Berlin to Frankfurt am Main train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RB,RE)

Nonstop from Berlin to Frankfurt: Onboard Germany’s Iconic ICE High-Speed Train

Introduction

Germany is known for its expansive network of high-speed ICE trains, connecting major cities quickly and comfortably. This is also true for the Berlin to Frankfurt route. In this article, I’ll share my experience with the once-daily nonstop ICE service that completes the trip in less than 4 hours and tell you why you might want to start your journey from Berlin-Ostbahnhof rather than one of the city's other main stations.

Route Overview

Deutsche Bahn (DB) runs frequent ICE trains between Berlin and Frankfurt. Trains can take two general routes, either via Hanover or Erfurt.

The travel time between Berlin and Frankfurt is about 4 hours and 10 minutes, varying a bit throughout the day. Slower but cheaper alternatives like FlixTrain and long-distance buses exist, but I'd pick the ICE. It's the fastest and most comfortable option.

Transportation Experience

Booking my Berlin to Frankfurt train journey on Omio was fast and convenient. Taking the ICE is even easier: you can board right up until the last minute before departure, find your reserved seat or any available one (check the reservation screens), and enjoy the high-speed ride.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

ICE trains from Berlin to Frankfurt usually stop at one or more of the following stations:

• Ostbahnhof
• Hauptbahnhof
• Südkreuz
• Spandau

While convenience matters, I recommend boarding at Berlin-Ostbahnhof. I’ll explain why further down in the article.

In Frankfurt, most trains stop at Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof. However, some stop only at Frankfurt Flughafen (Airport) or Frankfurt Süd, which requires a short S-Bahn ride to the city.

Schedule & Frequency

There's at least one direct train every hour. Most have a few stops, but from Monday to Saturday, there's a special nonstop ICE departing Berlin-Ostbahnhof at 15:46, stopping only at:

• Berlin-Ostbahnhof
• Berlin-Hauptbahnhof
• Berlin-Spandau

Then it runs nonstop to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in just 3 hours and 44 minutes. That’s the one I took!

Onboard Experience & Services

I recommend starting your trip from Berlin-Ostbahnhof for two reasons:

1. Easier station experience Ostbahnhof is much smaller and more relaxed than the huge Hauptbahnhof, but it still has everything you need: two supermarkets, several food outlets, and great local transit connections.

2. Scenic ride through central Berlin Trains departing from Ostbahnhof travel the full length of Berlin’s Stadtbahn, an elevated railway line that cuts through the heart of the city. You’ll pass several landmarks like the TV Tower and Berliner Dom and enjoy a unique view that you’d otherwise miss. It’s the perfect send-off from the city.

My train was operated by one of the older ICE2 sets. Other trains on the route include:

• ICE1
• ICE3neo
• ICE4

All of them are broadly similar in terms of comfort, but only the ICE3neo and ICE4 offer dedicated bike space.

All ICE trains feature:

• Free Wi-Fi (I found this was very spotty)
• Power outlets at every seat
• An onboard bistro
• Comfortable seating in both classes
• Plenty of space for luggage throughout the train. (There are no luggage restrictions on DB, so you can generally bring as much as you are able to carry yourself.)

In Second Class, the seats are mostly in airline-style rows, with a few table and compartment options.

First Class offers the same but with:

• Wider seats and more legroom
• Solo seat options (ideal for solo travelers)
• A quieter environment, often with people working

After Berlin, the train joins the high-speed line via Hanover and Fulda, Germany’s first true high-speed corridor. Expect impressive viaducts and views of rolling hills.

One word of caution: my train ran 30 minutes late. This is a common occurrence in Germany. If you have a tight connection in Frankfurt, I'd build in extra time just in case.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Berlin to Frankfurt train ticket prices vary by demand and booking time:

• From €17.99 (Second Class)
• From €23.99 (First Class)

For my trip, it worked out to:

• €45.99 First Class ticket (booked 5 weeks in advance)

I found excellent value for a quiet, fast, and comfortable journey.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Start at Berlin-Ostbahnhof for fewer crowds and scenic city views.
• Seat reservations are optional . You can use the DB website to check expected train occupancy.
• If ICE is too pricey, check on Omio for FlixTrain or last-minute deals.

Conclusion

If you’re heading from Berlin to Frankfurt, hopping on Deutsche Bahn's ICE train is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to do it. You get a relaxed start at Berlin-Ostbahnhof, then cruise through the serene German countryside at high speed. It’s smooth and quiet, not to mention far less stressful than flying. Just keep in mind that delays can happen, and the earlier you book on Omio, the better the price.

About the Author: Simon Andersen

• Job Title: Train travel content creator

• Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.