Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1: Gates, Levels & Map

Terminal 1 is the larger and older of Frankfurt’s terminals and, for many travellers, the first port of call — above all because Lufthansa and its partners depart from here. At first glance the building looks like a labyrinth of letters and levels. But once you understand the logic behind it, you’ll find your gate surprisingly quickly. Let me explain the layout step by step.

The four concourses: A, B, C and Z

Terminal 1 is divided into four areas designated by letters: A, B, C and Z. Your boarding pass shows the letter of your gate — that’s your most important guide. Roughly, it breaks down like this:

• Concourse A is mainly for Schengen flights (i.e. travel within the Schengen area, without passport control).
• Concourse Z is structurally above Concourse A and serves non-Schengen flights, i.e. destinations outside the Schengen area. Passport control takes place here.
• Concourse B is mixed: the front part serves Schengen flights, the part facing the apron serves non-Schengen connections.
• Concourse C handles exclusively non-Schengen flights; here the security check is sometimes carried out right at the gate.

The key point: A and Z are practically stacked on top of each other. So if your gate begins with “Z”, you need to go one level higher than for “A”. This confuses many people, but it’s easy to remember.

The levels in Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is divided not only horizontally (A, B, C, Z) but also vertically. You should know these levels:

• Level 2: this is where the check-in desks are, along with the area for the Schengen Concourse A.
• Level 3: here are the non-Schengen Concourse Z and its passport control.
• Level 4: on this level are the stations of the Sky Line, the elevated railway that connects the terminals.

Beneath the departure levels there’s also the regional station with the S-Bahn (S8/S9) and regional trains — your route into central Frankfurt. The long-distance station with ICE and IC trains is connected by a link passage towards The Squaire.

Which airlines fly from Terminal 1?

The main user of Terminal 1 is Lufthansa with its subsidiaries and partners, including Lufthansa CityLine, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Discover Airlines. Added to that are Star Alliance partners such as Air Canada, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines, plus several other carriers.

In practice this means: if you’re flying with Lufthansa or a Star Alliance airline, Terminal 1 is very likely your terminal. But always check on your ticket — in case of doubt the airline’s information decides, not habit.

How to find your bearings fastest

The airport is well signposted, and there’s an interactive map that shows you the best route to check-in, gate, information desk and other services — including real-time flight information. My approach, which has proven itself:

1. Read the boarding pass first: note the gate letter (A/B/C/Z) and number. That’s your destination.
2. Schengen or not? If you’re travelling within Europe (Schengen), you’ll usually be at A or the front of B. If it’s further afield, C or Z are likely — then allow for passport control.
3. Follow the signs: the wayfinding is consistently sorted by gate area. Rely on the letter.
4. Allow time for the walks: the concourses are extensive, and C in particular can mean a fair walk. After the security check, allow enough time to reach the gate.

If you need to go to or from Terminal 2/3

If your connecting flight is at a different terminal, use the Sky Line train (Level 4) or a shuttle bus. Allow a few minutes for this plus possible repeat checks. Anyone arriving at Terminal 2 who wants to rent a car or return one in the city: the car rental centre is in Terminal 1 (Hall A) or Terminal 3, no longer in Terminal 2.

Practical tips

• Be there early enough: for international flights from C or Z, passport control and longer walks are added — plan generously.
• Don’t confuse A and Z: same location, different level. “Z” is above “A”.
• Use the app and display boards: gates can change at short notice. Keep an eye on the monitors.
• Into the city: S-Bahn S8/S9 from the regional station beneath Terminal 1, around 15 minutes to the centre.

Conclusion

As big as Terminal 1 seems, the system behind it is clear: four concourses (A, B, C, Z), split by Schengen and non-Schengen, stacked over several levels. Read the gate letter on your boarding pass and remember that Z is above A, and you’ll get your bearings quickly. Lufthansa and the Star Alliance partners make Terminal 1 FRA’s most important departure point. With a little lead time and a glance at the interactive map, the way to the gate becomes routine rather than a stress test.