Long Frankfurt Airport Stopover?
From FRA by ICE Train to Limburg, Cologne (Köln), and Heidelberg
Oct 1, 2007
Visiting Frankfurt am Main downtown, Mainz, or Wiesbaden are the logical options when on short stopovers at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). However, Germany’s super-fast Intercity-Express (ICE) trains allow passengers with longer stopovers to speed to Limburg, Cologne (Köln), and Heidelberg for a day of sightseeing.
From Frankfurt Airport on the ICE
Frankfurt Airport has two railway stations. Closest to the terminal is the Regionalbahnhof for regional and S-Bahn trains. Long-distance trains such as the Intercity-Express (ICE) depart from the adjacent Fernbahnhof.
- Spoken German does not make words out of abbreviations. ICE is not pronounced like the cold stuff in drinks, say “eeh-tseh-eh” instead.
Frankfurt Airport to Limburg an der Lahn
If time allows, an excursion to Limburg an der Lahn is probably the most rewarding for the transit passenger looking for a romantic old town experience. Limburg has one of the best-preserved medieval-look old towns in Germany. Half-timbered houses abound in the narrow and steep streets of this historic old town. The cathedral on the hill is in its authentic 13th-century colors inside and out. A castle, medieval bridge, and romantic cafés and restaurants enhance the pleasant ensemble.
Limburg can be reached in 20 minutes from Frankfurt Airport on an ICE train. ICE trains stop at Limburg-Süd station – a 5-minute bus ride from the old town. Double check schedules – not all ICE trains to Cologne (Köln) stop at Limburg and waiting times for the bus can easily add an additional half an hour or more to the travel time. Taxis do the 5-minute run to the old town for around €10 – if no taxis are waiting at Limburg-Süd, dial the Taxi Zentrale 06431/3000. This excursion can be done cheaper on local trains via Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof or Wiesbaden but then require 90 minutes to two hours traveling time in each direction. Local trains stop at Limburg (Lahn) station right next to the old town.
Frankfurt Airport to Cologne / Köln
For well over a millennium, up to the late 19th century, Cologne was the largest city in Germany. Despite severe damage during the Second World War, Cologne is still a very interesting city to visit even on a day trip from Frankfurt Airport.
The most famous site is the Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), the largest Gothic church in the world. It is conveniently located right next to the Hauptbahnhof. It took 600 years to complete. The art-filled interior is the third largest church in the world while the massive western façade is the largest bar none. Cologne has a further 12 Romanesque churches. Numerous museums ranging from Roman and local history to chocolate production and excellent art add to this city’s appeal. Lastly, there is Kölsch – the famously refreshing locally brewed beer served in small 200-ml (6.8-oz) glasses.
Up to three ICE trains connect Frankfurt Airport and Cologne in less than an hour. (The occasional train taking more than two hours goes through the Rhine Valley, worth doing at least one way if time allows.)
Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg
The university town Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most popular destinations with foreign tourists. As famous as the university is the Heidelberg castle ruins that tower over the old town and Neckar River. Heidelberg’s old town shows a remarkable conformity of style – during the late 17th-century, the French destroyed Heidelberg three times and the city rebuilt Baroque rather than medieval.
Heidelberg can be reached frequently in less than an hour – take an ICE to Mannheim and from there the S-Bahn train. Local trains via Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof are cheaper but need more than 90 minutes.
Online German Railways Schedules
German Railways, Deutsche Bahn (DB), schedules can be checked online in English. Use the abbreviation FRA as departure station for Frankfurt Airport. Tickets are cheaper if bought from platform vending machines (English available).
- On shorter stopovers, Frankfurt am Main downtown, Mainz, and Wiesbaden are within minutes from Frankfurt Airport. All are pleasant cities with museums, pedestrian zones in the old town, parks, monuments, shops, restaurants, and cafés far more interesting than whiling away the hours at the airport.
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