- Recommended
Museum Jagdhaus Gabelbach
The city's main museum on Ilmenau's mining, glass, porcelain, and Goethe connections, housed in a historic building.
Cheapest price
$23
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
1 h
Average duration
1 h
Trains per day
3
Distance
34 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Erfurt to Ilmenau is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Erfurt to Ilmenau will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
Of the 3 trains that leave Erfurt for Ilmenau on Thu, Aug 13, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 13 the direct trains cover the 34 km distance in an average of 1 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h .
On Thu, Aug 13 the slowest trains will take 1 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.
81197
81199
81195
81197
81199
81195Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Erfurt to Ilmenau among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 21 miles (34 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$25 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Other travel options to Ilmenau take longer:
Train takes on average 56m.
Tickets start at around $25 compared to roughly $8 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-16.72. The journey takes 56m versus 42m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Erfurt to Ilmenau trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
81195 | 8:38 AM Erfurt Hbf | 1h00 | 9:38 AM Ilmenau station | 0 transfersDirect | |
81197 | 9:38 AM Erfurt Hbf | 1h00 | 10:38 AM Ilmenau station | 0 transfersDirect | |
81199 | 10:38 AM Erfurt Hbf | 1h00 | 11:38 AM Ilmenau station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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.

Trains from Erfurt to Ilmenau run on average 6 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 21 miles (34 km) distance in 48m.
Distance 21 miles (34 km) |
Average train duration 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 48m |
First train 12:40 AM |
Last train 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Ilmenau — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilmenau trip today.
The city's main museum on Ilmenau's mining, glass, porcelain, and Goethe connections, housed in a historic building.
Goethe-focused memorial site in the forest with literary history and exhibits tied to his stays in the Ilmenau area.
Technical museum preserving a historic glass thermometer factory, showing Ilmenau's scientific instrument tradition.
Popular mountain summit and walking area above town, loved for forests, viewpoints, and Goethe-related landmarks.
Central square framed by historic buildings, events, and shops. It is the best starting point for exploring old Ilmenau.
Scenic reservoir and leisure area on the edge of town, suitable for relaxed walks and views of the surrounding hills.
A rustic Thuringian potato dumpling, often served with roast meat and gravy. It is a regional staple and a classic of home-style Sunday meals.
Coarse grilled pork sausage seasoned with marjoram and caraway. It is one of Thuringia’s best-known foods and widely eaten at inns and markets.
Slow-cooked beef roulade filled with bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles. A beloved festive dish across Thuringia, usually served with dumplings and red cabbage.
Established Greek restaurant popular for grilled meats, generous portions, and a friendly relaxed atmosphere near the town center.
Historic hotel restaurant serving regional and seasonal cuisine in a more refined setting, suitable for a classic sit-down dinner.
Traditional brewery restaurant known for hearty Thuringian dishes and beer-focused dining in a casual, rustic setting.
More affordable than big German cities. Hotels, dining, and local transit are usually cheaper, though options are smaller and peak event dates can raise prices.
Service is included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10%; for taxis, round up; in cafes, leave small change.
Official public transport app
Ilmenau station -> Marktplatz Ilmenau
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Erfurt to Ilmenau 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 Ilmenau, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Erfurt to Ilmenau trains use the Erfurt Hbf to Ilmenau station pair, with some services arriving at Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe. Use this guide to compare Erfurt and Ilmenau train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Erfurt Hbf 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 options include: Istanbul Grill, McDonald's, Masala, Planet Comics
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Hbf. ATMs are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Hbf. Information desks are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Krämerbrücke, Intercity Hotel, Pension am Dom, Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior.
Erfurt-Bischleben is 5 km from Erfurt city centre. Public transport options include:
Erfurt-Bischleben 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 options include: Zur Schuhleiste, Bachstelze
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. ATMs are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Information desks are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.
Ilmenau 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 options include: City-Grill, MaBe`s Grillbar, Subway, Ratskeller
Wi-Fi is available at Ilmenau. ATMs are available at Ilmenau.
Ticket office support is available at Ilmenau. Information desks are available at Ilmenau.
Luggage storage is available at Ilmenau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ilmenau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ilmenau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ilmenau.
Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe is 1 km from Ilmenau city centre. Public transport options include:
Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe 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 options include: ASIA Restaurant MEKONG, Asian Wok, Efes Bistro, Sharma's Restaurant
Wi-Fi is available at Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe. ATMs are available at Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe.
Ticket office support is available at Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe. Information desks are available at Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe.
Luggage storage is available at Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ilmenau Pörlitzer Höhe.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need