Skip to main content
paris2london

Route guide

Munich Frankfurt

305 km · Germany to Germany · Fastest: 2h by train · Cheapest: €17+ by bus

How to travel from Munich to Frankfurt

There are 3 ways to travel between Munich and Frankfurt — compare duration, price and operators below.

🚄Train
€33–95
Duration: 1h 42m
via Deutsche Bahn (ICE)
~4.3 kg CO2 per passenger
🚌Bus
€17–41
Duration: 4h 21m
via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
~9.0 kg CO2 per passenger
✈️Flight

Not practical for this route.

🚗Car
€37–67
Duration: 3h 23m
~52 kg CO2 per passenger

Where they are on the map

MunichFrankfurt
Munich and Frankfurt highlighted among the 50 European cities we cover. Map is schematic, not to scale.

Travel tips for this route

Munich to Frankfurt — every option in detail

Munich to Frankfurt by train

Trains between Munich and Frankfurt run within the Germany national rail network. The typical end-to-end journey is around 1h 42m.

Operators on this corridor include Deutsche Bahn (ICE).

Train fares are dynamic — typical range is €33 to €95. Advance-purchase tickets (1–2 months ahead) almost always beat walk-up prices.

On routes under 600 km like this one, train often beats flight door-to-door once you factor in airport check-in and transfers.

Climate footprint: about 4.3 kg CO₂ per passenger by train vs roughly 48 kg by flight — taking the train saves ~44 kg on this distance.

Munich to Frankfurt by bus

Long-distance coaches connect Munich and Frankfurt with a typical journey of 4h 21m. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.

Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

Fares start from around €17 when booked in advance, rising to €41 for last-minute travel.

Most modern coaches offer Wi-Fi, USB charging and reclining seats. Overnight services exist on longer corridors and can save a hotel night.

Munich to Frankfurt by flight

Flight is not a typical choice for this 305 km route.

Munich to Frankfurt by car

The driving distance from Munich to Frankfurt is approximately 350 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 3h 23m of driving plus stops.

Fuel-only running cost is in the €37–67 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.

Climate footprint: approximately 52 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.

About this route

The distance between Munich and Frankfurt is approximately 305 kilometres. Direct or connecting trains link the two cities through the European rail network. Long-distance coaches offer a budget-friendly alternative on this route. Estimates below reflect typical operator schedules and fare ranges; book in advance for the best prices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to travel from Munich to Frankfurt?+

The fastest way is by train, taking around 1h 42m on average. Slower options (such as bus or car) can take 2–3× longer depending on the route.

What is the cheapest way to get from Munich to Frankfurt?+

Bus is typically the cheapest option, with fares starting around €17. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.

Are there direct trains from Munich to Frankfurt?+

Yes — both cities are within Germany and connected by the national rail network. Journey time is around 1h 42m.

How far is Munich from Frankfurt?+

The straight-line distance is approximately 305 kilometres (189 miles). The actual travel distance by road or rail is usually 10–25% longer.

Is there a bus from Munich to Frankfurt?+

Yes. Long-distance coach operators run this route with fares from around €17. Journey time is approximately 4h 21m.