Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Frankfurt Airport (FRA), located in Frankfurt am Main, is Germany's busiest airport and a primary European air hub. It functions as the main base for Lufthansa and a major connecting point for international travel, serving a vast network of destinations across the globe. Its significant passenger and cargo traffic underscores its importance to both the German and European economies.

The airport's history began in 1936 when it opened as Flughafen Rhein-Main. Following World War II, it was a key operational base for the United States Air Force during the Berlin Airlift in 1948-49, an event that solidified its strategic importance. Over the subsequent decades, it expanded continuously to accommodate rising air traffic, evolving into the large, modern facility it is today.

Situated approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest of Frankfurt's city center, the airport is well-integrated into the region's transport network. Travelers can easily reach it via the A3 and A5 Autobahnen. The most common and efficient method of access is by rail. The airport has two train stations: one for regional S-Bahn and local trains connecting to Frankfurt's central station, and a separate long-distance station (Fernbahnhof) with high-speed ICE train services to cities throughout Germany and neighboring countries.

Frankfurt Airport handles a high volume of both domestic and international flights. As the main hub for Lufthansa and a key airport for its Star Alliance partners, it facilitates extensive transfer traffic. In 2023, the airport served over 64 million passengers. It comprises two main passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by the SkyLine people mover and a shuttle bus service. Each terminal offers a wide array of amenities, including numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and airline lounges.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers on international flights are advised to arrive at least three hours before departure, while two hours is generally sufficient for domestic or Schengen-area flights. When connecting, it is crucial to verify the terminal for the onward flight immediately upon arrival. Transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which may require clearing security and passport control again, can take a significant amount of time, so travelers should allow for this when planning their connection.