When traveling independently in Germany, you'll most likely fly in and out of Frankfurt (FRA), Berlin (BER), or Munich (MUC). This guide covers how to get from each airport to the city center and how to process your VAT tax refund — all three airports in one place!
Before you go, learn a few German words that will help you navigate any airport or train station:
| German | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zoll / Customs | Customs (first stop for tax refund stamp) |
| MwSt.-Rückerstattung / Tax Refund | Tax refund counter (collect cash or drop off forms) |
| Bahnhof | Train station (Busbahnhof = bus station) |
| Hauptbahnhof | Central station (Haupt = main/central) |
| Abflug / Departure | Departures (follow this sign for tax refund at airport) |
| Ankunft / Arrival | Arrivals |
| DB | Deutsche Bahn — German national railway |
| Gleis | Platform (e.g. Gleis 4 = Platform 4) |
| S-Bahn | Urban rail (free with a German Rail Pass, but uses one travel day) |
| U-Bahn | Subway / Metro |
Direct flights from Taiwan serve three main German gateways: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Berlin Brandenburg (BER). All three airports have train stations with direct connections to the city center.
1. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
How to Get to the City Center
Frankfurt Airport has two train stations: the Regional Station (T1, basement level) for S-Bahn and regional trains, and the Long-Distance Station (T2 & T3) for ICE/IC intercity trains.
First, confirm which terminal you're arriving at:
- T1: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Singapore Airlines
- T2: China Airlines, KLM, Air France, Delta, Qatar Airways
- From T2, take the SkyLine tram or a bus outside the ground floor to reach T1
S-Bahn / Regional Express (RE) to city center: Head to T1 basement level and follow signs for "Regional Station." Take S8 or S9 directly to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). If you have a German Rail Pass and plan to take a long-distance train that day, you can use it for the S-Bahn ride too.
Long-distance trains (ICE / IC): Head to T1, Level 3, and follow signs for "Long Distance Station" or "Fernbahnhof." Use this station for Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, and other major cities.
Left: Regional Station sign. Right: Long Distance Station sign.
How to Get a Tax Refund
Have ready: luggage with tag attached (containing refund items), boarding pass, passport, and tax refund form(s).
- T1 Public Zone: Level 2, near Gate C
- T1 Secure Zone: Level 2, near Gate B
- T2 Public Zone: Level 2, near Gate D
- T2 Secure Zone: Level 3, near Gate D
2. Munich Airport (MUC)
How to Get to the City Center
First, confirm which terminal you're arriving at:
- T2: Lufthansa and Star Alliance members, including EVA Air, Swiss, Austrian, Qatar, Singapore, Emirates
- T1 and T2 are close together — walkable
Take the S-Bahn to the city center: find the S-Bahn entrance at the Airport Plaza (between T1 and T2). Take S1 or S8 — trains run every 10 minutes, journey time approximately 40 minutes to München Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station). If you have a German Rail Pass and plan to take a long-distance train that day, you can use it here too.
Munich Airport S-Bahn route map (S1 / S8)
Alternatively, take the Lufthansa Express Bus from T2, departing every 20 minutes, approximately 45 minutes to the city center.
How to Get a Tax Refund
- T1: Level 4, Module B
- T2: Level 4, Departures Gate G
- T2 Satellite Terminal: Level 5, Departures Gate H
Follow the "ZOLL / Customs Clearance" sign to get your tax refund forms stamped
3. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
How to Get to the City Center
First, confirm which terminal you're arriving at:
- T1 (most flights): Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways
- T1 & T2 are walkable; T2 is closer to the S-Bahn station
Holders of a German Rail Pass can ride S-Bahn & RE regional trains for free.
- Airport Express FEX / Regional trains (RE8, RB23, RB24, RB32): Every ~15 minutes, ~22 minutes to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), via Berlin Südkreuz and Potsdamer Platz
- S-Bahn S9: Reaches Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- S-Bahn S85: Does not reach Hbf — heads toward northern suburbs
How to Get a Tax Refund
The Global Blue counter is located at T1, Level E2, in the Check-In area, before security. Customs and the police station are right next door.
Global Blue tax refund counter at Berlin Airport T1
Zoll / Customs sign at Berlin Brandenburg Airport
4. Germany Tax Refund Tips
- Nationality field: Always write TAIWAN in the "Nationality" field on your tax refund form
- Luggage check-in order: Check in at the airline counter (get tag) → Tell staff you have refund items → Carry tagged bag to Customs for stamp → Luggage is usually collected right there at Customs
- Actual refund rate: Germany's VAT is 19%, but after processing fees (e.g. Global Blue), you'll typically receive 10%–14% back
- Minimum spend: Generally €50.01 for standard goods; some cosmetics or food items may differ — confirm at the counter
FAQ
Q: What if I don't have time to visit the refund counter after getting my stamp?
Once stamped by Customs, your refund form is legally valid. You can bring it back to Taiwan and mail it (registered post) to the refund company, or process it at select banks in Taiwan — though fees may be higher.
Q: Where do I claim a refund for liquids over 100ml?
Liquids over 100ml must be in checked luggage. Get your refund form stamped at the Customs counter before going through security.
Q: Can I claim a tax refund on behalf of a friend?
The name on the refund form must match the passport presented when collecting the refund. Always fill in the name of the person who made the purchase.
Q: What about connecting flights? (e.g. Frankfurt → Vienna → Taiwan)
Checked luggage: process the refund at the first departure airport (Germany). Carry-on items: process at the last airport before leaving the EU (Vienna).
Q: Does using a Rail Pass on the S-Bahn use up one travel day?
Yes — using a German Rail Pass or Eurail Global Pass on the S-Bahn counts as one travel day. If you're also taking a long-distance train that day, it's great value. If you're only doing a short airport transfer, consider buying a single ticket instead.
