Frankfurt

Departing from Birmingham Airport

So, you’ve passed security and there’s time before boarding - why not take advantage of the very best of what Birmingham Airport has to offer? It’s a fantastic choice for anyone departing from the UK, boasting a great selection of shops, restaurants and first-class facilities. Begin your trip at World Duty Free great savings on liquor and cosmetics or maybe treat yourself or your loved one to a professional beauty treatment at AeroSpa.

If you’re in need of any clothing items, check out Superdry. For all your last-minute travel electricals, there's InMotion or, if you're looking for a snack or magazine for on the plane, WH Smith has a great selection. Head to Rituals for an extensive collection of luxurious yet affordable products for body and home.  

Birmingham Airport has a range of cafés, bars and restaurants. So, if you’re looking for a quick brew to get you buzzed before your flight, Costa, Caffé Nero and Pret a Manger is where you can get your fix. Or if you’re wanting a bite to eat, grab a delicious wrap from Wrapchic, or get your money’s worth with a meal deal from Burger King. Giraffe is perfect for families and Factory Bar and Kitchen has a great food and drink menu.

Whether you’re looking to top up your Euros before you fly, or withdraw a few UK pounds for your return, head over to our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge. If you prefer, you can pre-order your currency and get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport.  

As Britain’s second largest city, it’s no wonder that Birmingham has one of the best airports in the UK. Book into one of our five airport lounges, and indulge in complimentary food and drinks, unlimited WiFi and great runway views before you fly.

The airport is very easy to get to whichever way you choose to travel to it. If you’re driving to the airport, you’ll find a choice of seven car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal by foot or via a free courtesy shuttle bus. Book a car park space online in advance and save up to 70% off.

If you’re looking to take public transport, you will find bus services running directly to the airport or to Birmingham International train station. There's also a free Air-Rail Link direct from the train station to the terminal building which'll get you there in less than 5 minutes.

To find out about our other services, head to our terminal facilities page.

Arriving at Frankfurt Airport

Germany’s busiest airport and Europe’s third busiest, Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) is centrally located about 8 miles southwest of the city centre, offering a strong rail and motor connection. The airport has two main passenger terminals (1 and 2) and a much smaller dedicated First-Class Terminal for Lufthansa passengers.

There are three ways to get from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre: by train, bus, or taxi. The train takes approximately 40 minutes and costs €4.65. The Frankfurt Airport bus will take 30 minutes and costs €4.35, while a taxi will take 20 minutes and cost around €57. The distance between Frankfurt Airport and city centre is 13km.

The route from the airport to the city centre is served by two electric train lines (S8 and S9). To get to Frankfurt city centre, take an electric train running to Hanau or Offenbach Ost. Both the Frankfurt Airport shuttle and train are available 24/7. Taking a taxi is always an alternative option.

Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the hub for banking and business in Europe, lending itself to its nickname the “Manhattan” of Europe, thus making the city a popular destination for business travel. But also, a beautiful city to visit as a tourist; it’s easy to navigate, walkable and has reliable public transport, too.

With so much culture, restaurants and history, there’s plenty of attractions to see and things to do. Visit the Church of St. Bartholomew also known as the Imperial Cathedral - where Holy Roman emperors were chosen and crowned for centuries. Take part in outdoor festivals, including the popular Christmas Market which takes place in November and December at the historic Romerberg Square.

For fun and entertainment, head to the Sachsenhausen district, where you’ll find live music venues, vibey German restaurants and bars, and late-night clubs. Or for a more cultural and historical experience, go to the ‘Museumsufer’, a row of riverside museums catering to those looking to explore fine art, architecture, film and Jewish history. Also witness plenty of cyclists, rollerbladers and joggers enjoying the path along the Main River.

Frankfurt enjoys a continental climate. Late spring (April to May) and early autumn (August to September) are the best seasons to visit Frankfurt. With green landscapes and sunshine, it makes these months the perfect time of year to explore Frankfurt.

Culture in Frankfurt 

Being the 5^th largest city in Germany, Frankfurt is ripe with culture and history. The city boasts a varied and comprehensive cultural offering, from dozens of well-known museums in the theatre district of ‘Museumsufer’, to numerous artists and musicians dwelling in the city.

The opera house in Frankfurt is one of the best in Europe and puts on some terrific performances all throughout the year. It can be tricky getting hold of tickets, but if you try hard enough you will find tickets – the hunt will be well worth it!

The local cuisine in Frankfurt revolves around a few dishes, which is a must for anyone visiting the city. Gruene Sosse (Green Sauce), is a mixture of eggs and oil with a variety of green herbs, which is used to dip (or cover) meat and potatoes.

Frankfurter Wuerstchen, a tasty sausage with an audible snap, served with mustard and a Broetchen (roll), or with Sauerkraut. Other yummy dishes include Rippchen, cooked pork served with Sauerkraut or Schweinshaxe, (pig knuckles) that are weighed on the spot and served with mashed potatoes and Sauerkraut.