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Arrival at FRA- how long to allow?

We wil be arriving at 6:30 AM Sat am and will be using the "Lufthansa" bus shuttle to Heidelberg.
How long should I allow for baggage retrieval, passport check etc?
There is an 8:30 shuttle- is it reasonable to assume we could take that shuttle? Next is 10:00-

Posted by
19052 posts

IF you arrived at 6:30, it is reasonable to assume that you could take the 8:30 shuttle. However, what if the flight is late arriving? Between 8:30 and 9:02, there are two regional train connections that will get you to Heidelberg before the 10:00 bus will. And there also is a bus/train connection via Darmstadt leaving the FRA bus terminal at 8:41, getting to Heidelberg at 10:39. If you get in early, there is a regional train connection at 7:02, getting to Heidelberg at 8:45. Regional trains do not require reservations, so you can take the next train after you arrive.

The regional fare from FRA to Heidelberg is 20,20€/person.

Use the Bahn Query Page to find schedules.

Every time I've arrived at FRA, I've been at one of the train stations within an hour of arrival.

Posted by
5955 posts

Thanks Lee
Yes I know we could take train but it requires a transfer and is actually more expensive than the shuttle if I book shuttle in advance (25 euro for 2).
We'd prefer the shuttle- I believe if we miss the 8:30 our booking is good for the 10 shuttle. We have never been able to sleep on flight over- would just rather have our transport to first stop taken care of ahead of time. The shuttle puts us much closer to our hotel so would not need to deal with further transportation in Heidelberg,

Posted by
19052 posts

When you say you will be arriving at 6:30 AM Sat, I assume you mean on a Saturday, not this Saturday. Right? (Discounts are not available for this Saturday)

"I believe if we miss the 8:30 our booking is good for the 10 shuttle."

I think that is true, if space is available on the 10:00 shuttle. (And it looks like space is available on all shuttles for tomorrow)

Posted by
5955 posts

no- it is a Saturday in May. I have emailed the shuttle company to see what they advise.

Posted by
5955 posts

Well it seems the shuttle company misunderstood my email and has booked us 2 seats on the 8:30 shuttle- pay the driver/no discount. So... I think I will leave that alone but book us 2 discounted seats on the 10 shuttle. That way we have seats on either and will have a discount voucher in hand. I know it seems a bit unfair to hold seats on both shuttles but it is what is.
And yes they did say if we miss the 8:30 then could take 10 shuttle as long as seats were available.

Posted by
33 posts

For about €150 you get a taxi from FRA to Heidelberg, 80km and <1h drive. For about €35 per person you can book a shared minibus. Drivers pick you up from meeting points in terminal 1 or 2 and drop you at your destination in town. You avoid transfer between terminals, between bus stop or train station and final destination in Heidelberg. Google "heidelberg airport shuttle or transfer".

You find similar services to many destinations arround international airports in Germany. Prices vary by distance.

Posted by
5955 posts

Thanks zappp- I am happy with the shuttle- 25 Euros for the 2 of us. The drop off point is probably just a 5 euro cab ride to our hotel.