Shuttle Buses and Coaches at Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a large, two-terminal complex, and buses play two very different roles here. Free services — the automated Sky Line train and inter-terminal shuttle buses — move you around the airport, while long-distance coaches and local bus lines connect FRA with other cities and the surrounding region.
This guide explains how to get between the terminals, where to catch long-distance coaches such as FlixBus, and which local buses stop at the airport. For the fastest way into the city itself, see our train guide or the full transport to the city centre overview.
Free Inter-Terminal Transport: Sky Line and Shuttle Buses
Getting between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 is free. The quickest option is the Sky Line, an automated elevated people-mover that links the two terminals in about eight minutes. There are also free shuttle buses that run at street level, which are useful when the Sky Line is closed or when you have oversized luggage.
The new Terminal 3, which opened in April 2026 south of the runways, is served by both the Sky Line and free shuttle buses, so you can move between it and Terminal 1 in a few minutes.
Which Should You Use — Sky Line or Shuttle Bus?
For a normal terminal transfer, take the Sky Line: it is faster, runs very frequently and avoids road traffic. Use the free shuttle bus mainly at night when the Sky Line is not running, or if you are directed to it by airport staff. Either way, allow enough time between flights — the airport recommends a generous connection window when you change terminals.
Sky Line and Shuttle Timetable
The Sky Line runs from roughly 04:00 to 23:00, every 2–3 minutes, so you rarely wait more than a couple of minutes. During the day the free inter-terminal shuttle buses run frequently (about every 10 minutes), and a shuttle bus covers the overnight hours between around 23:00 and 04:00, when the Sky Line is closed. Because the frequency is so high, no fixed timetable is needed for either service.
Long-Distance Coaches (FlixBus and Others)
Frankfurt Airport is a major stop for long-distance coaches. FlixBus and other operators (such as BlaBlaBus and Flibco) use the coach station at car park P36, on the Terminal 1 side of the airport near Arrivals hall C. If you arrive at Terminal 3, take the free Sky Line or shuttle bus to Terminal 1 first, then follow the signs to the bus station — allow around 5–10 minutes.
Coaches serve destinations across Germany and neighbouring countries, and can be a budget-friendly alternative to the train for longer trips. Book tickets in advance on the operator's website or app, and check the exact stop and departure time on your booking, as coach bays can change.
Local Bus Lines
Alongside the trains, several local and regional bus lines stop at the airport bus stops on the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 forecourts. For example, local buses connect FRA with Frankfurt-Süd (Südbahnhof) and surrounding districts, and regional lines serve nearby towns. For most journeys into central Frankfurt, though, the S-Bahn is quicker and simpler than the bus. Check current routes and times on the RMV website or app.
Hotel Shuttle Buses
Several airport and nearby hotels run their own shuttle buses to and from the terminals. The main airport hotels — the Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn in The Squaire and the Sheraton — are connected directly to Terminal 1 on foot, so they need no shuttle, while hotels a little further out (Moxy, NH, Steigenberger Airport Hotel and others) typically offer a free or paid shuttle. Confirm pick-up points and times with your hotel when you book; you will find options on our hotels near Frankfurt Airport page.
Other Ways into the City
If a bus does not suit your plans, the fastest route into central Frankfurt is the S-Bahn, and there are always taxis and private cars on hand. Compare all of them — including airport taxis and pre-booked private transfers — on our transport to the city centre guide.