- Must visit
Saalfelder Feengrotten
Famed show cave with colorful illuminated formations and guided tours; Saalfeld’s best-known attraction and a regional geological highlight.
Cheapest price
€28
Average price
€30
Fastest journey
1 h 42 m
Average duration
1 h 55 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
120 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Erlangen to Saalfeld/Saale is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Erlangen to Saalfeld/Saale will cost around €30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.
Of the 19 trains that leave Erlangen for Saalfeld/Saale on Thu, Aug 06, 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 120 km distance in an average of 1 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 42 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 2 h 3 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.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Erlangen to Saalfeld/Saale among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €24, and a train costs an average of €24.
Distance: 74 miles (120 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
€35 Average price Cheapest | €23 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 25m sooner (1h 42m by train vs 2h 7m by car). Tickets start at around €35 compared to roughly €23 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
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.
The table below shows live departures for Erlangen to Saalfeld/Saale trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 602 · 80983 | Delayed 7:05 AM 8:20 AMErlangen station | 2h22 | 10:42 AM Saalfeld (Saale) station | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, August 6 | |||||
![]() | 1:20 AM Erlangen | 2h16 | 3:36 AM Saalfeld (saale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 AM Erlangen | 2h15 | 8:15 AM Saalfeld (saale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:57 AM Erlangen | 2h03 | 9:00 AM Saalfeld (saale) | 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 Erlangen to Saalfeld/Saale run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €24 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:57, the last at 20:35. The fastest train covers the 74 miles (120 km) distance in 1h 42m.
Distance 74 miles (120 km) |
Average train duration 1h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price €24 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 42m |
First train 6:57 AM |
Last train 8:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Saalfeld/Saale — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Saalfeld/Saale trip today.
Famed show cave with colorful illuminated formations and guided tours; Saalfeld’s best-known attraction and a regional geological highlight.
Museum inside the Feengrotten complex explaining local mining history, cave development, and the town’s industrial heritage.
Exhibitions in the ducal palace covering court life, interiors, and regional history in one of Saalfeld’s key heritage buildings.
Main market square framed by historic buildings and the town hall; the essential starting point for exploring Saalfeld’s old center.
Historic old town quarter with compact lanes, heritage façades, and many of the city’s key sights within easy walking distance.
Popular green area by the Feengrotten, combining woodland paths, themed family attractions, and relaxing views above town.
Thuringian Rostbratwurst is a seasoned grilled pork sausage, protected regional specialty and a classic street and beer garden food across Thuringia.
Thuringian potato dumplings are hearty potato balls, usually served with roast meats and gravy, and are a defining comfort food of the region.
Rinderroulade is beef rolled with mustard, onion and pickles, then braised. It is a traditional Sunday meal often paired with dumplings and red cabbage.
Traditional German restaurant in Saalfeld known for Thuringian classics, rustic atmosphere and dependable local dining.
Well-known hotel restaurant with a more refined setting, offering German and regional cuisine in Saalfeld's old town area.
Historic beer garden and restaurant by Saalfeld's famous grottoes, serving regional dishes in a scenic, casual setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major cities, while local transit and everyday costs stay reasonable for most visitors.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or tipping 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up for taxis and leave small change in cafes.
Official public transport app
Saalfeld (Saale) -> Markt, Saalfeld/Saale
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Erlangen to Saalfeld/Saale 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 Saalfeld/Saale, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Erlangen to Saalfeld/Saale trains use the Erlangen to Saalfeld (Saale) station pair. Use this guide to compare Erlangen and Saalfeld/Saale train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Erlangen 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: Basilikum, Ilias, Ristorante Carpaccio, Goldene Sonne
Wi-Fi is available at Erlangen. ATMs are available at Erlangen.
Ticket office support is available at Erlangen. Information desks are available at Erlangen.
Luggage storage is available at Erlangen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Erlangen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Erlangen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erlangen.
Nearby hotels include NH Hotel, A. B. Hotel, Zeitwohnhaus, Hotel Villa Soy.
Saalfeld (Saale) 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: Pamukkale Kebap Bistro, Pizza Peperoncino, Freddy Fresh, Bistro Helin
Wi-Fi is available at Saalfeld (Saale). ATMs are available at Saalfeld (Saale).
Ticket office support is available at Saalfeld (Saale). Information desks are available at Saalfeld (Saale).
Luggage storage is available at Saalfeld (Saale). Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Saalfeld (Saale): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Saalfeld (Saale): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Saalfeld (Saale).
Nearby hotels include Hotel Anker Saalfeld.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need