Getting through customs at Frankfurt airport

Take the second train. There are too many things that could happen to put you off-schedule to catch the first one -- flight delays, lots of planes coming in at one time through customs, getting money, etc. Just getting off the plane takes time while you wait for everyone in front of you to file off.

Take the second train. In my experience, customs/security at the Frankfurt airport is far from efficient. It's no less efficient than some other airports, but after the regularity and efficiency of Deutsche Bahn, it's very abrupt to deal with the Frankfurt airport.

I just returned from Israel a few weeks ago and had to change planes both going and coming in Frankfurt.

Previously, I had heard how strict customs was in Israel. It was nothing compared to Frankfurt.

Definitely allow at least 2 hours for customs and getting to your train connection.

When we fly into Frankfurt on Lufthansa we have caught tranfers with as little as 25 minutes between flights. Lufthansa has two special lines that you can get into that rapidly process you thru customs.....but I have only seen this for connecting in-coming flights. One line is for flights under 30 minutes...the other is for flights under 1 hour.

But, knowing Frankfurt, I would not count on this for a transfer to a train! I like the two hour rule. especially since I know that transfers for anything other than incoming flights can take upwards of over three hours, in that airport.

On a similar note, I am flying from SFO to Stockholm (ARN) on United, connecting from a UA flight to a Lufthansa flight in Frankfurt. There is 1 hour and 15 minutes scheduled time between the flights. Is that going to be enough? Does United know what they are doing when making this booking? Don't I have to wait for baggage and check it through again in FRA?

Hi Jeff

You can get your luggage checked all the way through to your final destination. Lufthansa and United are both part of Star Alliance and as such you don't need to reclaim luggage at frankfurt. You should make your connection time with ease.

As for Janis's original question. Book the 0854 train. Even when I hit Frankfurt with hand luggage only it takes ages to get through passport control. If you've got to wait for luggage as well you aren't going to make a 0754 train.

Thank you so much!

Thanks for the advice. It's going to be a long travel day -- hopefully I can sleep on the plane and maybe even on the train!

Forgive my ignorance, please -- I've never been to Europe! Coming from the U.S. and transferring in Frankfurt to a flight to Stockholm, do I go through any Customs at all in Frankfurt or will it all be done in Stockholm?

Jeff,

Since you are changing planes, you will fly into an airport with customs, get your bags, clear through customs then re check your bags and check in for your next flight.

If you carry-on your bag you save some time by going straight to customs then check in for your next flight.

Janis,

Regarding 0754 vs. 0854 train. Are you flying in at a time when you need reservations? I would normally carry on my one bag, clear customs quickly and catch the first train available without worrying about reservations. Frankfurt has efficient customs. If you're making reservations, however, you don't want to bet on that.

Jeff, If you are traveling from the States via Frankfurt and on to Stockholm, you should be able to check your bags all the way through to Stockholm.

Your passport will be checked in Frankfurt because both Germany and Sweden are part of the Schengen agreement. The first Schengen country that you enter is required to check.