- 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
CHF24
Average price
CHF27
Fastest journey
11 h 30 m
Average duration
11 h 40 m
Buses per day
3
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 CHF27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF24.
Of the 3 buses that leave Frankfurt am Main for Gelsenkirchen on Wed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 190 km distance in an average of 11 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 30 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 12 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio 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 prices starting from CHF18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF18, and a flight costs an average of CHF91.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
CHF28 Average price Cheapest | CHF58 Average price | CHF113 Average price | CHF36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 32m Average total duration 4h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 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 CHF30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen costing on average CHF58.
A bus is CHF85 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen costing on average CHF113.
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 28m.
Bus takes on average 4h 2m.
Tickets start at around CHF28 compared to roughly CHF36 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF8. The journey takes 4h 2m 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.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
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 CHF28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 09:07AM | Duration 5h52 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price CHF25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 10:07AM | Duration 6h47 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 11:46AM | Duration 8h06 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 10:07AM | Duration 5h52 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 10:07AM | Duration 5h07 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price CHF24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 11:07AM | Duration 5h07 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price CHF29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price CHF22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 05:07PM | Duration 8h17 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price CHF24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price CHF24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price CHF28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:07PM | Duration 6h17 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price CHF24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price CHF29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 04:07PM | Duration 5h17 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price CHF23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:58AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 16h22 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price CHF27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:58PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 16h22 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:02PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 14h18 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price CHF26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:03PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 14h17 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price CHF39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price CHF23 |
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Gelsenkirchen buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:30 AM Frankfurt am Main | 12h30 | 9:00 PM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:58 AM Frankfurt am Main | 16h22 | 4:20 AM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:02 PM Frankfurt am Main | 14h18 | 5:20 AM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:03 PM Frankfurt am Main | 14h17 | 5:20 AM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 7 times per day, taking around 4h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at CHF18 if you book in advance.
There are 4 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 5h 7m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF18 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 7m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) 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