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Overview: car trip from Munich to Frankfurt
Germany is a global superpower, serving as Europe's engine. The road from Munich to Frankfurt will whisk you from the German cultural capital to the nation's financial heartland in under 5 hours, showcasing why this country has its esteemed reputation.
The slick autobahns, where fast-paced roads have no speed limits, instantly highlight Germany's innovative and high-quality mindset. Views from these smooth lanes of tarmac offer a peek into Bavaria's iconic landscape, consisting of thick woodlands and rolling hills that fall gently into sprawling meadows.
Quaint villages and bustling cities sit quietly in the distance, allowing you to refuel or explore en route. Lush farmyards and vineyards flow alongside your car window until you approach the country's financial heart. When Frankfurt's chic skyscrapers replace the towering spruce trees lining the roadside, you'll know you've reached the journey's end.
The fascinating cities and unique landmarks hidden from the main road are the highlights of this venture. By selecting a mode of transport that stops at some treasures en route, you'll turn this means of transportation into an unforgettable road trip. We created an in-depth Munich to Frankfurt travel guide below to help you uncover how to make the most of this opportunity!
About Frankfurt
After your Munich to Frankfurt transfer, you'll arrive in the self-proclaimed "Mainhattan," Germany's fifth-largest urban center. It's between a medium and large city by European standards. Around 780,000 people live here along the River Main in the nation's heartland.
Early Frankfurt
The Roman Empire was the first to build a settlement in Frankfurt known as Franconofurd during the 1st century BC. Its swampy terrain meant the Romans built their military camps on the hills overlooking its strategic river.
A document by Charlemagne for the Regensburg monastery first mentioned Frankfurt as a town in February 794. It took almost four centuries, but the Holy Roman Empire declared Frankfurt an imperial city in 1220 with the help of its thriving trade center between western and eastern Europe.
The thirty-year war with Sweden and the occupation of French troops during the Napoleonic Wars marked the beginning of a turbulent period in Frankfurt's history. During World War II, allied forces carried out 75 air raids on the city. Also, experts estimate that Nazi Germany put 12,000 Jews from the city to death in its vast concentration camp network.
### Modern Frankfurt
Today, Frankfurt is one of Europe's most unique cities. Its canopy of sleek highrise buildings dominates the cityscape. Unlike most of Europe, which is known for its medieval buildings, Frankfurt has the lionâs share of Germanyâs highrises. These towering structures are home to the European Central Bank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, where you'll find row after row of businesspeople wearing crisp suits and holding sophisticated briefcases.
Frankfurt also has a lively food scene. The Frankfurter sausage is the most notable delicacy and a must-try for visitors. Countless street food vendors serve these delicious yet no-frills treats around the city. But there's no better place to sample its flavors and indulge in smoky aromas than its restored old town. The half-timbered buildings, home to some of the city's best bars and restaurants, make you feel like you're visiting two cities simultaneously!
Language: German
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Climate: temperate oceanic
Time zone: GMT+1
Plug types: C and F
Fun fact: Frankfurt has 20 of Germany's 21 skyscrapers!
From Munich to Frankfurt: travel tips
Traveling from Munich to Frankfurt is straightforward due to the world-class public transport infrastructure and free-flowing autobahns. But some secret tips and tricks can help enhance your experience!
Book early
Germany is one of Europe's most expensive countries for train travel. Recent studies show that trains are 51% more expensive than flights.
Also, Frankfurt is one of the most expensive cities nationwide for hotels, with the average traveler spending $124 on a room. So, by booking tickets and accommodations early, you'll save much of your hard-earned cash.
### Visit UNESCO landmarks en route
The drive from Frankfurt to Munich is rather scenic. However, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that sit off the main highway are the showstoppers!
Most locals might know Wurzburg as the capital of Germany's most impressive wine region. But as a keen explorer, you'll be glad to know you can visit the Residential Palace here, a majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to experience life on Earth 47 million years ago, the Messel Pit, another UNESCO Site, has over 40,000 fossils and discoveries to date!
### Enjoy a culinary tour
The drive from Frankfurt to Munich is around 4 hours and 10 minutes. So, you'll need to stop and refuel with some delicious European delicacies en route!
Before you leave Munich, you can pick up some local goods at Viktualienmarkt and have a picnic along the way with a view. Or you can stop at Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, and relax in an authentic medieval-like tavern!
How to get from Munich to Frankfurt
The road from Munich to Frankfurt connects two sought-after yet contrasting cities. Most people use this route to get from A to B. But if you learn which mode of transport best suits your travel preferences, this can be one of the highlights of your European venture!
Flights from Munich to Frankfurt
A flight from Munich to Frankfurt is the fastest travel method on paper. You can fly between Munich International Airport and Frankfurt Airport in an hour. However, this doesn't include the duration for security checks, airport transfers, and checking in baggage.
Book a ticket online with the German airline Lufthansa to fly to Munich. Once you land at your destination, you can catch the S8 train towards Offenbach and arrive in downtown Frankfurt in around 20 minutes.
Cheapest flight price: $108 (âŹ99)
Average flight price: $152 (âŹ140)
Overall travel duration: 4-5 hours
Direct flights: 12-14 daily
### Buses from Munich to Frankfurt
The bus is the best mode of transport if you're traveling in Europe on a budget. It's the cheapest way to get from Munich to Frankfurt, with budget-friendly bus firm Flixbus running multiple daily services on this route.
Flixbus has five departure points in Munich. But the most convenient way to travel is to book a ticket from Munich Central Station to Frankfurt Central Station. You'll depart and arrive in the downtown areas, so you won't have to worry about catching another bus or train to the city center.
Cheapest bus ticket price: $20 (âŹ18)
Average bus ticket price: $30.50 (âŹ28)
Fastest bus duration: 5 hours and 15 minutes
Longest bus duration: 7 hours and 45 minutes
First bus departure: 12:25 AM
Last bus departure: 11:55 PM
### Trains from Munich to Frankfurt
The train is the fastest way to travel from Munich to Frankfurt and is a mix of an affordable and convenient mode of transport. OBB and Deutsche Bahn offer 37 daily direct trains between the cities.
Most trains leave from Munich Central Station and arrive at Frankfurt Central Station. All services are quiet and punctual, with modern conveniences, including wifi, power outlets, and restrooms. But remember to book your tickets online 30 days before departing for a cheap seat!
Cheapest train ticket price: $20 (âŹ18)
Average train ticket price: $53 (âŹ49)
Fastest train duration: 3 hours and 19 minutes
Average train duration: 4 hours and 5 minutes
First train departure: 12:01 AM
Last train departure: 9:51 PM
### Daytrip car transfer from Munich to Frankfurt
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the best mode of transportation if comfort or convenience are your priorities. A professional driver will collect you at the front door of your hotel at whatever time suits your travel plans. After they manage your luggage, you'll travel in a tranquil environment with a front-row seat to rural Bavaria.
But Daytrip is also the most flexible and adventurous option from Munich to Frankfurt. Unlike a flight or public transport that travels directly between the cities, you're free to explore the enchanting towns and alluring attractions on the journey.
Enjoy soaking up the history, scenery, and dark beers at Weltenburg Abbey, the world's oldest monastic brewery. Or you can step back in time to Europe's darkest period and pay respects to the 200,000 innocent lives cut short at Dachau Concentration Camp.
Seats from: $135 (âŹ125)
Door-to-door Duration: 4 hours and 10 minutes
English-speaking driver
Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
Equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
24/7 customer service
* Free cancellation 24 hours before departing
Things to do when you get to Frankfurt
After driving from Munich to Frankfurt, you'll be eager to head directly to a traditional German eatery for a Frankfurter sausage and a jug of local beer. This is something to do in town, but remember to explore the town's highlights too!
Admire the artwork in the Stadel Museum
Art enthusiasts should put the Stadel Museum at the top of their travel itinerary. The museum, founded by Johann Friedrich Stadel in 1815, houses a collection that spans over 700 years of European art, including works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.
The innovative exhibitions and educational programs cater to art lovers and casual visitors. Its modern architecture and beautiful gardens make it a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
### Relax in Palmengarten
Palmengarten is Frankfurt's most beautiful urban green space, spanning almost 55 acres in the Westend-Sud neighborhood. It's also home to the botanical gardens, where you can uncover must-see attractions such as the Tropicarium, Palm House, and Subantarctic House.
The fragrant aromas from colorful flowers and shaded benches hidden under leafy walkways are the ideal places to relax on a hot summer's day. And if you are fortunate enough to visit during the warmer months, you can enjoy an outdoor concert here.
### Savor the flavors of Germany in Kleinmarkthalle
If you want to sample traditional cuisine while blending in with locals in Germany, Kleinmarkthalle ticks all the boxes. This historic market hall, with over 60 vendors serving the best local products, has catered to residents since the 1950s.
You can indulge in German sausage specialties before washing it down with local wines and cheeses. Although this is a foodie paradise, the upbeat atmosphere will whet any traveler's appetite for adventure in a new city!
### Climb Main Tower
The Main Tower, looming 656 feet over Frankfurt, is the perfect way to start your venture in town. You'll get 360 panoramic views where you can admire as far as the Taunus Mountains and map out your route through the city.
If you're brave enough to climb the 56 stories, breathtaking vistas will reward you. But you also get the opportunity to dine in the stylish restaurant and lounge. The fine dining might be a bit pricey, but the views from its seating are invaluable!
When is the best time to visit Frankfurt?
Winter is the low season, and summer is the high tourist season in "Mainhattan". But the best time to book a ride from Munich to Frankfurt is during the spring or fall shoulder seasons.
Spring, from early April to late May, has pleasant weather ideal for spending the day outdoors, participating in walking doors, or even eating at outdoor terraces. And unlike in the summer, you'll have the old town almost to yourself!
Traveling in autumn is ideal for getting the best value for money. The sun is shining, and the tree-lined lanes transform into the classic October color palette of burnt browns and rich reds. Most notably, hotels and transportation services offer enticing deals before the slow months from November to March.
Explorez des excursions sur mesure conçues pour vous
Daytrip is the easiest way to get from Munich to Frankfurt. Our door-to-door service will collect you directly at your hotel, manage your luggage, and drop you off at your new one in Frankfurt. Our flexible schedule allows you to decide what time you want your English-speaking driver to pick you up!
Frankfurt is Germany's second-most expensive city to live in and visit. Although it's a costly destination, other European towns, such as London or Paris, are pricier. The average traveler spends $133 per day in Frankfurt, with $125 spent on a double-occupancy room, $44 on food, and $39 on entertainment.
The train is the fastest way to travel from Munich to Frankfurt. Although Lufthansa can fly between the cities in only 1 hour, this doesn't include time for security checks, airport transfers, or checking in luggage. The quickest train ride from Munich Central Station to Frankfurt Central Station is 3 hours and 19 minutes.
Most locals in Frankfurt speak German and English. Since Frankfurt is the home of the European Central Bank, almost everyone within the business sector can communicate in English. However, learning a few basic phrases will make your life easier, and locals will appreciate your effort.
The average price of a one-way adult train fare from Munich to Frankfurt is $59. However, OBB and Deutsche Bahn tickets start at only $20. You can reserve a seat online at least 30 days before departing for the best deals.
Although Frankfurt isn't the most in-demand German city, it might be worth visiting, depending on your travel interests. Firstly, it's a unique European city famous for its sleek skyscrapers rather than a medieval town. Also, Frankfurt has a tasty food scene, most notably due to its association with the Frankfurter sausage. Finally, the city boasts 39 museums without the large crowds of tourists.
In its ravenous twelve year existence, Germany's first concentration camp swallowed over 200,000 people from all over Europe. The Model for Nazi Concentration CampsÂ
Abbaye de Weltenburg
Beautiful surroundings, an incomparable Baroque church, and the worldâs oldest monastic brewery make for a memorable day out. Baroque BrewingÂ
Nuremberg
Bavaria's second largest city and former unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire still exudes medieval charm despite being best known for its war tribunal. Trying CharmsÂ
WĂŒrzburg
Known as the capital of Germanyâs biggest wine producing region, Wurzburg is home to the Residential Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Art, architecture and delicate winesÂ
Schloss Johannisburg
Johannisburg Chateau dominates the picturesque town of Aschaffenburg in Germany and although close to destroyed in World War II has now been restored to its former glory. A beautifully restored chateau and museumÂ
Messel
The village of Messel in Germany is home to the Messel Pit, the UNESCO World Heritage site that contains an abundance of fossils. A paradise for fossil fansÂ
"Hello good day - we had such a great trip from Munich to Frankfurt, Vlastimil was very friendly and helpful with our luggage at all times. We liked him very much.
We decided not to do the last stop.
We felt safe driving with Vlastimilđ."
"My experience with DayTrip was really very good. I have been telling many people about my experience with this trip! The driver was very professional and nice, and accommodating. I would recommend your company to anyone!"
Stephanie B.
United States
4 janv. 2023
"The driver was excellent! Very friendly and gave advice on where to visit. Would love to have him again."
Anthony C.
Singapore
23 juil. 2019
"Dear Marketa,
Let me start by commending the My Daytrip Company on putting together one of the most outstanding Customer Service experiences my group and I have ever had!
From the use of your Website, the Customer Service Call Center, the Electronic notifications with all the information for meeting your Drivers, the Quality of the Automobiles and the Daytrip Concept itself....truly remarkable!
We had three individual Daytrips....Venice to Saalfelden, Saalfelden to Munich and Munich to Frankfurt. Each Driver arrived promptly, each was professional, friendly and courteous, they loaded our baggage carefully, opened doors, assisted us into the auto, had water waiting for us, gave us suggestions on the stops, even took pictures for us! And, most important...drove us Safely to our destination!
We were blown away to find a company, in this day and age, who truly understands and upholds the true essences of Customer Service!!! I will be a grateful Spokesperson for your services to all my family and friends planning a European Trip along with any great Trip Advisory Web Sites reviews I can put out there.
The only downside we can think of is...you have no services in the USA!! :-( I Would love to do something here in the States like we did with you in Europe!
Please keep up the Standard of Service you offer, so when we get back on our next multi European tour, we will be able to book your Service once again!
With Sincere Gratitude,
Nan Z
"
Nancy Z.
United States
24 juin 2019
"We are completely satisfied with the service of Michel S. He is very professional and a safe driver who follow the road rules. He has been very courteous and flexible. Michel possesses very good knowledge of the region and itâs history. We will be delighted to have him for our future trips whenever occasion arises.
We have no hesitation recommending Michel to any prospective customer."
Babu P.
United Arab Emirates
29 mai 2019
"Daniel was very prompt and the drive and our stops went as planned. He was very friendly and we appreciated the fact that he could speak English. We also loved his vehicle. Very clean comfortable and roomy.
"
Connie K.
United States
12 janv. 2019
"Thanks to Daytrip that we were able to have a great trip from Munich to Frankfurt. Mohand, our driver was early and helped us with our luggages. The road trip was comfortable despite the distance. It was a great experience and we would recommend Daytrip for a hassle free road trip experience."
khim E.
Germany
21 août 2018
"We throughly enjoyed our trip it enabled us to get in a bit of last farewell to our beloved Germany! Jan is an excellent driver and very nice young man ! We would love to have the pleasure of his company again any time. Hopefully we will see you soon . Good luck ! Noelle and John
"
John S.
United States
25 juin 2018
"This is the first time I have written to review a company on line. But It was the reviews on the Day Trip site that gave me the confidence to use the company, and because of the extraordinary experience we had with our Driver Martin, who drove us from Munich to Frankfurt, and the day before that, our driver Darko, who drove us from Milan to Munich, I would love others to know I simply cannot recommend Day Trip enough.
Our trip necessitated us going from Milan to Munich, and the next day from Munich to Frankfurt. I had been planning to take the train but when I found the train schedule could not get us to our destination in time, I was left desolate- did NOT want to fly over the Brenner Pass with my 13 year old, nor miss the extraordinary Romantic road from Munich to Frankfurt.... and we feel so fortunate that it didn't! The train ride may have taken us through the beauty of that most extraordinary part of Europe, but we would not have had the chance to stop at Medieval cities or Castles that our drivers knew would fit into our woefully short time frame... and the personal knowledge of Native Europeans , along with their exceptional driving skills; Darko had been the driver for the President of Croatia, for example, and Martin might well have been the driver for -any President anywhere.
Not only were we in good hands with Darko and Martin, but we had the chance to hear our drivers speak about what it was like to live under Communist Rule, and what was happening wherever we happened to be....
If I had rented a car, it not only would have cost us more, as dropping off in another country makes renting a car ridiculously expensive, but I would have been consumed with worries about reading signs and getting lost and would have missed out on the richest part of being in another country- the time with the people who live there.
This company is one of the few things Human Beings are doing right these days, and I hope anyone reading this will have the great good fortune to experience Europe through, and with, Day Trip. "
Elizabeth B.
10 mai 2018
"Marujut is an excellent guide and a very good driver.
She is very professional and gave us a great tour and our overall experience was fantastic.
I will use day trip in the future"