not to. 13 hours is a long time to sit in an airport! Can I get my checked bag during a layover? Reward yourself by grabbing a bier at one of the bars on the square! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, It's me Sankalp the face and brain behind Chasing Whereabouts.I hope you are doing great, I just want to welcome you to this space where I share my stories and tips about Exploring Europe.Enjoy reading them and if you have any questions about exploring Europe then don't hesitate just contact me.You can follow me using the link below. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110602833', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Frankfurt on Saturday and have 9 hours between flights, we're travelling onto Cyprus from the UK. Follow the signs out of your terminal and to the train station. Frankfurt is home to a full annual calendar of trade shows and festivals, which means that the city is well provided for accommodation; however, prices fluctuate frequently. A five-hour daytime layover will give you sufficient time to travel to the city centre and spend a couple of hours wandering around Frankfurts medieval old town and along the river before heading back to the airport. Im sure the Church and the museums will be open around 8am or 9am, so should be good timing for a bite and some sightseeing! Yet, its reputation as a boring bankers city completely ignores the rich cultural and historical heritage that this vibrant and international city offers. If you are flying business class or first class with particular airlines, or have some other privilege pass that permits lounge access, lounges in Frankfurt Airport include Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa, Air France / KLM, and Iberia. Michelle, There may be some German pubs open but most things will be shut down that time of night unless its a Friday or Saturday night. Try here for lunch! If youre traveling with children, then the Junges Museum back at the Romerberg is a beautiful alternative that is family-friendly. I found Frankfurt to be really safe, we spent some time walking around at night and I didnt feel unsafe at all. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up at the airport and having your luggage left in the car so you can explore freely. Here, you will find a restaurant on the top floor, called Main Tower Review, which is known for its stunning panoramic views of the citys skyline as well as its delicious German cuisine. We were not able to leave because we had US passports. If you can tuck your luggage in the airport so you dont literally weighted down with that, I think you can totally make it!! Either way, youll never overpay on flights again. Frankfurt Airport is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest of Frankfurt. Here is the email of the person at the customs office I asked who told me we could not leave Rene.Staggat@polizei.bund.de. Hey! Look for the Coupon Wall, which has deals and discounts on airport eateries and shops. Frankfurt Airport is located approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of Frankfurt. Cheers, Lufthansa sent me an email with this, no direct mention of quarantine: Please inform yourself about the current entry regulations for Germany. However, anticipated wait times are shown on the screens. We would have to leave our hotel like at 5 to get to the airport by 6 for our flight at 8 am. Looking for more Hotels in Frankfurt then I would suggest you to check here. Your connecting flight could still leave without you if you're not there, so it's best to leave more than enough time. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108368945', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Germany ex UK to another EU country, I do not have to enter Germany so no quarantine for me is that right? If you are travelling with kids, you can spend time at the fun play area in the airport. It is also the citys red light district, however, and although its become increasingly gentrified in recent years, its best to avoid the quarters grittiest bits, by keeping to Mnchener Strae and Kaiserstrae. The famous indoor market of Frankfurt called the Kleinmarkthalle is a must for foodies. Not a restaurant, but the name for the local apple cider that Frankfurt is known for producing. How long does it take to get through customs at frankfurt airport? For example, if you're a US citizen on a layover within the US, then you can leave the airport legally and safely. In most cases, you must clear security checks on your way through the airport, but your checked luggage will most likely be automatically forwarded to your final destination. Tickets can be bought at the multilingual machines on the regional train station concourse, which take both cash and credit/debit cards. While most of Frankfurt is new and has a tech feel, this area survived the bombings of World War II. Or upgrade to get 4x the deals, rare destinations, peak season tickets, and Mistake Fares. So we would only have from like 7 to 11 pm to be out and about. Hey, thank you , this was very very helpful. Thanks for this! Most of the flights which are heading to USA end up having a Frankfurt layover first. Another thing to know is that if your domestic layover is more than an hour, you'll probably have 2 boarding passes. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110611629', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flights to Germany, who either enter Germany or continue onto a connecting flight in Frankfurt or Munich. Terminal 1 also has an array of complimentary post-security facilities and activities you can do in the Frankfurt FRA airport, including three Movie Worlds offering family-friendly movies, documentaries, series, and documentaries, as well as two Gaming Worlds. Train station entrances are accessible and most but not all stations have escalators and elevators. Frankfurt Airport is Europes fourth-busiest airport and the most crowded airport in Germany. Should you leave the airport during a layover? The vast majority of foreign travellers benefit from the "transit privilege" - if during a stopover at a German airport, you do not leave the International Airport Area and if the. | savor traditional german fare and beers, layover in frankfurt airport: what can you do? I just need to wait someone to pick me up at the airport. The language spoken in the city is German and is often expressed in the Frankfurt dialect. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-107819418', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Frankfurt. It is called Zum Tannenbaum. But my layover is at night. You can check if you need visa from iVISA. Traveling back to the airport may be quick and easy, but if you have an early flight on a weekday, when commuter traffic might cause issues with timings, it might be best to book a room at an airport hotel instead. Travelers with children can utilize playgrounds and the rental of a stroller. Alternatively, you may use, Hotel Atlantic Hamburg, Autograph Collection. Theres everything available from Frankfurt dishes like Fleischwurst, the regional sausage that is served with bread rolls and mustard, oysters, local sweets, and tapas. During the run up to Christmas, the Romerberg and its surrounding streets and squares is where youll find the citys sprawling Christmas market.. It is not a mattern of concern during your Frankfurt Layover times but if you are exploring Germany and looking forward to embark on the jounrey of exploring fairytail villages of Germany then you might wanna learn few German sentences. Visitors should head towards Terminal 1 for designer stores like Burberry, Loewe, Longchamp, and Hermes. Are there any old historic churches what would be open maybe or maybe a place where we could listen to some great music? There are three such facilities: two are located in Terminal 1 (Hall B, Level 1 Arrivals and Hall B-C, Level 2 Departures), and the other is in Terminal 2 (Hall D, Level 2 Arrivals). Also known asEiserner Steg, this pedestrian bridge is a popular love lock bridge (like the one in Paris.) only a trip from the airport to the childs accommodation would be permitted. It was a crazy whirlwind of travel and due to events, we were only able to spend one night in Frankfurt before we had to fly back to the United States. Once you are in the city, you can opt to travel around by train, bus, rented car, taxi, or even a rented bicycle. This bridge is famous in Frankfurt. With a sparkling backdrop of modern-day skyscrapers, Frankfurt is home to charming cobbled streets, half-timbered medieval structures, stunning green spaces, unique galleries and museums, and a wide range of restaurants and bars that will satisfy all budgets and tastes. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. , Your email address will not be published. You can leave the airport during a layover and Frankfurt is the perfect city to do this in. It's so easy to get to some great places to see in downtown Frankfurt. If youd keen to spend your layover at a museum, youll be spoilt for choice, as Frankfurt is home to a wealth of excellent museums, many of which are situated centrally along both sides of the River Main. I was concerned about getting back into the airport and back through customs and was wondering if it was really worth the hassle. So, during your layover, take time to sample some of the best desserts and beers available in Old Town. Thanks for reading this! Take the train (lines 029, 1057, 1059, and 1061) to Copenhagen Central Station. You just have to be prepared to go through Frankfurt International Airport security again and to lug around any carryon suitcases. But if you really want to check that out then you should visit iVisa, in case you need visa then this service allows you to apply for that quickly and you can be stress free during your Frankfurt layover. Id say about less than half of the places in the airport were open 2 weeks ago so it made for a boring layover. So would it be possible to drag my luggage when I am going around the city? Fans of musical theatre should book tickets online in advance and head to the Alte Oper (Old Opera House) or more modern Oper Frankfurt, one of Europes leading opera houses, for a concert or musical recital.. As you have a U.S passport, I confirm that you can leave the airport. Take a trip up to the top where the view of the citys skyline is amazing as well as free! Simply use Rocketmiles, a hotel booking site. Frankfurt has plenty of gorgeous green spaces, so if the weather is good and youd prefer to spend your layover enjoying some fresh air and sunshine, pick up a coffee or a bite to eat at the weekly farmers market by the Konstablerwache metro stop and stroll through the Bethmannpark, a veritable oasis complete with a Chinese Garden and a playground for younger travelers. If you dont want to stay at a Frankfurt Airport hotel, you can spend time at the airport lounges, but usually for a fee. In this post we will cover all the options for Weekend Trips from Frankfurt within Germany. Savor traditional German fare and beers (from USD 236.0), 2. Of all the Frankfurt attractions, tours and places to visit in Frankfurt, the old town took my heart. A layover at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) provides passengers the opportunity to do a lot of things both inside and outside of the airport. I personally hate dragging my luggage around cities. It really feels as though you have stumbled upon a delightful and traditional German beer house. Hey sfxterlt, You can leave the airport during a layover and Frankfurt is the perfect city to do this in. Frankfurts well-organized public transport system comprises U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (commuter trains) as well as trams and buses; services are generally punctual and efficient, and allow visitors to move quickly and easily around the city. Additionally, citizens of some countries are not allowed to leave the transit area, even with a valid Transit Visa; this visa merely allows a person to fly via Germany. It depends if you want to explore the city then I would say have some time with you around 8 hours or so which would be sufficient to quickly stroll the city center and come back to the Airport during your Frankfurt Layover. Terminals 1 and 2 are near one another and are linked by the no-cost SkyLine monorail that departs every 2 to 3 minutes from the transit and public areas. It is one of the most pleasing things to do during your Frankfurt Layover. It becomes almost a sin if you enter Frankfurt but leave without tasting apfelwein, also called ebbelwoi by locals. Check out the luggage service at the airport; although the question is what happens if you have checked luggage, does that create problems for custom if you exit without it. Your submission has been received! Germany was ranked 16th on the 2020 Global Peace Index and although Frankfurt has one of the highest crime rates in the country, its considerably less dangerous than many other metropolitan cities around the world. Id love to be able to leave but want to respect the laws and I can not find the answer anywhere. Kara, We will arrive from the US around 9:00 am and have exactly a 4 hr 15 min layover before flying on to Prague. I recommend that you Immediately head to Rmer, the old historic area of the city. If you enjoy this list of things to do and youre planning a longer stay, check out the hostels in Frankfurt for your accommodation needs. Show your support & help us keep it up! Find out everything you need to know to smoothly catch your ongoing flight Arrival at Frankfurt Airport: For up-to-the-minute information on your connecting flight, please consult one of the monitor screens located around the airport. Take advantage of our practical tool to get up-to-date information on travel conditions and required documents. Note that the restaurant has a minimum purchase of 37 EUR (41.50 USD), so make sure you take your wallet! Sankalp Singh is the Founder and Author of Chasing Whereabouts. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! It's a huge airport and lines can be long busy at times. Many thanks for the response, can you link to that guidance please? Frankfurt Airport has two train stations one station is designed for long-distance travel, and one to accommodate regional trains. Terminal 1 services Concourses A, B, C and Z, while Terminal 2 hosts Concourses D and E. Passengers can transit between terminals free of charge via SkyLine train or shuttle bus. If you have luggage with you on your layover, carts are available at dispensers around both terminals for a 1 fee, payable by credit or debit card. You can leave the airport during a layover and Frankfurt is the perfect city to do this in. The airport is situated about 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) from downtown, thus making the city easily accessible for tourists who have a long layover in Frankfurt Airport. Its always a good idea to have a few dollars on hand in an emergency. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108359326', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Germany is going back on lock down for 4 weeks so I doubt they would let you leave. How to travel from Frankfurt Airport to City Center? Thanks so much for this. I have a 5-hour layover from Addis Ababa to Los Angeles in January. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I think it depends on how much stuff you have. How you get a taxi from Romer back to airport? Simply select your trip details and other parameters to get a personalized summary. Would we have trouble with language barriers if we only speak English and French? You dont want to miss your connection because of a traffic jam! When he is not travelling, you can find him at work being a Software Engineer in 9-5 Job. Despite the popularity of this airport, I couldnt find a concise list of fun things to do on a 5 or 8-hour layover in Frankfurt and how to optimize time. And you will need to pass the passport control in Frankfurt/Main because Lithuania is also a Schengen country where you will find no passport control at the arrivals. In short walking distance from here, you will also stumble across the 14th-century Catholic Church of St. Leonard, and Frankfurt Cathedral. Frankfurt is well known for its shopping, from the high-end boutiques and luxury labels on Goethestrae to the department stores and chains along its shopping mile, the Zeil. Your email address will not be published. We have shared information about How to Travel Europe on Budget. You must have a ticket for a connecting flight in order to transit Frankfurt. Last week my husband and I flew to Frankfurt with Lufthansa on a project. Sometimes you find yourself with a few extra hours between connecting flights, and you wonder - can I leave the airport during a layover? For example, if you're a US citizen on a layover within the US, then you can leave the airport legally and safely. You can decide to choose the S-bahn and go to the city center during your Frankfurt Layover. Frankfurt International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a hub for Lufthansa, which is the largest German airline. Follow me @thewhimsysoul for daily travel inspiration! No, you are entering the country of Germany. There are no hotels inside the Frankfurt airport, they are all about 15 minutes away from the gates, though. Looking for something peacefull then there is a quiet room. Uber and Lyft dont operate in Frankfurt, so a traditional taxi is the one to take. Yes! In the summer, the citys inhabitants enjoy their outdoor lifestyle at the cafes, in the parks, along the shores of rivers, and at the many events, including food, drinks, and cultural events held. You may not be able to gain a total insight into Danish culture, but still you'll have visited some of the most well-known attractions and neighborhoods. The seasons of spring and autumn are pleasant. For instance, if you have a 10 hour layover in Frankfurt, you can add more time in Romerberg! If you are not using the credit card which has the base currency Euro then I would recommend you to get your Revolut Travel Card it is the best way to travel to places with different currency then your base currency because it doesnt charge any fees. Im glad I found this cuz I dont wanna just sleep and collect steps in the airport. Thanks, Nika, I was able to find this on the airport website. You just have to be prepared to go through Frankfurt International Airport security again and to lug around any carryon suitcases. Oops! Now that you have decided to explore the city during your Frankfurt Layover, the first thing would be reaching to the city center of Frankfurt that would be Hauptwache. Airport Security: 45 minutes Appreciate your answer and thank you very much. One hour to get through security, return to your gate and then board the plane (longer if you have to check in your luggage and get a boarding pass for your flight that connects). Can we leave the airport - 9 hour layover 1 year ago Save Hi, My wife and I and our 5 year old daughter are transiting through Frankfurt on Saturday and have 9 hours between flights, we're travelling onto Cyprus from the UK. As the city is located close to an airport, It is possible to enjoy Frankfurts evening entertainment by staying the night there if your layover permits. 1.2 Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover on an International Flight? Getting to town is quick and painless. I have a 10 Read on for transportation tips, must-sees, fantastic eats and recommendations on how to manage your time while having a layover in Frankfurt, Germany! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Cafs and restaurants in Frankfurt cater for every budget, from street snacks to Michelin-starred meals. Sounds great! The city center can get very busy with tourists, however, and those who like to keep cool should note that air-conditioning here remains relatively rare. Travelling with Kids then this is one of the most unique things to do during your Frankfurt layover. The lines tend to flow at a decent speed. We want to be as careful as possible but seeing as our layover is 15hr it's worth double checking. They dont mention leaving the airport though and the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The average three-star hotel stay costs around 70 per night, but this might increase dramatically during, for example, the Frankfurt Book Fair in October. Christie is International Coordinator for the UKs Guild of Food Writers. So do not rush into the city in hopes of shopping until youre stuffed. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108359175', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Germany on your way to Istanbul? If you are travelling and you dont know what to pack then our Packing List would come out in handy for you, Last Minute Packing is especially for the last minute occasion but there are some detailed packing list as well like The Ultimate Packing List and one post especially for Europe Europe Packing List, Wondering whether you need Visa for your travel then check here if you need visa for Europe or check out the new rule for Travel To Europe. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I adore the historic downtown area of Romer! Germanys official currency is the euro (). more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The currency used in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Keep track of your time though! Restaurants and cafes in Frankfurt offer a wide range of food choices for all budgets and budgets, from street food to Michelin-starred dining. Blue signs will help you find your way between concourses and to gates; gray signage offers directions to passenger services. Extra Buffer: 30 minutes. The church, which was built between 1215 and 1257, is a masterpiece of German Gothic architecture. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Frankfurt is the second-most expensive city, yet its equally easy to enjoy your in the city on a tight budget as you can splash out and pamper yourself. Spring and Autumn are mild in Frankfurt, with daily high temperatures in the region of 68F (20C). Leaving the airport means entering the country. Something went wrong while submitting the form. After all, you will undoubtedly enjoy your time at Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA), discovering the numerous and worthwhile facilities and amenities at your disposal. As part of the European Unions Schengen Zone, citizens of many countries including the United States are permitted to visit Germany without a visa for a period of up to 90 days., Frankfurt Airport is Europes fourth-busiest airport, and the busiest airport in Germany. Theres a church, shops, bars, etc. Leaving an airport during an international flight is harder than a domestic one because you may need a visa to leave the airport at an international layover destination. Alternatively, you can temporarily store any luggage for a fee at one of the storage facilities at Terminal 1, between Concourses B and C, Level 2 (Departures) or Concourse B, Level 1 (Arrivals), or Terminal 2, Concourse D, Level 2 (Arrivals)., Taking the train or a taxi to Hauptwache will bring you right to the heart of the city.