Many travelers enjoy the flexibility of arriving with their own motorhome and parking it safely during their vacation. But parking a larger vehicle at Frankfurt Airport in particular requires some precautions. In this article, you will find out what parking options are available, what special features you need to consider when renting a motorhome, and where you can find reliable information.
Popularity of RV Travel: So Why Fly?
Germany is a country with a growing fan base of motorhome enthusiasts. More and more people appreciate the freedom of traveling in their own vehicle. Nevertheless, some vacationers opt for a combination of flight and motorhome travel: they first spend a few days at home or abroad before traveling longer distances in the motorhome, or vice versa. This offers flexible vacation planning. But if the motorhome is to be parked at the airport before a flight, the question of where to park it arises.
Special features when parking a motorhome
Dimensions and weight: challenges in narrow parking garages
Motorhomes often have higher bodies and longer wheelbases than conventional cars. In addition, they have a higher total weight, which can cause problems in some parking garages. Many parking decks are limited to a certain vehicle height (often around two meters). A motorhome can quickly exceed this limit. Therefore, you should check early on where you can park your motorhome.
Safety requirements: Special risks for larger vehicles
Larger vehicles sometimes attract unwanted attention. A break-in into a motorhome can cause more damage than a conventional car. There are often valuables or camping equipment inside that attract curious glances. Therefore, make sure that your parking space is well-lit, guarded or monitored by video. This reduces the risk of vandalism or theft.
Frequently asked questions: Time restrictions and permitted parking locations
Sometimes the question arises as to whether a motorhome can be parked at the airport for several weeks or even months. The relevant operator conditions are crucial. Some parking areas allow long-term parking for all types of vehicles, while others exclude vehicles that are too long. Always check the regulations before making a reservation so that you don't experience any unpleasant surprises.
Parking at Frankfurt Airport
parking garages and areas of the airport
Frankfurt Airport has several parking garages directly connected to Terminals 1 and 2. These offer short routes to check-in. However, these parking garages are not suitable for vehicles over two meters high. Motorhomes therefore always need alternative parking spaces. The outdoor parking lots directly at the airport do not currently offer suitable parking options either.
Alternative providers with shuttle service
If you want to park your car in an alternative parking lot, you will find various providers near the airport who offer options at cheaper rates than the official airport parking lots. The advantage: the shuttle service is included in the price and takes travelers comfortably to the airport.
With a motorhome, things are more difficult here too. Nevertheless, there are some providers who provide a suitable parking space at Frankfurt Airport for an additional charge. "We have had good experiences with Parkda24, Parkfurt, Star Parkplatz, Parkadvisor and Parkfuchs24. The providers are very customer-friendly and the parking spaces are also large enough," explains Nils Ravenhorst from Parkplatzvergleich.de.
Park & Ride for RVs: Advantages and Disadvantages
Park & Ride spaces are often free and are sometimes relatively close to the airport. However, these parking spaces are not necessarily designed for large vehicles and are more likely to be towed away - this is especially true for vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, most Park & Ride spaces do not offer any security measures. Motorhomes may not be able to be secured properly here. The risk of theft and vandalism is also higher than in guarded facilities. In addition, the transfer to the terminal is difficult because you have to carry your luggage onto the S-Bahn or bus. This saves on parking costs, but it is stressful.
Check out parking options at Frankfurt Airport beforehand
Parking a motorhome at Frankfurt Airport requires careful planning. The regular parking garages are unsuitable for large vehicles, so alternative parking spaces are necessary. Security aspects such as video surveillance and guarded parking areas should be considered to avoid theft and vandalism. Private providers near the airport offer suitable parking spaces with a shuttle service, but often at an additional cost. Park & Ride parking spaces are inexpensive, but unsafe and logistically challenging. Booking early and checking the conditions are essential to avoid surprises and start the trip relaxed.