The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Schmalkalden
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 5 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
287 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin to Schmalkalden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berlin to Schmalkalden will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Of the 1 trains that leave Berlin for Schmalkalden on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 287 km distance in an average of 4 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 4 h 5 m 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.
7:05 AM4h05Berlin11:10 AMSchmalkalden$831One-way0 transfers
7:05 AM4h05Berlin11:10 AMSchmalkalden$831One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Berlin to Schmalkalden
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin to Schmalkalden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $122.
Distance: 178 miles (287 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$93 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $172 Average price | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 37m Average total duration 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 37m Average total duration 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Berlin to Schmalkalden:
A bus is $64 (€53) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin to Schmalkalden costing on average $93 (€76).
A bus is $144 (€118) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin to Schmalkalden costing on average $172 (€141).
Other travel options to Schmalkalden take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 7m.
Bus takes on average 4h 7m.
You'll arrive about 1h 5m sooner (3h 7m by train vs 4h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $93 (€76) compared to roughly $65 (€53) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Berlin to Schmalkalden train times
The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Schmalkalden trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:05 AM Berlin | 4h05 | 11:10 AM Schmalkalden | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Berlin to Schmalkalden by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Why should you book Berlin to Schmalkalden trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Berlin to Schmalkalden.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Berlin to Schmalkalden.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Berlin to Schmalkalden
Trains from Berlin to Schmalkalden run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 178 miles (287 km) distance in 3h 34m.
Distance 178 miles (287 km) |
Average train duration 3h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 34m |
First train 4:12 AM |
Last train 11:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Berlin to Schmalkalden trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Berlin and Schmalkalden from $21 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
FAQs: Trains from Berlin to Schmalkalden
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin to Schmalkalden by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Schmalkalden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Berlin to Schmalkalden
Most Berlin to Schmalkalden trains use the Berlin Hbf to Schmalkalden station pair, with some services arriving at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule. Use this guide to compare Berlin and Schmalkalden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Berlin station do trains to Schmalkalden leave from?
Getting to Berlin Hbf from Berlin city centre
Berlin Hbf is 2 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Hbf train station facilities and services
Berlin Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: backWERK, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, Einstein Kaffee, Le Crobag, McDonald's, Hans im Glück, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are available at Berlin Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Hbf. Information desks are located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Berlin Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Hbf: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof.
Getting to Berlin-Lichtenberg from Berlin city centre
Berlin-Lichtenberg is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin-Lichtenberg train station facilities and services
Berlin-Lichtenberg has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: AVCI Bistro, Restaurant Athos, Yoko Sushi, Payamlino Bistro
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin-Lichtenberg. ATMs are available at Berlin-Lichtenberg.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin-Lichtenberg. Information desks are available at Berlin-Lichtenberg.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Berlin-Lichtenberg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin-Lichtenberg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Berlin-Lichtenberg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin-Lichtenberg.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Nova, Pension Adamshof, Pension Zum Lichtenberger.
Getting to Berlin Südkreuz from Berlin city centre
Berlin Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Südkreuz train station facilities and services
Berlin Südkreuz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Biertempel 2, McDonald's, Eis Bär, Cafe Mon Cherie
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Südkreuz. ATMs are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Information desks are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Appartements Eisemann.
Which Schmalkalden station do trains from Berlin arrive at?
Getting to Schmalkalden from Schmalkalden city centre
Schmalkalden train station facilities and services
Schmalkalden has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Zur Krone, Eiscafé Bella Vita, Heval Grill, Eiscafé König
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Schmalkalden. ATMs are available at Schmalkalden.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Schmalkalden. Information desks are available at Schmalkalden.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Schmalkalden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Schmalkalden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Schmalkalden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Schmalkalden.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Grünes Tor”, Stadthotel Patrizier.
Getting to Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule from Schmalkalden city centre
Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule is 1 km from Schmalkalden city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule train station facilities and services
Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Zur Krone, Heval Grill, Gaststätte Walperloh, SchlossCafé
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule. ATMs are available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule. Information desks are available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule.
More options for your journey from Berlin to Schmalkalden
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
