Airport Frankfurt

Frankfurt Airport is used by 57 million passengers annually and is the largest and most important airport in Germany as well as being the third largest airport in Europe. The Fraport AG operate the airport and are also involved in managing the airports in Antalya (Turkey), Cairo (Egypt) and Lima (Peru).

The busiest route from Frankfurt Airport is served by flights from Frankfurt to Berlin-Tegel which are operated by Lufthansa and Air Berlin, flights to Hamburg (Lufthansa) and London Heathrow (British Airways and Lufthansa) are also very popular. Flights from Frankfurt to the USA are operated by Delta or Lufthansa for example flying to New York, or from Frankfurt to Washington by Lufthansa and United Airlines.

The airport Rhine-Main was first in use in 1936. At this time it was used by Zeppelins along with aircraft. During the Second World War, international airlines withdrew from Frankfurt airport and the airport was then used only 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. Only a year later civilian flights were once again being operated from Frankfurt/Main. Passenger numbers increased in subsequent years and new runways were built. In 1965, building work on Terminal 1 began, which was finally opened in 1972 by Gustav Heinemann who was the German President at the time. Terminal 1 consisted of three departure and arrivals areas. Further airport expansion was accompanied by massive protests by residents. Despite these protests, Frankfurt airport was expanded in the following years with further construction work in 1994 when Terminal 2 was opened with two departure and arrivals halls. In 1999, the airports own long distance railway station was opened which was served by intercity and regional trains enabling a more convenient connection to the German rail network. Previously, the airport could only be reached using local city trains S8 and S9 and some regional services to the regional airport station.

Motorists can reach the airport in Frankfurt using the A3, A5 and the B43. Parking at Frankfurt Airport is available near Terminal 1 at the Frankfurt Airport Center (parking lots P1, P2/3 and P5) and at the airport hotel “Sheraton” (Business Parking P4). At Terminal 2 there is underground parking in the parking lots P8 and P9; between the two terminals there is also an XXL parking garage (P36). Parking fees can be paid at the ticket machines which are located at the exits of the parking lots. Some private 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 rental companies have offices at Frankfurt airport. Those wishing to explore the Frankfurt area by rental car can hire 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 companies even provide a 24-hour service.

At the Frankfurt Airport Center, passengers will find 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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