Getting Around in Frankfurt

The public transport system in Frankfurt is efficient and inexpensive, and you may not need a car if you live and work in the city. With a good city map or Google Maps, you will find that getting around Frankfurt is quite easy. 

The city's bus, train, and tram services are always reliable, and there are various ticketing options, depending on how often you use public transport.

If you enjoy a good walk, it is certainly possible to get around the city centre on foot, while cycling is another popular mode of commuting. 

Public transport in Frankfurt

Trains

Frankfurt’s Central Station is possibly the most important transport hub in Germany. More than 1,000 trains connect Frankfurt with other cities in Germany, as well as with international destinations. All the S-Bahn services stop at the Central Station. Trains are usually highly punctual.

The S-Bahn connects Frankfurt with the densely populated Rhein-Main region. When the S-Bahn leaves the city, it travels above ground, covering the main areas in Frankfurt (such as Konstablerwache, Hauptwache and Frankfurt Central Station), and also provides access to the trade fairs and airport. 

The S-Bahn trains also travel to nearby cities, including Wiesbaden, Bad Homburg, Mainz, Darmstadt, Kronberg, Friedburg. The U-Bahn serves Frankfurt and the larger suburbs of Bad Homburg and Oberursel in the north. 

Trams

Frankfurt also has an extremely efficient tram service. The trams travel overground and often run on tracks laid down the middle of roads. Trams serve even more stops than the trains do in Frankfurt.

You may have to walk onto the road to get on or off a tram at times. While it is perfectly safe to do so, be very careful to check that cars have stopped before crossing. 

Drivers must stop behind the line and give priority to tram passengers. That said, there may still be reckless drivers on the road who don't always obey this law.

Buses

Several buses serve Frankfurt. Each stop has a name, which is announced and displayed onscreen before the stop. Buses in Frankfurt cover a greater area and serve more distant suburbs that are not covered comprehensively by Frankfurt's train network. There is a night bus service, which starts and ends at Konstablerwache.

Useful links

• Rhein-Main Transport Association (RMV)
• Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt (VGF)

Taxis in Frankfurt

Taxis are readily available in Frankfurt and can be hailed off the street, ordered on the phone, or caught at a taxi rank.

Frankfurt taxis can be expensive but are a viable option when travelling short distances within the city centre. Travelling by taxi is more cost-effective if you share one with people who are travelling to the same place. 

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Free Now are also convenient for expats who may not be proficient in German. These services allow you to avoid language barriers, as you simply need to download an app, link your credit card, and start riding.

Useful links

• Uber
• Free Now
• Main Taxi Frankfurt

Driving in Frankfurt

While most people living in Frankfurt opt to use public transport to commute in and out of the city each day, driving has its own benefits. You'll have increased independence and ease of access, which other modes of transport cannot replicate. Having a car is especially useful for expats with children, as well as those who wish to explore the outskirts of Frankfurt and its surrounds more freely.

The standard of road infrastructure and signage in Frankfurt is excellent, so you will find that driving in the city is a pleasant experience. Local motorists are generally patient and courteous. 

The major downside of driving in Frankfurt is the lack of parking in the city, which is not only hard to find but expensive. Rush hour traffic can also be a problem for commuters.

Read Transport and Driving in Germany to learn more about obtaining driving licences in the country. 

Cycling in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a fairly safe city for those who wish to cycle. Many parts of the city have dedicated cycle lanes, and the city's local government has plans to expand the cycling network across Frankfurt. 

Many cycle paths are coloured or have separation pillars installed to make cycling even safer in Frankfurt. Although wearing a helmet while cycling in Frankfurt is not compulsory, we recommend it at all times. 

In a bid to encourage cycling, the City of Frankfurt has been promoting and subsidising the use and purchase of cargo bicycles, enabling residents to use their bicycles as their primary mode of transport. You needn't worry if you don't have your own set of wheels, as there are many bike-sharing schemes and rental shops across Frankfurt. 

Useful links

• The City of Frankfurt Cycling Portal
• Nextbike
• Call a Bike