mjbehren

Flying into FRA from KUL on MH B/E at 06:30, then on to DTW via DL B/E.

I have a 4.5 hour transit time, I have never been to FRA. I have searched and cant find solid information as to if there is a lounge (Closed in 12/09, but I may be able to use AF lounge, etc...). Anyone have any definitive information?

Is it possible, or worth, trying to explore the city at 06:30 on a Saturday? If not, other thoughts on activities to fill a 4.5 hour transit?


TIA,
Mb

CarmenOM

You'll be able to use the AF and Japanese Airlines lounges. Here's the website that lists all the lounges. Use the drop down menu at the top to select the situation (BE ticket, SC member, ST elite +, etc) that makes you eligible to use a lounge.

http://www.delta.com/traveling_check...ions/index.jsp

I've not used FRA as a transit airport, so I don't know whether your time frame will allow enough time to see something of the city. I do know that there is a train station in the airport. I've flown into FRA and then caught trains directly to Nurnberg and Prague, which was a very fast and efficient process. Within one hour of landing I had cleared customs and immigration, bought a train ticket, picked up lunch supplies, and boarded the train.

c_d

It's a quick process. The regional train station is in the airport and the trains take 15 to 20m to Frankfurt main station. Although there are a couple of good sights in FRA, I would recommend to stay at the airport and relax.

My last trip to FRA was on Aug, 6th, and my train had another damaged train in front of it, stretching the 15m to almost 40m. Things happen. With an TATL upfront, I would not take the risk.

dyung

Unless things have recently changed, you won't be able to use the AF lounge. It is located in the "schengen" area of the airport, and as a passenger to the US, you won't be able to access that part.

DL used to have a SC in FRA I believe, maybe that isn't the case any longer? I think it is amusing that they list the lounge as "Japanese Airlines" lounge. I wonder who that is supposed to be?

Smyrnaflyer

The train station is a little confusing. There are two train stations at the same place, one called the "fernbahnhof." One is upstairs, the other downstairs. One has the S-bahn, which allows travel to various stops in Frankfurt, as well as other nearby towns. I forget which is which. Well worth the trip, but do some research online to find out where you want to go.

Frankly, the chances of a snafu with the train are minimal. German trains are incredibly reliable. Yeah, s**t happens, but I wouldn't stay at the airport on that very minor chance.

bennos

I'm in the not-worth-it camp.

The train station is quite a hike, I'd allow 10 minutes each way. IIRC, service is every 15 - 30m and takes about 20m, so you've already burned 60 - 90 minutes on top of how long it took you to get off the plane and clear immigration (which could just be a few minutes).

At most, you'll have an hour or two, and as you point out it'll be early on a weekend, so stuff may be closed. If you know there's something you absolutely have to do and can confirm location and opening hours, or if you really like trains (in which case you could watch the ICE trains at the airport station, too), then it might be worth it.

AM-PM-DM

I am originally from FRA. A few things to consider.

Lounge. You can use the JAL lounge. Quite nice and much better than the AF lounge, which is indeed on the Schengen level.

Getting to the city. The easiest way is taking the "S-Bahn" (commuter train) from "Regionalbahnhof", which is the one in the basement of Terminal 1. If you are arriving at Terminal 2 take the "Skyline" or shuttle bus to Terminal 1. The trains run every 15 minutes on a Saturday morning. Take "S8" or "S9" direction Hanau (my hometown) or Offenbach. The ride takes 25 minutes. Get a ticket at the blue "RMV" vending machines at the station.

What to do in FRA on a Saturday morning? Go for a walk and have breakfast in one of the Street Cafes. This is what I do, when I am connecting and do not have time to see family. Take the S-Bahn to "Hauptwache", two stops after "Hauptbahnhof" (main station). This is in the middle of a large pedestrian zone. There will be a lot of clean up going on in the early AM. There might be some homeless people at the fringes. But it is very safe, nothing like the US at all.
If you take the exit to "Zeil/Römer" (East) walk South/downhill (Liebfrauenstrasse/Neue Kräme) to the Römer, you will pass street cafes, which will just open up. The Römer is a square surrounded by quite impressive "Fachwerkhäuser". Behind it is the cathedral with Roman excavations. It is all very close, less than a 10 minute stroll.
No museums will be open at this time and shops will open at 9AM or 10AM.
If you decide to go to the city I reckon you will have 60-75 minutes for the stroll, ample time.

FRA security/intl. gates. There is no Elite line at the passport check (Yes they check leaving the country). There might be a elite security line open at first security checkpoint after the passport check. Overhead monitors indicate the lines.
You have to go through a second security screening for all American carriers. Again no elite line. From walking in the airport to the getting to the gate I have done everything between 15 min and 1 hour. But if you are at the second security checkpoint (takes longest), you have little to fear, they will make sure you get your plane.
Ways are long in Terminal 2 are long though, no walkways, so you better be good on your feet

If you decide going to the city is to much of a hassle and you get bored in the JAL lounge, take the Skyline to Terminal 1. Many shops landside, cafes and good people watching. You can even get a massage and there is a casino. There is also a a decent "Besucherterrasse" if you are into aircraft spotting. More general info here:
http://www.frankfurt-airport.com/con...op_enjoy0.html
Keep in mind you will be paying airport prices.

In any case, you will be able to spend 4.5 hours and be entertained.
I hope this helps.
Safe travels.

bstreeter

[QUOTE=AM-PM-DM;14504302]

What to do in FRA on a Saturday morning? Go for a walk and have breakfast in one of the Street Cafes. This is what I do, when I am connecting and do not have time to see family. Take the S-Bahn to "Hauptwache", two stops after "Hauptbahnhof" (main station). This is in the middle of a large pedestrian zone. There will be a lot of clean up going on in the early AM. There might be some homeless people at the fringes. But it is very safe, nothing like the US at all.
If you take the exit to "Zeil/Römer" (East) walk South/downhill (Liebfrauenstrasse/Neue Kräme) to the Römer, you will pass street cafes, which will just open up. The Römer is a square surrounded by quite impressive "Fachwerkhäuser". Behind it is the cathedral with Roman excavations. It is all very close, less than a 10 minute stroll.
No museums will be open at this time and shops will open at 9AM or 10AM.
If you decide to go to the city I recon you will have 60-75 minutes for the stroll, ample time.

QUOTE]


Great advice here from a native. I've only done mattress runs to FRA or connected to intercity rail, but I have taken the S-bahn to the Romer on early Saturday mornings. My only suggestion is that you walk back to the main train station after your street cafe visit. It will be about 30 minutes walking west, I believe. You can pass by the Goethe House and museum (which will be closed), but for me the big thrill was to walk along the city park surrounding the old city in the location of the medieval city walls. Helped me to understand the scale of the medieval city

AM-PM-DM

Not bad idea. I am just concerned that time might not be enough to cover this as well. Nice walk though.
The other thing to consider the walk from Hauptwache to Hauptbahnhof inevitably gets you right through Frankfurt's Red Light district. Walking along "Kaiserstrasse", which nowadays mainly flaunts high end (regular) shops is the most benign. However, just a street north it is a different ball game. It will be rather quite on a Saturday morning, however, this is also an area with drug addicts. Still quite safe, but not always a pleasant stroll.

You can take the S-Bahn from Hauptbahnhof back to FRA. Just make sure that get to the Underground terminal and not the regular train station. Take S8 or S9 back to the airport (final destination Wiesbaden). Airport is on the signs though and announcement should be in English as well.

duluthDL

A few minor updates:
There is now only one security checkpoint in Terminal 2. There used to be one after passport check and then a second one for US bound gates. The one after passport check is now gone.
There are now a few more shops and restaurants in Terminal 2 (airside); this includes a massage place (chair and table options, I believe).

I'd confirm that you can use the Japanese Airlines Sakura lounge; Terminal 1 (landside) has far more options than Terminal 2.

scm53

I lived in FRA for three years. I would second everything AM-PM-DM said, and add another idea. Almost between the Romer and Hauptwache stations is the Kleinmarkthalle -- the city's gourmet food market. I'll admit -- I am a foodie and attracted to things like this. But it opens at 8 on a Saturday, and just is fun to look around in. On the street just north of the Kleinmarkthalle (Töngesgasse) is a nice coffee shop, Mozart. It opens at 8 on Saturday as well.

Enjoy.

AM-PM-DM

scm53, GREAT idea. I was thinking about it, but was a little concerned as I do not know the OPs German. He might feel shouted at there.
But it is a great place, really good food and open early. I highly recommend that if the OP is adventurous.

scm53, what was your favorite stand?

scm53

I was raised on Mexican food, so Frankfurt was a hardship post. (although I did like the fajitas at Joe Pena's). So my fave was the spice stand. They always had a nice selection of chile powders made from different peppers, like guajillo, ancho, etc. Also had jamaica flowers for making agua frescas.

AM-PM-DM

Tell me about it. I cannot find some decent Sauerkraut!!!

scm53

Schade. Es tut mir Leid.