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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Traveling from Frankfurt to Paris by train
Planning to take the train from Frankfurt to Paris? Start your journey with us.
The fastest trains from Frankfurt to Paris take around 3 hours and 42 minutes, covering about 296 miles. You’ll be traveling direct from Frankfurt to Paris thanks to the high-speed TGV trains operated by SNCF. This route is also served by Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB trains – if you travel with one of these services, you’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.
The train journey from Frankfurt to Paris is a convenient city center to city center journey – once you arrive at Paris Gare de l’Est station, the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica is less than a 20-minute walk away, so you can get straight into sightseeing if you wish! No waiting for your bags at the conveyor belt, no long journey into the city from an out-of-town airport, just get straight into the heart of Paris.
Ready to book? Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page and search for cheap train tickets from Frankfurt to Paris by train. If you want to learn more about the train journey first, keep reading for more information on:
- TGV INOUI and ICE classes
- TGV INOUI and ICE Onboard services
- Traveling from Frankfurt Airport to the city center
- How to get to Frankfurt Main Hbf station
- Frankfurt Main Hbf station facilities
- Arriving in Paris
- Using public transport in Paris
- Things to do in Paris
- See even more of France by train
- Explore Europe with a Eurail Pass
- Where to travel next after Paris
- Traveling from Paris city center to the airport.
Frankfurt (Main) to Paris by train
It takes an average of 6h 44m to travel from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris by train, over a distance of around 296 miles (477 km). There are normally 23 trains per day traveling from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris and tickets for this journey start from $42.72 when you book in advance.
| First train | 3:44 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:43 pm | |
| Departure station | Frankfurt (Main) | |
| Arrival station | Paris | |
| Journey time | From 3h 42m | |
| Distance | 296 miles (477 km) | |
| Frequency | 23 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $42.72 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF, ÖBB, Flixbus |
FAQs about the train journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris
Want to know more about your journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the fastest journey time between Frankfurt (Main) and Paris by train?
Can you take a train directly from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris?
How close is Frankfurt (Main) to Paris by train?
Which train companies operate from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris?
Is it possible to get from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris?
What time does the first train from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris leave?
What time does the last train from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris leave?
How often are trains from Frankfurt (Main) and Paris?
Do you need to book the train from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris?
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), ÖBB and SNCF trains from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
ÖBB
SNCF
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
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.
More information
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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TGV INOUI and Intercity Express (ICE) classes from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI and Intercity Express (ICE) when traveling from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris.
TGV INOUI
Intercity Express (ICE)
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Second Class
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, an in-seat meal service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Onboard services on TGV INOUI and Intercity Express (ICE)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris.
TGV INOUI
Intercity Express (ICE)
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
When traveling 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.
If you’re traveling on an ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favorite 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.
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.
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.
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 traveling 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.
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.
Cheap train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) to Paris by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Traveling from Frankfurt Airport to the city center
Visiting Frankfurt from abroad? You’ll arrive at Frankfurt Airport (in German Flughafen Frankfurt Main). If you want to know how to get to central Frankfurt from the airport, keep reading for more details.
Getting from Frankfurt Airport to the city center by train
You can travel from Frankfurt Airport to the city center easily by taking the train. Simply head to Terminal 1 and board a high-speed ICE train – thanks to this fast and direct service, you’ll reach the city center in about 15 minutes.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to book your tickets from Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt Main Hbf station.
Getting from Frankfurt Airport to the city center by public transport
If you prefer, it’s also easy to travel from Frankfurt Airport to the city center on either the bus or the S-Bahn. Depending on where you’re going, this may be easier than taking the train.
- S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 stop at Frankfurt Main Hbf station.
- Several buses connect the airport with the city center. Bus stops are located opposite Terminal 1 at the Arrivals level and Terminal 2 at level 2.
How to get to Frankfurt Main Hbf station
Before your journey to Paris, you’ll need to get to Frankfurt Main Hbf station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
Frankfurt Main Hbf station is located on the western edge of the city center and can be easily accessed by public transport:
- U-Bahn (metro trains): Lines U4 and U5 connect different parts of the city with Frankfurt Main Hbf station.
- S-Bahn (local trains): Lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 stop at Frankfurt Main Hbf station.
- Trams: If you prefer to travel by tram, you can take lines 11, 12, 14, 16, 17 or 21 to the station.
- Buses: Lines 33, 46 and 64 can take you to the station.
Everything you need to know about Frankfurt Main Hbf station
As you wait for your train to Paris, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied at Frankfurt Main Hbf station.
Also called Frankfurt Central station and Frankfurt Main station, Frankfurt Main Hbf is one of the busiest and most important stations in Germany.
Once you’ve gone through the main entrance, you’ll arrive at the main concourse of Frankfurt Main Hbf station. Here you’ll find:
- Information desks
- Several food kiosks and restaurants
- Left baggage office
- ATM
- Shops
- Ticket office
- Ticket machines
- ATMs.
Arriving in Paris from Frankfurt
After 3 hours and 42 minutes, you’ll arrive at Paris Gare de l’Est station. Read on for more information on how to get from the station to the city center.
It’s easy to get from Paris Gare de l’Est station to the city center:
- Metro: You can take lines 4, 5 or 7 from the Metro station at Gare de l’Est to reach the city center.
- Bus: You can take one of the many RATP buses to get from the station to the city center, including services 38, 46 and 65.
- On foot: If you need to go to or near Paris Gare du Nord station, you can simply walk for about 10 minutes.
Using public transport in Paris
If you want to navigate Paris quickly, easily and cheaply, you can use the city’s public transport system.
Taking the Métro in Paris
Paris Métro is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to travel around the city.
If you’re planning to travel around Paris and France, we recommend you buy a T+ ticket – it allows connections between the Métro and RER trains in central Paris and will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities. You can buy these tickets from automated machines at Metro.
Did you know? Children under 4 can travel for free on the Métro, RER, bus, and tramway services, provided they sit on your lap and don’t occupy a seat. Kids under 10 get 50% off the ticket price.
Taking the bus in Paris
In Paris, around 60 bus lines operate between Monday and Saturday from 07:00 am to 08:30 pm. On Sundays and public holidays, almost half of the lines operate. Purchase bus tickets from Métro stations, or the driver if you have cash.
Taking a taxi in Paris
If you want to take a taxi from Paris Gare de Lyon train station, follow the signs at the station. These will direct you to the forecourt at the front of the station, where you’ll find a well-organized taxi rank, with staff allocating people to taxis. Bear in mind that a taxi will likely be much more expensive than taking public transport.
Top things to do in Paris
Boasting fascinating architecture, delicious cuisine and monument-lined boulevards, Paris is always a great idea! To help inspire your trip to the French capital, here are some ideas for things to do in Paris:
See even more of France by train
Thinking of exploring more of France by train? Great choice! Let’s look at what else there is to see and do in France.
Explore Europe with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Paris, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail 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.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. 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 instead. For more information, read our dedicated Eurail Pass article.
Where should you travel next after Paris?
Sure, you might have had a good time in Paris, but your French adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips below?
Speed away to Marseille
It can take around 3 hours to get from Paris to Marseille on a high-speed TGV INOUI train. Get ready to enjoy stunning views of the Provençal countryside as the train winds through hills and vineyards before reaching the bustling city of Marseille.
Board a train to Avignon
If you’re looking to explore more of Provence by train, why not head from Paris to Avignon? The journey takes less than 3 hours – you’ll get to explore Avignon’s well-preserved medieval architecture and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage in no time!
Travel to Lille
Want to visit another of Europe’s bustling cities? Lille might be the place for you. This northern French city is full of Flemish charm and is perfect as a base for day trips to Belgium too!
The journey from Paris to Lille can take a little over 1 hour on the fastest services, which means less time spent waiting around and more time to explore! So, what are you waiting for?
How to get from Paris city center to the airport
Heading home? Perhaps you’ll be flying from France’s capital. If you need to know how to get from central Paris to the airport, keep reading for more details.
In Paris, there are three major airports:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CGD)
- Orly Airport (ORY)
- Beauvais Tillé Airport (BVA).
Each airport offers a bus and taxi service, but only Charles de Gaulle and Orly have their own dedicated train stations (the nearest train station to Beauvais Tillé is nearby Beauvais).
How to get to Charles de Gaulle airport from central Paris
How to get to Orly airport from central Paris
How to get to Beauvais Tillé airport from central Paris
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.