Frankfurt Main Airport

Overview

Frankfurt-Egelsbach Airport (ICAO: EDFE) is a dedicated general aviation airport located in the town of Egelsbach, about 10 kilometres south of Frankfurt am Main in the German state of Hesse. Unlike the massive Frankfurt Airport (FRA) that handles millions of commercial passengers, Egelsbach focuses on private and business aviation, flight training, aircraft maintenance, and leisure flying. It is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Germany, serving corporate jets, small propeller aircraft, helicopters, and gliders. The airport is also a popular base for flying clubs and flight schools, making it a hub for aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The airport operates primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity typically in the late afternoon around 5 pm and 6 pm when many business flights return or depart. It is not open 24 hours a day; travellers should check operating hours in advance. For passengers arriving by private or charter aircraft, Egelsbach offers a convenient alternative to the congestion and high costs of Frankfurt Airport, while still providing quick access to the Frankfurt metropolitan area.

Location & Access

Address: Flugplatzgelände, 63329 Egelsbach, Germany

Frankfurt-Egelsbach Airport sits on the northern edge of the town of Egelsbach, within the Offenbach district. Its location is strategic: just off the A5 motorway, making it easily reachable from Frankfurt, Darmstadt, and the surrounding Rhine-Main region. The airport lies about 8 nautical miles south of Frankfurt Airport, but there is no direct rail link between the two.

By Car: The most straightforward access is by car. From the A5 motorway, take exit Egelsbach (junction 26) and follow the signs to Flugplatz. On-site parking includes a designated wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring convenient access for passengers with reduced mobility. Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop off and pick up at the terminal area.

By Public Transport: Egelsbach has a train station (Egelsbach Bahnhof) on the Frankfurt S-Bahn network (line S3), with regular services to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station) and Darmstadt. The station is about 2.5 kilometres from the airport — a short taxi or bus ride. From Frankfurt Airport (FRA), you can take the S-Bahn to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and change to the S3 towards Darmstadt. Alternatively, a taxi from FRA to Egelsbach takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Local bus services (line 652) connect Egelsbach train station with the airport, though schedules vary; checking the RMV (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund) app or website is recommended.

Facilities

Frankfurt-Egelsbach Airport provides essential facilities tailored for general aviation passengers and visiting pilots. While it lacks the sprawling retail and dining options of a major international airport, it offers the necessities for a comfortable transit.

• Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park: A designated parking area close to the terminal ensures easy boarding and alighting for passengers with mobility challenges.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance: The terminal building features a barrier-free entrance, allowing seamless access for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Toilet: Clean and accessible restroom facilities are available inside the terminal.

Other typical general aviation amenities include a pilot lounge, weather briefing room, and a small café or vending machines (check current offerings directly with the airport). Aviation fuel (AvGas and Jet A-1) is available, and there are hangars for aircraft storage. The airport also has a flight school and maintenance hangars, so you may see a variety of aircraft coming and going. For those waiting, outdoor seating areas offer views of the airfield.

About the Region

The Rhine-Main region, anchored by Frankfurt, is one of Europe’s most dynamic economic and cultural zones. Frankfurt itself is a global financial hub, home to the European Central Bank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and numerous corporate headquarters. The city’s skyline, dotted with skyscrapers, stands in contrast to the surrounding countryside of rolling hills, vineyards, and historic towns.

Egelsbach lies in the state of Hesse, in a area known for its high quality of life. The region is famous for its wine, particularly along the Bergstraße (Mountain Road) and the Rheingau. Visitors often combine business trips with tourism, exploring sights such as the Goethe House, the Palmengarten, and the Römer in Frankfurt. Just to the south, Darmstadt (about 12 km away) is a centre of science and technology, home to the Technical University and the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC).

The landscape around Egelsbach is mostly flat, with agricultural fields and patches of forest. The nearby Odenwald mountains to the east and the Taunus hills to the north offer recreational hiking and cycling. For flying enthusiasts, the region’s airspace is busy but well-managed, with several other general aviation airports such as Frankfurt-Egelsbach complementing the large commercial airport at Frankfurt.

Economically, the region thrives on logistics, trade fairs (Messe Frankfurt), and the automotive industry. The airport itself supports local business by providing direct access for corporate travel, time-sensitive cargo, and private charters.

Practical Information

• Website: http://www.egelsbach-airport.com/
• Phone: +49 (0)6103 94180
• Hours: The airport is open daily but not around the clock. Peak operating times are generally during daylight hours, with highest traffic reported around 5 pm and 6 pm. Specific opening hours can vary by season and flight activity; it is advisable to contact the airport directly for precise information.
• Parking: Free and accessible parking is available. The car park includes designated spaces for disabled passengers.
• Services: For flight planning, fueling, and hangar storage, call ahead or visit the website. The airport does not have customs or immigration facilities, so all flights must be cleared at a designated airport of entry if arriving from outside the Schengen Area.
• Nearby Hotels: Several hotels in Egelsbach and neighbouring Langen offer accommodation, with shuttle services provided by some. Business travellers may prefer hotels in Frankfurt’s city centre, a short drive away.

Whether you are arriving in a private jet, taking flying lessons, or simply picking up someone, Frankfurt-Egelsbach Airport provides a streamlined, hassle-free gateway to the Rhine-Main region.