An annual tradition in Frankfurt, Germany is the Frankfurt Book Fair. Hosted every October, the fair brings in locals and tourists alike on inexpensive flight tickets into the city. As one of the world’s largest trade shows for book sellers, there are over 7,300 exhibitions from traders in over 100 different countries, 10,000 journalists and 299,000 visitors from all over the world that arrive on the best airfares to the event.
What You Get to See
This year the Frankfurt Book Fair kicks off October 12th and runs until the 16th. During the week, only accredited traders, vendors and journalists are allowed into the fair. When the weekend rolls around, however, all general visitors are admitted to the fair. Therefore, if you are planning your trip, book cheap flights to Frankfurt closer to the weekend, rather than during the week.
With each fair there is a guest of honor, which is a ‘country’. For 2011’s fair, the guest of honor is the country of Iceland, which will receive several presents and prizes from Frankfurt for the country to display in their local cities.
Hours and Dates
Since the fair is open to approved traders and vendors only during the week, expect a large number of tourists and general admission guests flooding the gate come Saturday morning. As one of the biggest book events in the world, flights to Frankfurt are full of tourists looking to catch some of the book trading action. If you are looking to avoid some of the crowd, wait until Sunday, rather than Saturday to head into the fair. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. and the fair goes until 6:30 PM Saturday and 5:30 PM Sunday.
Tickets
Purchase tickets to the fair online while purchasing inexpensive flight tickets as well. Tickets are on sale at the door, however you will then be paying the premium price for admission. Ticket prices are as follows:
- One -Day Ticket: 14 Euros
- Weekend Ticket: 20 Euros
- One-Day Trader Ticket: 28 Euros if pre-ordered, 36 Euros at the fair gates
- Five-Day Trader Ticket: 56 Euros if pre-ordered, 72 Euros at the fair gates
Getting to the Fair
Streets will be crowded, especially parking lots. Therefore, public transportation is best for tourists and vendors taking flights to Frankfurt for the fair. The city’s main train station offers trains directly to the fair ground with minimal walking from the station platform to the gate entrance. Take the following methods of transportation directly to the gates and avoid the traffic:
- S-Bahn S 3, 4, 5
- Tram #16
- Subway U4
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