- Must visit
Gutenberg Museum
World-class museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, showcasing early printing, rare books, and working press demonstrations.
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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Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at DKK 144 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 22:42. The fastest train covers the 116 miles (188 km) distance in 2h 21m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz.
The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Mainz trains for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 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 | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 3:31 AM Gelsenkirchen | 4h07 | 7:38 AM Mainz | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Mainz with Deutsche Bahn. Night trains available on this route with Deutsche Bahn. High-speed trains available on this route with Deutsche Bahn. Regional trains available on this route with Deutsche Bahn. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.
Check train stations information for Gelsenkirchen and Mainz, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.