- Must visit
Museum Schloss Wilhelmsburg
Main local history museum in Schloss Wilhelmsburg, covering art, town history, and Reformation heritage in one of Thuringia’s finest castles.
Cheapest price on Sep 27
$53
Average ticket price on Sep 27
$68
Fastest journey on Sep 27
2 h 51 m
Average journey duration on Sep 27
3 h 32 m
Trains on Sep 27
4
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Schmalkalden 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 Schmalkalden will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
On Sun, Sep 27, we found 4 trains from Frankfurt am Main to Schmalkalden, including 4 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 27 the direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 3 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 51 m .
On Sun, Sep 27 the slowest trains will take 4 h 41 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.








The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Schmalkalden trains for today, Saturday, September 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1559 · 81120 · 81168 | On time 11:02 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 3h08 | 2:10 PM Schmalkalden station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1559 · 81120 · 81168 | Delayed 9:34 AM 11:19 AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h51 | 2:10 PM Schmalkalden station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1651 · 81124 · 81172 | On time 1:02 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 3h08 | 4:10 PM Schmalkalden station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1651 · 81124 · 81172 | On time 1:19 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h51 | 4:10 PM Schmalkalden station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1655 · 81134 · 81180 | On time 5:02 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 3h08 | 8:10 PM Schmalkalden station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1655 · 81134 · 81180 | On time 5:19 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h51 | 8:10 PM Schmalkalden station | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, September 27 | |||||
![]() | 6:27 AM Frankfurt am Main | 3h43 | 10:10 AM Schmalkalden | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:01 AM Frankfurt am Main | 4h41 | 11:42 AM Schmalkalden | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Schmalkalden run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 88 miles (142 km) distance in 2h 36m.
Distance 88 miles (142 km) |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€28) |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 4:12 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Schmalkalden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Schmalkalden trip today.
Main local history museum in Schloss Wilhelmsburg, covering art, town history, and Reformation heritage in one of Thuringia’s finest castles.
Exhibition on the Schmalkaldic League and Reformation events that made the town historically important across Germany and Protestant Europe.
Historic interior rooms and period displays inside the castle, offering a museum-like look at noble life, design, and ceremonial spaces.
The main market square framed by ornate half-timbered houses and the town hall. It is the best place to experience Schmalkalden’s historic core.
Atmospheric old town lanes with dense half-timbered architecture, small courtyards, and many of the city’s best preserved historic streetscapes.
Castle approach and upper grounds with elevated views over roofs and hills. A rewarding walking area linking history, architecture, and scenery.
Thuringian grilled sausage seasoned with marjoram and cooked over charcoal. It is one of the region’s best-known street foods and a classic local bite.
Roast pork with a dark beer gravy, often served with dumplings and red cabbage. A hearty Thuringian inn dish tied to local brewing and farmhouse cooking.
Large potato dumplings, usually served with roast meats and gravy. They are a staple side across Thuringia and central to festive Sunday meals.
Historic brewery tavern in the old town serving regional Thuringian dishes and house-brewed beer in a traditional, casual atmosphere.
Established castle-side restaurant known for refined regional cuisine and scenic surroundings. Good choice for a more special meal.
Traditional German inn with hearty local fare, grilled meats, and a relaxed tavern feel. Popular for classic regional comfort food.
Moderate for Germany. Dining and hotels are usually cheaper than in big cities, while local transport and daily essentials stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, round up or add about 5-10%. For cafes and taxis, round up to the nearest euro for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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.

Most Frankfurt am Main to Schmalkalden trains use the Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Schmalkalden station pair, with some services arriving at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule. Use this guide to compare Frankfurt am Main and Schmalkalden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
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 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
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Food options include: Restaurant Käfer's, McDonald's, Asia Snack Box
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport.
Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Käfer's, McDonald's, Asia Snack Box
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Steigenberger Airport Hotel.
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 options include: Zur Krone, Eiscafé Bella Vita, Heval Grill, Eiscafé König
Wi-Fi is available at Schmalkalden. ATMs are available at Schmalkalden.
Ticket office support is available at Schmalkalden. Information desks are available at Schmalkalden.
Luggage storage is available at Schmalkalden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Schmalkalden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Schmalkalden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Schmalkalden.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Grünes Tor”, Stadthotel Patrizier.
Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule is 1 km from Schmalkalden city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
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 options include: Zur Krone, Heval Grill, Gaststätte Walperloh, SchlossCafé
Wi-Fi is available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule. ATMs are available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule.
Ticket office support is available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule. Information desks are available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule.
Luggage storage is available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Schmalkalden-Fachhochschule.
Auehütte is 1 km from Schmalkalden city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Auehütte 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: Metaxa
Wi-Fi is available at Auehütte. ATMs are available at Auehütte.
Ticket office support is available at Auehütte. Information desks are available at Auehütte.
Luggage storage is available at Auehütte. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Auehütte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Auehütte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Auehütte.
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