Germany's busiest railway station, connecting to ICE high-speed trains serving all of Europe.

About Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)

Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) is one of Europe's most important railway hubs, handling over 450,000 passengers daily. The grand Wilhelminian-era terminal building, opened in 1888, serves as the gateway to Germany's ICE high-speed network, with direct trains to Munich (3.5h), Berlin (4h), Cologne (1h), Hamburg (3.5h), and international services to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Basel.

The station area sits on the western edge of Frankfurt's city center, within walking distance of the Zeil shopping street, Römerberg (Old Town square), and the Main River promenade. The surrounding Bahnhofsviertel neighborhood has rapidly gentrified, now home to trendy restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels alongside its grittier elements.

Frankfurt Airport has its own long-distance train station (Fernbahnhof) with direct ICE connections, but Hauptbahnhof offers the widest range of departures and is the standard arrival point for city visitors.

Nearby Landmarks

Hauptbahnhof Zeil Shopping Street Römerberg Main River Kaiserstraße

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €30-40 (~$33-44 USD)
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (S-Bahn S8/S9)

Cost €5
Time 11 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes (combined S8+S9 every 7-8 min)

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow signs to the Regionalbahnhof (regional train station) in Terminal 1. Buy an S-Bahn ticket to Frankfurt Hbf. Board S8 or S9 (every 15 min). Ride 3 stops to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (11 min).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €30-40 (~$33-44 USD) 15-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train €5 11 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 run from the airport to Hauptbahnhof until approximately 1 AM. After that, night bus N7 and taxis are available. A late-night taxi costs €35-45. The airport train station has 24/7 staffed platforms.

Luggage Tips

The S-Bahn has dedicated luggage areas near doors and wide aisles. Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof has luggage lockers (€4-6) in the basement level and a staffed left-luggage office. Elevators connect all platforms to the main concourse.

Accessibility

Frankfurt Airport train station has step-free access to all platforms. S-Bahn trains have low-floor entry and designated wheelchair spaces. Hauptbahnhof has elevators, tactile guidance systems, and a DB mobility service center. Pre-book wheelchair assistance through Deutsche Bahn (call +49 30 65212888 at least 24 hours ahead).