15. November 2026
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Riding the Terminal 3 SkyLine at Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Flying to and from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)’s new Terminal 3 also gave me the opportunity to check out some ground based transport. With the introduction of the new terminal, the airport also introduced a new train connection between Terminals 1 and 3, expanding the existing SkyLine mass transport system. As I took the majority of the ride during sunset and made some nice snaps, I decided sharing my impressions in the Pictured Story format.

 

Terminal 3 Skyline Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – Route & Schedule

The connection to Terminal 3 expands the network of the SkyLine at Frankfurt Airport (FRA). The existing stops served Terminal 1 (gates A and Z), Terminal 1 (gate B, with connection to regional trains), Terminal 1 (gate C) and Terminal 2. Therewasa split between airside and landside passengers as well as Schengen and non-Schengen transfers, managed by separated cars and entrances. With the updated network, Terminal 1 passengers of all gate areas connect at a new station close to the Marriott hotel and connects to Terminal 3. There is a station at Terminal 2 and the cars are in fact stopping there, but entry and exit is only possible for people involved in the upgrade of the currently closed terminal building.

The total distance between the new Terminal 1 station and Terminal 3 is roughly 5.7km. The total transfer time is about eight minutes. Trains run every couple of minutes during operation between 4:00 and 23:00. Outside these times, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) offers a bus shuttle. You short not confuse this transport with the MiniMetro, which is connecting The Squaire at the airport with its parking garage. Riding the SkyLine is free.

 

Terminal 3 Skyline Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – Rolling Stock & Infrastructure

The two train stations used for the SkyLine under the current, i.e. end of 2026, conditions, are new. Both have two tracks with clear signage. The Terminal 3 stop is located right at the hallway between the terminal and parking garage.

The rolling stock used is a Bombardier Innova APM, originally sold by Adtranz as CX-100. Even though the tracks, especially the elevated parts, might look like a typical rail track at first sight, the cars have rubber tires. It is an automated, i.e. driverless system. These kind of vehicles is typically used at airports, e.g. in Rome (FCO), Dubai (DXB), or Pittsburgh (PIT). However, there are some implementations as local traffic option as well, e.g. the Miami-Dade Metromover in Miami or the LRT in Singapore.

 

Terminal 3 Skyline Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – Impressions

I took these impressions on an evening in September. The first set of pictures illustrates the route from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. The tracks initially pass the runways 25L and 25C  on the East, before making a left turn Westbound. Near Terminal 2, there is also a depot for the SkyLine system. Unfortunately, there are only a few spots along the route where you have a really good view of the airport’s operations. I was a bit surprised that despite the rubber tires, the ride feels quite bumpy, leading to minor vibrations.

The way back (or, for many travelers, the way to Terminal 3 from the airport’s long distance rail station, the SkyLine follows the same route vice versa. Thereby, there is a two lane track, i.e. one in each direction. I had a couple of additional nice snaps before heading back to Terminal 3.

 

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