The S-Bahn (lines S8 and S9) is the best all-round way from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre — a direct ride of roughly 11–15 minutes to Hauptbahnhof for a single regional fare. It leaves from the Regional Station beneath Terminal 1 every few minutes. A taxi only makes sense for door-to-door convenience, late arrivals or heavy luggage.
Your main options
Frankfurt Airport has two railway stations. The Regional Station (under Terminal 1, Level 0) serves the S-Bahn and regional trains into the city. The separate Long-Distance Station handles ICE and IC trains to destinations across Germany and Europe and is about a five-minute walk from Terminal 1. For getting into Frankfurt itself, you want the Regional Station and the S-Bahn.
Comparison: Frankfurt Airport to the city centre
| Option | Journey time to Hbf | Indicative fare (one-way)* | Frequency | Goes to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Bahn S8 / S9 | ~11–15 min | Single RMV city fare (verify current price) | Roughly every 10–15 min | Hauptbahnhof, Hauptwache, Konstablerwache and beyond |
| Regional trains (e.g. RB/RE) | ~12–15 min | Same RMV tariff as S-Bahn | Several per hour | Hauptbahnhof and regional destinations |
| Long-distance (ICE / IC) | Varies (from Long-Distance Station) | Deutsche Bahn fare — book ahead | Frequent across the day | Cities across Germany and Europe |
| Taxi | ~20–30 min (traffic-dependent) | ~€30–€50 metered (verify) | On demand | Any door-to-door |
*Fares and times are indicative and must be verified officially before you travel. The exact RMV single-ticket price between the airport and the city is unconfirmed here — published figures vary — so check the current fare with RMV before relying on it. Taxi fares are metered and the range above is a guide only, not a quoted price; confirm with the driver.
The verdict — S-Bahn vs taxi
- Best overall — S-Bahn S8/S9: faster than a taxi into the centre, far cheaper, runs every few minutes and drops you straight at Hauptbahnhof and the central stations. The default choice for almost everyone.
- Taxi: worth it only for door-to-door convenience, a late-night arrival when trains thin out, heavy bags, or a group splitting the metered fare. Expect to pay several times the train fare and to risk traffic delays.
- Going beyond Frankfurt: use the Long-Distance Station for ICE/IC trains rather than travelling into the city first.
Best for whom
- Heading to Hauptbahnhof or the city centre: S-Bahn S8 or S9 from the Regional Station under Terminal 1.
- Tight on budget: the S-Bahn on a single RMV ticket.
- Late arrival, heavy luggage or travelling as a group: a taxi (split between passengers it can be competitive).
- Onward to another German city: ICE/IC from the Long-Distance Station, booked with Deutsche Bahn.
Confirm live times and fares before you travel on the official sources: Frankfurt Airport – Travel by train, RMV (regional transport) and Deutsche Bahn. See also our Frankfurt Airport Wi-Fi guide and Frankfurt Airport lounges guide. Last reviewed: June 2026.
