Frankfurt is the fifth-largest city in Germany, and the biggest international financial centre in Europe. Its clean streets, shining skyscrapers and affluent lifestyle are a magnet for international entrepreneurs, businessmen and women, and financiers.

Frankfurt is more than just Europe's financial capital and the most diverse city in Germany. Its glistening skyscrapers and cultural centres have earned it a reputation as one of the most liveable cities in the world.

For the 691,000 people who call Frankfurt home, the city’s contrasts are evident. Here, students and wealthy bankers co-exist within a cityscape of 19th-century buildings and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe. So book a flight ticket to Frankfurt with Qatar Airways to discover a slice of Europe in a city of diversity.

Bandaranaike International Airport is the largest airport in Sri Lanka and serves Colombo, the country’s capital. This modern, efficient airport is named after former Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike, and is one of the busiest air travel hubs in South Asia. 

Passengers flying from Colombo with Qatar Airways will experience a fast, friendly and efficient service, with the emphasis placed firmly on the passenger experience. As is traditional in Sri Lankan culture, courtesy and respect are paramount, and the friendly staff go out of their way to make your departure a smooth and pleasant one.

Transportation and parking

Airport shuttles run from most hotels in the city centre to the main bus terminal 500m from the Terminal building itself, but it is advisable to check in advance on availability. If you have a large amount of luggage then it is probably wiser to take a taxi. Air conditioned cabs are often more expensive than non-air conditioned vehicles, which can be an issue in the summer heat. 

There are two parking areas available for short and long-term stays. The terminal car park has space for 400 vehicles on short-term stays, while the remote car park, about 300m from the terminal is for long-term parking.

Arriving in Colombo

Passengers flying from Colombo with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 1. Currently, this terminal is used for all international flights until the opening of Terminal 2 in 2017.  The terminal can get very busy, especially at peak travel times, so it is advisable to arrive at least two hours in advance.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities are good if a little limited, although business users are surprisingly well catered for. A business centre is located in the transit hall on the ground floor, providing international direct dialling, fax and photocopying services.

There are also four business and first-class lounges, although Wi-Fi access is limited. Vendors serving local and international cuisine are located in the Departures area and the transit lounge, and a selection of snack bars offer light refreshments and drinks. Retail outlets provide a choice of good quality goods and accessories.

Frankfurt is the fifth-largest city in Germany, and the biggest international financial centre in Europe. Its clean streets, shining skyscrapers and affluent lifestyle are a magnet for international entrepreneurs, businessmen and women, and financiers.

Beyond the financial heart of the city is a cultured and fascinating location that has hundreds of years of history to discover.

Book a flight to Frankfurt with Qatar Airways and you'll find that Frankfurt has a unique charm and personality that is surprisingly laid back and relaxed. Frankfurt is full of contrasts – a pulsing, high-profile business epicentre that sits in the middle of a gorgeously baroque city with its own heritage.

Tourist attractions

Frankfurt’s museums are outstanding, housing some of the world’s best collections of fine art and artefacts from all over the globe. Many of the city’s best museums are located on both banks of the Main river in a district called Museumsufer.

Take the subway to Schweizer Platz (southern bank) or Willy-Brandt-Platz (northern bank). The German Architecture Museum (Architektur Museum) is particularly noteworthy, as is the Film Museum, which is particularly interesting if you are a keen fan of early German movie making inspired by the Bauhaus movement.

Römerberg is the historic centre of Frankfurt and full of fabulous architecture and unexpected surprises down narrow streets and alleyways. Some buildings date back to the 14th and 15th century, although ruins dating back to the Roman period are also visible at the Archäologische Garten, which is next to the cathedral.

The splendid Old Opera building (Alte Oper) is a cultural centre for some of the best music recitals in the country. The magnificent fountains outside are a wonderful photo opportunity, with the imposing 19th century Renaissance style opera building as a backdrop.

Opera here is of exceptional quality, and tickets for performances are available all year round.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Frankfurt with Qatar Airways land at Frankfurt Airport, one of the busiest air transport hubs in Europe. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Frankfurt please check the visa and passport requirements.