84916_1483786273
Palma de Mallorca Airport – Spotting Guide
January 2, 2013
Madrid Barajas Airport – Spotting Guide
January 5, 2013Palma de Mallorca Airport – Spotting Guide
January 2, 2013Madrid Barajas Airport – Spotting Guide
January 5, 2013Frankfurt Rhein/Main Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on November 11, 2024
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 has 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.
If you wanna get close to the action, book an apron bus tours at the airport. It starts at the Terminal 1, Concourse C, Level 2 (departures). Just follow the signs for “FRA Airport Tours & Shop”. More infos here
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, Timo Breidenstein and Patrick Weis. Last Change: September 2024 (Spot 1 and 17 updated).
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather |  |
| 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. Several hotels in the Gateway Gardens near the east end of the airport. The b’mine hotel is locatad there, which has a rooftop terrace facing the airfield (see spot 21) |
| Season | We suggest April – September, chance of bad weather in winter is pretty high. Be aware of fog especially in autumn, November is terrible mostly. The fog will not disappear for hours even if the weather apps predict sunshine! |
| 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 arrivals (mainly LH and LH Cargo/Aerologic) on 25C are possible here when there is less traffic (winter/saturdays), good visibility and no departures. Arrivals are on final for 25L but making a visual switch to the center runway a few miles before the threshold. There are no arrivals on 07C after 0900. |
| 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 carriers located at Terminal 2. |
| 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. Once parked the car follow the path to the platform. In the case it is overcrowded stay on the path to get at least the arrivals in between the trees. (spot #1A on the map, only okay in the winter).
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. Update September 2024: Construction are completed and parking is available. |
| WHAT | This spot is great when 07 is in use for arrivals as well as for 18 departures. There is a concrete platform where you can easily shot over the perimeter fence, but space is limited. An electric box and a second fence has ben installed directly in front of the platform which disturb the sight.
Especially on weekends 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 (very very rare) can be spotted as well but difficult in the summer as you will get a lot of heat haze (go to spot#2 instead). 25C departures are very high and the angle is not the best. In this case 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 five minutes from here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A350/B757/MD11~100mm B737/A320/E195~130mm B747/A380~90mm |
Pictures from the platform
Pictures from Spot 1A
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 | 70-200mm A350 = 120mm |
Line-Up WestLine-Up West - 07C/R Arrivals + 25C Departures + 18 Line-Ups + Apron
| WHERE | Take Airportring northwards as if you would go back to the airport. Before you pass the taxiway tunnel you wil see a turning pad on the left side. Get rid of your car (which is very tricky and described detailed in MISC below) and then either walk all the way up on the west of Airportring on the dirt road up to the fence at the taxiway (Option A) or position yourself at the fence down the road along the Airportring (Option B). 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!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. |
| WHAT | Here you can nicely see 18 Line-Ups – a ladder is recommended to avoid small parts of the fence (once you does not stand at the northernmost edge) in your picture. In the summer its okay for 07R/C Arrivals as well (but you have a very short time window to make your photo due to the trees to your right and all the poles). 25C heavy departures are possible too. Plus you can also see some apron movements such as taxies, pushs and similar on the apron in front of you. |
| TIME | For line up you can take photos from afternoon till sunset and also nice night shots. 07C/R arrivals and 25C departures are possible in the very early morning hours and in the late afternoon/evening – in summer only. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. Parking is tricky here as well. It is absolutely not allowed in the turning pad (as you can see below) and police sends away cars parked by the roadside south of the turning pad sometimes. Safest option is to park at spot 2 and the come back here by foot. Heat haze is a huge issue here – already in spring and still in fall (not only on ground shots, due to the street the arrival shots are hazy sometimes as well). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-400mm – depends on where you stand exactly |
Option A:
Option B:
And the turning pad where parking is prohibited – Option A is up the hill here to the front, Option B is along the fence to the right here:
Dirt Mound Nordbahn - 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 Public Transport: use the S7 from Frankfurt Central Station and exit at Zeppelinheim Station. Walk through the forrest to the spotting platform like mentioned above. There is a new bus line X77/QF-64 which runs from Bus Stop “Tor 2” next to Terminal 2 to the stop “Lufthbrückendenkmal/Tor 33” right next to the platform. |
| WHAT | Its great for all the 25L/C arrivals if wind is coming from the west. Partially nearby taxiway tango, 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. The taxiway Mike which is in between the two runways can be photographed as well but be aware of heat distortion! Departures on 07C can bee seen but it is too far for good photos.
A new ,very high fence and light poles almost blocking the clear view and the possibility of taking photos of aircraft on the both taxiways Tango and Uniform. The inner taxiway Tango, which is behind Uniform, can be photographed if you go a bit down the path (direction memorial). The perimeter fence is lower at this point and you need 2/3 steps to completly clear it (LH 744). There is also a very small gap for the outer taxiway directly, but no side shots (Condor A339 and HiSky A319) 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 | 77W 250 mm on 07C takeoff, 30 mm on the taxiway and 100 mm on 25L arrival 25C arrival (last three sample photos): A320=400mm; 77F =260mm |
Pictures below are from November 2021.
-
- View of the Parking Lot
-
- Spotting from the Autobahn bridge
-
- Path to Parking and Terminal
-
- View from the platform
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 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 and the small holes.. |
| MISC. | The terrace has been renovated in 2016 and there are no longer secuirty checks at the entrance and it is free of charge. CLICK HERE FOR THE OPENING TIMES
The photoholes (~10 holes on the whole terrace all in all back in September 2018) big enough for a standard 100-400 without lens hood. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Hard to tell and depends on the angle |
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 |
Perimeter Fence - 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:
Forest - 07R arrivals
| WHERE | A forest aisle next to the „Airportring“ and the spotting platform at RWY 18. You have to park your car at the parking lot for the spotting platform at RWY 18 or at the parking lots between RWY 07R and 07C. From there you have to walk into the forest walking to the south. At a small junction you have to go left and then immediately turn to the right into the „Mönchbruchallee“. At the 2nd or 3rd possibility you have to turn right and then walking towards the west to the forest aisle. It’s about 2km and 20min walk from the parking lot. Stay on the forest ways as marked on the map, once in the aisle and don`t emter the meadows as it is a nature preserve. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| WHAT | This spot is an alternative to the Platform at RWY 18 for arrivals on RWY 07R. |
| TIME | Good spot for almost the whole day when 07 is in use. In the summer months you will have backlit in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Depending on your position on the empty field and the distance to the aircrafts you’ll also have problems with heat haze on warmer days. |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. The power lines to your right are not disturbing the sight. Stay on the road! Rangers don`t like it when you leave those. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150-400mm 772 = 200mm |
Gravel Factory - 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 stay somewhere within the forest aisle. 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!
Fire Station/GAT Fence - 07R Arrivals + 18 departures + nearby taxiway movements
| WHERE | This spot is roughly located at the former Holiday Parking in the airport’s southwest. Just park you car as marked on the map at the forrest (limited to approxmiate 10 cars). Otherwise park at #2 and walk to this point through the tunnel. DO NOT park in front of the fence at the bottom!! Once back go up the little mound and stand on its top there in front of the fence. A ladder is useful to avoid parts of the fence in your photos, especially for 18 departures and heavy 07R arrivals. .
UPDATE September 2024: constructions for the tunnel are completed and everything is back to normal. |
| WHAT | Good alternative to spot 1, as you have a better angle here for the 07R arrivals. You can also shoot 18 departures (no 90 degree shots possible) from the corner next to the tunnel entrance, but a ladder is needed to clear your view over the fence in between some bushes. Summer can become tricky due to grown vegetation. Taxiway can be photographed from the fence if you go down the mound and cross the road (see marked position on the map). Small lense diameter is needed because of the mesh. |
| TIME | Runway 07/25s and taxiway: Morning till late noon. Runway 18: sunrise till early noon. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. Haze is a problem quickly – especially on runway 18 and 07C movements, however even 07R movements can be hazy already in spring. Parking is a bit tricky here and not allowed all the times – for example you sometimes may get send off from the unpaved dirt parknig areas here, some officers let you stay there. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-300mm A330 on 07R approach = 120mm / B767 on taxiway in front = 30mm |
Situation as of May 2024
Clearing Forrest - 25C departure (banking)
| WHERE | A forest aisle next to the „Airportring“ and the spotting platform at RWY 18. You have to park your car at the parking lot for the spotting platform at RWY 18 or at the parking lots between RWY 07R and 07C. From there you have to walk into the forest walking to the south. At a small junction you have to go left and then immediately turn to the right into the „Mönchbruchallee“. At the 6th possibility you have to turn right and then walking towards the west to the forest aisle. It’s about 2,1km and 25min walk from the parking lot. You can choose your favorite spot next to the power lines on the forest way. Easiest will be to use a bike here. Stay on the forest ways as marked on the map, once in the aisle and don`t emter the meadows as it is a nature preserve. |
| WHAT | Especially heavy aircraft depatures on 25C that bank toward the south. Please note not all traffic will depart this way. Mainly Boeing 747 departing like this |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. The power lines to your right are not disturbing the sight. Stay on the road! Rangers don`t like it when you leave those. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Around 500mm for a 747 |
Zeppelinheim - 25L arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located at the footh path of the Admiral-Rosendahl-Straße. You can park here directly at the street and start spotting. The street is busy weekdays as there are some companies arround. Please park only in the marked areas. The only advantage over spot 5 is that you can stay in your car and don`t have to walk. |
| WHAT | Arrivals for 25L only! with a small time frame for taking pictures. 90 degree side photos are not possible. |
| TIME | This is quite good during the winter time as you can stay in the car when there is no traffic. In summer there will be problems due to heat haze and it is backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | There is a small grill station at the nearby train station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 250-600mm. A Boeing 747-8 about 250mm. A A330 about 400mm. For smaller Jets you are to far away. |
General Aviation Ramp - 18 and 25C heavy departures, 07R arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located south of the newly build taxiway to the general Aviation Parking. Park you car as marked on the map at the Oktrifeler Straße and walk up the walking tracking through the woods. The fence at the entrance of the path is only closed for animals so keep it closed after you walk through. Due to the limited space for shooting only a maximum of about 10 spotters can use the spot during the same time directly at the fence. You will need at least 3-4 steps at the fence directly or minimum 8 to get over the fence(but with the big step ladders please stay with a bit distance on the walking track. |
| WHAT | Departures on runway 18. View to the left is limited due tue bushes so 90 degree side shots are not possible. Grass and airport signs may cut off parts of the wheels. 25C heavy departures can be photographed as well if you walk the forest road a bit southwards. 07R arrivals too, but not 90 degree (heat haze is an issue later on). Movements to and from the general aviation ramp can be spotted too. |
| TIME | For 18 departures: sunrise till about 11:00. Heathaze will be a problem during the summer month For 25C departures: Later in the morning until afternoon. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. Please take your rubish with you. Don’t touch the fence as it seems to be it is equipped with sensors. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm. A A320 about 220mm. |
Terrace b´mine Hotel - 07C departures, 25C arrivals
| WHERE | THE ROOF bar and lounge is located on the top floor of the b’mine hotel and also welcomes non-hotel guests. Besides the indoor bar and dining area it also has a terrace with tables, chairs and comfy sofas. Just take the elevator inside the hotel to the top floor and grab a table or get settled on one of the sofas or lounge chairs. This is the perfect place to crash after a long day of spotting and having a drink or two or dinner while catching a few more planes during golden hour! |
| WHAT | Runway 07C departures, 25C arrivals (rare) some ramp traffic. 25L arrivals can be seen, though very far. |
| TIME | Summer only: early evening until sunset |
| MISC. | As this is a business, please support them by ordering a drink and/or something to eat. Also, please be mindful of the other guests, so let them enjoy the view as well. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A330: 310mm; A320 (air): 370mm; A320 (ground): 320mm |
Hello everyone,
I plan to go planespotting in Frankfurt for two days sometime next year. Can you recomment a hotel or something to stay overnight near the airport from which you can reach the terminals or spotting points 5 and 6 on foot?
Would also be cool if you could see the approach from the hotel, but that‘s bonus!
Thanks!
Hi, there are only 2-3 hotels which are useful to reach the location by foot. For spot 5 southern runway use the IC Hotel, for the northern runway Spot 14 use the NH Hotel. Both are marked on the map.
But you need westerly ops to use this spots which is hard to predict in advance.
-Julian
Hi!
I will be in Frankfurt on Tuesday and only have a few hours in the morning but would love to take some pictures. Which spot would be good? I am leaning towards Spot 5 if the Wind comes from the west or Spot 20. I only have 200mm lens max.
Any recommendations?
Thank you!
Spot #17 is a Good Spot
Well, if you will go again, the ,,Lüftbrücken Denkmal´´ is a very good Place. You can see 2 Planes always approaching on the same time.
Construction at spot 17 has finished and the original tunnel is back in operation again. The parking lot next to the Platform West is open again as well. Also, there is now a much higher fence in front of you at spot 17, and a stepladder is helpful. However, for spotters without a ladder, there is still a small gap right at the eastern entrance to the tunnel. You should have enough time for a pic or two without the fence and no trees in your images.
Good news, thanks for the updated Mike!
-Julian
I recently stayed at the Intercity Hotel which is an ideal base for the Zeppelinheim viewing area – it’s a 5 minute walk away from the hotel (turn right out of the gate & go past the preserved DC3 & DC4).
Hi, I’m staying at the Intercity next month and, looking at Google Street View, it seems there are lots of busy new roads which might have changed the walking route from when I was last there (2019). Is it easy to cross the roads and get to the spot on foot? Thanks.
Hi I’ll be off to Frankfurt fo a long weekend and was wondering if you can walk under R18 using the tunnel.Last time we were there they were doing work on the tunnel.
It‘s open again and walkable
Hey everyone: Since the Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim is closed until around December, you can also take the bus lines X77 and OF-64 to Gate 33 for the spotter points 5, 6 and 19? X77 between Frankfurt South Station and Frankfurt Airport Building 543 and the OF-64 between Dreieich Sprendlingen Bürgerhaus and Airport Terminal 1.
Hi, Are spots 5, 6 and 21 any good for spotting in early October? thanks
5 will be very good almost all day, 6 and 21 not so much.. maybe 30 minutes before sunset but probably not even that
I tried spots 4 and 6 nd they were amazing spots and not too far from the terminals either
If you see spot 7 on Google maps it says the Visitor terrace is temporarily closed but I hope it reopens soon when I visit Frankfurt.
Just check the official link posted in the description 😉
Reopens on March 23.
-Julian
Hi, I am looking to visit Fra for a long weekend possibly April. Is there a budget hotel locally with easy access to the airport please??
Thank you…
There is a Intercity hotel just southeast of the airport. It is ~10min of walking to spot 5 and ~25min to Zeppelinheim S-Bahn station