Car rental at Frankfurt Airport (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of renting a car at the airport? ›

Because many people choose to rent a car from the airport, there might be long lines and wait times at the rental counter. This can be especially frustrating if you are in a hurry or have a flight to catch. Airport car rental can also be more expensive than other rental locations.

NerdWallet found that weekly car rentals for downtown locations were, on average, $86 cheaper than airport locations. That is, you can expect to spend about 18.4% more for an airport rental compared to a downtown rental. For rentals longer than one week, expect even more savings.

If you would like to check in baggage and/or have booked an international long-haul flight, we recommend that you arrive at the terminal two and a half hours prior to departure (these recommendations are guidelines and without any guarantee).

To make an international to international connection: 45 minutes. Airport guidelines also suggest a minimum of 45 minutes for international connections, but given the size of the airport, allowing 60-90 minutes would provide a more comfortable buffer.

Book flights early to secure competitive rates and avoid last-minute price hikes. Plan ahead and take advantage of special promotions and discounted fares. Check baggage restrictions of the airline before packing to avoid unexpected charges. Comply with policies to avoid exceeding weight or size limits.

Don't Rent at the Airport

Rental companies often price their vehicles in peculiar ways, too. For example, cars rented at the airport are almost always more expensive because of added taxes and fees. Typically, when you rent at an off-airport location, you could save 20 percent or more.

All concourses at both terminals are connected (both landside and airside) by a free Sky Train (monorail). There is also a free shuttle bus. Luggage carts are not allowed on the Sky Train. The transfer between Terminal 1 and 2 on foot takes around 15 minutes.

In most cases, your checked baggage will be automatically checked through to your destination airport. If this is not the case, pick up your baggage at baggage claim and check it in again with your airline.

You have to clear immigration in Frankfurt, but if this is a through ticket, you will usually have plenty of time with 1.5 hours. The minimum transfer time in Frankfurt is only 45 minutes, even for connections where you must go through immigration and security.

How long does it take to change terminals in Frankfurt? ›

Most of the time it should take less than 30 minutes for foreigners. Often much less than that. You will almost always be at the baggage claim before your bags. The baggage claim is the limiting factor in Frankfurt which can take up to one hour so I agree with that.

Renting a car can be cheaper than flying because the travel expenses look a lot like driving your own car. You'll pay for the use of the car, fuel, and e-Toll service (if you use it)—but you don't have to pay for depreciation or insurance (unless you opt for add-on protections/insurance).

Often considered the most convenient option for quickly getting into your rental car and heading to your accommodation, 'On airport' collection usually means the desk and vehicle is in or very near to the airport terminal itself.

Most car hire companies will have age restrictions in place to prevent younger drivers from renting a vehicle. The age limit is usually set at around 23, where this could go up to 25 at the behest of some companies. This is due to insurance and liability costs, which are always higher for less experienced drivers.