Book cheap flights to Frankfurt

Frankfurt serves as a vital gateway to central Europe, where a dramatic skyline of glass and steel rises sharply above the banks of the Main River. This metropolis operates as a core hub for international journeys, blending its reputation as a financial powerhouse with the charm of a traditional continental crossroads.

Historical depth reveals itself within the reconstructed timber-framed houses of the Römerberg, the city’s central medieval square. Travellers can explore the Städel Museum, which houses centuries of European art, or visit the Goethe House, the birthplace of the nation’s most famous writer. The Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew stands as a testament to the city’s long-standing role in crowning emperors, while the Eiserner Steg bridge offers a classic vantage point over the water.

The city maintains a distinct character by balancing high-paced urban energy with quiet, leafy districts such as Sachsenhausen, known for its traditional cider taverns. Whether visiting for the world-renowned book fairs or to wander through the Palmengarten botanical gardens, visitors find a destination that integrates modern efficiency with deep-rooted cultural heritage.

Summer energy and outdoor life

The high season in Frankfurt typically spans from June to August, when temperatures frequently reach between 23°C and 27°C. During these warmer months, the city sheds its business-like exterior as locals and visitors flock to the banks of the Main River to enjoy the sunshine. The atmosphere is lively and social, with the Museumsufer becoming a central hub for picnics, open-air events, and long evening strolls under a clear sky.

Landing at Frankfurt Airport during this period, travellers are met with a lush, green landscape that surrounds the urban skyline. The pace of life slows down slightly in the offices but picks up in the public squares, where the Apfelwein taverns of Sachsenhausen spill out onto the pavements. This is the peak time for major outdoor festivals, such as the Mainfest, which celebrates the city’s connection to the water with rides, games, and a festive spirit that defines the German summer.

Winter charm and the festive transition

As the low season takes hold from November through March, Frankfurt transforms into a moody, atmospheric metropolis where the "Mainhattan" skyscrapers often pierce through a layer of low-lying mist. Temperatures hover between 0°C and 5°C, encouraging a shift towards indoor cultural pursuits and the city’s world-class gallery scene. The arrival experience during winter is often defined by the sight of the city lights shimmering against the dark river, offering a stark but beautiful contrast to the summer greenery.

Despite the chill, the city finds a unique warmth during the lead-up to the holidays, particularly around the Römerberg. The Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of the oldest and largest in the region, fills the historic centre with the scent of roasted nuts and hot apple wine. While the streets may be quieter in the depths of January, the city maintains a sophisticated, cosy identity, where the focus shifts to intimate jazz clubs and the grand architecture of the Alte Oper.

Frankfurt is served by two main airports, offering travellers a variety of options. One acts as a major international hub, while the other primarily caters to low-cost carriers, providing different entry points into central Germany.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) stands as the primary international gateway to the city and one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe. Located approximately 12 km south-west of the city centre, the facility functions as the main base for Lufthansa and a key terminal for the Star Alliance network. The airport comprises two massive passenger terminals, with a third currently under development, handling a vast network of long-haul flights to Frankfurt from every inhabited continent.

After clearing arrivals, the most efficient way to reach the urban core is via the Regionalbf (regional train station) located beneath Terminal 1. Frequent S-Bahn services on lines S8 and S9 transport passengers to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in roughly 15 minutes. For those heading to the central shopping streets, the same trains continue to Hauptwache and Konstablerwache. Alternatively, the Lufthansa Express Bus and various public bus lines serve the airport, while a taxi or ride-hailing journey to the city centre typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions on the A3 or A5 motorways.

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN)

Despite its name, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) is situated roughly 120 km west of the city in the Hunsrück region. This secondary gateway primarily serves budget airlines, such as Ryanair, and focuses on point-to-point European routes rather than global connections. The terminal is smaller and more functional than the main hub, catering to travellers who prioritise lower fares over proximity to the urban centre.

Reaching the city from this location requires a longer transit, as there is no direct rail link to the airport. The most common method of transport is the dedicated Airport Shuttle Bus, which departs regularly and arrives at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof after a journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Travellers can also find bus connections to other regional cities like Mainz or Koblenz. For those preferring to drive, car hire services are available at the terminal, with the trip to the city centre taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the motorway network.

After descending through the clouds and catching a first glimpse of the gleaming skyscrapers reflecting off the Main River, visitors quickly discover that this metropolis offers far more than just a modern skyline. Once in the city, visitors find a blend of modern dynamism and rich local traditions.

• Römerberg serves as the soul of the old town, where meticulously restored half-timbered houses and the ornate facade of the Römer city hall transport travellers back to the medieval era. The square hums with a timeless energy, providing a picturesque contrast to the glass towers that define the nearby financial district.
• Main Tower offers an impressive perspective of the urban landscape from its observation deck, situated 200 m above the streets. It is the only skyscraper in the city with a public viewing platform, allowing newcomers to orient themselves while watching the sunset paint the horizon.
• Städel Museum stands as a cornerstone of the Museumsufer, housing an extraordinary collection that spans 700 years of European art history. Walking through its galleries reveals masterpieces ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary installations, all set within an elegant building along the riverbank.
• Goethe House and Museum invites guests into the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the most celebrated figure in German literature. The interiors are furnished in the authentic style of the 18th century, offering an intimate look at the environment that shaped the writer’s early creative genius.
• Palmengarten provides a lush, botanical escape across 22 hectares of diverse landscapes, from tropical rainforests to sub-antarctic flora. The historic Palmenhaus, a magnificent iron and glass structure, creates a serene atmosphere where the pace of city life instantly slows down.
• Sachsenhausen is the district to visit for an authentic taste of local culture, specifically through the tradition of Apfelwein served in rustic taverns. Wandering the cobblestone alleys of Alt-Sachsenhausen reveals a social scene rooted in centuries of hospitality and regional pride.
• Frankfurt Cathedral dominates the skyline with its striking red sandstone spire, reaching a height of 95 m. This Gothic masterpiece was the site of imperial elections and coronations, making it a pivotal landmark for understanding the historical weight of the Holy Roman Empire.

Securing a seat on a journey to this dynamic hub is most successful when you maintain flexibility with your departure dates and book your airfare well in advance. If the departure board is a familiar sight to you, an Opodo Prime membership opens up further benefits and tailored savings that make every discovery more rewarding. By finalising your flight arrangements early, you can turn your attention to the skyline, the banks of the river Main and everything else waiting for you in Frankfurt.