On Sunday, 25 October 2026, thousands of runners from more than 100 countries will start the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. It is Germany’s oldest city marathon and famous for one special moment: the finish inside the illuminated Festhalle, right next to Messe Frankfurt.
If you are flying in for the race, good planning makes the weekend much easier. This guide covers the key dates, the Marathonmall and how to travel between Frankfurt Airport, your hotel and the race area.
Frankfurt Marathon 2026: key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Fri 23 – Sun 25 Oct | Marathonmall at Messe Frankfurt, Hall 1, Level 2 – sports expo with running brands and offers |
| Sun 25 Oct | Race day – start in the city, finish inside the Festhalle |
| Sun 25 – Mon 26 Oct | Main departure days for international runners |
Please check the official race information at frankfurt-marathon.com for start times, start-number pickup and road closures.
When to arrive in Frankfurt
Most international runners land on Thursday or Friday. That gives you time to visit the Marathonmall, pick up your race documents, do a short shake-out run and sleep well before Sunday. Arriving on Saturday is possible, but the expo and hotels get busy and you lose rest time.
Coming from further away? Flights from overseas often land early in the morning at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 (Terminal 2 has been closed since June 2026). A private pickup means you can go straight to your hotel and rest instead of finding your way on public transport with a big suitcase.
From Frankfurt Airport to your hotel
Frankfurt Airport is only about 12 km from the Messe and the Festhalle. By car, the drive usually takes 15–25 minutes. With FlyRide:
- Your chauffeur tracks your flight and waits in the arrival hall with a name sign.
- You pay a fixed price agreed before booking – no taximeter.
- Travelling as a running club or family? Our Mercedes V-Class and Vito take up to 7 passengers with luggage.
Popular hotels for runners are close to the Messe and the city centre, for example the Frankfurt Marriott Hotel opposite the Festhalle or The Westin Grand Frankfurt in the city centre. More options are on our cities & hotels page.
Race day: plan around road closures
On marathon Sunday, many streets in Frankfurt are closed for several hours. Cars cannot reach every hotel or address, and travel times can change at short notice. Our tips:
- Walk or use public transport to the start if your hotel is close to the course.
- Do not plan a flight right after the finish. Give yourself enough time to recover, collect your bag and shower.
- Book your airport transfer for the evening or Monday. We choose a pickup point and route that avoid the closed streets.
- Tell us your hotel and flight time early. On race day, demand is high and we plan routes in advance.
After the race: relaxed trip back to the airport
Tired legs and a heavy suitcase do not mix well with crowded trains. A private transfer takes you from the hotel door to the terminal. For an evening or Monday morning flight, we recommend being at the terminal 2 hours before European flights and 3 hours before long-haul flights.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Frankfurt Marathon 2026?
The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon takes place on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
Where is the Marathonmall?
The Marathonmall takes place from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Messe Frankfurt, Hall 1, Level 2.
Where is the finish?
The finish line is inside the Festhalle at Messe Frankfurt.
Can you drive us to the airport on race day?
Yes. Because of road closures, we plan the pickup point and time with you in advance.
Book your marathon transfer
Focus on your race – we take care of the rest. Calculate your fixed price, call or WhatsApp us at +49 176 56958737, or email info@flyridefrankfurt.de. Good luck on 25 October!