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-   -   Frankfurt Airport Rail Connection (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/frankfurt-airport-rail-connection-1127287/)

laverendrye Aug 28th, 2016 06:42 AM

Frankfurt Airport Rail Connection
 
I have flown into, out of, and through Frankfurt Airport (FRA) many times over the years, but it has been some time since I connected with a train from the airport station. I have two questions:

1. My international flight (non-Schengen) arrives at 08:25 in Terminal 1, likely concourse B. Will I have time after clearing immigration and customs to catch a train at 09:53? The next one is an hour later.

2. If I buy a ticket on-line in advance, the cheapest fare (specific train) is considerably less than the flexible fare. If I wait to buy a ticket at the station, is it likely to be the same as the on-line flexible fare, or more expensive?

Whathello Aug 28th, 2016 06:47 AM

As a rule ticket bought on the day are the most expensive.

I like the restaurant between term 1 and 2. You can have a nice breakfast whilst waiting.

Mvg

Sassafrass Aug 28th, 2016 07:20 AM

If your flight arrives on time and you do not have any wait getting off the plane, you should make it. Pretty straight shot to the train stations. However, though everybody hates waits and sitting in airports, IMHO, it also doesn't feel good to be anxious about connections. Take the hour later train. If you are on time, relax and sit for breakfast. Yes, the big restaurant is nice and the food is good. If you run late, you will be less stressed.

laverendrye Aug 28th, 2016 08:45 AM

Thanks for your suggestions, particularly to stop and have breakfast.

I have several times after an overnight flight enjoyed a Bayerische Frühstück in that restaurant (even though Frankfurt is in Hesse!). I think I will do that this time.

Fussgaenger Aug 29th, 2016 04:52 AM

That's 9:53 from the Fernbahnhof station, right? Looks like you are traveling to the south, maybe to Mannheim or beyond?? What's your exact destination? There may be a way to ensure a better price than the walk-up fare, but an advance-purchase "Sparpreis" ticket is probably NOT a good choice - it would be valid only for the specific train scheduled on your ticket, so you will forfeit the ticket if your plane is late (or you experience some other delay) and you miss your scheduled train. You might get some specific tips if you share the travel plans you have for that day.

traveller1959 Aug 29th, 2016 05:45 AM

If your plane is on time you will make it, since the train station comes just a few steps behind the baggage claim.

However, if your plane is late and you do not make it your ticket is void. And the breakfast at the airport is not cheap either.

Better buy a flexible ticket.

If you told us your destination we could help you with other ideas.

Dukey1 Aug 29th, 2016 06:28 AM

Sorry, but let's get VERY specific rather than just saying "you will make it" OK?

How big is the plane?

how FAR BACK are you seated?

Do you think you are going to get up, grab any carry-ons and stroll down the aisle and out the door or will you perhaps have to wait until everybody else in front of you does the exact same thing?

I think you'd be a lot wiser to assume the later train timing is better and that breakfast you've talked about IS going to be there for you.

But, to each their own.

Whathello Aug 29th, 2016 07:22 AM

'How big is the plane? how FAR BACK are you seated?'

Also : how full is the plane. Will there be pregant women ? Families ? How long will it take to bring the stairs. Will the plane disgorge only via the front or also thourgh rear doors ?

It impacts a full 3 min. Negated if OP needs to get a luggage.

So - the answer has been given :
- if the plane is on time, should be ok.
- if the plane is late, will miss.
- if OP doesn't like breakfast or finds it too expensive, a

Whathello Aug 29th, 2016 07:24 AM

and doesn't want to take the risk, he/she should take a flexible ticket.

(How much more for the flex ticket ? )

Christina Aug 29th, 2016 08:51 AM

If the ticket is "significantly" cheaper, I presume the OP isn't going just to Mannheim but to Offenburg at least, or farther, because to Mannheim the fare difference would be only about 6 euro, so why risk it. But the next train isn't direct, anyway, past Mannheim.

I'm not understanding something -- whether the walk-up fare is or is not higher than the flexible fare, if you are sure you are taking that train that day at some time, why would you NOT buy the flexible fare so you have a ticket and don't have to bother with buying one on-site?

swandav2000 Aug 29th, 2016 09:00 AM

Hi laverendrye,

I'm not sure you can take advantage of this, but there is something called Rail & Fly where you can buy the train ticket in conjunction with your flight ticket. According to the DB, it has to be purchased through your airline, not the DB. I don't know if the price would be any better than the full flex fare, either.

But if you're interested, here is a link for more information:

https://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/p..._and_fly.shtml

There is a pdf that will show you which airlines participate in this, and hopefully yours will be one of them.

Have fun as you plan!

s

laverendrye Sep 1st, 2016 03:56 AM

Thanks for the further suggestions. For those interested I am travelling to Basel but have decided the later train will be fine. I'll carry on with my plans for breakfast.

Whathello Sep 1st, 2016 08:53 AM

Good. Breakfast is surprisingly good - I always take mirror eggs speck and sausage. Guten Appetit !

Huggy Sep 1st, 2016 11:05 AM

I just arrived at Terminal 2 on Tuesday morning at 11:25 AM, had a bio break, grabbed a sandwich for the train to Salzburg, took the airside shuttle to Terminal 1, walked a long way to the train station and arrived to board my 12:54 train with 30 minutes to spare. My ticket was such a good value that I determined the investment was minimal as compared to the full price ticket to Salzburg for a later train.

Glad you decided to take the later train for peace of mind. I determined that it was a bit late for breakfast but good idea for the future early morning travel via Frankfurt. What do you recommend for lunch?


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