Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) is the biggest international airport in Germany. It’s also one of the busiest airports in Europe. The airport is just 12 kilometers from Frankfurt’s city center. In 2025, around 63.2 million passengers passed through FRA. Over the full year, 94 airlines served 301 destinations in 96 countries. Frankfurt is a major hub for both short European trips and long international flights.
If you have a layover at Frankfurt Airport, you have lots of options. The airport is modern and full of useful services. You can eat at good restaurants, relax in lounges, or even go into the city if you have enough time. In this guide, we’ll explain what you can do during your layover. You’ll learn when to stay at the airport and when it makes sense to visit Frankfurt. We’ll also help you make the most of your time.
No matter how long your layover is, carrying bags around is tiring. That’s where Qeepl comes in. It’s an easy-to-use luggage storage service. You can leave your bags near the airport or in the city center. Daily storage with Qeepl costs €4.39 per day, and your luggage is protected by insurance coverage of €1,000.
Frankfurt Transit Visa Requirements
One of the first things to check before planning activities during your layover is whether you need an airport transit visa or permission to enter the Schengen Area.
Frankfurt Airport has an international transit area, so many travelers connecting between non-Schengen flights can remain airside without formally entering Germany. However, this depends on your nationality, itinerary, and whether your connection requires you to pass through border control.
Germany requires an Airport Transit Visa (Category A) for nationals of certain countries, subject to applicable exemptions. The current list includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and Turkey. Special exceptions apply in some cases, including for certain visa or residence-permit holders.
An Airport Transit Visa only allows you to remain in the international transit area. It does not allow you to enter Germany or the wider Schengen Area.
If you plan to leave the airport and visit Frankfurt, you must meet the normal Schengen entry requirements for your nationality. Some travelers can enter visa-free, while others need an appropriate short-stay Schengen visa.
To determine what applies to you, consult the official information from the German Foreign Office.
What to Do at the Airport During Your Frankfurt Layover?
If your layover is less than 5 hours, it’s generally best to stay at the airport. Security procedures, potential gate changes, terminal transfers, and passport control can take time.
Frankfurt Airport now operates Terminal 1 and the new Terminal 3 for passenger flights. Terminal 3 opened in April 2026, while Terminal 2 has been closed to passengers since June 9, 2026 for a major renovation. Airlines that previously used Terminal 2 have moved to Terminal 3.
The airport’s SkyLine train connects the terminal areas, with shuttle buses available when needed.
Luckily, Frankfurt Airport is well-equipped to keep you entertained and comfortable while you wait.
Restaurants Worth a Stop
Frankfurt Airport has a broad range of restaurants, cafés, and snack bars offering German and international food.
If you’re in the mood for German comfort food, stop by Hausmann’s Restaurant in Terminal 1, Area A. The restaurant serves modern takes on German home-style cooking, with vegetarian and vegan dishes also available. Hausmann’s also has a location in the new Terminal 3.
DELI BROS. in Terminal 1, Area B, combines German and international cuisine in a New York-style deli format. The menu includes breakfast, sausages, pasta, salads, burgers, homemade cakes, and other light meals.
There are also numerous bakeries, cafés, bars, quick-service restaurants, and international dining options throughout Terminals 1 and 3.
Restaurant locations and opening hours can change, so check Frankfurt Airport’s current dining directory if you’re looking for a particular venue.
Best Stores to Browse Between Flights
Shopping at Frankfurt Airport includes luxury fashion, accessories, cosmetics, duty-free products, books, electronics, and travel essentials.
Current luxury retailers include BOSS, Montblanc, and Burberry in Terminal 1, with some brands also represented in the new Terminal 3.
Duty-free and travel-value stores sell perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, confectionery, tobacco products where permitted, and other travel retail items.
For last-minute essentials, books, gifts, or electronics, there are also convenience and specialty stores throughout the passenger areas.
Since Terminal 3 opened in 2026 with a large new retail area, and Terminal 2 is currently closed, check the airport’s current shopping directory if you need a specific store.
Lounges and Nap Zones
Frankfurt Airport has many lounges, but availability depends on your terminal, airline, ticket class, status, or lounge program.
In Terminal 1, eligible passengers can use several Lufthansa Business, Senator, and First Class lounges. The Lufthansa Welcome Lounge is also available to eligible passengers arriving on Lufthansa-operated intercontinental flights.
In the new Terminal 3, current lounge options include the Priority Lounge, SkyTeam Lounge, and airline-specific lounges such as the Emirates Lounge. Access conditions vary.
Travelers without lounge access can use Quiet Zones and Silent Chairs in Terminal 1. Silent Chairs have curved privacy-style backrests, integrated speakers, USB ports, tables, and power sockets.
For more private rest, Terminal 3 now has napcabs in Areas H and J. These soundproof cabins include a bed, workspace, Wi-Fi, charging points, and individual climate control and are available around the clock.
Facilities, Services, and Wi-Fi Access
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Frankfurt Airport without a fixed time limit. Charging points and power sockets are available in many seating and gate areas.
Public shower facilities are available in Terminal 1, including locations near Gates A50 and Z50. Shower access is paid and includes basic amenities such as a towel, shower gel, shampoo, and hairdryer.
The airport also offers family facilities, children’s play areas, pharmacies, medical services, prayer rooms, baggage services, and passenger assistance.
Frankfurt Airport has an extensive range of quiet areas, workspaces, art, and other services in both Terminal 1 and the new Terminal 3.
How to Spend Long Layover in Frankfurt?
If your layover is long enough and you meet the Schengen entry requirements, heading into Frankfurt city can be a great way to make the most of your stopover.
Frankfurt Airport is about 12 kilometers from the city center. S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 connect the airport’s regional station with central Frankfurt. The journey between the airport and central Frankfurt is roughly 15–20 minutes, depending on the station and service.
Here’s how to make use of your time depending on the length of your layover.
Free Wi‑Fi (no time limit)
Charging points
Lounges & napcabs (T3 H/J)
Showers (T1 A50/Z50)
Shopping & dining
SkyLine T1 ↔ T3 (T2 closed)
8-Hour Layover in Frankfurt
With 8 hours to spare, you can explore Frankfurt’s city center if airport procedures and your flights run smoothly.
Take the S-Bahn S8 or S9 from the airport toward central Frankfurt. You can get off at Hauptwache or another convenient central station and walk toward Römerberg, the historic square in Frankfurt’s Old Town.
Grab a snack or coffee at Kleinmarkthalle, an indoor market offering produce and regional specialties, or head toward Main Tower for panoramic views if opening hours and your schedule allow.
You can also walk along the River Main before returning to the airport.
Keep your city itinerary compact and allow a generous buffer for the train ride back, security, and any passport-control procedures.
12-Hour Layover in Frankfurt
A 12-hour layover opens up more possibilities. After seeing the Old Town, head to the Museumsufer, Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment along the Main.
You can choose from museums such as the Städel Museum or other art, culture, film, and architecture museums nearby.
Later, relax in Palmengarten, one of Frankfurt’s major botanical gardens. Opening hours vary by season.
For traditional Frankfurt food, visit Apfelwein Wagner or another apple-wine tavern in Sachsenhausen for regional dishes and Apfelwein.
Leave enough time to return to FRA by S-Bahn, regional train, or taxi.
24-Hour Layover in Frankfurt
If you’ve got a full day, treat your stopover as a mini getaway.
In addition to Frankfurt’s Old Town, museums, Sachsenhausen, and modern skyline, you can explore neighborhoods such as the Bahnhofsviertel, Westend, or the areas around the Main.
If you want to travel farther, a half-day trip to Heidelberg can be possible with careful planning. The city is known for its historic Old Town and Heidelberg Castle. However, train schedules and the additional travel time mean this option is best suited to a genuinely long stopover or overnight stay.
In the evening, dine in Frankfurt or see a performance at the Alte Oper if the event schedule fits your visit.
Booking a hotel near FRA or in central Frankfurt can make an overnight stop much more comfortable.
How to Handle Overnight Layover in Frankfurt?
If your layover includes an overnight stay, you have several convenient hotel options at Frankfurt Airport and nearby.
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Hilton Frankfurt Airport: Located in The Squaire, directly above the long-distance train station and connected to Terminal 1 by a covered pedestrian bridge. It offers modern rooms, a restaurant, fitness center, sauna, and steam room. Room rates vary by date.
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Steigenberger Airport Hotel Frankfurt: Located approximately 0.9 kilometers from FRA. The hotel currently provides a complimentary 24-hour express shuttle to Terminal 1 approximately every 20 minutes. Travelers using Terminal 3 can connect onward using the airport’s SkyLine. The hotel also has restaurants, fitness facilities, and a spa.
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IntercityHotel Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3: Located on airport grounds directly by the Terminal 3 area. It is a practical choice for travelers departing from or arriving at the new terminal. Check the current hotel shuttle and terminal-transfer arrangements when booking.
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MEININGER Hotel Frankfurt/Main Airport: Located in the Gateway Gardens airport district with public transport access to FRA. It offers a more budget-oriented accommodation style with guest kitchens and shared facilities alongside private rooms.
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Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center: Directly connected to Terminal 1 and conveniently linked to the airport’s SkyLine system for transfers toward Terminal 3. It offers restaurants, wellness facilities, a fitness center, and extensive business facilities.
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Moxy Frankfurt Airport: Located in Gateway Gardens. It is approximately 5.2 kilometers from the airport according to Marriott and does not currently provide an airport shuttle, so use the nearby rail connection, taxi, or other ground transportation instead.
Hotel rates vary significantly by date, trade fairs, events, and demand, so check current prices instead of relying on fixed nightly ranges.
FAQ
Can we go out of the airport during layover in Frankfurt?
Yes, you can leave Frankfurt Airport during a layover if you have enough time and meet Germany’s Schengen entry requirements. Travelers who only hold an Airport Transit Visa cannot use it to enter Germany. S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 connect FRA with central Frankfurt in roughly 15–20 minutes. For layovers under 5 hours, staying at the airport is usually more practical; with a longer layover, the Old Town, Römerberg, museums, and River Main are possible.
How long do you need for a layover in Frankfurt?
There is no single connection time that works for every itinerary. The time you need depends on your airline, arrival punctuality, gates, terminal, baggage, and whether passport control or security is required. Connections within the same booking may be possible with relatively short transfer times, while itineraries involving Schengen border procedures or a transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 can take longer. If you want to visit the city, a layover of around 6 hours or more is much more practical, with 8 hours providing a better buffer.
Do I need a visa to have a layover in Frankfurt?
It depends on your nationality and itinerary. Many travelers connecting between non-Schengen flights can remain in Frankfurt Airport’s international transit area without entering Germany. However, nationals of certain countries need an Airport Transit Visa (Category A), subject to exemptions. If you plan to leave the airport and visit Frankfurt, normal Schengen entry rules apply. Check the official German Foreign Office guidance before traveling.
What happens if I miss my flight due to a short layover?
What happens depends on how your trip was booked and why the connection was missed. If your flights are on one protected itinerary and a delay or disruption causes you to miss the connection, the airline will generally arrange onward travel according to the applicable ticket and passenger-rights rules. With separate tickets, you may have much less protection and could need to make new travel arrangements yourself. Contact the operating airline or transfer desk as soon as possible after a missed connection.
Is 2 hour layover enough for an international connecting flight?
A 2-hour layover can be enough for many connections at Frankfurt Airport, but it depends on the specific itinerary. Allow more time if you need passport control, additional security screening, baggage collection and re-check, or a transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. If both flights are sold as a protected connection on one booking, follow the airline’s connection information rather than relying on a universal minimum time.
Where can I sleep at Frankfurt airport?
Frankfurt Airport has several rest options. Silent Chairs and Quiet Zones are available in Terminal 1. For more privacy, the new Terminal 3 has napcabs in Areas H and J with beds, Wi-Fi, charging points, and workspaces. Eligible travelers can also use airline or independent lounges. For a full hotel room, Hilton Frankfurt Airport and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport are connected to Terminal 1, while additional hotels are available around Terminal 3 and Gateway Gardens.
