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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
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No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
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Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
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Travelling by train from Paris to Frankfurt Main
Want to explore a vibrant European city near Paris without stepping foot on a plane? Head to Frankfurt in just under 4 hours on the train and forget about traffic jams or security checks at the airport. Take the high-speed ICE train operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB), and you can enjoy free WiFi and comfy seating before being dropped off in the heart of Frankfurt, at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
There are 5 direct trains per day from Paris to Frankfurt Main, giving you plenty of choice for selecting the perfect time to travel. If none of the direct trains suit your needs, there are of course connecting trains you can take at your own speed. Onboard the ICE train, why not upgrade to First Class tickets? You can look forward to comfier seats, free food and drink and access to DB lounges at certain stations!
Once in Frankfurt, hop off with your luggage and get straight into some sightseeing by visiting the nearby Main Tower, an iconic piece of architecture where you can get some great early views over the city. From there, you’ll probably be able to see the famous Iron Bridge, another great photo opportunity. Check out the best things to do in Frankfurt to find more places to tick off your bucket list.
Frankfurt really is a beautiful city, and it has some great food options to go with it. Make sure you try a Frankfurter when you’re… well, in Frankfurt! It’s sure to be the original and best.
And when it's time to leave, there are easy airport transfers to Frankfurt Airport by train.
Ready to book? Search for tickets and times in our Journey Planner at the top of this page, or read on for more information, including FAQs.
Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train
It takes an average of 7h 30m to travel from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train, over a distance of around 296 miles (477 km). There are normally 26 trains per day traveling from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and tickets for this journey start from $45.32 when you book in advance.
| First train | 6:11 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:45 pm | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | |
| Journey time | From 4h 13m | |
| Distance | 296 miles (477 km) | |
| Frequency | 26 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $45.32 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF, Flixbus |
TGV, SNCF, Deutsche Bahn and ICE (Intercity Express) trains from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
TGV
SNCF
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
More information
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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TGV INOUI and Intercity Express (ICE) classes from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI and Intercity Express (ICE) when traveling from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
TGV INOUI
Intercity Express (ICE)
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Second Class
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, an in-seat meal service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Onboard services on TGV INOUI and Intercity Express (ICE)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
TGV INOUI
Intercity Express (ICE)
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
When traveling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re traveling on an ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favorite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
Cheap train tickets from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Things to do in Frankfurt and beyond
FAQs for Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf take?
The average journey time by train between Paris and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 7 hours and 30 minutes, with around 26 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Paris and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 4 hours and 13 minutes.
How much does the train from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf cost?
Train tickets from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf can start from as little as $45.32 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf without having to change trains. There are 4 direct trains from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leave?
The first train from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 06:11. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leave?
The last train from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 23:45. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Paris and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train?
Trains travelling from Paris to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf cover a distance of around 296 miles (477 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Paris.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.