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January 2, 2013
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January 5, 2013Frankfurt Rhein/Main Spotting Guide
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- last modified on March 6, 2020
Frankfurt Rhein/Main airport handled 69.5 Mio passengers in 2018 and is one of the most popular spotting airports on this planet. Frankfurt is in the center of Europe and the biggest hub for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partner airlines. Those airlines are responsible for the most movements next to Condor, who offer an adequate amount of flights in and out of Frankfurt. The peak times of LH are in the early morning (07:00 – 09:00), noon (11:00 – 13:00), afternoon (15:00 – 17:00) and evening (19:00 – 21:00). Most intercontinental flights arriving during the early morning hours like Air Namibia, China Airlines, ANA, Vietnam Airlines or Singapore Airlines as well as almost all flights from North America. So get up early to catch those birds. Frankfurt is also a big cargo airport for airlines from all over the world. Besides the local Lufthansa Cargo, Saudia, Air Bridge Cargo, Korean Air Cargo or Cathay Cargo are frequent visitiors. Due to the heavy night restrictions, many of these cargo operations take place during the day.
Frankfurt is one of the few spotter friendly airports in Europe, with three official viewing platforms and a visitor terrace at the terminal 2. Police and airport security knows about our hobby and plane spotting is more than tolerated, so don’t be afraid if you linger next to the perimeter fence with your huge ladder.
A great 24h real time schedule including active runway direction, arrivals/departure times, aircraft type, registration and destination can be found here: www.fra-flugplan.de
Written by Julian Mittnacht, Severin Hackenberger, Sebastian Sowa and Patrick Weis / Frequent Visitor (Last Update: June 2019)
Photo for position 3 are partly provided by PM.
| Rating | |
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| Airline Variety |  |
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 07L/25R | 2.800 m (9.240 ft) |
| 07C/25C | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| 07R/25L | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| 18 | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | Lufthansa & Star Alliance Condor, Etihad, LATAM, MEA, Qatar, Oman, IranAir and a few more using Concourse B/C |
| Terminal 2 | All other carriers |
| Terminal 3 | Future terminal in the south on the opposite side of the existing ones |
| Airport Chart |  |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Only needed at spots 9 and 10 and partially at 11 and 16. It is absolutely no problem if you use a ladder at any position along the perimeter fence! |
| Car/Public Transport | Highly recommended as for most spots there is not really a public transport directly to the spotting locations. There are some buses running to the cargo and cargo city south but thats all. Please use the RMV public transport map to find the correct bus stop. On the map turn on “Haltestelle” in the legend, click on the stops for the start and the end and select respectively “Start/Ziel wählen”. Then click on the “Verbindung Suchen” button on the left upper corner to see the times when a bus is running and which lines you have to use. In general, even it takes very long, you can walk to all spotting locations as there are footpaths and farm tracks around the airport so you don´t have to be on the road. If you can walk from Terminal 2 to the official viewing platform for 25L (spot 5/6) as there is a footpath and its around 2,5 km. And from Terminal 1 to the approach spot for 25R (spot 14) which is around 2 km. For more details read the description. |
| Restrooms | Not at the spots! read description |
| Drinks/Food | Supermarket & gas stations around the airport |
| Hotels | Inter City Hotel next to spot 5&6. More hotels in the city of Kelsterbach north of RWY 07L/25R |
| Season | We suggest April – September, chance of bad weather in winter is pretty high. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | With three runways in use for departures/landings its not always easy to catch the bird you are hunting for. A380, 747 and MD11 aircraft using always the center or southern runway! Thats for sure and usually flights heading to the south using 18 for their departure. But you can’t really make a prediction in which airline uses which runway. Its like gambling and you have to be on the right place at the right time for the wanted plane. |
| 07L/25R | Used for arrivals only, from both directions. No A380,747 and MD11 planes arriving at this RWY due to noise restrictions. The preferred runway for all US flights (UA, DL, AA, LH, DE) and flights arriving from the North like Finnair, Air Baltic, SAS, JAL or ANA. |
| 07C/25C | Mainly in use for departures (especially flights to North America and Asia) in both directions. Some Lufthansa arrivals are possible here when there is less traffic (winter/saturdays), good visibility and no departures. Arrivals are on final for 07R/25L but making a visual switch to the center runway a few miles before the threshold. |
| 07R/25L | Used for arrivals in both directions (departures are very very rare). Runway for all flights opb. A380,747 or MD11, cargo airlines located in the cargo city south and general aviation. Preferred runway for charter flights coming from the south opb. SunExpress, TUIfly or Bulgarian Air Charter. |
| 18 | Used for departures only, 36 is not in use! Preferred for flights with a southern direction like Spain, Italy, Africa, India, Southern Asia. With tailwind more than 10kt, there is already a general warning distributed in the ATIS. With tailwind more than 15kt, RWY 18 is closed for operations. |
Platform West - 18 departures, 07C/R arrivals, 25L/C departures
| WHERE | The platform west is one of the two official spotting locations outside the airport perimeter and its a very famous spot by spotters and locals too. If you arrive from the Autobahn, exit and follow the signs to Lufthansa Cargo. You are on the ‘Airportring’ and will pass the Terminals, Lufthansa Technik and LH Cargo. Always drive westwards until the road turns south and pass the thresholds of RWY25. When you have passed these, you will see a small parking lot on the right, shortly before you can enter the tunnel who pass RWY18. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 31”. The ride is 16 minutes. From there you need to walk back on the sidewalk all the way to the platform, approximate 2km. If you are good on foot you can even walk from the terminal all the way along the airport ring to this position on a sidewalk. But it takes at least one hour! |
| WHAT | This spot is great when 07 is in use for arrivals. For 18 departures you have to wait until the afternoon and the sun turns around. You are on a high platform where you can easily shot over the perimeter fence. Sometimes its very crowded so you will need a ladder for 18. 07 isn’t a problem and no ladder is needed. Arrivals on the center runway are difficult in the summer as you will get a lot of heat haze in your pictures (go to spot#2 instead). 25C departures are very high and the angle is not the best. Try spot 11 instead. |
| TIME | Good spot for almost the whole day when 07 is in use. In the summer month you will have backlit in the early morning and late afternoon & evening for 07. RWY 18 has backlit until noon |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. You can drive to Walldorf where you find a gas stations and supermarket. It takes you five minutes from spot#1. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-400 mm |
Airportring - 07C/R arrivals
| WHERE | This one is close to spot #1. Turn your car and drive back to the airport, northwards. After a hundreds of meters you see a small parking lot on the left. If you are good on foot you can walk from the terminal all the way along the airport ring to this position on a sidewalk. Takes at least one hour! |
| WHAT | You get only the 07 arrivals there and it depends on the time of the day. |
| TIME | 07R arrivals in the evening (07C are backlit) and 07C arrivals usually from morning until late afternoon but those arrivals are more than rare. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-150 mm |
Airportring - 18 lineup, 07C/R arrivals
| WHERE | Follow the road back to the airport. Before you pass the taxiway tunnel you wil see some kind of parking place on the left side. Walk all the way up till the taxiway to/from the northern runway. If you are good on foot you can walk from the terminal all the way along the airport ring to this position on a sidewalk. Takes at least one hour! |
| WHAT | Best for lineups when they turn in for runway 18 and even night shots are possible when the aircraft hold short for 18. A ladder is recommend to avoid parts of the fence in your picture but if you are okay with it you can go without one. Otherwise you can go down where you have parked and photograph through the mesh of the airport fence after you have crossed the street (see Kuwait sample photo). From there the planes are already on the runway so it´s a different view like you will get from the top In the summer its okay for 07 arrivals during the very early morning or the late afternoon till sunset, but you have a very short time window to make your photo due to the trees to your right. 25C heavy departures are possible too in the summer in the very early morning and from late afternoons till sunset. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 26”. The ride is 10 minutes. From there continue on the side walk and after you have passed the tunnel turn right and walk up till the position. |
| TIME | For line up you can take photos from afternoon till sunset. 07 arrivals and 25C departures are possible in the very early morning hours and in the late afternoon/evening (summer) |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Viewing Platform - 07L/25R movements
| WHERE | When you start at the airport, follow the ‘Airport Ring’ to spot #1. Pass the first taxiway tunnel and follow the sign to Kelsterbach/Rüsselsheim making a right turn onto Okrifelter Strasse (Feuerwache 4). Drive over the bridge of the ICE track and take the first turning on the right, just before the fire station. Park in the small spotter’s car parking area on the left. There is a footpath (tagged on the map) along Frankfurt’s newest runway. Just follow this eastwards for 5-10 minutes until you see the large viewing platform with seating on your right hand side. The platform is built in front of the dirt mound which was previously used by spotters. By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left to get onto the farm track that runs parallel to the Autobahn, walk under the taxiway bridge and continue until you see the platform to your left. All in one approximate 3,5 km. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 26”. The ride is 10 minutes. From there cross the road and walk over the bridge of the Autobahn A3 to the location. |
| WHAT | This place covers the newest runway which is used for arrivals only. The taxiway to the terminals is pretty close too (from where most of the pilots are waving, too) and, particularly when Runway 25R is in use, you can almost touch the aircraft rolling by. When Runway 07L is in use most traffic does not use the parallel taxiway. A380, 747 and MD11 aircraft, as well as business aircraft and cargo airlines located in the Cargo City South, don’t use this runway, but 777 aircraft of Aerologic and Lufthansa Cargo prefer this runway. It’s a great place and for Runway 25R you are almost at the touchdown zone so you can take some ‘smokey’ pictures. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. There is a small covered area under the viewing platform but it has no seats, otherwise there is absolutely nothing here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Runway: 100mm for a 772, 200mm for a 737 |
Official parking area in front of the fire station:
Autobahn/Hurenschneise - 25L/C arrivals, 07R/C departures, taxiway Sierra
| WHERE | This spot is at the other side of the airport, next to the old US facilities and the Inter City Hotel. You must drive on the Autobahn A5 to Darmstadt for 2 kilometers until you can exit the road to Zeppelinheim. Follow the signs to this city, pass the A5 over a bridge and then turn left at the next corner. You will drive into a forrest. Follow this smaller road for a hundreds of meters until you will find a parking lot. Park your car here (take care of some no parking signs) and walk along a closed forrest road (tagged on the map) north/westwards back to the Autobahn (you can’t drive here). After 5 minutes you exit the forrest and head over a bridge to the spotting platform. By Foot: You can walk from Terminal 2 to the platform within 30 minutes/2,5km (check footpath on the map for a detailed description) or use the shuttle bus to the IC Hotel but you may be asked for a ticket. By Train: use the S7 from Frankfurt Central Station and exit at Zeppelinheim Station. Walk through the forrest to the spotting platform like mentioned above.+++ UPDATE AUG 2019: there are ongoing construction works for the new terminal 3 and for the skytrain that connects the new with the old terminals. New high fences were build and obstruct the sight completly of taxiway uniform and partly of Tango. Photos of arrivals and departures are still possible as before.+++ |
| WHAT | Its great for all the 25L/C arrivals if wind is coming from the west. Also nearby taxiway Uniform is very close, which is used by some airlines to get from terminal 2 to runway 18 or used by widebodies to tow them to the parking area. But new fences block the view and the possibility of taking photos of aircraft on Taxiway Uniform is affected. Taxiway Tango, which is behind Uniform, should be still possible but this one is less in use as the tow trucks use the inner one. 07C departures are possible but usually very high, expect the heavies. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. Arrivals on the center runway are difficult in the summer as you will get a lot of heat haze in your pictures (spot#6 is closer). |
| MISC. | There are some big stones to sit down. There is also a snack bar close to the parking lots and next to the S-Bahn station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | for a 77W 250 mm on 07C takeoff, 30 mm on the taxiway and 100 mm on 25L arrival |
Pictures below are from November 2019.
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- View from the parking
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- View from the platform
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- View from the location toward the airport
Autobahn - 25L/C arrivals
| WHERE | From the previous spot #5 follow the footpath for a hundreds of meters towards Terminal 2 until you stand between the to runways and on your right (between footpath and highway) will be some trees. Usually you start at #5 and then go there when the sun has turned around in the summer months. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 25L can be photographed from here. |
| TIME | Starting in the late afternoon/evening its the place to be for 25L arrivals if you wanna avoid backlit pictures. Can only be used in the summer. |
| MISC. | There is is a path which is frequent in use by cyclist when the sun is shining. So try to stand on the grass to avoid a crash. Facilities in Terminal 2 are the closest. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-300 mm |
Visitor terrace Terminal 2
| WHERE | The one and only visitor terrace in Frankfurt is located at Terminal 2 landside. Follow the stairs up to the Mc Donald and look for the entrance on the left side. There is now a big fence along the terrace and just a few holes to put your big camera lense through (see pics below). |
| WHAT | For photography its a terrible place as you face the sun for almost the whole day. Your are pretty close to the ramp movements of Terminal 2 and the threshold of 25C is also reachable for the lens. 07C departures usually are very high, except the heavies. |
| TIME | In the early morning hours and in the evening you don’t have backlit here for the 25C movements (summer months only). For side photos of aircraft on the apron its possible there to spot the whole day but its tricky due to the fence. |
| MISC. | The terrace has been renovated in 2016 and there are no longer secuirty checks at the entrance. The fee is 3 Euros for adults. CLICK HERE FOR THE OPENING TIMES
The photoholes (~10 holes on the whole terrace all in all back in September 2018) aren’t quite big. A 100-400mm Mk I (77mm wide) fits without lens hood, but doesn’t fits with lens hood – as visual example, look at overview picture 3! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Hard to tell and depends on the angle |
Width of photohole:
Ticona - 07L arrivals
| WHERE | From the ‘Airportring’ take the same road that you would use to reach spot #4. Drive through the forrest after you have passed the fire staten and the runway tunnel. Maybe one kilometer later you will face a small railroad tunnel. Make a left turn before that tunnel (Fraport signs) and always follow this dead end road along the tracks until you reach the threshold of runway 07L/25R . This is the former ‘Ticona’ chemistry complex which was bought by the Fraport AG and has been demolished for the new runway. Before an abandoned gate you will find the official car parking area on the left hand side. From here walk on the gravel road, cross the approach and continue till the position as marked on the map. |
| WHAT | This is a great spot for all runway 07 arrivals with clear blue sky on the back. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | You are in the middle of nowhere. So take the stuff that you need with you. No ladder needed here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 77W = 50mm; 737 = 100mm. A little bit more at the evening spot. |
MORNING
Fire Station - 07L/25R movements
| WHERE | When you start at the airport, follow the ‘Airport Ring’ to spot #1. Pass the first taxiway tunnel and follow the sign to Kelsterbach/Rüsselsheim in making a right turn into the Okrifelter Strasse (Feuerwache 4). Drive over the bridge of the ICE track and park your car on the right shoulder along the road. You have the Fire Department infront of you. There is a footpath (tagged on the map) along Frankfurt’s newest runway. Just follow this westwards for 5 minutes until you’re at the fence next to the fence. You definatly need aminimum of 2 steps here! Stay next to the Firestation with smaller steps otherwise you will have the higher taxiway to the bridge on your pictures. By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left to get onto the farm track that runs parallel to the Autobahn, walk under the taxiway bridge and continue until you see the platform to your left. Pass it and walk till you reach the fire station. All in one approximate 4 km. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 26”. The ride is 10 minutes. From there cross the road and walk over the bridge of the Autobahn A3 to the location. |
| WHAT | This place covers the newest runway which is used for arrivals only. The taxiway to the terminals is pretty close too and you can almost touch the aircraft which rolling by. A380,747 and MD11 as well as cargo and business aircraft don’t use this runway! You can take 07L arrivals here while reversing progress and 25R arrivals that taxi down the runway if they’re light. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. Best time for this spot is 08:00-16:00 for 07L and for aircraft take the exit in front of you until about 18:00. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 15-250 mm |
07L touchdown
| WHERE | Use the directions like to Spot 8, pass this one and walk up the marked route on the map along the perimeter fence. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for aircraft landing on runway 07L. The are touching down just in front of you. You can alos take pictures from here of aircraft, especially heavies, that landed on 25R and leaving the runway in front of you. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. On Taxiway it depends on the angle, the example pictures where taken at 4pm. |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. You need at least a 2 stepleadder here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Runway: 100-400mm Taxiway: 10-100mm |
Runway:
Taxiway:
former holiday parking - 07R arrivals actually closed due to a constrution side
| WHERE | By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 31”. The ride is 16 minutes. From there you need to walk back on the sidewalk all the way to the platform, approximate 1,5km. If you are good on foot you can even walk from the terminal all the way along the airport ring to this position on a sidewalk. But it takes at least one hour! |
| WHAT | F You can also see the taxiway infront, but spotting those aircraft is difficult – but works with a high ladder (at least 4 steps) – Example ONE and TWO. |
| TIME | |
| MISC. | Ladder useful for departures on RWY18, taxiing aircraft infront (like the Kalitta B744 on the overview shot below) and low arriving aircraft – normally all arrivals are possible without ladder as well from the dirtmound top. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Taxiway infront requires less mm, but we don’t know how much exactly! |
07R arrivals evening
| WHERE | The entrance into the street that leads to this location is between spot #1 and #2. Park at spot 2 and walk through the forrest on the ‘Alte Heegwaldschneiße’ is forbidden now. When you reach the entrance to the gravel factory turn left and continue until you reach an open field to your right hand side. It´s not allowed anymore to drive to this location so you have to walk for 20-30 minutes. |
| WHAT | This spot is an alternative to spot 2 as you have a better angle here. You have a longer timeframe to make your picture! |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only! |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. During weekdays the dust (sand) which is coming up from the factory might be disturbing and there is a lot of truck traffic which cause dust too. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 – 400mm |
Field - 25R arrivals
| WHERE | The spot is situated in an industrial area next to Kelsterbach. If you are coming from the terminals by car follow the airport ring to LH Cargo. After you have passed the LH Flight Terminal building to your right hand side turn right into the Mörfelder Straße, heading to Kelsterbach. After a few hundred meters you can see the NH Hotel. Turn left until you reach an open field to your right. Park your car along the road. If you don´t have a car you may can use the shuttle bus of the NH Hotel from the Terminals. By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left at the NH Hotel and follow this road till the position. All in one approximate 2 km |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 25R only. |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only! |
| MISC. | The gras on the field is sometimes not cutted so be aware of ticks. There is a grill in the industrial area. Plenty of supermarkets and hotels in Kelsterbach. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50 – 200mm |
Train Tunnel - 25R arrivals
| WHERE | See description for #13 but pass the gate and continue on the small path under the approach path. Once you are on the other side get walk over the train entrance to the tunnel to get behind the railroad tracks. Start spotting here. By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left at the NH Hotel to get onto the farm track that runs parallel to the Autobahn. Continue there until the position. All in one approximate 2 km |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 25R only. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. Its very noisy as the Autobahn is behind you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A321 = 90mm; 77W = 60mm; 738 = 100mm |
Crash Gate - 25R arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is close to the field (spot #13) in an industrial area in Kelsterbach with a slightly better angle and something in the background of your photos. Park your car at the junction to the spot and walk a few meters up to a crashgate. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 25R and planes on taxiway Papa (bridge). |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only. |
| MISC. | To take photos at this position you’ll need a ladder with at least 3 steps to get over the gate. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50 – 250mm |
Ticona - 07L arrivals
| WHERE | This is almost at the same corner as spot #8. From the ‘Airportring’ take the same road that you would use to reach spot #4. Drive through the forrest after you have passed the fire staten and the runway tunnel. Maybe one kilometer later you will face a small railroad tunnel. Make a left turn before that tunnel (Fraport signs) and always follow this dead end road along the tracks until you reach the threshold of runway 07L/25R . This is the former ‘Ticona’ chemistry complex which was bought by the Fraport AG and has been demolished for the new runway. Before an abandoned gate you will find the official car parking area on the left hand side. Now continue along the perimeter fence on the dirt road. If you have no ladder stay at the first postion. Here you have a blue sky on the back. If you have a ladder (4 steps at least) you can continue along the perimeter to find you prefered position at the fence. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 07L. |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50 – 250mm |
Position next to the parking lot. No ladder needed here
Postion further down the dirt road. Ladder needed!
118 Comments
Hey,
Do know how high the fence along runway 25R/07L is?
Hi, have a look at postion 9. There is a picture with some ladders at the fence. This will answer your question.
-Julian
Hi!
I’am going to visit FRA in this week for the first time. Because I can be there for a few hours, I think spot 4-5 (maybe 6) would be good for me. In my opinion if planes will land from the 07s spot 4 is the right choice, but if planes land from the 25s, both can be good.
Which one is better with 70-300 lens? What about the high fence at spot 5?
Hi Peter, Spot 4 is perfect for arrivals from both sides.
A 70-300mm is okay at both spots. Only for center arrivals from 5 you need at least 400. But thats rare. Arrivals are still fine there, only the outter taxiway is impossible.
Thank you very much Julian!
According to you which spot should I choose if planes land from the 25s?
If you wanna catch the LH A380 and 747 location #1 is your place to be. But its difficult to get there without a car.
Dear Julian, is that possible that an official visitor desk is under construction nearby location #5 Zeppelinheim? If you look towards the RWY 25L left to the runway there is a concerete pavilion like building alongside the fence which looks promising as a future visitor desk.
Thank you for your reply.
Gabor
Budapest
Hi Gaby,
I think you know what you are talking about. This will be the new “DaVinci House” which replaces the old house which is just next to the new building (the small one with the black roof). The house is used by Fraport for meetings and events. Not for us spotters 🙂
Regards
Julian
Dear Julian, first of all many thanks for your prompt reply and congratulations for your excellent job with the site, we all appreciate your efforts to make spotting much easier at this beautiful airport! On the other side I am very disappointed about the news, at least they should consider to demolish the old small building which is sooooo annoying! 😉
Gabor
Thanks for the nice words Gabor! I think you are talking about the building which is directly infront of the existing platform.
Photos from the outter taxiway from this position are history. They build a higher fence for the new skytrain track that runs between T2 and the new T3.
So the grey building is not the problem anymore.
Hi Julian, exactly that building in front of the present platform at the TWY. I do not know the fence for Skytrain you mentioned how will affect photo possibilities. Where it is exactly now? Fences are often enemies of spotters.
Gabor
you mean affects shooting at the terminal building, right?
No, I am talking about the nearest taxiway. Terminal is still in sight.
Hello,
is it impossible to spot with rwy 25C departure? Thanks for your help.
Hi Kelvin,
Not sure if I understand your question …
When the 25s are operative, arrivals on all runways can be spotted, please see the guide for the exact locations. Departures on 25C can be spotted as well, either while lining up, but some focal length is needed and heat haze often is a problem and it gets backlit after late morning, or while in climb, but only heavies because anything smaller will already be too high.
Hope this answers your question …
Happy spotting,
Thomas
-spotterguide crew-
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for your reply. I am looking for any good position for spotting the line up of 25C departure especially in the morning and afternoon as it seems the busy hours for heavy departure. Thank you for your help again.
Best regards,
Kelvin
Hello ! Is a ladder needed when spotting at spot 11 for arrivals on 07R and is 07R really closed because i see some aircraft landing on 07R on Flightradar24
Hi, 07R is in use for arrivals, 07C for departures. And no ladder is needed for arrival shots as we mentioned it in the description.
-Julian
Thank you for your guiding！
But there are some question I want to know.
Can we take the pictures which the plane is on the ground or touching down on the runway at spot 5?(With just 300mm)
Thousands of thanks!
Hi Albert, yes you can make touchdown pictures at this location but the planes are already very far and usually the pictures are full of heat distortion. 300mm is needed for the heavies. If you linke touchdown photos have a look at the northern runway. There are a couple of positions where you can make perfect pictures of smoking tires.
Regards, Julian
Regarding with position 3 for recent visit. Some of the traffic staying all day long at FRA(ex. SouthAfrican A340)is parked just in front of this point,so at the top of hill, it was very hard to take spotter shot which traffic lining up runway 18 and 07C. Tail of parking aircraft is obstructed for widebody aircraft passing by. (Visited 23SEP.2019)
I just read a article about spot 5 and the new fence. The following link shows the current picture situation at this spot.
Sad for spotters as there where great pictures possible at this spot :/
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9417498
Julian, amazing work! I’m not a plane spotter, but after this article, I will go and have a relaxed day around the airport, looking at the planes and I will take my bike with me to commute easier from one point to the other.
Reading all the info, I’m confused about #8/#16: In the article it’s said that it’s the best for 07L/25R arrivals and in one of the photos shows that if I am there the planes should pass shortly above me. Is this true? Aren’t #13 and #14 the correct spots if I want the arrival planes on that runaway to fly little above my head? 🙂
This is what I would like to see: The planes approaching and passing me above, on a short distance.
Could you please confirm me that the spots to be for having the planes arriving shortly above me are: #13, #14, #5 and #6? 🙂
Thanks a lot in advance.
Hi, if you go to the northern runway you have to place yourself in between spots 13 and 14 if arrivals from the east and 8 and 16 if from the west.
Same for southern runways where at 2 and 6 they will pass you.
All are on a footpath where you can stand.
Hope this helps
-Julian
Lonut position #8/#16 and #13/#14 basically are the same thing, change only the approach to be flown based on the active runway (07L is quite rare) so #13/#14 are good as position #6 and the bike path which run alongside the fence
Julian, Andy,
Thank you both for the confirmations/advice! Very helpful. I took the notes.
Today was quite cold and rainy sometimes, so I skipped for the next weekend.
I live ±18km East from the airport, right under the 25R arrivals path and closeby the 25L arrivals path.
Great plane diversity and super busy. The planes mainly arrive in tandem every other minute for a few hours daily, 7 days/week.
Hi,
I am living in Offenbach…near by Frankfurt. Do you know if is possible to go by bus to this places? I love airplanes. Is there some types of aviation’s community/groups here?
I would like to participate and go to airport area.
Hi, usually you can reach most of the locations by bus in combination with some walking. It is all descriped in the description of each location.
If you are try to contact local spotters try this two forums: https://www.fra-spotterforum.de/forum/ and http://fraaviation.forumieren.de/
-Julian
Thanks Julian…are you from Offenbach or Frankfurt? We can do a group spotter.
Hi Jonathan,
I’m from Offenbach too. I went to the airport 3 weekends ago and there are 4-5 great spots for plane spotting. Definitely recommending to try them.
Unfortunately, per my experience, there are some buses connecting some spots, though, to the good ones you need to walk/bike. And walking between these points is very time consuming.
My advice, if you live here, is to buy a bike and sell it later if you don’t need it. It’s ~50-100€ a bike, but you can do all the spots in a few hours/one day.
I’m not aware of any plane spotting clubs but you can start one 🙂 I was just curious, not a pro.
Ionut, thanks…i am not pro too. I only live airplanes. Very good idea.
We can start a new group. I will search one and talk to you about it.
Ionut…i bought a bike. 😂😂😂
Can we go together to the airport? I dont know the best way, streets…from Offenbach
Hi, it’s possible to reach TICONA (positions #8 and #16 position with the official public transport?
Thx
Hi Andy, thats nearly impossible if you don’t mind a loooong walk. use the description like for 4 and 9. Exit at the bus stop “Tor 26” and cross the runway tunnel. There should be a sidewalk. After you have left the tunnel immediately turn around and go up to the runway perimeter fence. From there you can walk westwards all the way along the runway on a foot path till the Ticona positions.
-Julian
Hi Julian thanks for the infos I thought that there was a bike path similar at the one between the official spotting location for rwy 25R/07L but in this case it’s impossible due to the length.
Just for information and for the other users of the guide, I spent the weekend in FRA and there is always the A346 (@ the deicing pad) parked during its turnover at position #3 so it’s quite impossible to have some decent images of lineup for rwy 18 and this is unusable.
Hi Andy, I just noticed that there is a path that runs parallel to the Autobahn A3 and where you can walk under the taxiway bridge. Then you need to walk through the forrest. I don´t really know if this is much shorter than the pervious one. There are dozens of tracks that run arround the airport and plenty of opportunities to walk to the locations.
-Julian
Hi Julian
Firstly let me compliment you for such a wonderful detailed account of spotting locations at Frankfurt.
I have been researching the possibility of how to get to Location 1, and have noted your account above is dated as recent as May 2019.
Frankfurt Airport have the following info on how to get to their Holiday Car Park …
“How to get there:
Via the A3 or the A5 in the direction of “Frankfurt Airport” to the B43. Take the B43 to the exit “Cargo Center / Gate 21 to 31″. At the sound barrier, turn right onto the Airportring and follow the signs to gate 31. Please turn left to gate 31 and drive through the barrier. Then turn right twice and follow the signs. The parking is on the left side.”
On the map this looks like they have developed a new car park which is approx 45 mins walk from the view point at Location 1.
Do you know is the car park referenced in your comments above still open ?… and if so does the shuttle bus still go there ? or has this new car park at TOR 31 become the only holiday car park replacing the one closer to the observation spot at location 1?
Thanks in advance Julian
Hi David, you are absolutely right. The holiday parking is no longer at this location and has been moved. So the shuttle bus is no option.
Now you have to take bus line 751 from Terminal 1 to “Tor 31” and walk all the way back.
I have updated the description.
Thanks
Julian
Thanks Julian appreciate your prompt response😀🛫
Hey, got a question regarding spot #3. Are there any high fences or other obstacles, so that I would have to use a ladder? And is it possible to walk the whole Airportring?
Hi Theo, I have just updated the infos for spot 3 so please have a look. A ladde is recommend to avoid parts of the fence in your photo. Otherwise you can take photos from the fence. And yes you can walk on the airportring. There is a sidewalk.
-Julian
Alright. Thanks for the quick answer!
All the best!
Theo
Hi,
Spot #3 is also great for 25C departures, especially heavies (late afternoon/evening, summer months). Sun is on the “right side” from around 5-5:30pm.
Example:
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9012764
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9012866
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9012851
Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for the info “PM” 😉
We have just added it.
-Julian
I read somewhere that a new fence is being built at spot 5, does someone know if this can prevent photography or is there going to be Holes in the fence?
Yes there is a new huge fence preventing you taking photos from the ground. See our revised guide above…
-Julian
Hello
Is their a new observation deck at the old Terminal 1 that opened up in April 2018. I read an article somewhere that it did open up. Next question. Is it open to the public or is it open to only passengers that have checked in and gone through security.
Mike
Hi Mike, this is just a very small terrace for smokers and absolutely not for photography as the sight is very limited.
It´s on the non-schengen part (B) and only available for passengers with a valid boarding pass.
-Julian
I found photos from a guy, also on facebook, and it seems they are taken from a parking lot next to the bridge from runway 07L to th apron. On googl it sems to be P53.
I have never been spotting at Frankfurt, only as passenger. But maybe an interesting spot for other people? Or is it only for employees etc?
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8953773
Hi thats right. Its from the P53. This is a LH parking garage for the staff only and I have no idea how about access for non-LH workers. Maybe you can walk there and get to the top but with a private car I don’t think you can enter it.
-Julian
Hochgehen kann man da bestimmt ohne Auto, der User der die Fotos gemacht hat ist glaube ich nicht bei LH oder am Airport angestellt.
Ist halt eher die Frage wie und wo man sein Auto dann hinstellen soll. Laut Google gibts da nichts in der Nähe was nach Parkplatz für ein Auto für ein paar Minuten/Stunden aussieht.
Es fährt scheinbar ein Bus, aber dauernd hin und her fahren?
Hello everybody – just as I discovered last week the Nordbahn for spot #4 and spot #9 can be diffcult to find… if you use the coordinates of the spotting point it self for your GPS you will keep driving around and not reach the spot. Do NOT use that. Insted for your GPS use the coordinates of the parkingspot P ( 50°02’21.9″N 8°31’21.3″E ) – this truly takes you straight to the parking spot near the Fire Department / Frankfurt Airport Fire Station 4 and you are right between #4 and #9 –> to both spots it is a maximum of 2 minutes walk.
Hallo!
I may go to FRA next month; arriving on terminal 2, i would love to photo non-european birds. Considering i would move by foot, Would you say place number 9 is the place to be? Spotting hours from 12:00pm to 17:00 more or less.
Thanks!!
Hi, if you wanna photograph non-european traffic #9 is the wrong place. You should try to catch the heavy wave that start to leave around noon. Therefore #5 is the best option when 07 is active. You can walk from T2 to this location.
-Julian
Thank you sir!
I really appreciate your help.
Best regards from sunny Madrid
Hallo, ich habe eine Frage. Kann man von der Spotting Position in Zeppelinheim auch Flugzeuge spotten, wenn Ostbetrieb ist?
LG Julius
07C heavy departures are possible. See sample in the description for this spot…
-Julian
A very important question. What’s happening in Zeppelinheim? They are building a 3m long fence as I saw in some pics. Do you know why? and will it kill all spotting chance from there?
Yes we have heard of that. There is a new fence being build and it looks like taxiway photos are impossible… We will keep you up to date.
-Julian
Hello, I am going to go to Frankfurt Airport in one week and my plan is to go to the spooting posotion in Zeppelinheim. Is it still possible to take ground photos (maybe close ups) ?Thank you for your help!
Julius
Hi Julius, yes you can still make ground photos. Just a bit more fence in the frame then before.
-Julian
Hello,
thank you for you fast answer! I have got one more question. Can I also spot planes departing on the Centerbahn from the spotting position near Zeppelinheim?
Thank you for your help!
Julius
Hi, 25C departures are visible but too far and too much heat.
-Julian
Spot #4 Hint – Here almost all pilots wave the hands to the camera after landing or when doing taxi, they are incredible close!
PS: Thanks Spotterguide for all you do, very helpful website!
We know it, but it doesn’t really fits into a spotterguide, but a nice move for sure! 😉
Thanks anyway for sharing this information.
Thanks, that’s our passion 🙂
-Severin
Hello
Does anyone know if it is possible to reach point 4 on foot from terminal 1 and what are the directions and duration of the route or if there is an alternative of public transport?
Thank you very much in advance
Hi, see my answer in the comment below yours:
Yes there is a bus line (751) that runs along the airport ring. There is a foot path parallel to that road so its no problem to reach the spot from the bus station by foot.
-Julian
Thanks for the answer
Is it possible to reach point 1 through the 751/752 buses and which is the best stop to get out?
Good question! There is a Holiday Parking shuttle, which is mostly just useable with ticket (for a Holiday Parking reservation).
Commercial “Linebuses” are quite rare there in the south. If I’m right the last bus stop is around here: “50.040577, 8.532491” (use Gmaps to see the exact location) , but I don’t know if it can be used by normal Passengers, too. I think it’s only for LH employees… So, you see – it’s hard to get to spot #1 by public transport!
Maybe someone other knows exact and uptodate information…
-Severin
Just wondering if access on foot is possible to Spot 4, I’ve found a bus service from the terminal that stops near the bridge over the train tracks however it doesn’t appear to have a footpath. I’ve been to FRA a few times and am familiar with the Zeppelinheim locations but would like to try Spot 4 if possible for the different airlines that use that runway.
Thanks!
Yes there is a bus line (751) that runs along the airport ring. There is a foot path parallel to that road so its no problem to reach the spot from the bus station by foot.
-Julian
Thanks 🙂
[…] get to the Autobahn/Hurenschneise spot** Spotting guide for Frankfurt (spotter guide) ⬇️⬇️ https://wp11121639.server-he.de/spotter/index.php/planespotting/europe/germany/frankfurt-fra-eddf/ The first prblem I encountered when I booked my flight to Frankfurt was to simply find out how you […]
WOW!!!! I just got back from a week and 1/2 spotting trip to Frankfurt airport. Thanks to this website, and especially Julian, for the tips on how to navigate this huge airport. First of all, this airport is absolutely the best for plane-spotting. All the best planes, airlines, and frequency of activity is second to none! I really enjoyed Spots 1, 4 and 6 the most. From what I could tell, there are basically three parts to every day at Frankfurt airport- A. Early morning arrivals and Late morning take-offs B. early afternoon arrivals and mid afternoon take-offs and C. Early evening arrivals and late evening take-offs. To catch A. you must be out early, like 6 AM because by 10 AM it is all done. Cargo planes seem to operate on a more flexible schedule. I walked from terminal 1 to spot 4 one time- it was very long- took me almost 1.5 hours. I walked Terminal 2 to Spot 6 several times- it was better- only about 30 minutes each way. I tried so hard to find a bike rental place next to airport but there were not so I finally rented a car, which felt so stupid because I never drove outside airport! But, I have to say it was very nice to have the car so I could race around the airport to catch the different views when the landing patterns changed. I stayed at Hotel Moxy, which was great, but I think the hotel in Keslsterbach is a better option because from there you can actually walk to spots #1,2,3 and 9 without too much effort. The path foot path that runs from Kelsterbach, parralell to train tracks, all the way to spot 9 is really nice because you can see the landing planes all the time. Also, if the weather is bad, or if you just want to get a coffee or food, the lounge area in Terminal 2 upstairs food court offers a spectacular view of the A-380’s and 747 activity. It is pre-security clearance so you can go in and out as much as you want. (Also the shopping at Frankfurt airport is like a mall- everything is there!) Julian, you and your friends should start a company that offersday-long plane-spotting tours. I missed alot just because there is so much going on and it means figuring out where to be at the right time, especially when the weather changes and traffic is re-routed. But after a few days I figured it out and had the best plane-spotting days of my life!
Thanks for your positive feedback and we are more than happy that we were able to help you out.
Useful and detailed info, thank you so much for sharing that,I am a Chinese aviation fan, I will be in FRA on Jul 5, but just for tranfering to AMS and try the old Fokker 70, are there any spots that is easy to go (like a couple of minutes walk) from the terminal? I got only 4 hours in transferring, will the visitor terrace be my only choice in FRA? Thank you again!
Hi Joshua, if you are flying from terminal 2 and the weather is bad just stay there on the observation deck.
Otherwise you can walk from the terminal to spots 5 for 25L arrivals or 07C departures.
-Julian
Thanks for the great information. Is Ellis Road walkable and a good way to get to #5? Sidewalk? Private/airport employee only?
The Ellis Rd belongs to the airport perimeter and you can´t get there. But you can walk on the sidewalk which is marked in red, parallel to the rd.
-Julian
Thanks so much! Your info is so helpful. I am considering renting a bicycle to commute between the various observation points. Seems like a waste to rent a car just for that. I’ll be staying in one of the hotels outside airport- probably Moxi or Steigenberger….trip to Frankfurt is only to planespot!
Hi, I’m love spotting but confused. what the best place for spotting in Frankfurt tomorrow ?
I think the best and easiest spotting location will be the terrace next to zeppelinheim train station. Number 5
Hi Julian,
Is there any bicycle rental service in the airport for those without a car ?
Is it worth visiting the airport during winter months or should wait fir spring ?
Regards
Eyal
Hi Eyal,
there isn`t a bicycle rent at the airport.
I can´t give you tips for the weather. We can get beautiful winter days and a rainy spring. You never know nowdays.
Regards
Julian
Hi, i am going tomorrow to FRA, needed to know if there’s airport buses that goes around the airport like in Schiphol, i don’t have car.
Thank you
There is no bus service to the spots like in Amsterdam. There are some opportunities to get to the spots without a car. Therefor read our guides.
-Julian
Hello,
I will be visiting FRA again this weekend, and repeat doing spotting here.
Any update on the viewing terrace construction? is it reopened already?
If not, then I need go to “A5 Spotting Place” 🙂
Regards from Jakarta
Hi, regarding to the website the terrace is open.
Enjoy your trip
-Julian
Julian,
Thank you for your prompt response!! Thumb up!
Definitely will enjoy my trip to Germany as usual 🙂
Gruss,
Arryo
In the spotterguide for FRA. You should change photo for Pos 4. Their’s a new spotting point at the Landebahn Nord-west. Newly build a 150.000€ Stand with parking places and all. It’s raised 3 m up. So you get a good view over the fences. And it’s located on the same spot as the old view point was. It’s very good. but too few seat is there. Only 9 seats availble….. Can be long to stand at them
Hi Morten,
thanks for you comment. We know about the new situation at this positon but unfortunately we were just not able to visit this spot yet.
But there will be an update as soon as possible.
-Julian
Hi, there is a lot of useful information here but the guide mentions a map which I can’t see. Do you have a link to it please?
Thank you.
Hi, you should check your browser and settings because the map is visible on top of this article.
Otherwise use this link:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1E-5ylvyE7hnRzZR925zhIvw7-rc
-Julian
Hi I am coming to frankfurt on 6th & 7th June & staying at the Sheriton.As the weather looks dodgy can I see much from there? Also been told the viewing platform is closed is there anywhere close by? Thanks
Hi Phil, regarding to the frankfurt-airport website, the terminal 2 viewing platform is closed since Januar 11th. due to construction works. There is no other terrace at FRA. You may watch 25R arrivals from terminal 2 skytrain station.
https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/en/sightseeing/frankfurt-airport.detail.suffix.html/service/other-services-for-visitors-and-travellers/visitors_-terrace.html
-Julian
Just a short remark to spot 12: Please be aware that driving through the forest, beginning from the entrance (between 2 and 3) is prohibited. It is only allowed for cars that need to access the gravel pit and forest workers.
So if you want to go there, park your car 2 and walk there. Police sometimes controls the area and will send cars away that don’t have permission and if they are in a bad mood you might even get a fine.
Walking and / or going by bike if course isn’t a problem.
Can you walk from spot 2 to spot 5? If so, how long would it take? Thanks
Hi tom, I wouldn´t try this as this is a very long distance. Get back to the Terminal and from there take the bus to the IC Hotel.
The “southern route” is almost impossible and you need a approximate two hours.
-Julian
Hi! I am planning to visit the spot 1. Do you know how to get here by public transport from the terminal or city center? Because I saw on the article that they ask for the parking ticket for the free shuttle bus. Is there any other alternatives?
Thank you
Hi, there isn´t any public bus service to this part of the airport. There is a bus running to the LH Cargo and western ramp but you have to walk form there for approximate 2-3 km.
Give the shuttle bus a try, otherwise take a taxi.
-Julian
Dear Julian
How long will it take from the terminal to the spotting point by taxi? How about by walking from the terminal?
Thanks
Hi, taxi takes approximate 5-10 minutes. By foot I would say 45 minutes. There is a sidewalk!
Julian
Dear Julian
Thanks for the information. I hope it will be helpful
Kind regards
Sanjaya
Hello , I like to know if the point of spotting 3 , there besion a stepladder . I come with my 11 year old son . Thank you
PS: Great web site. Sorry for my English
Hi, if you go up the hill you can photograph the line up without a ladder.
-Julian
JULIAN THANKS FOR THIS INFORMATION.
Dear Julian,
Thanks for the information, the weekend and spot at RWY 18 is really great, however on the second day I wanted to take shuttle from the Holiday parken, but a guy from the Holiday parken refused to me to enter the bus. They asked me for the parking ticket (which I didn’t have, like mentioned), I asked him to make an exception, but he didn’t want to do it, it was only for people parking at the Holiday parken. So at the end I had to walk to terminal 2, which took me 1 hour. This for your information.
Best regards,
Dimitri
Hi Dimitri,
thanks for that information with the bus drive. Seems like some of them check the ticket. This never happened to me but I will take the info into the guide.
Regards
Julian
Hi all,
Going to FRA this weekend for a trip, but will not have a car availible, I want to spot at RWY 18 spotting location and I want to take the shuttle bus from the terminal, is the walk true the tunnel safe? Also can you walk from the terminal to the spotting location RWY 18? I’m staying at the NH hotel.
Dimitri
Hi Dimitri,
Yes you can easily walk from the holiday parking to the spot for RWY18 as there is a sidewalk. You are just a few minutes in the tunnel.
I can´t recommend to walk from the Terminal to this location. Its pretty far!
Regards
Julian
Very nice guide, well done!
I have a few questions about spot 11. Can you get high enough on the mound to catch aircraft taxiing to RW18?
When is this spot accessible again?
Hi Luc, its not possible to make photos from RWY18 at this locations because bushes and trees blocking the sight.
Julian
Is Spot 11 accessible or are there still construction works ?
Thanks
Hi, we have no infos about construction works at Spot11.
-Spotterguide Team
Could You recommand an hotel in the nearby
As mentioned above the IC Hotel is the best location for 25 operations.
Otherwise there are a couple of hotels next to the terminal but pretty expensive.
Excellent tools for spotting ! Thanks
Perfect! Many thanks! …