Getting Around Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt has a well-coordinated public transport system that makes navigating the city straightforward for visitors. The system consists of the U-Bahn (underground metro), trams, buses, and the S-Bahn (suburban rail), all operating under a unified fare structure. This means a single ticket is valid across all these modes, even when different operators run them.
The Unified Fare System
All public transport in Frankfurt is part of the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV) network. You purchase tickets in advance at vending machines or on board buses. Rather than using turnstiles, Frankfurt operates on a proof-of-payment system—plainclothes fare inspectors conduct random checks to verify passengers have paid. Traveling without a valid ticket results in a fine.
The U-Bahn (Underground)
The U-Bahn is a nine-line system that serves the city and surrounding areas. In the city centre, the tracks run underground, while in the suburbs they operate on reserved track at ground level. The trains typically run with a frequency of 7.5 to 10 minutes per line, which combines to create service every 3 to 5 minutes on central sections served by multiple lines. The minimum service interval is 2.5 minutes.
The U-Bahn's main lines operate as follows:
- The U1, U2, U3, and U8 run together from Frankfurt South Railway Station northward, then split to serve different destinations including Bad Homburg, Oberursel, and Riedberg
- The U4 and U5 share a common tunnel through the city centre, with the U4 serving Messe Frankfurt (the trade fair grounds) and areas like Bornheim and Enkheim, while the U5 goes to Preungesheim
- The U6 and U7 share another central tunnel, connecting the western and eastern parts of the city
- The U9 is the only line that does not run through the city centre, connecting northern districts
Two key interchange stations are Hauptwache and Konstablerwache, both located in the heart of the city.
The S-Bahn (Suburban Rail)
The S-Bahn is a suburban rail system that connects Frankfurt to surrounding areas and serves many commuters daily. Almost all S-Bahn lines converge through a City Tunnel under the city centre before branching out to different destinations. Trains typically run every 15 or 30 minutes on individual lines, but in the shared central sections, a train departs approximately every 2 minutes during rush hour. The S8 and S9 lines operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The S-Bahn is operated by Deutsche Bahn and connects to regional towns such as Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Darmstadt. However, be aware that the S-Bahn is known for occasional delays, particularly during morning rush hour when delays of 5 to 15 minutes are common. If you have a time-critical appointment, such as catching a flight, allow extra buffer time.
Trams
Frankfurt operates 10 tram lines, with trams typically arriving every 10 minutes. On many sections served by two lines, the combined frequency reaches 5 minutes during rush hour. Despite the construction of the underground network since the 1960s, trams remain an important part of the transport system and are generally considered more attractive to passengers than buses. New tram sections have been constructed in recent years, and the city continues to expand tram service to neighbourhoods with medium transit usage.
Buses
Buses play a minor role in Frankfurt's transport network since major routes are served by rail-based transport. However, several cross-town bus routes operate, particularly in the north of the city, and buses serve as feeder services for the underground lines. Bus line 61 connects the airport to Frankfurt South Station.
Regional Trains
Regional trains connect Frankfurt to towns and villages within a distance of up to 80 kilometers. Most regional trains stop at multiple stations in Frankfurt and can be used for journeys within the city. These trains run in two categories: Regionalbahn (RB) and Regional-Express (RE).
Ferry Service
Frankfurt has one ferry line that crosses the Main River between the districts of Höchst and Schwanheim.
Walkability and Central Attractions
The city centre is accessible by U-Bahn. To reach the old city (Dom/Römer area), take the U4 or U5 to Dom/Römer station, or use tram lines 11 or 12. The main interchange stations of Hauptwache and Konstablerwache are located in the heart of the city and provide easy access to central attractions.
Getting to Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport, one of the busiest in Europe, is efficiently connected to the city centre by multiple transport options.
By S-Bahn: This is the most convenient option. Take S8 or S9 lines at the Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Regionalbahnhof, located on the lowest level of Terminal 1 (entrances in sections A and B). If your flight uses Terminal 2, allow an extra 15 minutes to transfer between terminals using the free shuttle bus or monorail Skytrain. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 20 minutes. Key stops include Frankfurt Taunusanlage, Frankfurt Hauptwache, or Frankfurt Konstablerwache in the city centre. For onward connections to long-distance trains, exit at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Frankfurt Central Station). Purchase your ticket at vending machines before boarding.
By Bus: Bus line 58 connects the airport (Terminal 2) to Frankfurt-Höchst station. Bus line 61 also connects the airport to Frankfurt South Station.
By Taxi: Taxis are available but represent a more expensive option than public transport.
Returning to the Airport: To reach the airport by S-Bahn, take the S8 or S9 in the direction of Wiesbaden. Do not take the S1, as it does not serve the airport.
Buying Tickets
Tickets are purchased at vending machines, which can be switched to English. For city travel, press "Einzelfahrt Frankfurt" for a single trip or "Tageskarte Frankfurt" for a day ticket. If traveling to the airport, select "Einzelfahrt Frankfurt Flughafen" or "Tageskarte Frankfurt Flughafen." For destinations outside Frankfurt, look up your destination on the machine's list, enter the number, and select your ticket type. You can buy single trip tickets, all-day tickets, and weekly tickets. Group tickets are available for up to five people traveling together.