Frankfurt Transport

It is possible to explore the entire downtown area on foot. It's a good way to see many of the attractions; however, if you don't feel like walking then there are many alternatives. The public transport system is excellent and integrates the bus, tram, S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines. Transport here is expensive but efficient. The underground S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains are convenient and run more frequently than the buses. Trams run on major routes and are especially good for sightseeing. Cycling is also a popular way of getting around the city, and most streets have designated bicycle lanes. Driving can be a frustrating due to the heavy traffic and number of one-way streets. It's far better to park the car and use public transport.

By Metro

The subway is an efficient but somewhat expensive way of getting around. There are two main lines that are of use to tourists; one going from the Central Station north to the Berger strasse, via Theaterplatz, Roemerberg and Konstablerwache, and the other going through the centre and onto Sachsenhausen. The ticket machines can be a little confusing the first time you use them. It is not possible to buy tickets in the subway, so make sure you don't get caught without a ticket on any of the trains, as tickets are checked frequently. A 24-hour rover ticket is available, although it's usually better to invest in the Frankfurt Card, which includes half-price entry to virtually all the city's museums.

By train

The S Bahn rail service is useful for connections to the airport or for commuters and residents who live out of the city. A useful service is the line that takes you from the main railway station north to the Opera, then via Fressgasse to Zeil and Konstablerwache. From there, it turns south and crosses the Main River and goes on to the Bahnhof of Sachsenhausen. The S Bahn is notorious for delays, so if you are catching a plane or have a time-critical appointment, allow an extra 30 minutes to be on the safe side.

By bus

There are 40 bus lines with 670 stops in total, making travelling by bus an efficient and cheap way of exploring the city. Most stops are serviced every 10 minutes and you also have the option of buying the ticket on the bus itself, thus avoiding the confusing ticket machines. Special weekend night buses run until 05:00. There is also a tram system (strassenbahn) that spans 14 lines in the downtown area.

Taxis

Frankfurt has many taxis, partly due to the number of business travellers. You can catch a taxi either by standing at any of the clearly designated taxi stands or by hailing one that has an illuminated dome light. Taxis charge by the trip and by the carload, and some are suitable for carrying up to six passengers. There is no surcharge for calling for a taxi. Watch out for taxi drivers that take detours if they notice that you do not know the city.

Tourist services

The tourist office sells a one or two-day ticket called the Frankfurt Card, which offers free travel on public transport within the city and to the airport as well as a 25 per cent reduction on guided city tours, 50 per cent reduction on admission to major attractions and 17 museums, and a 20 per cent reduction on the Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt Rhine and Mosel river tours. An alternative is the two-day Museumsufer Ticket, which excludes public transport but grants free admission to the permanent and many special exhibitions of 26 museums in and around Frankfurt.

From the airport

S-Bahn commuter trains run every 10 minutes from the airport to the central train station, Hauptbahnhof. Airport buses can be caught from either terminal. They take a little longer than the train, but offer more stops at places around the city. Taxis are a more expensive option, but can easily be found outside the terminals, while many hotels provide shuttle services for their guests.