- Must visit
Museum Schloss Horst
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$23
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$25
Fastest journey on Sep 19
4 h 58 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
5 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 19
9
Distance
190 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
It's difficult to get from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrainOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $60 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 54m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, while a flight costs an average of $244.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price | $244 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 50m Average total duration 10h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration Fastest 2h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration 1h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen:
A bus is $16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $77.
A bus is $184 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $244.
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 24m.
Bus takes on average 10h 20m.
Tickets start at around $60 compared to roughly $45 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.60. The journey takes 10h 20m versus 2h 53m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 08:07AM | Duration 5h52 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 09:07AM | Duration 5h52 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 09:13AM | Duration 5h53 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 09:13AM | Duration 4h58 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 12:44PM | Duration 7h09 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 12:44PM | Duration 6h44 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 01:13PM | Duration 6h13 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 02:07PM | Duration 5h37 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 03:07PM | Duration 6h17 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:02PM | Duration 6h12 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 04:44PM | Duration 6h19 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:02PM | Duration 5h32 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:44PM | Duration 5h44 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 06:02PM | Duration 5h12 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:20 AM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 5h53 | 9:13 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:15 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 4h58 | 9:13 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:35 AM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 7h09 | 12:44 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 6:00 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 6h44 | 12:44 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 7:00 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 6h13 | 1:13 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:50 AM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 6h12 | 4:02 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:25 AM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 6h19 | 4:44 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:30 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 5h32 | 4:02 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:00 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 5h44 | 4:44 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 but you can travel from only $22 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 4h 10m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Gelsenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gelsenkirchen trip today.
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Leading modern art museum in the Ruhr, noted for kinetic and contemporary works and ambitious temporary exhibitions.
Museum documenting pharmacy history inside Schloss Horst, with historic equipment and displays on medicine and daily life.
Large leisure park on a former colliery, combining industrial heritage, greenery, playgrounds, and canal-side walking routes.
Extensive zoo and landscaped grounds famous for Alaska-themed habitats and family-friendly outdoor exploration.
Elegant lakeside park around Schloss Berge, popular for strolling, boating views, and relaxed green space in Buer.
A hearty Ruhr-area potato stew with vegetables and sausage or bacon. It is a classic workers’ dish long associated with everyday home cooking in the region.
Pan-fried blood sausage with mashed potatoes and apples. Common across North Rhine-Westphalia, it is a traditional pub and home-style comfort meal.
Cured minced pork spread served on rye bread with onions. Popular in the Ruhr and nearby Westphalia as a simple, traditional snack or supper item.
Refined fine-dining restaurant in Gelsenkirchen known for modern German cuisine, careful presentation, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Traditional brewery-style venue serving hearty German and Ruhr-area dishes in a relaxed, rustic setting popular for local beer and classic comfort food.
Well-known casual venue for German grills, schnitzel, and regional comfort food with a lively, approachable atmosphere suited to groups and families.
Moderate for Germany: hotels are often cheaper than in major cities, while dining and local transit are fairly typical for the region.
Service is usually included. Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof/ZOB -> Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen buses use the Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Frankfurt am Main and Gelsenkirchen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Hausmann's (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the terminal, offering various banking services.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36).
Available at Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36): Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need