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About the train journey from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Want to travel from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf usually takes 5 hours 7 minutes on average to travel 188 miles (302 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 4 hours 9 minutes. You can expect to find 43 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Zürich Altstetten and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, you’ll need to make 1 change on your way to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. You can choose to travel with ICE, DB or ÖBB to get to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from £26.42.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train
It takes an average of 5h 7m to travel from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train, over a distance of around 188 miles (302 km). There are normally 43 trains per day travelling from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and tickets for this journey start from £26.42 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:46 | |
| Departure station | Zürich Altstetten | |
| Arrival station | Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | |
| Journey time | From 4h 9m | |
| Distance | 188 miles (302 km) | |
| Frequency | 43 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £26.42 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB and ICE (Intercity Express) trains from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB
ICE (Intercity Express)
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.
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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.
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- ÖBB /
- Railjet /
- Nightjet /
- Trains in Austria
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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ICE and Intercity classes from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE and Intercity when travelling from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
ICE
Intercity
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
Economy
When travelling on ÖBB’s InterCity trains, Economy class is perfect if you’re looking for spacious seats and generous luggage storage at an affordable price.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Air-conditioning
- Onboard app service
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
First Class
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to First Class on your ÖBB’s InterCity service and you’ll take advantage of adjustable seats and additional legroom.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Air-conditioning
- Onboard app service
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Onboard services on ICE and Intercity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
ICE
Intercity
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
You can take your luggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Intercity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.
The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm. These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re travelling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.
Unfortunately, a restaurant carriage is not available on ÖBB Intercity trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off!
Unfortunately, ÖBB Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.
If you’re travelling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Children aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Intercity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.
Many ÖBB Intercity trains offer special compartments for children in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.
You can travel with your bike for free on all ÖBB Intercity trains, provided that it can be folded and is not larger than 90 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm. You won’t need to book a space for your bike.
If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike where it is clearly visible to the ticket inspector.
Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Intercity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.
ÖBB Intercity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of coach, several wheelchair bays including one seat for an accompanying person can be booked free of charge.
On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the at-seat meal service on offer there.
Cheap train tickets from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
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 Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf take?
The average journey time by train between Zürich Altstetten and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 5 hours and 7 minutes, with around 43 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Zürich Altstetten and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 4 hours and 9 minutes.
How much does the train from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf cost?
Train ticket prices from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf can start from as little as £26.42 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
No, there are no direct train services from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Travelling from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leave?
The first train from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 00:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leave?
The last train from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 21:46. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Zürich Altstetten and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train?
Trains travelling from Zürich Altstetten to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf cover a distance of around 188 miles (302 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Zürich Altstetten.