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Frankfurt Airport (Flughafen Fern Hbf) to Magdeburg Hbf - tricky situation, need help

My scheduled arrival at FRA is at 6:55 AM on Sep 17. And the train travel from Frankfurt airport to Magdeburg takes between 3:45 and 4:20 hours. And then to the booked apartment in 12 mins by taxi. I need to be at the apartment by 3 PM, without delay (landlord has other appointments and so, needs to head back after my check-in).

After finishing the arrival process (non-EU security check, collect baggage, customs check if needed) at the airport, I need to transfer to Term. 1 for exit and reach the platform at Fernbf (long-distance one). Based on all the trains I have checked and considering flight and arrival process delays, the only likely route is this one - to hop on ICE 992 (10:09) for a 6 min. transfer to IC 2441 (at Braunschweig Hbf), to reach Magdeburg at 13:54. Of course, if the ongoing train (ICE 992) gets delayed, then I won't be able to catch the connecting train.

There is another option, go to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf (taxi or S-Bahn) and hop onto any of the 3-4 trains starting from 09:02 to 10:14.

Of course, if I am able to catch any train before (any Fernbf or Main Hbf), it would be a bonus, and anything later will definitely not work.

The last resort which I am trying to avoid is, to book a hotel room for a night and then, check-in to my apartment next day.

Any help would be of great help.

Thank you.

Posted by
600 posts

It would seem the Main Hbf version gives you the most optionality with multiple trains in time window you need. For speed and stress I would choose taxi there from airport. Or you should be able to know as you are taking off for your flight whether you will be on time or not and can make a conclusion and book your ticket online then.

Posted by
6 posts

Thank you Laurie.

The most tricky part: is 06:55 to 10:09 (3 hours 10 mins) sufficient to reach the platform from getting off my flight?
Some say yes, some say, it may not be sufficient (checked this forum, Reddit, TripAdvisor).

Posted by
22509 posts

https://int.bahn.de/en

I see trains at 8:09 (arr Magdeburg 11:54) and 8:41 (arr Magdeburg 12:57), both of which you should easily make if your plane arrives on time. These go from the airport Fernbahnhof.

Posted by
4025 posts

The S-Bahn is faster than a taxi in morning rush hour. But different train station at the airport for regional trains.

With a Flex ticket you do not have to take a decision for a dedicated train.

Posted by
6 posts

Thank you for helping me out, Sam.

Arriving at 06:55, would 1 hr 15 mins be sufficient to onboard my train?
I have read others say that 3 hrs may not be sufficient too.

Posted by
22509 posts

Problem is you cannot be guaranteed your plane lands on time. A Flexpreis ticket is 131.90 EUR, but the SuperSparpreis ticket is only 27.99 EUR. That ticket is nonrefundable. With that big of a discount, I would risk it. If you miss it, just buy a new Flexpreis ticket for the next train.

Posted by
9501 posts

It really depends. Will you arrive early or late, will you take the shuttle bus or Skytrain? Both take a bit of time, either to get to the Skytrain and then to the Regional station, or waiting on the shuttle that runs every 10 min. but takes 10 min.

Though normally, I would say take the S-bahn or regional train to the Hauptbahnhof, right now am not too confidant. I think if you add up the time that you need to get to Terminal 1, find the regional train station, buy a ticket and wait on the train, then the 12 min. ride, you could get there faster by jumping in a taxi right outside the exits at terminal 2.

I know the airport and the trains really well, and my vote would be to take a taxi to the main station, especially if there are more trains running from there. It will make your trip easier and less stressful.

Posted by
6 posts

Thank you.

The responses helped me make my decision.

The 100% sure shot plan would be to check-in to a hotel for a night and then move in to my apartment next day. Everything else is risky. Although there are more options in the Main Hbf, they start from 09:00 which is just 2 hours from my arrival time and may not work in time.

Posted by
966 posts

100% sure shot plan would be to check-in to a hotel for a night

Enjoy your day in Frankfurt. Search Ms. Jo's posts for great ideas as to what to do with your time.

Posted by
1 posts

I am german, and living in Frankfurt am Main. Therefore, If anyone has a need, maybe I can help.
Best Regards,
Christine Neumann