How to get from Frankfurt Airport to Römerberg (Old Town)

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Römerberg (Frankfurt Old Town) is quick and simple. The fastest budget route is the S-Bahn S8/S9 from the airport’s Regionalbahnhof to Hauptwache or directly to Dom/Römer (via a short U-Bahn hop). Taxis or prebooked transfers are easy with luggage. Here’s how to choose, book, and navigate step-by-step.

At A Glance (Frankfurt Airport to Römerberg (Old Town))

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚈 S-Bahn S8/S9 (Airport Regionalbahnhof → City)	~15–25m to center (+5–8m walk/U-Bahn)	Fastest & cheapest, light/medium luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~€6–8 one-way (adult) » transit tickets & passes
🚄 ICE/Regional (Fernbahnhof/Regional) + U-Bahn/Tram	~12–20m train + ~5–10m last mile	Seat comfort, rail fans, Railpass holders
🏷️ Cost: ~€8–20 depending on train/class » compare trains
🚖 Taxi / Private Transfer (Door-to-door)	~20–35m (traffic)	Families, heavy luggage, mobility needs
🏷️ Cost: Taxi ~€35–50; private car ~€60–120 » Welcome Pickups | GetTransfer quotes
🚌 Airport Bus + Tram/U-Bahn	~35–50m (connections)	Backup if rail is disrupted
🏷️ Cost: ~€6–8 one-way (same RMV zone)
🚘 Rental Car (Not necessary for city)	~25–40m drive + parking	Road-tripping beyond Frankfurt
🏷️ Cost: ~€45–90/day + parking » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & cheapest for most: S-Bahn S8/S9 to Hauptwache or to Dom/Römer (with a short U-Bahn hop).
• Door-to-door comfort: Taxi/Private transfer—best with bulky luggage or kids.
• If you hold rail passes or want a seat on long-distance trains: ICE/Regional combo.
• As a fallback during rail disruptions: Airport bus + tram/U-Bahn.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Tickets: Buy RMV tickets at airport machines (cash/cards) or use mobile apps; inspectors check onboard. Day passes are good value if sightseeing. Browse tourist tickets on GetYourGuide.
• Luggage: If you want to explore before hotel check-in, store bags via Radical Storage Frankfurt.
• Ride-hailing: Uber operates in Frankfurt (cars driven by licensed taxis/partners). For a meet-and-greet driver, compare Welcome Pickups and GetTransfer.
• Staying near Old Town: Search Römer/Museum Embankment hotels on Booking.com (Römerberg area).

🚈 Option #1 — S-Bahn S8/S9 (Fastest & Cheapest)

Every 10–15 min Direct to center Few stairs/elevators available

• Overview: From Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbahnhof, take S8 or S9 toward Frankfurt (Main) Innenstadt. Alight at Hauptwache (walk ~10–12 min) or change to U4/U5 one stop to Dom/Römer for the square.
• How to book (with price): Buy a single ticket (~€6–8) at machines or via mobile. Tourist passes and day tickets are also available on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Fast, frequent, avoids traffic. Cons: Can be busy at rush hour; brief walk or 1-stop transfer needed.

Step-by-step: S-Bahn to Römerberg

1. Follow airport signs to Regionalbahnhof (Regional Train Station) in Terminal 1 (use Sky Line/people mover from T2).
2. Buy a ticket (city zone) at the RMV/DB machines; validate if prompted.
3. Board S8 or S9 toward the city (Hauptwache/Konstablerwache). Ride ~20 minutes to Hauptwache.
4. EITHER walk ~10–12 minutes to Römerberg, OR transfer at Hauptwache to U4/U5 → Dom/Römer (1 stop), then exit to the square.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Regionalbahnhof & Dom/Römer)

• Airport station: In Terminal 1, Level 0. Elevators/escalators available; clear signage from both arrival halls.
• Old Town arrival: Dom/Römer U-Bahn station exits lead directly to Römerberg/Cathedral.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚄 Option #2 — ICE/Regional Train + U-Bahn/Tram (Comfy Seats, Quick Too)

Seat comfort Fast to Hbf Slightly higher fare

• Overview: From Fernbahnhof (long-distance) or Regionalbahnhof, take an ICE/RE to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Then U-Bahn U4/U5 or tram 11/12 to Dom/Römer / Römer/Paulskirche.
• How to book (with price): ~€8–20 depending on service. Compare times and book on Trip.com Trains. If you prefer organized transfers, see GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Guaranteed seat on many services; good with large luggage. Cons: Slightly more steps than S-Bahn direct.

Step-by-step: Rail Combo via Hbf

1. From arrivals, follow signs to Fernbahnhof (long-distance) or Regionalbahnhof.
2. Take an ICE/RE/RB to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf (~10–15 minutes).
3. At Hbf, follow U-Bahn signs; take U4 or U5 to Dom/Römer (2–3 stops). Trams 11/12 also go toward the Old Town (alight at Römer/Paulskirche).
4. Exit to Römerberg square.

Getting to the main embarking points (Fernbahnhof/Hbf & Dom/Römer)

• Airport platforms: Fernbahnhof is a short walk from Terminal 1 via skybridge; Regionalbahnhof is beneath Terminal 1.
• Hbf transfers: Clear signage to U-Bahn/tram; lifts available.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Private Transfer (Door-to-Door)

Zero transfers 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Metered taxis wait outside each terminal; private drivers meet you in arrivals with a name sign.
• How to book (with price): Taxi ~€35–50 to Römerberg. Prebooked meet-and-greet from ~€60–120 depending on vehicle/time: Welcome Pickups (Frankfurt) or instant quotes on GetTransfer.
• Pros: Best with kids/heavy bags or late arrivals. Cons: More expensive than transit; rush-hour delays possible.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Private Transfer

1. Prebook online (share flight number) or follow signs to official taxi ranks at your terminal.
2. Confirm destination as Römerberg (Old Town). Cash/cards typically accepted.
3. Ride ~20–35 min depending on traffic; drop at Paulsplatz/Römer area.

Getting to the main embarking points (Terminal Forecourts & Römerberg)

• Pick-up points: Signed taxi ranks at T1/T2; private drivers meet in arrivals hall.
• Old Town streets: Many streets are pedestrianized—drivers will use the closest legal drop-off.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #4 — Airport Bus + Tram/U-Bahn (Backup Route)

Wide coverage Same city fare Slower, connections

• Overview: If trains are disrupted, use an airport bus (e.g., to Südbahnhof or Hbf) then switch to U4/U5 or tram 11/12 for Dom/Römer/Römer-Paulskirche stops near the square.
• How to book (with price): Buy a regular RMV ticket (~€6–8) from machines or driver (card acceptance varies). For organized shuttles, see GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Useful during rail outages; good city coverage. Cons: Slower with luggage; check timetables.

Step-by-step: Bus + Tram/U-Bahn

1. From arrivals, follow signs to the Bus stops at your terminal.
2. Take an airport bus toward Hbf or Südbahnhof.
3. Transfer to U4/U5 or tram 11/12 to Dom/Römer / Römer/Paulskirche; walk a minute to the square.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stops & Old Town)

• Airport bus bays: Signed outside T1/T2; check the digital boards.
• Old Town stops: Dom/Römer (U-Bahn) or Römer/Paulskirche (tram) are the closest.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #5 — Rental Car (Only if You’re Driving Onward)

Flexible Good for day-trips Parking in Old Town is limited

• Overview: Driving just to the Old Town isn’t ideal due to pedestrian zones and parking costs. Consider it only if you’re heading out of the city after a quick stop.
• How to book (with price): From ~€45–90/day. Compare airport/downtown pick-ups on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Perfect if you’re continuing to the Rhine, Taunus, or Romantic Road. Cons: Traffic/parking rules; low-emission zones.

Step-by-step: Rental Car

1. Pick up the car at the Airport Car Rental Center (T1) and set GPS to Römerberg.
2. Use car parks near the Old Town (e.g., Dom/Römer garage); avoid driving into pedestrian areas.
3. After your visit, continue to your onward destination or return the vehicle.

Getting to the main embarking points (Car Rental Center & Old Town Garages)

• Airport rentals: Consolidated desks in Terminal 1 (clear signage from arrivals).
• Parking: Look for Parkhaus Dom/Römer or garages around the city center.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Frankfurt Airport to Römerberg (Old Town))

What’s the absolute fastest way to Römerberg?
Usually the S-Bahn S8/S9 to Hauptwache then one stop on U4/U5 to Dom/Römer—or just walk from Hauptwache in ~10–12 minutes.

Can I pay contactless on transit?
Buy an RMV ticket first (machine or app). Some products allow mobile purchase; inspectors do check.

Where exactly is Römerberg?
It’s the main historic square by the Römer (city hall) and Frankfurt Cathedral area; the closest stops are Dom/Römer (U-Bahn) and Römer/Paulskirche (tram).

Is there luggage storage near Old Town?
Yes—use private locations via Radical Storage Frankfurt or station lockers at Hbf.

Good tours to start from Römerberg?
Walking tours and river cruises often start nearby—browse options on GetYourGuide for schedules and meeting points.