Frankfurt International Airport
Germany’s largest airport, Frankfurt International Airport, handles over 56 million passengers a year. This two-terminal airport directs flights from 270 destinations all over the world, seeing over 100 different airlines pass through. This means that most international travelers will use this as their gateway into Germany. Most North American airlines fly into Frankfurt, which is a hub for Germany’s national airline, Lufthansa. There are great shopping and eating both before and after security, including a whole range of gift stores, duty-free shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as fast food eateries.
The airport is extremely modern and convenient, being located only seven miles from the city center. There is a subway station right below, providing connections to downtown, as well as a train station, which provides links to other German cities and neighboring countries. The subway ride into the city takes only about 11 minutes. Taxis are also available just outside the terminal. Licensed companies are off-white in color with yellow taxi signs. A taxi journey to the city takes roughly 20 minutes. Car rental is also an option, with most major car rental companies offering services directly at the airport.
Munich International Airport
Germany’s second largest airport is Munich Airport, which handles 37 million passengers a year. This two-terminal airport uses Terminal 2 as a hub for Star Alliance member airlines and Lufthansa, and Terminal 1 for non-Star Alliance airlines. The airport services over 40 airlines, with US Airways, United, Lufthansa, and Air Canada offering flights to North America. There are plenty of shopping options at the airport, including international brands such as Bobbi Brown and Aigner, as well as souvenir shops and drugstores. There are good eating options ranging from cafés and fast food, to organic and full-service restaurants.
Munich Airport is directly connected to the city’s subway system via the S1 and S8 lines. The journey into the city center takes about 45 minutes. Bus transport is available through the MVV bus line, which provides a link to nearby cities. Car rental is also a good transportation option, with all major international car rental companies represented at the airport.
Berlin-Tegel Airport
Berlin actually has two airports, but Berlin-Tegel Airport is the main international one and handles about 16 million passengers a year. This airport provides the main air link into Germany’s capital and is a hub for Air Berlin. From its four terminals, the airport services over 30 airlines, primarily to Munich and Frankfurt. At the airport, visitors will find a souvenir shop, a bakery, a supermarket, as well as a handful of cafés, bars, and restaurants. The city is currently expanding the Berlin Brandenburg Airport, which is expected to take over Berlin-Tegel Airport’s flights by 2013.
Ground transportation is primarily through BVG bus lines, which provide links to the subway, tram, and long-distance train stations. Taxis are also available and a journey to the city center takes about 20 minutes. Self-driving is an option, with international companies such as Europcar and Avis providing car rentals on site.