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Frankfurt to Berlin by train

When looking up a journey by train from Frankfurt (Main) to Berlin, it can be worth looking out for the 'Sprinter' (S) services, they live up to their name by being faster than the regular services, but they are not automatically more expensive.

Routes you can take to go from Frankfurt (Main) to Berlin

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Route Information

Option 1: taking the faster 'Sprinter' services
Travel Time (approx)

4 hrs

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

Mon - Fri = 7 x trains per day
Saturday / Sunday = 6 x trains per day


Is the journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Berlin direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is this journey scenic?
Not particularly, though when the train is on the high-speed line between Fulda and Gottingen, there are flashes of sweeping valley views from the multiple viaducts.


What other tourist locations are along this route from Frankfurt (Main) to Berlin?
These trains are currently non-stop from Frankfurt to Berlin


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Berlin Hbf from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf on this journey option?


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Berlin?
Berlin Hbf is linked to other areas of the city by

  • frequent local (S-Bahn) trains
  • trams
  • the metro line, U5
    See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.

When is the usual approximate latest departure from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Berlin Hbf on this journey option
Before 16:00 daily - though it's possible to take a slightly slower journey (Option 2) and depart after 19:50
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to get to the station in Frankfurt (Main)?
Frequent local (S-Bahn) trains travel from stations in the city centre - and multiple tram and metro lines are also available.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access guides to how rail tickets are managed in Germany, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.


What are the child ticket terms for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains?
Adults (aged 15 and over) purchasing discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets for travel in either First or Second class, can take up to four children (aged 14 and under) at no additional cost.


Does the ticket for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains include assigned seats?
Only when booking the most expensive types of ticket = Flexpreise tickets for travel in 1st class.
So they are not included when booking tickets for travel in 2nd class, or any other type of ticket valid for travel in 1st class
They are available, so they can be added for an additional cost, when booking those types of ticket.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains?
No they are available, but are not mandatory - Though they are recommended for this route, particularly at

  • business hours,
  • Fridays after midday
  • Saturdays before midday
  • Sundays after midday
    See the rail pass guide for details of the booking options.

Is catering available on the Frankfurt to Berlin trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.

Route Information

Option 2: taking the more frequent regular services
Travel Time (approx)

4hr 15min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

1 x train per hour


Is the journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Berlin direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is this journey scenic?
Not particularly, though when the trains on the route via Kassel is on the high-speed line between Fulda and Gottingen, there are flashes of sweeping valley views from the multiple viaducts.


What other tourist locations are along this route from Frankfurt (Main) to Berlin?
Some of these trains call in Erfurt and Leipzig


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Berlin Hbf from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf on this journey option?


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Berlin?
Berlin Hbf is linked to other areas of the city by

  • frequent local (S-Bahn) trains
  • trams
  • the metro line, U5
    See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.

When is the usual approximate latest departure from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Berlin Hbf on this journey option
Before 20:15 daily (via Leipzig)
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to get to the station in Frankfurt (Main)?
Frequent local (S-Bahn) trains travel from stations in the city centre - and multiple tram and metro lines are also available.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access guides to how rail tickets are managed in Germany, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.


What are the child ticket terms for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains?
Adults (aged 15 and over) purchasing discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets for travel in either First or Second class, can take up to four children (aged 14 and under) at no additional cost.


Does the ticket for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains include assigned seats?
Only when booking the most expensive types of ticket = Flexpreise tickets for travel in 1st class.
So they are not included when booking tickets for travel in 2nd class, or any other type of ticket valid for travel in 1st class
They are available, so they can be added for an additional cost, when booking those types of ticket.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Frankfurt to Berlin trains?
No they are available, but are not mandatory - Though they are recommended for this route, particularly at

  • business hours,
  • Fridays after midday
  • Saturdays before midday
  • Sundays after midday
    See the rail pass guide for details of the booking options.

Is catering available on the Frankfurt to Berlin trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.

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