How To Spend a 12 Hour Layover in FRA?
 

Have a 12 hour layover in FRA this Monday (10/27) from DEN flying Economy going to CPT. Because of my fare I probably wont have access to anything.

So, my question is as follows.

Should I just go with the day room at the Sheraton? (If so does anyone have any comments on this? Quality, etc)

Should I try and hunt down a pass for any of the lounges? (Seem in my search no one is really impressed with any of the lounges there)

Should I suck it up and go see the city prior to boardning another 12 hour flight?

Thanks in advanced for your help. Not looking forward to the journey part of this trip at all.

Suck it up & go see the city.

Rail access is easy -- there's a train station under the airport, just get a day pass. If you're not alone, a group pass for 2-5 people is a real bargain.

Go see Mainz. check out the Gutenberg Museum, the Old Town area. It takes 30 minutes to get there from FRA and the train service is very frequent. You can probably get a day room in some hotel in Mainz (I stayed at the Hilton close to the Hbf. It is a decent hotel), take a nap, and then amble around town.

If you are going to be there between 11/27 and 12/23, check out the christmas markets. It is fantastic for christmas shopping.

Enjoy!

In my mind, "sucking it up" describes sitting in the FRA airport for 12 hours. Definitely hop on the train, go find a good meal or beer or some shops. Or all three.

Agreed with the others -- go into the city. It's less exciting than other cities in Germany, but you can certainly find enough things to do to fill a few hours. Rail service to and from the city center is pretty frequent and convenient.

Definitely play tourist
 

Either Frankfurt or Mainz are easily accessible, and there is plenty to see in both places.

In Frankfurt, get off at the "Hauptwache" subway stop, which will put you in the center of town, then take a 10-minute walk to the "Roemer", the old Roman remains, cross the pedestrian bridge over the river to Sachsenhausen and enjoy the view.

I'd definately recommend getting out and seeing some sights. Going to Frankfurt is super easy (station is in the basement). Trains depart every 15 minues or so and it only takes about 10 minutes to get to the Hauptbahnhof (Main train station). Take the U5 to Dom/Römer for the tourist stuff (pretty reconstructed half timber houses). There is a tourist information office in the train station and at the Römer. If you're there on a weekend, check out the Ebbelwei express, a fun tram which takes you through the city.

http://www.ebbelwei-express.com/html/index_e.html

Otherwise, Mainz is also very nice. The old town and cathedral (1000 years old!) are nicer than Frankfurt. Mainz is somewhat farther away (25 minutes or so), but also somewhat more attractive IMHO. Strolling along the river watching the boat traffic is a pleasant diversion.

I'm going to move this to the Germany Forum, as I suspect there are many non-UA flyers who would be more than willing to help you have a pleasant layover.

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United Mileage Plus Forum