Airport Frankfurt

Frankfurt Airport is the largest and most important airport in Germany. With a passenger volume of about 57 million passengers per year, Frankfurt airport is also the third largest airport in Europe. It is operated by Fraport AG, which is involved in managing the airports in Antalya (Turkey), Cairo (Egypt) and Lima (Peru).

The most popular flight from Frankfurt Airport is operated by Lufthansa and Air Berlin, with flights from Frankfurt to Berlin-Tegel, followed by flights to Hamburg (Lufthansa) and London Heathrow (British Airways and Lufthansa).

Rhine-Main airport was founded in 1936. Initially Zeppelins took off and landed there as well as aircraft. During the Second World War, the international airlines which had become established at Frankfurt airport withdrew and the airport was used exclusively by the military. After the arrival of US forces in March 1945 and the surrender of Germany one and a half months later, the heavily damaged airport was rebuilt. A year later civilian flights were once again being operated from Frankfurt/Main. In subsequent years, passenger numbers increase steadily and new runways were built; in 1965, the construction of Terminal 1 began, which was finally opened in 1972 by Gustav Heinemann who was President at the time. Terminal 1 consisted of three departure and arrivals areas. Further airport expansion was accompanied by massive protests on the part of residents who feared an increase in noise levels. Nevertheless, Frankfurt airport was expanded in the following years with further construction in 1994 and Terminal 2 was opened with two halls for departures and arrivals. In 1999, the airport received its own long distance railway station served by inter city and regional trains in order to allow for a more convenient connection to the German rail network. Previously, the airport could only be reached using the local city trains S8 and S9, as well as some regional services to the regional airport station.

Those travelling by car can reach the airport in Frankfurt on the A3 and A5 and the B43. Parking at Frankfurt Airport is possible in the vicinity of Terminal 1 at the Frankfurt Airport Center (car parks P1, P2/3 and P5) and at the airport hotel “Sheraton” (Business Parking P4). At Terminal 2 there is underground parking in the car parks P8 and P9; between the two terminals there is also an XXL car park (P36). Parking fees can be paid at the ticket machines which are located at the exits of the car parks. Some private car park operators also provide the possibility of very cheap parking near the airport along with a free shuttle service.

Hotels located directly at Frankfurt Airport are the Sheraton Hotel Intercity Hotel Frankfurt Airport where guests can also park their car. The Motel One Frankfurt Airport hotel and the Holiday Inn Frankfurt Airport are also located close to the airport.

Various car hire companies have offices at Frankfurt airport. Those wishing to explore the Frankfurt area by hire car can rent vehicles from the Car Rental Center in Hall A of Terminal 1 and in Hall D (arrivals level) Terminal 2 from all the usual car rental companies including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt. Desks are open from 6 am till 9 pm; some even provide a 24-hour service.

At the Frankfurt Airport Center, passengers will find a wealth of services to cater for all their needs. Besides numerous restaurants, cafes and duty free shops, there is also the opportunity to purchase cheap last minute flights. The Airport Travel Market is located in Area C (level 3) of Terminal 1. Here, last minute holidays and flights can be booked at more than 20 travel agencies.

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