The cheapest and fastest trains from Gelsenkirchen to Jena
Cheapest price
$103
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
18 h 48 m
Average duration
18 h 48 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
318 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Jena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Jena will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $103.
It's difficult to get from Gelsenkirchen to Jena without transferring at least once.
8:25 PM18h48Gelsenkirchen3:13 PMJena$1031One-way1 transfer
8:25 PM18h48Gelsenkirchen3:13 PMJena$1031One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Gelsenkirchen to Jena
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gelsenkirchen to Jena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 12m. 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 $49, and a flight costs an average of $552.
Distance: 197 miles (318 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$106 Average price | $552 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 12m Average total duration Fastest 4h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 30m Average total duration 15h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Gelsenkirchen to Jena:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gelsenkirchen to Jena costing on average $106 (€85).
A bus is $483 (€388) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gelsenkirchen to Jena costing on average $552 (€443).
Other travel options to Jena take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 34m.
Bus takes on average 15h 0m.
Tickets start at around $106 (€85) compared to roughly $70 (€56) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-36.12 (€-28.98). The journey takes 5h 34m versus 4h 59m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Gelsenkirchen to Jena 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.
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Why should you book Gelsenkirchen to Jena 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) to find the best option for your trip from Gelsenkirchen to Jena.
- 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 Gelsenkirchen to Jena.
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 Gelsenkirchen to Jena.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Gelsenkirchen to Jena
Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Jena run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $85 (€68) but you can travel from only $49 (€39) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:50, the last at 13:38. The fastest train covers the 197 miles (318 km) distance in 5h 14m.
Distance 197 miles (318 km) |
Average train duration 5h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $85 (€68) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 14m |
First train 2:50 AM |
Last train 1:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Gelsenkirchen to Jena trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Gelsenkirchen and Jena from $49 (€39). 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)
FAQs: Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Jena
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gelsenkirchen to Jena 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 Jena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Gelsenkirchen to Jena
- 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
- Eiscafe RIVA
- Portofino
- Wein-Tanne
- Subway
- Ibis
- Thüringer Hof
- Hotel Vielharmonie
- Hotel Rasenmühle
- Eiscafe RIVA
- Portofino
- Wein-Tanne
- Subway
- Ibis
- Thüringer Hof
- Hotel Vielharmonie
- Hotel Rasenmühle
Most popular train connections from Gelsenkirchen
More options for your journey from Gelsenkirchen to Jena
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