How difficult is it to transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 if you're a non-EU citizen? How much time does it take. and are there any shortcuts (i.e. take a bus rather than monorail/train between terminals)? Does the fact that I'm flying into Slovenia make a difference? Thank you.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11877 posts
How much time between flights?
A single through booking or separate bookings?
Is Frankfurt your entry point into the Schengen area?
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
Nobody can give you an exact schedule for transfer times at any international gateway such as Frankfurt. Too many factors are at play: Passenger loads, staffing, weather, flight delays. These days the amount of security can slow things down too.. For instance, even with your checked suitcase going through to your final destination, cabin bags will undergo security to board the second flight. Airlines are using central screening in many cases and those checkpoints can be as jammed as the initial access to your first terminal. The only practical measures are to check the websites for Frankfurt Airport and your airline to see what limits they publish as guidelines.
If, by the way, you are transferring to an independent budget carrier, you probably will have to retrieve your checked bags to go through full border security even though you are not staying in the country.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
I understand, there are so many variables. Last time I flew through Frankfurt (from DC on the way to Spain), I had to go through security again. It came as an unpleasant surprise. I was wondering if I'd have to do the same flying from DC on the way to Slovenia. The whole Schengen aspect is confusing, especially if you're a non-EU citizen. I've tried searching the Frankfurt airport website, but haven't gotten good answers.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
The whole Schengen aspect is confusing, especially if you're a non-EU citizen.
It's actually quite simple, and is the same whether you are an EU citizen or not. The Schengen Area is a "passport union", you go through immigration (passport control) when you enter or leave the Schengen Area, but not when travelling between Schengen countries. For immigration purposes, Schengen Area is one country.
You said you are flying to Slovenia (which is also Schengen), but not where you are flying from.
The three possibilities are:
1) Non-Schengen --> Schengen (e.g. Frankfurt) --> Schengen (e.g. Slovenia)
- You are entering the Schengen Area in Frankfurt, passports in Frankfurt, not in Slovenia.
2) Schengen --> Schengen (e.g. Frankfurt) --> Schengen (e.g. Slovenia)
- Totally within the Schengen Area, no passport checks anywhere.
3) (This does not apply to you)
Non-Schengen --> Schengen (e.g. Frankfurt) --> Non-Schengen
You stay "Airside" at Frankfurt, no passports there.
Whatever the case, the airline will want to see your passport as an ID check.
Customs is the check on your bags. This happens wherever you collect your bags, probably Slovenia.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9219 posts
If you want to stay airside and transfer from terminal 1 to terminal 2, you will need to take the monorail. It has a separate section and its' own stop for airside travelers. It only takes a few min.
Posted by
Michigan
195 posts
I don't know if you are interested in watching YouTube videos about Frankfurt airport. If you are, Muchohop has made some very helpful videos. Here is a link:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=muchohop+frankfurt
Here is a video specifically about transferring from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhFwSEknZkc