Back to Germany: From Prague to Frankfurt by Train
This review shows you the different options to travel by rail between Prague and Frankfurt, and how the train journey actually is like.
Back to Germany by train
Trains between Prague and Frankfurt
If you want to travel by train from Prague to Frankfurt, or vice versa, you can choose between the direct night train or several daytime options, all of which involve at least one change of trains.
Daytime trains are therefore the better option if you need to travel between Prague and Frankfurt – and there are three possible routes you can choose from.
Different daytime trains
This would be my preferred choice, as it’s not only the most scenic route, but it also means that both of your trains will have a dining car available (on the other two routes, you will only have a dining car on your ICE train within Germany).
Prague station
Instead, I would travel via Cheb and Nuremberg, which was by far the cheapest option when I searched for tickets.
For my 2nd class ticket from Prague to Frankfurt Airport I paid 495 CZK (€18).
My journey began in the wee hours of morning, as I already had to be at Prague’s main railway station (called Praha hlavní nádraží in Czech and often abbreviated as Praha hl.n on train timetables) around 6.30am.
You can access this old station hall by taking the escalator or lift up to platform 1 and entering the adjacent station building from there.
Also when you emerge from the modern underground passage and stand on one of the platforms, the station instantly becomes more impressive due to its beautiful train shed.
Cheb to Nürnberg Hbf by German Regional Express train
Train RE 33 (SP 5282)
Departure: 9.36am – Arrival: 11.22am
Duration: 1h46m – Distance: 155 kilometres
From Cheb to Nuremberg
Built in the 1960s, the railway station of Cheb oozes some fantastic retro vibes.
With just 10 minutes to change trains at Cheb, I however didn’t have much time to enjoy the surroundings.
Nürnberg Hbf to Frankfurt Hbf by German ICE train
Train ICE 228
Departure: 11.30am – Arrival: 1.36pm
Duration: 2h06m – Distance: 226 kilometres
Connecting in Nuremberg
ICE train to Frankfurt
My train from Nuremberg to Frankfurt was a German high-speed ICE train, which stands for InterCity Express.
A meal in the dining car
The journey to Frankfurt
This central part of Germany is quite hilly, and during your journey you will get the occasional glimpses of the River Main as it meanders through the valley.
On to the airport
Conclusion
Travelling by train between Prague and Frankfurt is not only extremely straightforward, but also makes for a highly comfortable and fun journey.
As there are no direct daytime trains between Prague and Frankfurt, you need to change trains at least once during your journey.
Trip report index
This article is part of the ‘Wonderful Greek Island Escape: My Trip to the Cyclades‘ trip report, which consists of the following chapters:
1. A Misty Morning Walk Around the Old Port of Hamburg
2. Review: EuroCity Train ‘Berliner’ Hamburg to Berlin and Prague
3. Back to Germany: From Prague to Frankfurt by Train (current chapter)
4. From Frankfurt to Athens: A Flight Into the Greek Sun
5. Greek Ferry Guide: How to Reach the Western Cyclades
6. Review: Speedrunner Ferry Piraeus to Serifos and Sifnos
7. Sifnos Travel Guide: Explore the Best Sights and Beaches
8. Kamares: The Rugged and Relaxed Port Town of Sifnos
** rest of the chapters to follow soon **