There are many ways to get from Frankfurt to Berlin (or from Berlin to Frankfurt). You can fly, take the bus, train, or rent a car and drive yourself. Find out which transport option is the best and most profitable for you to go from Frankfurt to Berlin.
Frankfurt to Berlin by plane
For most travelers, flying is the best option between Frankfurt and Berlin. Frankfurt is the gateway to Europe for many travelers with thousands of international arrivals every day. After arriving at the Frankfurt International Airport, you can easily continue your journey to the German capital by plane (or vice versa).
Most major airlines, including the German brands Lufthansa and AirBerlin, offer quick one-hour flights to Berlin with tickets that generally start at $ 100 (roundtrip).
Frankfurt to Berlin by train
Although taking the train is a bit slower, it is not necessarily cheaper than by plane. However, it is a very pleasant way to travel around the country and quite stress-free. Deutsche Bahn operates the high-speed train (ICE) that reaches speeds of up to 300 km / h, traveling from Frankfurt to Berlin. The direct trip lasts approximately 4 hours with departures every hour, all day.
Train tickets start at 29 euros but can cost up to 150 euros one way. Remember that you can get big savings on long-distance train travel in Germany by booking your tickets well in advance.
Buy your ticket and reserve a seat (optional) on the Deutsche Bahn website or you can simply buy a ticket through a vending machine at the main train stations. The machines work in English (as well as several other languages) and there are agents who can guide you through the process at the ticket office.
Frankfurt to Berlin by car
Planning to rent a car and speed the world famous Autobahn from Frankfurt to Berlin? The distance between the two cities is approximately 555 km (344 miles) and it will take you approximately 5 hours to reach the German capital. It’s an exciting ride with various sights and cities along the way (like Wartburg Castle and Weimar), but it can also turn into a traffic nightmare at peak times and in case of accidents.
When it comes to car rentals, base rates vary wildly based on time of year, length of rental, age of driver, destination, and rental location. Compare prices to find the best price and note that the charges generally do not include the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT), the registration fee, or any airport fees (but do include the required liability insurance). Additional fees may equal up to 25% of the daily rent. Still, renting a car is often the best option for families so that they can travel comfortably together at the best price.
Some driving tips to remember:
- The legal driving age in Germany is 17 (with supervision), but generally drivers must be over 21 to rent a car. Depending on the company, they can pay a premium up to 25 years.
- Reserve your car in advance (14 days in advance, ideally) to get the best deals.
- Sign up for the newsletter of major companies (such as Hertz, Sixt, etc.) or follow social networks for offers.
- German cars generally come with a manual transmission (gearshift). If you prefer an automatic transmission, ask the rental company and most can accommodate you. This can, like so many things, result in an additional charge.
Frankfurt to Berlin by bus
Taking the bus from Frankfurt to Berlin is your cheapest option, as well as the longest. It usually takes around 8 hours to get from Frankfurt to Berlin, and the German bus company Berlin Linien Bus offers tickets as cheap as $ 15 (one way).
Comfort levels are increased by bus services such as WiFi, air conditioning, electrical outlets, free newspapers, sleeping seats and, of course, bathrooms. The coaches are generally clean and on time, again avoiding problems with traffic.
