Hello,
I'm meeting a friend in Frankfurt after flying from Oregon. It wasn't planned but now I have 3 hours before she arrives. How should I handle this? I think I'd like to go to the main train station, leave my luggage, and go walk around. But I'm not sure if thats feasible. Last time in Frankfurt was 25 years ago! Sitting at the airport train station where she's coming in doesn't sound too fun or interesting! Any recommendation? Is it difficult to catch a train between the main station and the airport station? We're onto Wurzburg and possibly Munich after that.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
It is very easy to come into the city from the airport. Trains take 11 min. and there is one every 15 min.
Follow the signs for Regional Trains or S-Bahn. (look for the big green S) This station is under Terminal 1 by Arrival Hall B-1, and the signs will be in English. Just take the escalator downstairs and for Frankfurt, go to track #1.
The RMV and DB share ticket machines and they are all touch screens. They switch into English and are fairly user friendly. The machines take coins, 5 and 10 € bills for single tickets . Change will be in coins.
RMV machines do not take American credit cards for local travel, but the DB does.
For a single ticket, one way (einzel fahrt) costs 4.35 €, but if you are returning to the airport, get an all day ticket for 8.50 €. This ticket will take you into Frankfurt city center by train, and is also valid to get to your final destination in Frankfurt by tram, bus, S-bahn or U-bahn, as long as you keep traveling without a break.
The main train station, Hauptbahnhof is the 3rd stop from the airport unless you happen to get on one of the Regional trains that doesn't make any stops until it ends at the Hauptbahnhof. You will know this though as it comes in upstairs and everyone gets off the train.
In Frankfurt you do not need to validate your ticket unlike some other cities in Germany. It is all on the honor system. If you do not have a ticket though, you will be fined 40 euro immediately.
For your luggage, you can store it in the lockers located along track 23 in the main train station. Cost is between 3-5 €.
Ride the #11 tram that stops directly in front of the main station, to the Römer/Paulsplatz stop to walk around a bit. This is 4 stops and your ticket will still be valid on this.
Posted by
OP
38 posts
Thank you so much for the information! Can you recommend a cafe near the main station or an easy place to meet my friend after she arrives? It looks like she's taking a train to the airport.
I'd like to walk around a bit, eat something, and then meet her and take a train to Wurzburg. I already have a weekender ticket.
Thanks! - Laura
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
What day of the week? There is a nice little market on the Kaiser Str. that runs out of the main train station on Tues. and Thur. Other than that, there are a lot of cafes all along the Kaiser Str. where you can sit out on the street, Urban Kitchen, the Fette Bulle, lot of bakeries and ethnic places.
Posted by
OP
38 posts
This coming Sunday! I can't wait! I guess I'll find a cafe? Thank you!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
Sent you a message
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
The easiest and most logical place to meet up at the Central Train station is the Starbucks. There is only one and it's just next to the main entrance. Easy to find and everybody is familiar with the logo and can spot if even from a distance.
Just keep in mind that coming from the airport you'll get into the central train station on an underground platform (in 8 out of 10 cases). So follow signs to DB trains first, take the escalator up into the main hall.
Posted by
OP
38 posts
Thank you. Sounds like a good idea.