Track 1 at the Regionalbahnhof is where RE59 usually rolls in
RE59 runs from Frankfurt Airport Regionalbahnhof (regional station) on track 1 and heads northwest through Hesse toward North Rhine‑Westphalia, so you skip the backtrack into Frankfurt Hbf and start your regional ride right at the terminal. It’s a Regional-Express, so it stops less often than the S8/S9 S‑Bahn and can feel more like a medium‑distance train than a city commuter line.
The Regionalbahnhof sits under Terminal 1, Section B, two levels below arrivals, and RE59 departures show on the blue regional boards alongside RE2, RB, and S‑Bahn lines. From Terminal 2 or 3, you first ride the free SkyLine or shuttle bus to Terminal 1, then follow signs for “Regionalbahnhof,” not “Fernbahnhof”; RE59 never leaves from the long‑distance platforms by The Squaire.
Standard RMV tickets for the airport to Frankfurt Hbf run about €5.40 in 2024 for a single trip in Preisstufe 5, and that same ticket is valid on RE59, other RE/RB lines, and the S‑Bahn for that city zone. You buy from the RMV or DB red machines on the concourse, or in the DB Navigator app, then just board RE59 directly since there are no platform gates or turnstiles at Frankfurt Airport.
For tight main‑station connections under 30 minutes, regulars check the departure board for any RE or RB via “Frankfurt(Main) Hbf,” including RE59, because these often beat the S8/S9 on both speed and crowding. You’ll usually find RE or RB runs every 15–30 minutes in daytime, and the ride to Frankfurt Hbf itself takes roughly 10–15 minutes depending on intermediate stops.
RE59 uses standard DB Regio rolling stock with 2nd‑class as the default and 1st‑class marked in a separate section, with seat icons on the carriage doors; both classes allow luggage racks and overhead shelves big enough for typical 23 kg checked bags. There’s no airline‑style check‑in for bags, so you roll your suitcase straight from Terminal 1 arrivals around Hall B down the escalator or elevator to track 1.
Step‑by‑step from Terminal 1: 1) From arrivals level B, follow the “Regionalbahnhof” signs down one level to the ticket hall. 2) Buy an RMV/DB ticket to your destination or Frankfurt Hbf at the red or white machines. 3) Check the blue board for RE59 or any RE via “Frankfurt(Main) Hbf” and confirm “Gleis 1.” 4) Head down to track 1 via escalator or elevator and wait near the middle of the platform. 5) Board when RE59 arrives, stow your luggage in the racks by the doors, and sit; ticket checks happen on board. 6) At Frankfurt Hbf, get off on the main hall platforms and follow onward signs for long‑distance ICE or other regional trains if you’re connecting.
One last tip: if someone points you to the Fernbahnhof by default, stop and check the station boards in Terminal 1 first; if RE59 or another RE via Frankfurt Hbf is leaving from track 1 within 10 minutes, that’s usually the smarter move.