FRA links air, rail and road transportation

Fraport AG is a leader in the development of intermodal travel concepts which involve integrating air, rail and road transportation. In operation since May 1999, FRA's Long-distance Train Station has been trailblazing the future of the Frankfurt intermodal transport hub. Via the Long-distance Train Station, air travelers departing or arriving at Frankfurt have direct access to Deutsche Bahn's (German Rail) ICE-train network.

Airports with intermodal capabilities have an edge on their competitors because intermodality generates additional traffic: Integration of Frankfurt Airport in Deutsche Bahn's high-speed rail network has expanded the airport's catchment area compared to airports without Long-distance Train Stations. It strengthened the hub function, raised passenger figures, and given us important competitive edges. At the same time, moving air traffic to the rail eases some of the strain on flight capacity. For example, landing and departure slots that are freed-up by shifting short-haul flights to the rail can be used for the urgently needed expansion of intercontinental flight services.

With the further expansion of the European high-speed rail network, FRA will be one of the most significant integrated transportation centers on the Continent. Opening of the new high-speed rail route between FRA and Cologne in August 2002 marked a milestone in that direction. The new route doubled the number of trains using the Long-distance Train Station and slashed travel times between Frankfurt and, e.g., Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne, Dortmund, and Münster by about one hour, and, as a result, enhanced FRA's catchment area. In addition, Frankfurt Airport's integrated Regional Train Station provides for fast connections between the airport, the city of Frankfurt and the region.

Intermodality is a central success factor at Frankfurt Airport.