Frankfurt (FRA) is a Schengen airport: citizens of countries on the EU or German airport transit visa lists may need an Airport Transit Visa even when staying airside, unless exempt. Moving between non-Schengen and Schengen gates means passport control, so allow at least 60–90 minutes.
Do you need a transit visa for FRA?
It depends on your passport and whether you stay airside (inside the international transit area) or want to leave the airport, which always requires entry permission for Germany.
FRA terminals
Terminal 1
Lufthansa and Star Alliance (concourses A, B, C, Z).
Terminal 2
Other airlines (concourses D, E).
Terminal 3
Newer terminal opening in phases. Check your boarding pass.
How transfers work at FRA
Follow the 'Transfer' signs. Moving between non-Schengen and Schengen gates means passing passport control. Between terminals, use the SkyLine train (landside) or airside transfer buses.
Not sure your connection is long enough? Try the layover calculator →
What to do on a layover at FRA
- 2–5 hours
Stay in the transit area
Find a quiet area near your departure pier. Use a lounge for a shower if you've had a long flight.
- 5–10 hours
Old Town trip (if you can enter Schengen)
Take the S-Bahn 15 minutes to the city, walk to the Römerberg and the Main river. Return at least 2.5 hours before a long-haul departure.
Where to sleep at FRA
- 🪑 Transit area rest zonesAirside: no visa neededReclining chairs in some non-Schengen piers.
- 🛏️ Hotels at The Squaire / near T1Landside: entry neededLandside hotels connected to Terminal 1. You need Schengen entry permission to use them.
Lounges at FRA
| Lounge | Who can get in |
|---|---|
| Lufthansa lounges | Lufthansa premium passengers and Star Alliance Gold |
| Pay-per-use lounges (e.g. Primeclass, Luxx) | Pay-per-use or lounge membership programs |
No status? See how to get lounge access without flying business.
Getting from FRA to Frankfurt city centre
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| S-Bahn (S8/S9) | ≈ 15 min to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof | Station under Terminal 1. |
| Taxi | ≈ 20–25 min | Ranks outside arrivals. |
Only leave the airport if your passport allows entry and you have enough time. Aim to be back 2.5–3 hours before departure.
Insider tips for FRA
- Transit between two non-Schengen flights usually keeps you airside. Connecting onward to a Schengen city means you enter Schengen at FRA.
- Germany has its own airport transit visa (ATV) list on top of the EU-wide list. Check your passport before booking.
FRA layover FAQ
Do I need a transit visa for Frankfurt?
Citizens of countries on the EU or German airport transit visa (ATV) lists may need one even when staying airside, unless an exemption applies (for example holding certain valid visas). Others usually don't need a visa to stay airside.
Can I leave Frankfurt airport during a layover?
Only if you're allowed to enter the Schengen area, which depends on your nationality and visas.
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.