Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt train with Deutsche Bahn (IC)

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Regionale
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Regionale
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$71

Average price

$75

Fastest journey

4 h 15 m

Average duration

4 h 23 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

278 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt without transferring at least once.

VIAS Rail GmbH
11:41AM4h15
Gelsenkirchen
03:56PMErfurt
$711One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Regional
10:15AM4h27
Gelsenkirchen
02:42PMErfurt
$771One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn Regional
04:15PM4h27
Gelsenkirchen
08:42PMErfurt
$771One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €26, and a train costs an average of €56.

Distance: 172 miles (278 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€77

Average price

€45

Average price

Cheapest

5h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 24m

Average total duration

10h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt train times

The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:31 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn4:15 PM Gelsenkirchen
4h27
8:42 PM Erfurt1 transfer
Friday, November 7
deutsche_bahn10:15 AM Gelsenkirchen
4h27
2:42 PM Erfurt1 transfer
VIAS Rail GmbH11:41 AM Gelsenkirchen
4h15
3:56 PM Erfurt1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt 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.

Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train
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 $32 (€26)
Distance
172 miles (278 km)
Average train duration
4h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
$69 (€56)
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
4h 43m
First train
00:37
Last train
23:41

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt start from as low as $69 (€56) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $94 (€77) depending on the train type and class.
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 $32 (€26)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Gelsenkirchen and Erfurt from $32 (€26). 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
4h 43m
Cheapest Price
$69 (€56)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 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

VIAS Rail GmbH

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest Price
$71 (€58)
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt

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

FAQs
The distance by train from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt is 172 miles (278 km).
To fully explore Erfurt's historical sites, vibrant culture, and local cuisine, 2 to 3 days are recommended.
The first train from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt leaves at 12:37 AM.
A day trip from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 43m. However, there are 7 trains per day. The distance covered is 172 miles (278 km).
The last train from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt leaves at 11:41 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt.
There is no direct train service currently available from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt.
The train journey from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt offers scenic views primarily as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Ruhr Valley and Thuringia, including lush forests and charming towns, especially around the Harz mountains.
Train ticket prices from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $69 (€56), while the average price is around $94 (€77).
The cheapest way to get from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt is by bus, with a cost of around $32 (€26).
The train from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt takes 4h 43m and runs 7 per day.
The train station in Gelsenkirchen that goes to Erfurt is Gelsenkirchen Hbf, which connects to Erfurt Hbf.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt

Gelsenkirchen
Erfurt
The major train station for departures in Gelsenkirchen is Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Gelsenkirchen Hbf for your trip from Gelsenkirchen to Erfurt.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Subway
  • Café Madrid
  • Shere Punjab
  • Café del Sol
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel St. Petrus
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Dining
Dining
  • Dschingis Khan
  • Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel
  • Nikolaus Grill
  • McDonald's

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