Bacharach to Frankfurt Airport

Although the flights to Denver leave later (after noon), on two occasions I have come some distance (from Boppard and Karlsruhe) to catch my plane with no problem. The trains are punctual.

Frankfurt(M)Flughafen Fernbf (Fernbahnhof) is the station for long distance trains. The Regionalbf (Regionalbahnhof) is the station for regional trains (including S-Bahns. An occasional Intercity train uses it as well).

The Regionalbahnhof is under the building (bus terminal) across the access road from Terminal 1 at FRA. You come up from the tracks, through a mall under the road, and up stairs into the great hall of Terminal 1.

The Fernbahnhof is farther out, on the other side of the building across the street. You come through a hallway through the building and across a pedestrian bridge over the access road into Terminal 1.

Given a choice, I would come into the Regional Bahnhof. First, it's closer. Second, tickets for the trains coming into the Regionalbf are less expensive.

If you are antsy about the time, you might try staying in Mainz. There are three hotels, Hammer, Schottenhof, and Königshof across the Bahnhofplatz from the station. It's a short S-Bahn ride (27 min, €3,60) from there to the Regionalbf of FRA.

One thing really crucial is from which terminal your flight leaves. Terminal 1 is directly accessible from the two stations, but to get to Terminal 2 you have to go through the hall of Terminal 1, up to the roof, and take a "people mover" (called Skyline) over to the roof of Terminal 2, then down escalators to your check-in. That will probably take an extra half hour, if you know where you are going. Luftahansa and most Star-Alliance airlines use Terminal 1. A lot of US flag airlines use Terminal 2.

Ann, there is a train (RB=Regional Bahn) leaving Bacharach at 7:31, direct (no change) to FRA Regbf at 8:51. That's probably enough time to catch your flight, particularly if it is Terminal 1, Luftahansa, and not trans-Atlantic.

You can take that same train from Bacharach and change in Bingen (7:44-7:48) to a faster RE (Regional Express) and get to FRA at 8:34. There are six tracks at Bingen Hbf, three on the south, three on the north, separated by an "island" containing the station building. Your train comes in on 201, on one side of the island, and your next train is on 101, on the other side of the island. Bad news is it is a little bit of a walk for a cross-platform change; good news, no stairs.

Just be sure you know when you are getting to the station, at 7:44. There are two stations in Bingen, Bingen Hbf and Bingen Stadt; Bingen Hbf is the third stop after you get on at Bacharach. Just before arriving, get up and proceed to the end of the car so you can get off when the train stops. You should have plenty of time. The RE won't arrive until 7:47.

I would go with Lee's suggestion of Mainz. You can get a good sleep and have a decent breakfast before you go, without the additional travel time to FRA. I like getting to the airport early myself. Mainz is a nice place to spend an afternoon and/or evening anyway.

I have stayed in Bacharach and taken the train for a 12:00 flight last October. We were going to take a 7:30 train but they engineers went on strike. This did not mean all the trains were cancelled, in our case, but it did force us to wait for the next train about 40 minutes later. I always want to be at the airport early just in case something like that were to happen. Since your flight is about and hour earlier than mine was I would try to stay a little closer and look for what time the "next train" leaves after "your train" leaves. A back up plan should be ready when traveling by rail. Usually they have enough trains that at least you wont be stuck for long. Have fun!!

Ann,

We took the 7:30am train from Bachrach for an 11:00am flight in Terminal 2. There was way more time than we needed. Barring a strike go, with Lee's advice. It worked for us.

You should have plenty of time to make connections. Take Lee's advice. Having the RR station under the air terminal speeds your trip and is very handy.

Follow the signs to your terminal. If in doubt always ask questions as you go. You will find many terminal employees who speak English.

The trains are often more crowded at that time of the day but will run on time. As long as there is a scheduled train that fits your schedule, you should be fine.

Thank you to everyone who replied- I appreciate all the information. Thank you especially to Lee for the details you provided!! When I return I will let you all know how it went! Ann