Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 vs 1 & 2: What's Different?

Frankfurt Airport now has three terminals

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of Europe's busiest airports, and it recently grew again with the opening of Terminal 3. If you are flying to or from Frankfurt, it helps to know which terminal you need before you travel, because the terminals sit in different parts of the airport. This simple guide explains how Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and the new Terminal 3 differ, how to move between them, and what it means when you arrange your airport pickup. Always confirm your own terminal with your airline or boarding pass, as airlines can change.

Terminal 1: the main Lufthansa hub

Terminal 1 is the largest and oldest part of Frankfurt Airport. It is used mainly by Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners, though other airlines operate here too. Terminal 1 is split into concourses A, B and Z. Importantly for many travellers, Terminal 1 is where the airport's train stations are located, including the regional station and the long-distance station for high-speed ICE trains. If you are connecting to or from a train, Terminal 1 is usually the closest point. Always check your airline, as terminal use can change.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 sits next to Terminal 1 and is connected to it. Historically it has been associated with Condor and a range of other international and leisure airlines. Terminal 2 is generally quieter than Terminal 1 and is divided into concourses D and E. As always, the airlines using Terminal 2 can change over time, so treat any airline list as a general guide and confirm your terminal before you set off.

Terminal 3: the new terminal in the south

Terminal 3 is Frankfurt Airport's newest terminal. Unlike Terminals 1 and 2, it is a separate building in the southern part of the airport, a few kilometres away from the older terminals. It has been built to handle a growing list of airlines, and Condor is one of the key airlines associated with Terminal 3. However, because Terminal 3 is new and airline arrangements are still settling in, you should always check your own airline or boarding pass for the correct terminal rather than assume. Terminal 3 connects to Terminals 1 and 2 by a shuttle and by the airport's Sky Line people-mover. Because it is further from the main train stations at Terminal 1, many travellers find a private door-to-door taxi the easiest way to and from Terminal 3. You can read more on our Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 taxi page.

Frankfurt Airport terminals compared

Terminal	Location	Typical airlines (always check yours)	How to reach it
Terminal 1	Main terminal on the north side; home to the airport train stations	Mainly Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners	Direct by car, train or Sky Line
Terminal 2	Next to Terminal 1 and connected to it	Mainly Condor historically, plus various other airlines	Sky Line or shuttle from Terminal 1
Terminal 3	Separate building in the south, a few kilometres away	A growing list, including Condor (check your airline)	Shuttle and Sky Line, or direct by car

How to move between the terminals

Frankfurt Airport's terminals are linked so you can move between them without leaving the airport. The Sky Line, an automatic people-mover train, connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Shuttle buses also run between the terminals, and a shuttle links Terminal 3 in the south with the rest of the airport. Transfer times vary depending on where you start and how busy the airport is, so allow extra time and follow the signs inside the airport. For exact routes and current times, check the airport's own information, as details for the newer Terminal 3 can change.

How to know which terminal your flight uses

The most reliable way to find your terminal is to check your boarding pass or booking confirmation, which normally lists the terminal and gate. You can also check directly with your airline or on Frankfurt Airport's website close to your travel date. Terminal information can change, especially for a new terminal like Terminal 3, so it is worth confirming again shortly before you fly. If you have booked a transfer with us, you can simply share your flight number and we will track it for you.

What the terminals mean for your pickup

The good news is that with a pre-booked private transfer, you do not need to worry about which terminal you use. We assign your driver to the correct terminal based on your flight, and the ride is door to door with a fixed price. For airport pickups, your driver stays in contact with you by phone or WhatsApp and sends clear instructions on exactly where to meet, just outside the arrivals area. This keeps things simple and calm, even at a large airport. See how it works on our Frankfurt Airport meet and greet page.

Because Terminal 3 is part of Frankfurt Airport, the fixed fare is the same as from the other terminals. A transfer from Frankfurt Airport, including Terminal 3, to Frankfurt city centre or the Hauptbahnhof starts from €35. Other example fixed fares from the airport include Mainz from €49, Darmstadt from €49 and Wiesbaden from €55. Every ride has a fixed price with no meter, no surge and no night surcharge, plus free flight tracking, 60 minutes of free waiting on airport pickups and free cancellation.

Book your Frankfurt Airport transfer

Whichever terminal you fly from, we can pick you up or drop you off door to door, 24/7. Book online any time on our booking page, or reach us by phone or WhatsApp. Our bilingual German and English drivers, fixed fares and card payments make travelling to and from Frankfurt Airport simple. Book your Frankfurt Airport transfer now and travel with a fixed price and no surprises.