FRANKFURT AM MAIN to ILMENAU train from €16 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RB,RE)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

€32

Average ticket price on Sep 20

€44

Fastest journey on Sep 20

3 h 19 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

3 h 24 m

Trains on Sep 20

Distance

170 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau 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 to Ilmenau will cost around €44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €32.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau without transferring at least once.

ICE 694 · 81199
8:15 AM3h23
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
11:38 AMIlmenau station
€321One-way
1 transfer
S9 · ICE 692 · 81203
9:45 AM3h53
Frankfurt am Main Flughafen
1:38 PMIlmenau station
€431One-way
2 transfers
ICE 932 · 81201
9:02 AM3h36
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
12:38 PMIlmenau station
€431One-way
1 transfer
ICE 692 · 81203
10:15 AM3h23
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
1:38 PMIlmenau station
€431One-way
1 transfer
ICE 1557 · 3659 · 81201
9:19 AM3h19
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
12:38 PMIlmenau station
€441One-way
2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €27, while a train costs an average of €69.

Distance: 105 miles (170 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Driving
€69 Average price	€27 Average price Cheapest	€33 Average price (fuel + tolls)
4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	5h 58m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions	- CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company	Your own car or car rental
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau is a bus with an average price of €27.

This is compared to other travel options from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau:

A bus is €42 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau costing on average €69.

The fastest way to travel from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau is by train with an average journey time of 3h 30m.

Other travel options to Ilmenau take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 28m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Frankfurt am Main and Ilmenau including taking a bus and train.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau among Omio's users.

Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around €69 compared to roughly €33 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-35.94. The journey takes 3h 30m versus 3h 2m 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.

Live departures

Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau train times

The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
ICE 694 · 81199	On time 8:15 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	3h23	11:38 AM Ilmenau station	1 transfer
ICE 1557 · 81203	On time 9:02 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	4h36	1:38 PM Ilmenau station	1 transfer
ICE 1557 · 3659 · 81201	On time 9:02 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	3h36	12:38 PM Ilmenau station	2 transfers
ICE 932 · 81201	On time 9:02 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	3h36	12:38 PM Ilmenau station	1 transfer
ICE 1557 · 3659 · 81201	On time 9:19 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	3h19	12:38 PM Ilmenau station	2 transfers
S9 · ICE 692 · 81203	9:45 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	3h53	1:38 PM Ilmenau station	2 transfers
ICE 692 · 81203	On time 10:15 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	3h23	1:38 PM Ilmenau station	1 transfer
ICE 930 · 81205	On time 11:02 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	3h36	2:38 PM Ilmenau station	1 transfer
ICE 1559 · 3661 · 81205	On time 11:02 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	3h36	2:38 PM Ilmenau station	2 transfers
ICE 1559 · 81207	On time 11:02 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	4h36	3:38 PM Ilmenau station	1 transfer
ICE 1559 · 3661 · 81205	On time 11:19 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	3h19	2:38 PM Ilmenau station	2 transfers
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau by bus or train

Compare bus and 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.

Sun
Sep 20

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Sep 21

Tue
Sep 22

Wed
Sep 23

Thu
Sep 24

Fri
Sep 25

Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau.

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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau

Germany

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau run on average 16 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 but you can travel from only €16 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 03:42, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (170 km) distance in 2h 54m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from €16

Distance

105 miles (170 km)

Average train duration

3h 30m

Cheapest ticket price

€18

Trains per day

Fastest train

2h 54m

First train

3:42 AM

Last train

10:20 PM

Cheapest Month

Nov

Cheapest Day

Sun

High Season

Apr - Jun

Low Season

Jul - Sep

Busiest Day

Wed

Least Busy Day

Wed

Best time to book

42 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from €16

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Ilmenau from €16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Deutsche Bahn Duration

2h 54m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

€18

Deutsche Bahn frequency

31 a day

Luggage included

Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves

Luggage storage

Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?

Refund

If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.

Seat reservation

Second Class:
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.

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.

Pets

Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.

Quiet zone

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

Complete guide to Ilmenau

Things to do in Ilmenau

Discover the best of Ilmenau — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilmenau trip today.

Recommended

Museum Jagdhaus Gabelbach

The city's main museum on Ilmenau's mining, glass, porcelain, and Goethe connections, housed in a historic building.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Goethemuseum Jagdhaus Gabelbach

Goethe-focused memorial site in the forest with literary history and exhibits tied to his stays in the Ilmenau area.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Thermometermuseum Geraberg

Technical museum preserving a historic glass thermometer factory, showing Ilmenau's scientific instrument tradition.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range: €15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: €50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee: €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10%; for taxis, round up; in cafes, leave small change.

FAQs: Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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.

Train ticket prices from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €18, while the average price is around €69.

The train from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau takes 2h 54m and runs 16 per day.

The distance by train from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau is 105 miles (170 km).

The first train from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau leaves at 3:42 AM.

The last train from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau leaves at 10:20 PM.

There is no direct train service currently available from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau.

Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau.

The train station in Frankfurt am Main that goes to Ilmenau is Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, which connects to Ilmenau station.

The cheapest way to get from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau is by bus, with a cost of around €16.

The train journey from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque Thuringian Forest, providing travelers with charming landscapes and lush greenery.

A day trip from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 54m. The frequency of trains is 15 per day, and the distance is 105 miles (170 km).

To fully explore Ilmenau's attractions, including the Goethe Museum, local hiking trails, and the Thuringian Forest, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.

Yes, you can take the train from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau.

Since both Frankfurt am Main and Ilmenau are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.

Popular day trips by train from Ilmenau include Erfurt, Arnstadt, Bamberg, Leipzig, Halle.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau among Omio's users.

Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.

Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.

Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.

In Ilmenau, travelers should be aware of typical urban safety concerns such as pickpocketing in crowded areas and on public transportation. It is advisable to stay vigilant in busy places, especially around train stations and popular attractions. There are no widespread reports of specific scams targeting visitors, but standard precautions like avoiding unsolicited offers and securing personal belongings are recommended. Overall, Ilmenau is considered a safe destination with low crime rates.

Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau

Most Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau trains use the Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Ilmenau station pair, with some services arriving at Ilmenau-Roda. Use this guide to compare Frankfurt am Main and Ilmenau train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Frankfurt am Main

Arrival train stations in Ilmenau

Which Frankfurt am Main station do trains to Ilmenau leave from?

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Ilmenau leave from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Frankfurt am Main city centre at Im Hauptbahnhof, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Frankfurt (Main) HbfIm Hauptbahnhof, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf from Frankfurt am Main city centre

Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS9, S8, S6, S5, S4, S3, S2, S1 · 5m · €1 · every ~51 min

BusN5, N12, N4 · 5m · every ~1 min

Tram18, 14, 12, 11 · 6m · €3 · every ~38 min

SubwayU5, U4 · 4m · €3 · every ~39 min

Frankfurt (Main) Hbf train station facilities and services

Frankfurt (Main) 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 and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Burger King, Ciao Bella, Coffee Fellows, Crepes de France Express, dean&david, Starbucks, Uddin's Sky Sportsbar, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, & many more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.

More about Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Frankfurt Flughafen FernbfFrankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof, 60549 Frankfurt am Main, Germany+49 69 2651055 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf from Frankfurt am Main city centre

Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainIce · 11m · €2

Trn · 12m · €3

S8, S9 · 19m · €3 · every ~5 min

BusS8e · 28m · €6

X61, 61 · 41m · every ~13 min

61, X61 · 42m · every ~13 min

Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf train station facilities and services

Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.