Track 1 at the Regionalbahnhof often shows RE2 to Frankfurt Hbf
RE2 is a regional express train that runs between Frankfurt Airport Regionalbahnhof and Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, using the same underground station as the S8 and S9 under Terminal 1. Trains use numbered tracks; RE and RB lines toward the city often leave from track 1, with Frankfurt Hbf listed on the departure boards as a stop.
From the terminals, follow signs for Regionalbahnhof (not Fernbahnhof) and look for DB red logos on level 0 under Terminal 1, Hall B. The walk from Terminal 1 arrivals to the Regionalbahnhof ticket machines takes about 5–10 minutes, while from Terminal 2 you need the free SkyLine train or bus first, which adds roughly 10–15 minutes.
Ticket prices from the airport to Frankfurt Hbf sit in the RMV local zone, so a standard single is usually under €6, regardless of whether you ride S-Bahn, RB, or RE2. You can buy these on RMV/DB ticket machines near the escalators down to the tracks or in the DB Navigator app, and you do not need seat reservations for RE2 or other regional services.
RE2 can match S8/S9 on journey time between Flughafen Regionalbahnhof and Frankfurt Hbf, often around 12–15 minutes, with only a couple of intermediate stops. English-language guides usually shout “S8/S9” first, so newcomers sometimes ignore RE trains on the board that would get them to Frankfurt Hbf just as fast.
Regular DB users watch the big yellow-and-black electronic departure boards above the platforms and simply board the first train—S-Bahn, RB, or RE2—that lists “Frankfurt(Main)Hbf” as a stop. If an RE2 shows a departure in 3 minutes and the next S8 is in 11 minutes, they take the RE2 and save a 8-minute wait on the platform.
Step-by-step from arrivals to RE2
- 1. From Terminal 1, follow signs for “Regionalbahnhof” toward Hall B; from Terminal 2, take the free SkyLine to Terminal 1 and then follow the same signs, allowing 10–15 extra minutes.
- 2. At the station concourse, use an RMV/DB machine to buy an airport–Frankfurt(Main)Hbf ticket (under €6 in 2024) or use the DB Navigator app on your phone.
- 3. Check the electronic departure board for RE2 or any regional service that lists “Frankfurt(Main)Hbf” in the stopping pattern, and note the track number (often track 1 for airport–city trains).
- 4. Go down to the correct platform, stand near the middle of the train for faster exit at Frankfurt Hbf, and board any second-class coach when the RE2 arrives.
- 5. Ride about 12–15 minutes to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf, then follow the blue “Ausgang / Exit” signs up to the main concourse and onward to long-distance trains, U‑Bahn, or trams.
Tip: If the board shows multiple options within 10 minutes, skip overthinking line numbers and just pick the earliest train that clearly lists “Frankfurt(Main)Hbf.”