Gelsenkirchen to Aachen train with Deutsche Bahn

Wed, Aug 05
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Deutsche Bahn
Train Charter Services
VIAS Rail GmbH
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Train Charter Services
VIAS Rail GmbH
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Gelsenkirchen to Aachen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €9, and a train costs an average of €39.

Distance: 67 miles (109 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€50

Average price

€17

Average price

Cheapest

€18

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 44m

Average total duration

2h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 41m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

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 Gelsenkirchen to Aachen is a bus with an average price of €17.

This is compared to other travel options from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen:

A bus is €33 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen costing on average €50.

The fastest way to travel from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen is by bus with an average journey time of 1h 30m.

Other travel options to Aachen take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 14m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Gelsenkirchen and Aachen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen 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 €50 compared to roughly €18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-31.96. The journey takes 2h 14m versus 1h 41m 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

Gelsenkirchen to Aachen train times

The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Aachen trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)8:34 AM Gelsenkirchen
2h33
11:07 AM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)9:14 AM Gelsenkirchen
2h26
11:40 AM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)9:34 AM Gelsenkirchen
2h33
12:07 PM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)10:34 AM Gelsenkirchen
2h33
1:07 PM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)11:14 AM Gelsenkirchen
2h02
1:16 PM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)11:34 AM Gelsenkirchen
2h33
2:07 PM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)12:34 PM Gelsenkirchen
2h33
3:07 PM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)1:13 PM Gelsenkirchen
2h27
3:40 PM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)1:34 PM Gelsenkirchen
2h33
4:07 PM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)2:13 PM Gelsenkirchen
2h01
4:14 PM Aachen1 transfer
Train Charter Services2:31 PM Gelsenkirchen
2h20
4:51 PM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)2:34 PM Gelsenkirchen
2h33
5:07 PM Aachen1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)3:14 PM Gelsenkirchen
1h55
5:09 PM Aachen1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Gelsenkirchen to Aachen by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11

Why should you book Gelsenkirchen to Aachen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Train Charter Services, VIAS Rail GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) and more offer trains services from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen.

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 Train Charter Services, VIAS Rail GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen.
  • 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €39 but you can travel from only €9 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 67 miles (109 km) distance in 2h 3m.

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 €9
Distance
67 miles (109 km)
Average train duration
2h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
€39
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 3m
First train
12:14 AM
Last train
11:51 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
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 €9

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Train Charter Services, VIAS Rail GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurobahn from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Train Charter Services, VIAS Rail GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurobahn trains will get you between Gelsenkirchen and Aachen from €9. 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 Duration
2h 3m
Cheapest Price
€39
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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

Train Charter Services

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 45m
Train Charter Services frequency
2 a day

VIAS Rail GmbH

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 28m
Cheapest Price
€30
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
1 a day

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
€44
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
8 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Price
€34
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
13 a day

Eurobahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 36m
Cheapest Price
€33
Eurobahn frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Aachen

Things to do in Aachen

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

  • Must visit

Cathedral Treasury Aachen

Aachen Cathedral's treasury displays masterpieces of medieval goldsmithing and imperial relics. Essential for understanding the city's coronation heritage.

  • Recommended

Ludwig Forum for International Art

Contemporary art museum with major international exhibitions in a former umbrella factory. A leading cultural venue with ambitious rotating shows.

  • Recommended

Centre Charlemagne

City museum inside the old town hall presenting Aachen's history, Charlemagne, and civic life. A strong introduction to the city before further sightseeing.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are usually below Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly reasonable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafés, small change or rounding up is common.

FAQs: Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen 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 Aachen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €39, while the average price is around €50.
The train from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen takes 2h 3m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen is 67 miles (109 km).
The first train from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen leaves at 12:14 AM.
The last train from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen leaves at 11:51 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen.
The train station in Gelsenkirchen that goes to Aachen is Gelsenkirchen Hbf, which connects to Aachen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen is by bus, with a cost of around €9.
The train journey from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of industrial areas, green landscapes, and the picturesque Rhine region, providing a varied visual experience.
A day trip from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 3m and trains run 4 times per day over a distance of 67 miles (109 km).
In Aachen, you can relax at the Carolus Thermen spa, explore vibrant local markets, stroll through Lousberg Park, attend events at the Eurogress Aachen, and visit the historic Ponttor. Don't miss the Aachen Cathedral, Aachen Rathaus, Elisenbrunnen, Centre Charlemagne, and Couven Museum for a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture.
To explore Aachen's key attractions, such as the Aachen Cathedral, Carolus Thermen spa, and the historic old town, 1 to 2 days are typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen.
Since both Gelsenkirchen and Aachen 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 Aachen include Brussels, Liège, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Maastricht.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen 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 Aachen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and public transportation. Common scams include distraction techniques near popular tourist spots and overcharging by taxi drivers unfamiliar with official rates. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft.
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 Gelsenkirchen to Aachen

Most Gelsenkirchen to Aachen trains use the Gelsenkirchen Hbf to Aachen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Gelsenkirchen and Aachen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Gelsenkirchen
Arrival train stations in Aachen

Which Gelsenkirchen station do trains to Aachen leave from?

Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Aachen leave from Gelsenkirchen Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Gelsenkirchen city centre at Gelsenkirchen Hbf, Bahnhofsvorplatz 10, 45879 Gelsenkirchen.
Gelsenkirchen HbfGelsenkirchen Hbf, Bahnhofsvorplatz 10, 45879 GelsenkirchenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre

Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:

BusE51, 382, 348 · 12m · every ~10 min

Gelsenkirchen Hbf train station facilities and services

Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.

Wanne-Eickel HbfWanne-Eickel Hbf, Heinz-Rühmann-Platz 1, 44649 HerneWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Wanne-Eickel Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre

Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb, Re · 4m · €2 · every ~4 min
BusRe42x, Re42, S2, Rb32 · 18m · €4
E40, 340 · 21m · every ~5 min

Wanne-Eickel Hbf train station facilities and services

Wanne-Eickel Hbf 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 and drink

Food options include: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.

Gelsenkirchen-RotthausenGelsenkirchen-Rotthausen, Karl-Mayer-Straße 58, 45884 GelsenkirchenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen from Gelsenkirchen city centre

Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen is 2 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS2 · 3m · €1 · every ~3 min
BusNe14, 381 · 6m · every ~6 min

Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen train station facilities and services

Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen 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 and drink

Food options include: Grill-Pizzeria Grammatikas, Viva Sevilla, Nudelland

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.

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