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Zurich to Frankfurt am Main from $26: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Zurich, Switzerland
to
Frankfurt am Main, Germany

How to Get from Zurich to Frankfurt am Main: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$26 - OtherBest price
416 kmDistance
2h 56m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Zurich to Frankfurt am Main with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
Train
Average Duration
3h  53m
Estimated price
$134-248
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
5h  4m
Estimated price
$26-26
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 416 km
Duration: 2h 56m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
6h  20m
Estimated price
$33-53
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  38m
Estimated price
$78-115
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
4h  34m
Estimated price
$114-245
Company
Various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
3h  37m
Estimated price
$135-1353
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  56m
Estimated price
$1340-1341
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  43m
Estimated price
$1354-1355
Company
Various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h  10m
Estimated price
$1356-1357
Company
Various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
5h  25m
Estimated price
$1358-1359

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $22 $22 $28 $21 $23 $26 $24
Train $85 $52 $50 $88 $69 $54 $56
Fly $198 $229 $199 $339 $368 $269 $215
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Zurich to Frankfurt am Main

This route connects Zurich's picturesque landscapes and serene lakes with Frankfurt's vibrant urban culture and rich financial history.

Best Neighbourhoods in Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt am Main boasts diverse neighborhoods that cater to various tastes.

Sachsenhausen
• Famous for its traditional apple wine taverns.
• Offers a lively riverside promenade.
Bornheim
• Home to the charming Berger Strasse shopping street.
• Features cozy cafes and local markets.
Nordend
• Known for its beautiful architecture and parks.
• Offers trendy boutiques and art galleries.

Best Times To Visit Frankfurt am Main's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience in Frankfurt's attractions.

Römer
Visit early morning on weekdays for a quieter experience of this historic square.
Städel Museum
Weekday afternoons typically feature fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
Palmengarten
Early spring or late afternoon in summer showcases stunning blooming flowers with fewer visitors.

Frankfurt am Main Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Frankfurt enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, making it essential to pack accordingly for your visit. Late spring and early autumn typically offer the most pleasant conditions, allowing you to appreciate outdoor attractions and local parks without weather-related distractions.

Dining Recommendation in Frankfurt am Main

Try the Apfelwein and Handkäse at a traditional tavern like Adolf Wagner, which showcases the bold flavors and local ingredients characteristic of Hesse cuisine. This experience stands in stark contrast to Zurich's Swiss dishes, offering you a lively atmosphere enriched with regional charm and a taste of Frankfurt's vibrant food culture.

Zurich - Frankfurt am Main operators

Explore transport companies operating between Zurich and Frankfurt am Main, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33
Website
https://www.bahn.com/en

Train from Zuerich Hb to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf

Average Duration
3h 53m
Estimated price
2231-2232

Train from Zuerich Hb to Basel Sbb

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
241-242

Train from Basel SBB to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf

Average Duration
3h 2m
Estimated price
243-244

Train from Hauptbahnhof to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
245-246
Contact phone
+41 848 44 66 88
Website
https://www.sbb.ch/en

Train from Zuerich Hb to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf

Average Duration
5h 2m
Estimated price
125-223

Train from Zürich Hb to Basel Sbb

Average Duration
1h 12m
Estimated price
31-247

Train from Basel Sbb to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf

Average Duration
3h 6m
Estimated price
248-249

Train from Zuerich Hb to Stuttgart-Vaihingen

Average Duration
2h 48m
Estimated price
2231-125
Bus
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Zurich Bus Station to Frankfurt central train station

Average Duration
6h 20m
Estimated price
31-49
Rideshare
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Rideshare from Zurich to Frankfurt

Average Duration
5h 4m
Estimated price
24-24
Plane
Website
http://lufthansa.com

Plane from Zurich (ZRH) to Frankfurt (FRA)

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
223-22320
Website
http://swiss.com

Plane from Zurich (ZRH) to Frankfurt (FRA)

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
223-22320

Zurich to Frankfurt am Main: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Zurich and Frankfurt am Main offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the Zurich to Frankfurt route mainly include catering provided by the operator Deutsche Bahn (DB). In first class, you can enjoy complimentary meals, while in economy and business class, there are bistro-style services offering snacks, beverages, and light meals for purchase. Keep your eye out for their 'DB Bistro' menu, which features local delicacies and fresh coffee.
• The trains operated by Deutsche Bahn on this route offer three seating options: First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. First Class provides spacious seats with more legroom, complimentary refreshments, and a quieter environment. Business Class is suitable for those looking for a balance between comfort and affordability, featuring comfortable seats and power outlets. Economy Class is cost-effective, with standard seating and a chance to experience local train travel.
• Several operators operate this route, including Deutsche Bahn (DB, (bahn.com), EuroCity (EC, (eurocity.eu), and SBB (Swiss Federal Railways, (sbb.ch). For information on schedules and ticket bookings, check their respective websites.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at Zurich Bus Station at least 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding process, as FlixBus is known to depart on time without delays.
• Consider downloading the FlixBus app for real-time updates on your bus trip, as it will provide notifications on any delays or changes to the schedule while you are en route.
• Upon arriving at Frankfurt Central Train Station, take advantage of the large information board to orient yourself and check local transport options; the station has excellent connections to trams and regional trains, making your onward journey easy.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Zurich to Frankfurt am Main.

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The distance between Zurich and Frankfurt am Main is approximately 307.4 km by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. It takes around 3 hours and 53 minutes to reach Frankfurt am Main from Zurich by train, while a combination of train and flight via Basel takes approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes. Flying directly from Zurich to Frankfurt am Main takes about 3 hours and 38 minutes, and driving by car takes the same amount of time. Opting for a bus journey, it would take approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes to travel from Zurich to Frankfurt am Main.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Zurich to Frankfurt am Main is to rideshare, which costs around €24 and takes approximately 5 hours and 4 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the fastest option is to take a train and then fly, which takes 3 hours and 34 minutes. This option may cost between €119 and €430, depending on the airline and availability.
The train prices for a journey from Zurich to Frankfurt am Main range between €128 and €229. On the other hand, the bus prices for the same route range between €32 and €46.
To travel from Zurich to Frankfurt am Main without using public transportation, you can consider carpooling with BlaBlaCar. This rideshare service allows you to connect with drivers making the same journey and split the cost of the trip. The driving distance between Zurich and Frankfurt am Main is approximately 415.2 km, and it takes around 3 hours and 38 minutes to drive this route. It is important to note that car rental prices may vary, typically ranging from €73 to €110 for this journey.
To travel from Zurich to Frankfurt am Main without a car, the best option is to take a train. The journey by train takes approximately 3 hours and 53 minutes and costs between €128 and €229. Another option is to take a bus, which takes longer at 6 hours and 20 minutes but is more economical with prices ranging from €32 to €46. Alternatively, you can fly from Zurich to Frankfurt, which takes about 3 hours and 38 minutes and costs between €101 and €339.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Zurich and Frankfurt am Main. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 53 minutes. There is also a direct bus connection between the two cities, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes.
The flight between Zurich and Frankfurt am Main typically takes around 55 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between €107 and €333. Once you arrive at Frankfurt Airport, you can easily reach Frankfurt am Main by taking a taxi, which typically costs around €35-€45, or by using public transportation such as the S-Bahn train, which takes approximately 12-15 minutes and costs around €4-€5.
There are numerous options for accommodations near Frankfurt am Main. With over 946 hotels to choose from, there is something for every budget and preference. Prices for hotels start at €42, providing a range of affordable options for travelers.

Trips to Frankfurt am Main