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Travelling from London to Frankfurt by train in under 6 hours
The fastest journey time by train from London to Frankfurt is around 5 and a half hours. Travel from city centre to city centre, eliminating stressful airport transfers or long security checks.
One of the most common itineraries is to travel from London to Brussels on Eurostar, before changing to a DB train for your journey from Brussels to Frankfurt. That means just one change in Brussels along the way, though there are other options too – check our Journey Planner for the most up-to-date times and prices.
Kick back and relax as a combination of high-speed Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB) ICE trains whisk you in ultimate comfort from London St Pancras station to Frankfurt Main station right in the heart of the city.
Make use of the wide range of facilities on board Eurostar trains, including Eurostar’s generous luggage allowance, the onboard Eurostar Café, and three comfort classes to choose from (on journeys to/from London). There's even a free WiFi connection, so you can brush up on your German on the way!
Forget about airport transfers or waiting for luggage when you arrive in Frankfurt – the train station is located just a 15-minute stroll from Frankfurt's historic old town.
Heard enough? Book your trip now using our Journey Planner at the top of this page, or keep reading for more information on the route from London to Frankfurt, including:
- Today’s train times
- Boarding a train to Brussels at London St Pancras International
- Eurostar luggage allowance
- Going through the Channel Tunnel
- Boarding a train to Frankfurt at Bruxelles-Midi station
- Arriving in Frankfurt
- Using public transport in Frankfurt
- Things to see and do in Frankfurt
- Get around Germany by train
- Explore more of Europe with an Interrail pass
- Getting to the airport from Frankfurt city centre
- See even more of Germany and Europe
Trains to Frankfurt (Main) from London
It takes an average of 8h 37m to travel from London to Frankfurt (Main) by train, over a distance of around 393 miles (633 km). There are normally 13 trains per day travelling from London to Frankfurt (Main) and tickets for this journey start from £95.82 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:01 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Frankfurt (Main) | |
| Journey time | From 5h 22m | |
| Distance | 393 miles (633 km) | |
| Frequency | 13 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £95.82 | |
| Train and bus operators |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
Want to know more about your journey from London to Frankfurt (Main)? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the fastest train from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
Is there a direct train from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
How far is Frankfurt (Main) from London by train?
Which trains run from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
Can I get from London to Frankfurt (Main) without flying?
What is the best way to get from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
When is the first train from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
When is the last train from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
How often do trains run from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
How far in advance can I book tickets from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
Looking for a return trip from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain and ICE (Intercity Express) trains from London to Frankfurt (Main)
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
ICE (Intercity Express)
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). Eurostar also runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for luggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Eurostar Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included).
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
More information
Operating alongside its sister coach company FlixBus since 2018, FlixTrain provides cheap intercity connections using 100% green energy. The main routes served by FlixTrain are Cologne-Hamburg, Aachen-Cologne-Berlin, and Berlin-Stuttgart. The network will expand in future to include more routes to Munich and Leipzig. FlixTrain carriages are fitted with free WiFi and power outlets or USB charge points. Plus, every ticket comes with a seat reservation, guaranteeing you a seat for the journey.
More information
The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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What Eurostar, ICE and FlixTrain classes are there from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, ICE and FlixTrain when travelling from London to Frankfurt (Main).
Eurostar
ICE
FlixTrain
Eurostar Standard
In Eurostar Standard, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
Eurostar Plus
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Eurostar Standard, in Eurostar Plus you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat (1)
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains travelling to or from the United Kingdom.
Eurostar Premier
Eurostar Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with same-day boarding guaranteed and Eurostar's exclusive lounges (where available) where you can relax before your trip. In Eurostar Premier, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
Second Class
If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Standard
Although Flixtrain have only one class (Standard), they offer plenty of amenities on board, including free WiFi, power sockets and a bar car supplying snacks and drinks.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
What are the onboard services on Eurostar, ICE and FlixTrain?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from London to Frankfurt (Main).
Eurostar
ICE
FlixTrain
What luggage limits are there? | Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself. Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe). |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat. Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey. For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury snacks. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat. You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage. For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits. |
Can I bring pets on board? | The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel: Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
Trains in the rest of Europe:
|
What special assistance is available? | If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you. If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:
If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
|
What else do I need to know? | Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom: Liquids:
Sports equipment:
|
What luggage limits are there? | You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation. Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards. Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat. Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat. DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show. You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old. You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price. Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages. |
Can I bring pets on board? | You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle. Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train. |
What special assistance is available? | DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier. |
What luggage limits are there? | When travelling with Flixtrain, you can take the following luggage for free: 1x carry-on bag (max dimensions 42 x 30 x 18 cm and 7kg) and 1x checked bag (max dimensions 80 x 50 x 30 cm and 20kg). For safety reasons, you must stow your carry-on bag beneath your seat, or in the overhead compartment above your seat. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Currently, FlixTrain does not offer a food and drink service. However, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | On FlixTrain services, you can connect to the free WiFi to surf the internet, chat with friends, check your emails and more. If you’re worried about your battery life, you can charge your devices by connecting to the power sockets or USB outlets at your seat. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Children up to 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children between 6 and 14 years old can travel alone with a declaration of consent from their parent or guardian. Keep an eye out for special discounts, as FlixTrain offer cheap tickets for children less than 15 years old. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | All FlixTrains are equipped with reservable bicycle storage. Bikes must be standard size and not exceed 20kg (45 lbs). To bring your bicycle on board, you must reserve a space with FlixTrain. |
Can I bring pets on board? | In Germany, passengers may take pets that are up to the size of a house cat carried in a secure container at no cost. If you want to take a dog with you on the train which is larger than a house cat, provided it is on a leash and wearing a muzzle, you can purchase an extra ticket at the child's price. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free. In Sweden, pets may not be transported on trains. The only exception is for guide and assistance dogs. |
What special assistance is available? | Passengers with limited mobility who require assistance with boarding and embarking should contact FlixTrain to book one of the designated seats provided. FlixTrain transport foldable wheelchairs, walking aids and other mobility devices for free. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from London to Frankfurt (Main)?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Step 1: Board a Eurostar train to Brussels at London St Pancras International
The first train you’ll catch from London to Frankfurt Main will likely be a Eurostar train from London to Brussels. Here’s some information about the station and the boarding process for Eurostar.
How to get to London St Pancras International
How far ahead of time do you need to arrive?
Where are Eurostar check-in gates?
How does Eurostar check-in work?
What’s on offer at London St Pancras International?
Which facilities are in the Eurostar Departure Lounge?
Which facilities are in the Business Premier Lounge?
How many bags are allowed in the different Eurostar classes?
Standard/Standard Premier
- 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm (33.4 inches) long
- 1 carry-on bag, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Business Premier
- 3 pieces of luggage up to 85cm (33.4 inches) long
- 1 carry-on bag, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Children (for all classes)
- 1 piece of luggage up to 85cm (33.4 inches) long
- 1 carry-on bag, e.g. backpack or laptop bag
Going through the Channel Tunnel
Does the train from London to Brussels go underwater?
Trains from London to Brussels do go underwater. In fact, the Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel” if you prefer its nickname) is just over 31 miles (50 km) in length and is the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the world. At a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) in the Chunnel, it takes a Eurostar train around 35 minutes to travel this underwater stretch.
How long is the Chunnel?
In length, the Channel Tunnel is 31.3 miles (50.56 km) and it takes a Eurostar train approximately 35 minutes to travel its full length. In total, the fastest journey time from London to Brussels is 1 hour and 56 minutes.
Step 2: Hop on a train to Frankfurt in Brussels
After you’ve arrived in Brussels, the final step in your journey is to catch a train to Frankfurt.
Your Eurostar train from London will arrive in Brussels at Bruxelles-Midi train station (also known as Brussel-Zuid). As you go through security and passport control in London, you simply have to grab your luggage and get off the train once you’re here.
The final leg of your journey to Frankfurt involves catching a train from Brussels to Frankfurt Main train station. You won’t need to change stations, as trains to Frankfurt also depart from Bruxelles-Midi.
You’ll probably have a bit of time to spare in between your trains. Luckily, Bruxelles-Midi train station has plenty of amenities if you need to grab a quick bite to eat or fancy doing a little shopping.
When you buy your train tickets with Trainline, all the information you need about your journey is saved in our app, so you’ll know exactly how much time you have until your next train. Your ticket will also display the number of the train you’ll be traveling on (such as ‘ICE 15’) – this is what you’ll need to look out for on the departure boards to make sure you’re getting the right train.
Arriving in Frankfurt
Your DB train from Brussels will arrive at Frankfurt Main train station (also known as Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof).
Once you’ve arrived at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, you can get off the train and start exploring straight away! There are no passport or security checks as you will have already been through these to enter the EU at the very beginning of your trip.
Frankfurt Main station has various amenities which may be helpful to you when you arrive in Germany, including:
- Toilets
- A travel lounge
- Left luggage lockers
- Free WiFi
- A pharmacy
- Shops and food outlets including McDonalds, Starbucks and Pret A Manger.
Using public transport in Frankfurt
If you want to see as much of Frankfurt as you can during your trip, we recommend getting around using public transport.
Frankfurt has an extensive public transport system which includes a metro, buses and trams. If you’re looking to start your sightseeing as soon as you leave the train station, here’s a list of the public transport options available.
- U-Bahn: Lines U4 and U5 of the U-Bahn (the city’s underground transport system) stop at Frankfurt Main station.
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 of the S-Bahn (the city’s commuter railway) serve Frankfurt’s central train station.
- Buses: Bus routes 33, 37, 64, M46, N11, N12, N16, N4, N5, RE70, S6E, S6X and S7E serve Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.
- Trams: Trams 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 serve the city’s train station.
Things to see and do in Frankfurt
Travelling to Frankfurt for the first time? If you’re not sure where to start your sightseeing, don’t worry – we've got you covered with these recommendations.
- Head to a museum: If you’re looking to get your culture fix while travelling, look no further than Frankfurt! The 39 (yes, you read that right) museums spread across both banks of the River Main are sure to keep you busy – there's something for everyone!
- Visit the Römer: Discover Frankfurt’s beautiful architecture and take a trip to the Römer (City Hall). The City Hall is still used today and has stood the test of time, with the first records of its use dating back to 1405!
- Enjoy a breath of fresh air: Fancy immersing yourself in nature while in Frankfurt? Visit the city’s Palmengarten, which boasts a number of greenhouses which are home to a variety of plants and insects from around the world.
If you’re still looking for travel inspiration, don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide on things to do in Frankfurt.
Get around Germany by train
Sure, Frankfurt was great, but what if you want to see even more of Germany? We’ve got you – check out our recommendations below.
Explore more of Europe with an Interrail Pass
Once you’ve finished exploring Frankfurt, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass. If you’re an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
Getting to the airport from Frankfurt city centre
If you’re flying back home after your trip to Frankfurt, you’ll need to get to the airport first. We’ll show you how to get there – including by train!
Getting to Frankfurt Airport by train
You can travel from Frankfurt city centre to Frankfurt Airport easily by taking the train. Hop on a train at Frankfurt Main station and in 10 – 15 minutes, you’ll be at the airport.
You can look at times and prices, as well as book your tickets to Frankfurt Airport, using our Journey Planner at the top of the page or by starting a search in our app.
Getting to Frankfurt Airport by public transport
If you’d prefer, it’s also easy to travel to Frankfurt Airport on either the bus or the S-Bahn. Depending on where you’re coming from in the city centre, this may be easier than taking the train.
- S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 stop at Frankfurt Airport.
- Buses 58, 61, 62, 67, 72, 73, 82, AIR, ICE, OF-64, X15, X17, X19, X53, X58, X61 and N72 serve Frankfurt Airport.
See even more of Germany and Europe
Sure, you might have had a good time in Frankfurt, but your European adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips?
Head from Frankfurt to Paris
It’s easy to travel from Frankfurt to Paris with Deutsche Bahn. The train leaves from Frankfurt Main station and it can take under 5 hours to get to Paris Gare de l’Est station. What’s more, there’s no waiting around for your luggage once you’ve arrived – you can just grab your bags and go!
Board a train to Berlin
If you’re looking to explore more of Germany by train, why not head from Frankfurt to Berlin? DB and Flixtrain trains run directly from Frankfurt to Berlin in around 4 hours. Plus, there’s no need to wait around at the airport for hours before boarding – simply turn up at Frankfurt Main station and hop on the train!
Speed away to Brussels
Want to visit another of Europe’s bustling capitals? Brussels might be the place for you. Home to beer, waffles, fries and much more, there’s plenty to see and do in the Belgian capital.
The journey from Frankfurt to Brussels can take just over 3 hours on the fastest DB services, which means less time spent waiting around and more time to explore! So, what are you waiting for?