- Must visit
Gutenberg Museum
World-class museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, showcasing early printing, rare books, and working press demonstrations.
Cheapest price
$0.00
Average price
$71
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 18 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
188 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
It's difficult to get from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz without transferring at least once.




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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $74. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $74, and a flight costs an average of $174.
Distance: 116 miles (188 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $174 Average price | $74 Average price Cheapest | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 25m Average total duration 19h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Mainz:
A bus is $9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz costing on average $82.
A bus is $101 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz costing on average $174.
Other travel options to Mainz take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 50m.
Bus takes on average 19h 55m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (2h 50m by train vs 3h 0m by car). Tickets start at around $82 compared to roughly $46 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Mainz trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:31 AM Gelsenkirchen | 4h07 | 7:38 AM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:14 AM Gelsenkirchen | 3h25 | 12:39 PM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:14 AM Gelsenkirchen | 3h21 | 2:35 PM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:13 PM Gelsenkirchen | 3h26 | 4:39 PM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:31 PM Gelsenkirchen | 3h08 | 5:39 PM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:14 PM Gelsenkirchen | 3h25 | 6:39 PM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:13 PM Gelsenkirchen | 3h26 | 7:39 PM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:13 PM Gelsenkirchen | 3h26 | 8:39 PM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:31 PM Gelsenkirchen | 3h11 | 9:42 PM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:13 PM Gelsenkirchen | 3h26 | 10:39 PM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $82 but you can travel from only $74 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 22:42. The fastest train covers the 116 miles (188 km) distance in 4h 0m.
Distance 116 miles (188 km) |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $82 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 0m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 10:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Mainz — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mainz trip today.
World-class museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, showcasing early printing, rare books, and working press demonstrations.
State museum with art, archaeology, and Roman finds, spanning ancient artifacts to paintings and decorative arts.
Museum on Roman Mainz featuring military, daily life, and stone monuments from the city’s ancient past.
Main market square beside the cathedral, lively with historic façades, weekly markets, and a classic old-town atmosphere.
Picturesque old-town lane lined with half-timbered houses, shops, and a timeless atmosphere loved by local walkers.
Broad Rhine promenade ideal for walks, river views, events, and seeing Mainz’s waterside landmarks in one stretch.
Spundekäs is a creamy cheese spread with paprika, served with pretzels. It is a Rheinhessen wine tavern classic and a staple snack in Mainz.
Weck, Worscht un Woi means bread roll, sausage and wine. It is a simple regional trio closely tied to Mainz tavern culture and local wine drinking.
Handkäs mit Musik is a sour milk cheese marinated with onions and vinegar. It is a beloved Hessian and Rhine-Main tavern dish often enjoyed with bread.
Refined Michelin-starred dining with seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Traditional Mainz wine tavern known for regional dishes, local wines and a historic atmosphere near the old town.
Classic brewery restaurant serving Mainz specialties and house beer in a lively, long-established setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable for city stays and day trips.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is customary. Round up for cafes and taxis, and hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Mainz Hbf -> Schillerplatz, Mainz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz 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 Mainz, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Gelsenkirchen to Mainz trains use the Gelsenkirchen Hbf to Mainz Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Gelsenkirchen and Mainz train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Mainz Hbf is 2 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz 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: Mangal, Asia Wok, Bistrorante Midi, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Hbf. ATMs are available at Mainz Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Hbf. Information desks are available at Mainz Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Advena Europa Hotel, GuestHouse Mainz, Terminus, Hotel Moguntia.
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