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Frankfurt to Paris by train
What won't be obvious when looking up the train journey from to Frankfurt (Main) to Paris is that the trains between the two cities take two different routes.
But it makes little difference to the journey times or ticket prices.
The route via Kaiserslautern involves travelling through valleys in a forest to the east of the city, but aside from that it isn't more scenic than the route via Strasbourg.
The route via Strasbourg is longer in terms of distance travelled, but the train travels further on the high speed line.
What gives this journey its wow factor is the speed - the trains will travel at more than 300 km/h on the fastest high speed line in France.
Routes you can take to go from Frankfurt (Main) / Francfort sur le Main to Paris
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
Station Guides
Travel Time (approx)
3hr 42min - 3hr 57min
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
Mon-Friday: 6 x trains per day
Sat/Sun: 5x trains per day
Is the journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris direct?
Yes, there is usually no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
The route via Strasbourg isn't particularly scenic - However, on the route via Kaiserslautern on both sides of the city, to the west and especially to the east, the railway threads a path through forested valleys and picturesque towns.
What other tourist locations are along the route from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris?
Some of these trains take a route which passes through Strasbourg and Baden-Baden - though these trains do not call at Baden-Baden.
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Paris - Est from Frankfurt (Main) on this journey option?
- After 09:45 on Monday to Friday
- After 10:30 on Sunday
- After 10:45 on Saturday
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Paris?
The Gare de l'Est is served by three Metro lines including line 4 which provides a direct link to Gare Montparnasse and line 5 which is direct to Gare Austerlitz.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighbourhood.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris Est on this journey option
Before 18:00 on Monday to Friday and Sunday
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel to the station in Frankfurt (Main)?
There are regular local (S-Bahn) trains which provide the fastest route from the city centre - 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 the Frankfurt (Main) to Paris trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in France, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for the Frankfurt (Main) to Paris trains?
Typically up to 6 months ahead; see the Ticket Information
What are the child ticket terms for these Frankfurt (Main) to Paris trains?
Children aged 14 and under travel at a discounted rate.
The price is equivalent to a 50% reduction on the 'Leisure' rate for the part of the journey within France and free travel within Germany
Does the ticket for the Frankfurt (Main) to Paris train include assigned seats?
Yes - 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 the Frankfurt (Main) to Paris train?
Yes; see the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.
Is catering available on the Frankfurt (Main) to Paris train on this journey option?
Yes, but the level of on-board services varies according to the type of train used on a departure - find out more on the Train Guides which can be found within the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.
What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.
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