The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen
Cheapest price
$154
Average price
$154
Fastest journey
2 h 31 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport 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 Airport to Gelsenkirchen will cost around $154 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $154.
Of the 1 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main Airport for Gelsenkirchen on Thu, May 14, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 14 the direct trains cover the 191 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 31 m .
On Thu, May 14 the slowest trains will take 2 h 31 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.
6:48 AM2h31Frankfurt am Main Airport9:19 AMGelsenkirchen$1541One-way0 transfers
6:48 AM2h31Frankfurt am Main Airport9:19 AMGelsenkirchen$1541One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen 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 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $115.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$86 Average price | $141 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 58m Average total duration 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 11m Average total duration 9h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen:
A bus is $49 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $86 (€69).
A bus is $104 (€83) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $141 (€113).
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 28m.
Bus takes on average 9h 41m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (2h 28m by train vs 2h 43m by car). Tickets start at around $86 (€69) compared to roughly $45 (€36) 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
Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen train times
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen trains for today, Wednesday, May 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:30 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport | 3h54 | 12:24 PM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:59 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport | 3h50 | 1:49 PM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:22 PM Frankfurt am Main Airport | 2h02 | 5:24 PM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, May 14 | |||||
![]() | 6:48 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport | 2h31 | 9:19 AM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen by train, bus, or flight
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.
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
Why should you book Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen
Trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 15:22. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 2h 2m.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average train duration 2h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 2h 2m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 3:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main Airport and Gelsenkirchen 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
FAQs: Trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen
- Monday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Subway
- Café Madrid
- Shere Punjab
- Café del Sol
- Hotel St. Petrus
- Dschingis Khan
- Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel
- Nikolaus Grill
- McDonald's
- Grill-Pizzeria Grammatikas
- Viva Sevilla
- Nudelland
Most popular train connections from Frankfurt am Main Airport
More options for your journey from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Gelsenkirchen
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