Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Frankfurt Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I slept with my suitcase as a pillow, and I got woke[n] up a couple times by a couple surges of arriving passengers. But after midnight it was dead quiet. – Cybrie
FRA Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Frankfurt Airport.
What to Expect
Frankfurt Airport (code: FRA) is massive, and its layout can be confusing. 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. There are plenty of shops, duty-free outlets, dining and assorted services throughout both terminals (see guide below), including some 24-hour eateries. The airport provides free WiFi to help pass the time. Shower facilities are available for a fee in both terminals. Economy class passengers can access a few lounges by purchasing a day pass for additional comfort. See our Airport Lounges section for locations and access information.
Sleeping in Frankfurt Airport
Reviewers usually rate FRA airport as safe and sleep-friendly. The seating is generally sufficient for the many travellers using this large airport, but the type and quality vary depending on location. If you’re airside, the seating options at Gates are often metal and equipped with armrests, particularly in Terminal 1. Specific Leisure Zones do have more comfortable seating options. Travellers report that the landside area of Terminal 2 has some armrest-free seating, which you could turn into a makeshift bed by pushing two together.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- Terminal 1 – Movie World has comfortable chairs and plays free movies and documentaries.
- Terminal 1, behind Gate A20 – there are several rows of seats without armrests. The area is walled off on three sides, providing privacy and peace.
- Terminal 1 – the Bistrot Frankfurt Airport is a 24-hour eatery that seems very popular with overnight travellers looking to sleep, but it fills up quickly.
- Terminal 2 – McDonald’s, open 24 hours, has plenty of seating and even some benches and flat surfaces where travellers have managed some shuteye.
If none of this sounds like an experience you would like to have (and you don’t mind paying for privacy and comfort), there is a transit hotel in Terminal 1 that allows international passengers (with at least one Non-Schengen Flight) to check in without leaving the transit area. Three on-site airport hotels are connected to Terminal 1, and several nearby airport hotels are within a quick shuttle ride. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips or click here to write your review.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Frankfurt Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Lounge-style seats are available for transit passengers in the “Leisure Zones.” Locations:
- Terminal 1 – Airside: near Gate A26 • near Gate A50 • near Gate B43 • near Gate Z11 • near Gate B25 • near the Open Air Deck
- Terminal 2 – Airside: near Gate D1 to D4 • near Gate E2 to E5.
Silent Chairs – Whether you want to read a book or listen to music, the airport’s “Silent Chairs” will help provide peace and quiet. The chairs have soundproof glass panels, integrated speakers, a music jack, and a table with a USB port and power outlet. Perhaps you could also try sleeping here, but you’ll have to sit up as the chairs do not recline. Locations: Terminal 1 – Airside: opposite Gate A58, opposite Gate Z58, at Gate B23 • Terminal 2 – Airside: at Gate D4, near Gate D9, Near Gate D27, at Gate E5.
Waiting Areas – At one point, there was a “Green Waiting Oases” featuring seats with tables, power outlets, and USB ports. We could not confirm this at the time of our September 2023 update. If you know whether they are still there, click here to update this guide.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Cots
In the event of bad weather or massive flight cancellations, this airport has a limited supply of cots for stranded travellers. Pre-Covid, an airport worker sent us this email: “There indeed are cots on offer; however, they are not available upon request by passengers or widely available throughout the airport. Only in the events of higher power like union strikes or extreme weather conditions FRA along with the civil arm of the national guard will provide the cots (literally thousands of them meticulously scattered throughout the airport.) along with other amenities.” Availability may have been affected by Covid. If you are stranded during a weather delay, contact an airport employee to find out when the cots are located.
Frankfurt Transit Hotel, Nearby Hotels & Day Rooms
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
If sleeping in Frankfurt airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels inside the airport and other nearby that provide free airport shuttles:
- NapCabs – Located in Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse A and Concourse B, Airside, Level 3. These cabins have a bed, adjustable air conditioning, alarm clock, USB charging stations, free WIFI access, and more. Cabins can be booked by the hour with a minimum stay of 2 hours. Rates start at 17€ per hour (for two hours) and lower to 13€ from the third hour.
- My Cloud Transit Hotel – Located in the transit area of Terminal 1, Gate Z25. This transit hotel offers 59 rooms (10 square metres) with a bed, desk, wifi, private washroom and shower. Rooms can be booked by the hour with a minimum stay of 3 hours. Rates start at 84€ for your first 3 hours. The maximum booking time is 24 hours, and check-in is available between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM only. » Check Rates
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel – Connected to Terminal 1 (Departure Hall A and C) via a covered pedestrian bridge. A reader has confirmed (June 2019) that the “Day Use Rate” is available from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. » Check Rates
- Hilton Garden Inn – Located above the ICE railway station and next to Hilton Frankfurt Airport. The hotel is connected to Terminal 1 via the pedestrian skywalk. » Check Rates
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport – Located above the ICE railway station and next to Hilton Garden Inn, the hotel is connected to Terminal 1 via a pedestrian skywalk. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Frankfurt Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal 1
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse B, Level 3. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- LuxxLounge – Location: Terminal 1, Landside, Departure Hall B/C, Gallery Level. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 2
- Air France Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Level 2, Hall D, Schengen Area, opposite Gate D26. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Premium Traveller Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Concourse D, Level 2, near Gate 26. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Primeclass Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Concourse E, non-Schengen Area, near Gate E7. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Priority Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Level 3, Concourse E, near Gates E5-E9. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Sky Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Concourse D, 3rd Floor Transit Area, Gate D8. Showers are available (€6). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge • Air France KLM Lounge • DB Lounge • Emirates Lounge • Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge • Lufthansa First Class Lounge (T1 – areas A and B) • Lufthansa First Class Terminal • Lufthansa Senator Lounge (T1 – Transit C, Area A, Area B, Area Z) • Lufthansa Business Lounge (T1 – Area A, Area B, Area C, Area Z) • Lufthansa Welcome Lounge (T1, Area B).
Related Pages: Frankfurt Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
At the time of this update, there were 30 drinking fountains and water bottle refill stations throughout terminals 1 and 2.
Food & Drinks
Frankfurt Airport has many food and beverage concessions. Vending machines with kosher food can also be found landside in Terminal 1, Area C. Below are the 24-hour food options:
- Terminal 1, Landside: McDonald’s (Area A, Level 0) • Scoom (Area B, Level 0) • Trib’s (Area B, Level 2).
- Terminal 1, Airside: Hermann’s Mobil (Area Z, Level 3) • Bistrot Frankfurt Airport (Concourse B).
- Terminal 2, Airside: QUICKER’s (Area D, Level 3 • Area E, Level 3).
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unload your heavy bags during your layover. There are a few left luggage offices: Terminal 1, Concourse B, Level 1 (Hours: open 24 hours) • Terminal 1, Departures, Level 2 (Hours: 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM) • Terminal 2 (Concourse D, Level 2) – Hours: 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM. Rates: Clothing items for €1,00/24 hrs • Documents for €7,00/24 hrs (only available at Terminal 1, Concourse B, Level 1) • Regular suitcase for €6,50/up to 3 hours or €9,50/24hrs • Bulky suitcase for €12,50/24 hrs.
Mobile Charging
There are reportedly 5000 power sockets and USB ports throughout the airport for travellers to recharge their laptops and cell phones. The airport also now features bistro-style workbenches with bar stools in almost all gate areas; these include power outlets, USB ports, inductive power stations (no need for a cable to charge that phone or tablet) and under each table, a shelf and hooks for hanging up your belongings.
Showers
Towels, floor mats, shower gel and hair dryers are available in five areas of the terminal. Rate: €6 /US$ 8. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM except the B locations, which are open 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. The airport’s shower facilities are located in the following areas:
- Terminal 1, Landside, B Departures, Shopping Boulevard across from the Virgin store and the pharmacy.
- Terminal 1, Airside, Transit B, Level 3 near Kuffler and Bucher.
- Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse A, Level 2, across from Gate A 50.
- Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse Z, Level 3, near Gate Z50.
- Terminal 2, Airside, Concourse D, Concourse D, Level 3, near Gate D4.
Several lounges also have shower facilities. See our Airport Lounges above for details.
WiFi/Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Frankfurt Airport. There are 300 access points located around the terminals. Connect to the “Airport-Frankfurt” network and choose Wi-Fi Free or Wi-Fi Free+. If you travel through this airport often, you can set up a permanent account by clicking on the link in the confirmation message.
Security & Safety
Frankfurt Airport’s security presence is high, so they may wake you to check your ID and boarding pass. The staff tolerates overnight sleepers but may relocate you to specific areas. For instance, in Terminal 1, only Concourse B may stay open all night, with the other concourses closing to travellers.
A few people reported seeing homeless people and other vagrants wandering about the landside/public areas during the night.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Conference Centre – For business travellers, the airport has offices and meeting spaces available for rent and interpreter services. Location: Terminal 1, Area FAC, Level 3. Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Mon – Fri) • 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Sat & Sun).
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Baby changing facilities are available in the larger washroom in the Children’s Play Areas – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas. Locations:
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- Terminal 1 – Concourse A, Level 2, near Gate A58 • Concourse A, Level 3, near Gate Z24 • Concourse Z, Level 3, near Gate Z50 • Concourse B, Level 2, near Gate B22 • Concourse C, Level 2, near Gate C16.
- Terminal 2 – Concourse D, Level 3, near Gate D1 • Concourse D, Level 2, near Gate 21 • Concourse D/E, Level 4, McDonald’s • Concourse E, Level 3, near Gate E4.
- Strollers – The airport supplies complimentary strollers. Pick-up points: Terminal 1, Service Point, Landside, Concourse B • Terminal 1, Information counter #10 in Transit B zone (for arriving passengers) • Terminal 2, Service Point between Concourses D and E.
Hair Salon – If you need a trim, stop by kpOchs Friseure, which offers hair and grooming services for both men and women. Location: Terminal 1, Area B, Level 2. Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Information Desk – In the transit zone, information desks are in Terminal 1B, Level 10 (“Information 10”). There are also pre-security information desks in Terminal 1 B on the departures and arrivals levels and in Terminal 2 on the departures level. You can also use one of the many service telephones (dial 118) or ask the mobile service guides.
Luggage
- Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available for a fee. Rate: €1,00.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic. Locations: Terminal 1, Arrivals and Departures, Area B • Terminal 2, Landside, Areas D. Rates: Regular suitcase for €10,00 • Bulky luggage for €15,00.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – If you require medical assistance, the following service may be of use to you:
- Airport Clinic – First Aid and medical care are opposite Terminal 1, Frankfurt Airport Centre (FAC), Section D, Level 2. Hours: open 24 hours. Dental services are also available. Hours: 8:00AM – 6:00PM (Mon- Thu).
- Optician – Locations: Terminal 1, Concourse B, Level 2, Shopping Avenue • Terminal 1, Concourse A, Level 2 • Terminal 2, Concourse D and E, Shopping Plaza. Hours: 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Pharmacy – Metropolitan Pharmacy – Locations: Terminal 1, Area B, Level 2, Shopping Boulevard (Hours: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM) • Terminal 1, Pier Z, Level 3 (Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM).• Terminal 2, Area D, Level 3, Shopping Plaza (Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM). • Terminal 1, Frankfurt Airport Centre (FAC), Level 0. Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Mon – Fri) 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat-Sun) It is possible to call in prescriptions; seek assistance at Counter 10.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check yobank’sk’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.
- Currency Exchange – Travelex offers almost 10 locations at the airport. Locations: (5) Terminal 1, Area B, Level 2 • Terminal 1, Area C, Level 2 • Terminal 1, Area B, Level 1 • Terminal 2, Area E, Level 3 • Terminal 1, Area A, Level 2.
Observation Deck
- Open Air Deck – A rooftop terrace is accessible to passengers in Terminal 1, Area B, Level 3. The deck has seating and free telescopes for watching the activity in the airport and runways.
- Visitor Terrace – Watch the action in the apron from the Visitors’ Terrace. Location: Terminal 2, Landside. Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Post Office – Send your last-minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s post office. Location: Terminal 1, Area B, Level 1. There are also several mailboxes located in Terminals 1 and 2.
Prayer Rooms – Need a moment for prayer? The following prayer rooms are available:
- Terminal 1, Concourse B, Gallery (Christian and Muslim)
- Terminal 1 C, Level 3, next to Counter 731 (Jewish)
- Terminal 1 B, Level 2, near Gate B22 ( Muslim and Jewish)
- Terminal 1 Z, Level 3, Room of Silence (non-denominational)
- Terminal 2 D, Level 3, near Gate D1 (Christian, Muslim and Jewish)
- Terminal 2 E, Arrival area, Level 2 (Muslim)
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, many locations are open 24 hours, and plenty of other shops sell just about everything you need.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking Areas – There are smoking lounges where passengers can sit back and relax before a flight, free of charge. Locations: Terminal 1 offers nine locations, and Terminal 2 offers four. Hours: 24 hours a day. Smoking booths continue to be available Landside and Airside.
Spa – Be Relax offers massages and an oxygen bar. Location: Terminal 1, Area B, Level 2 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM)• Terminal 1, Area Z, Level 3 (Hours 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
Yoga Room – Relax or stretch between flights at one of Frankfurt airport’s two yoga rooms. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling mirrors, subdued lighting, yoga mats, blocks, cushions and pads, and videos on monitors demonstrating various poses. Locations: Terminal 1, Airside, near Gates C14 and C16 • Terminal 2, Airside, near Gates D1 and D4. Hours: open 24 hours.
Other Airport Services
- Coupon Wall – If you want deals and discounts on food and shopping at the airport, check out this link.
- Laundry – Euroclean offers dry cleaning in Terminal 1, Concourse B, Level 0, Airport City Mall Frankfurt. Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Other Things to Do & See
- Airport Experience Tours – Now, this sounds like it might be interesting. Frankfurt airport offers a 45-minute “airport experience,” which uniquely acquaints you with life at Frankfurt airport. The description says that “you will experience takeoffs and landings up close,” but we want to know how close? The runway? Alternatively, you may go behind the scenes to look at the airport’s famous fire brigade! Tours begin at 10:00 AM and end at 5:00 PM. The starting point is the pedestrian bridge between Terminal 1 and the Frankfurt Airport Center. Rate: € 9.00. Tickets must be booked online. An XXL tour lasting 120 minutes is also available. Rate: 22,00 €.
- Gaming World – Play video games versus the game machine or other passengers. Location: Terminal 1 – Level 2, Area A, opposite Gate A52 • Area Z, Level 3, between Gate Z54 and Z56 • Terminal 2, Level 2, Area D, near Gate D23.
- Flight Simulator -The flight simulator allows you to take off and land at Frankfurt Airport or any of a thousand other airports worldwide. An experienced commercial airline pilot is there to supervise. Rate: €79 per session, including instructions before you start.
- Movie World – Relax in comfy chairs and watch a full-length movie or documentary for free. Multiple languages are available. Locations: Terminal 1 – Area A, Level 2 • Area B, Level 2 • Area Z, Level 3. Hours: 24/7.
Bus
Several bus connections serve Frankfurt Airport. Most bus stops are in front of Terminal 1 (Arrivals Level) and Terminal 2 (Level 2). Line 61, heading to Frankfurt South train station, and line 62, heading to Schwanheim, stop at both terminals. For a comfortable and airline passenger-specific bus service, consider Lufthansa Airport Bus Service. Passengers travelling with any airline can use the frequent services of a Lufthansa Airport bus and take advantage of the special check-in facilities available to passengers of this service.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are available:
- Terminal 1, Airport City Mall, Section A, Level 1 Arrivals: Alamo • Avis • Buchbinder • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • National • Sixt • Thrifty.
- Terminal 2, Level 2 Arrivals (D section): Avis • Alamo • Buchbinder • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • National • Ok Mobility • Sixt • Thrifty.
Car Sharing
Car sharing is an economical and eco-friendly way to rent a car briefly. Share now (Car2Go and Drive now) and Book-N-Drive have vehicles from Frankfurt Airport on the Arrivals Level, Parking row 611, in Terminal 1, Section A. Please visit their respective websites for details and rates.
Hotel Shuttles
Several nearby hotels offer airport shuttle service: Achat Comfort Hotel • Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt – Airport • InterCityHotel Frankfurt Airport • NH Frankfurt Airport • NH Frankfurt Airport West • Steigenberger Airport Hotel • TOP Hotel Post Airport.
The hotel shuttle stop is outside Terminal 1, Level 1, between Exits 5 and 6, and in front of Terminal 2, Level 2, between Exits 8 and 9.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
The free SkyLine train connects the two terminals in a quick two-minute trip. Trains depart every two to three minutes. The airport also operates a free shuttle bus service between terminals (total trip time seven to ten minutes). Buses run in 10/15-minute intervals.
Ride Sharing
Uber operates throughout Germany. A ride to the city centre will cost you about €22.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available 24 hours a day at both terminals.
Train
Local, Regional and International Trains can all be accessed from the Frankfurt Airport Railway Station. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines at or near the platforms, at the DB TravelCenter (Reisezentrum)in Terminal 1, Concourse B and online. To plan your route, visit the DB Bahn website. Rail&Fly allows you to travel from anywhere in Germany to airports in Germany, Zurich, Basel, Salzburg, Brussels and Amsterdam via most DB (Deutsche Bahn) trains (including ICE) at discount prices. Tickets are valid the day before your flight departure, the day of departure, the day of your return flight and the day after. For more information, visit the DB Bahn website. Lufthansa Express Rail service provides a convenient and hassle-free way to travel to and from the airport by long-distance train. Check-in for the train along with your flight, online or by mobile phone, from 23 hours before the train’s departure time. You can check your baggage to your destination at the AIRail Center in Frankfurt Airport’s mainline station.
Layover Sightseeing
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Frankfurt Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Frankfurt on Tripadvisor.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.