Why Take a Frankfurt Airport Taxi?
After a long flight, most travellers want the same thing: to reach their hotel quickly and with as little hassle as possible. If speed and door-to-door convenience matter more than saving a few euros, a Frankfurt Airport taxi is one of the easiest ways to get into the city.
Official taxis at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) are easy to spot: they are ivory/cream-coloured cars with an illuminated "TAXI" roof sign. They line up at dedicated ranks directly outside the arrivals areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and they operate 24/7, so a cab is available whatever time you land.
All licensed Frankfurt taxis are metered and follow the same regulated city tariff, so there is no need to negotiate a price. Ignore anyone touting rides inside the terminal — stick to the marked rank to avoid being overcharged.
A taxi drops you right at your accommodation, stores your luggage in the boot, and saves you from changing between the S-Bahn and local transport with heavy bags. For a full comparison of every option, see our airport-to-city transport guide.
Frankfurt Airport Taxi Fares and Prices
Frankfurt taxis do not use fixed prices; every fare is calculated by taximeter based on distance and time. Frankfurt applies a tiered per-kilometre rate that gets cheaper on longer journeys.
- Base fare (flag fall): around €3.50–4.00
- Price per kilometre: roughly €2.00–2.60 (the rate drops on longer trips)
- Waiting/standing time: about €39 per hour
A typical ride from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre (about 12 km / 7.5 miles) costs approximately €30–40 and takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. There is no surcharge for airport pick-ups or night rides — the meter rate is the same around the clock.
Payment can be made in cash or by credit/debit card; most airport taxis accept cards, but it is sensible to confirm with the driver before setting off. If you need extra space, ask for a larger van (Großraumtaxi), which can seat up to six to eight passengers with luggage.
Frankfurt Airport Taxi Prices to Popular Destinations
| From | To | Estimated Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt Airport | Frankfurt city centre / Hauptbahnhof | €30–40 | 20–30 min |
| Frankfurt Airport | Messe Frankfurt (trade fair) | €30–35 | 20–25 min |
| Frankfurt Airport | Bankenviertel / Innenstadt | €30–40 | 20–30 min |
| Frankfurt Airport | Offenbach | €35–45 | 25–35 min |
| Frankfurt Airport | Mainz | €50–65 | 30–40 min |
| Frankfurt Airport | Wiesbaden | €60–75 | 35–45 min |
Prices are approximate and depend on traffic, your exact drop-off point and the time of day. For a fixed, pre-agreed fare instead of the meter, consider a private airport transfer.
Where is the Taxi Rank at Frankfurt Airport?
There are official taxi ranks directly outside the arrivals areas of both terminals. At Terminal 1 the rank is on the kerbside by the arrivals hall, and at Terminal 3 you will find it in the forecourt just outside the arrivals exit. Follow the "Taxi" signs after you leave baggage reclaim.
If you land at one terminal but find it easier to catch a cab at the other, the free Sky Line train and shuttle buses connect Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 in a few minutes. See our terminals guide for the layout.
You do not normally need to book an airport taxi in advance — just join the rank. If you prefer to order one, apps such as FreeNow work with the local licensed fleet.
Ride-Hailing at Frankfurt Airport
Ride-hailing is available in Frankfurt: Uber, Bolt and FreeNow all operate in the city and serve the airport. In Germany these apps connect you with licensed taxis or professional hire-car drivers, and prices are broadly comparable to a metered taxi. Pick-up is from the designated ride-hailing and taxi areas outside arrivals.
Airport Taxi from Frankfurt Airport to Your Hotel
Whether your hotel is in the city, in the airport district, or out at a trade-fair venue, a taxi takes you straight to the entrance with no changes. Many airport hotels — including those connected to Terminal 1 — are only a short, low-cost ride away, and some run their own shuttles.
For hotel options near the airport and in town, see our hotels guide.
Frankfurt Airport Taxi Tips
- Use only the official ranks outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 arrivals.
- All fares are metered at the regulated city tariff — there are no fixed airport prices.
- Rates are the same day and night, with no luggage or airport surcharge.
- Traffic on the A3/A5 and into the city can raise the final fare at peak times.
- Confirm card payment before you set off if you are not carrying cash.
- Ask for a Großraumtaxi if you are a group or have a lot of luggage.
- Tipping is not required; rounding up or about 5–10% is customary for good service.
Related: Taxis in Frankfurt city · Frankfurt Airport to city centre transport · Airport train (S-Bahn & ICE)