Book flights to Frankfurt

Frankfurt is as a central hub for international travel, greeting visitors with a skyline of glass and steel that earns it the nickname "Mainhattan." This financial powerhouse is situated on the Main River, and is a primary gateway for any journey through central Europe. Its role as a global transport node makes it a frequent destination for those seeking a mix of modern efficiency and traditional charm.

The city has a rich historical core that centres on the Römerberg, a cobblestone square containing the timber-framed Römer city hall. Nearby, the Frankfurt Cathedral is a notable example of Gothic architecture, while the Goethe House provides a look into the life of the famous writer. Across the river, the Museumsufer consists of a collection of world-class cultural institutions along the embankment.

Discovery in this city often involves exploring the narrow streets of Sachsenhausen, where the traditional apple wine culture remains a staple of local life. The contrast between the high-rise banking district and the tranquil Palmengarten botanical gardens creates a diverse atmosphere for exploration. Visitors find a destination that balances commercial intensity with a deep-rooted appreciation for history and public green spaces.

High season in Frankfurt

Frankfurt experiences its most energetic period during the late spring and summer months, particularly from May to September. As temperatures regularly reach 25°C, the city’s social life moves outdoors to the banks of the Main River. Visitors landing at Frankfurt Airport during this window encounter a city of lush greenery and open-air cafes, where the modern skyline contrasts with sun-drenched parks.

The atmosphere is defined by a series of riverside festivals and the lively Museumsuferfest, one of the largest cultural events in the region. Locals and travellers alike gather in the Sachsenhausen district to enjoy traditional apple wine in cobblestone courtyards. This season has a hurried yet celebratory pace, as the long daylight hours encourage exploration of the Römerberg and the botanical beauty of the Palmengarten.

Low season in Frankfurt

The low season in Frankfurt arrives with the cooling temperatures of November and continues through the crisp days of February. While the air is chilly, often hovering around 3°C, the city takes on a cozy and tranquil character. Those arriving during the winter months see a skyline frequently softened by mist, providing a moody backdrop to the historic architecture of the Altstadt.

December brings a significant shift in rhythm as the Frankfurt Christmas Market fills the central squares with the scent of roasted nuts and mulled wine. This tradition creates a warm, communal environment that balances the shorter winter days. Outside of the holiday peak, the city is much quieter, allowing for a more intimate experience in the world-class galleries of the Städel Museum or the quiet, frost-covered paths of the Stadtwald.

As a primary gateway for international travel in continental Europe, the city has two distinct air facilities that cater to different types of journeys. Whether arriving on a long-haul flight to Frankfurt or a regional budget connection, travellers have efficient options for reaching the urban core.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the largest and busiest aviation hub in the country, situated approximately 12 km southwest of the city centre. It is the primary global gateway for the region, acting as the main base for Lufthansa and a major hub for the Star Alliance network. The facility consists of two massive passenger terminals, with a third currently under development, handling a vast network of intercontinental and European flights to Frankfurt.

Reaching the city after landing is highly efficient due to the integrated Regionalbahnhof located beneath Terminal 1. Travellers can board the S-Bahn commuter trains, specifically Line S8 or Line S9, which reach Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in approximately 15 minutes. Additionally, the Regional-Express and S-Bahn services provide frequent connections to the Hauptwache and Konstablerwache stations in the heart of the shopping district. For those preferring road travel, licensed taxis and ride-hailing services are available at designated ranks outside both terminals, with a typical journey time of 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN)

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) is located significantly further away, roughly 120 km west of the city in the Rhineland-Palatinate region near Kirchberg. This airport primarily is a base for low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and focuses on budget-friendly point-to-point routes across Europe and North Africa. Despite its name, it is a secondary airfield that operates independently from the main international hub and consists of a single, functional passenger terminal.

The most common way to reach the city from this location is via the dedicated Flibco shuttle bus service. These coaches depart regularly from outside the terminal building and take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the Frankfurt Stiffstraße stop, located near the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. While car rentals are available on-site, the bus remains the standard choice for those without a private vehicle due to the long distance. Taxis are available but are generally considered a premium option for this specific route given the extensive travel time required to reach the metropolitan area.

Touching down at Frankfurt Airport provides an immediate view of the only skyline in the region defined by soaring skyscrapers. This glass-and-steel horizon creates a striking first impression for arrivals, yet the city quickly reveals a deeper layer of historic charm and riverside calm once you leave the terminal.

Römerberg is the historic heart of the city, where colourful half-timbered houses and the medieval Old Town Hall create a picturesque contrast to the modern financial district. It is a space where the atmosphere of the past remains tangible, particularly during the seasonal markets that bring a traditional glow to the square.

Main Tower allows visitors to look back at the city from a height of 200 metres, providing a panoramic perspective of the winding Main River and the surrounding forest. The view from the observation deck captures the scale of the urban landscape and the green belts that encircle the metropolitan core.

Museumsufer is a collection of world-class cultural institutions lined up along the southern bank of the river, covering everything from fine arts to film history. Walking this leafy embankment is a tranquil experience, especially as the late afternoon sun reflects off the water and the architectural facades.

Palmengarten contains a vast botanical world within its glass pavilions and outdoor gardens, offering a quiet escape into exotic climates. The Palmenhaus, constructed in the 19th century, remains a centrepiece of iron and glass design that houses lush tropical greenery.

Kleinmarkthalle provides a sensory introduction to local life through its stalls of fresh produce, regional cheeses, and the famous green sauce. This bustling indoor market is where the city's international character and local culinary traditions meet, making it an essential stop for a taste of authentic daily culture.

Sachsenhausen is the district to visit for a glass of Apfelwein, the tart apple wine that is a staple of local taverns. The narrow cobblestone streets and rustic wood-panelled dining rooms offer a warm, communal environment that feels worlds away from the high-tech energy of the banking centre.

Staying flexible with your travel dates and booking your seat well in advance is the key to finding the best flight deals for your journey to Frankfurt. For those who frequently take to the skies, an eDreams Prime membership is an excellent way to access additional savings and exclusive benefits on every flight you book. With just a few clicks, you can secure your airfare and begin the countdown to your arrival in this bustling German hub.