Traveling from Frankfurt to Paris: A Smooth Ride Between Two Great Cities

If you’re planning a trip through Europe, the route from Frankfurt to Paris is one of the most iconic. Whether you’re chasing business meetings or croissants, there’s something magical about zipping between Germany’s financial capital and France’s cultural heart in just a few hours.

I’ve done this route more than once—and each time, I pick up a new tip that makes it even better.

The Distance and Your Options

Frankfurt and Paris are about 350 miles (560 km) apart. Luckily, thanks to high-speed rail and frequent flights, it’s easy to connect the two.

Here’s what you need to know about your main options:

Option 1: By Train (Highly Recommended)

The TGV or ICE high-speed train is hands down my favorite way to travel between these cities.

Duration: ~3.5 to 4 hours
Depart from: Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
Arrive at: Paris Gare de l’Est
Bonus: No airport security lines, early check-ins, or luggage headaches

Why it’s great:
You roll into the center of Paris relaxed, having watched vineyards and villages blur past your window.

Tips:

Book tickets in advance through SNCF Connect or Deutsche Bahn
Sit on the left side heading west for the better views
Bring snacks—the onboard café is fine, but nothing beats your own picnic

Option 2: By Plane (Fast but Less Fun)

If time is tight or you’re connecting to another international flight, flying can make sense.

Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes (flight time)
Add: At least 2 hours for check-in, security, and transit
Airports: FRA to CDG or ORY

Pros:

Lots of flight options daily
Might be cheaper than rail with certain carriers

Cons:

You’re not saving as much time as you think
Paris airports are big and require extra planning once you land

If you do fly, give yourself time to get into the city—especially if you’re landing at Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

Option 3: By Car (Only If You Want the Scenic Route)

Driving is an option, but one I’d only recommend if you’re planning stops along the way.

Drive time: ~6 hours without major delays
Toll roads: Yes, both in Germany and France
Scenic stops: Strasbourg, Metz, Reims

For road trippers? Amazing.
For most others? Stick with the train.

Traveler Insights: What Real People Say

From travel forums and reviews, these messages come up again and again:

“The train was easy, fast, and way less stressful than flying.”
“I got off the train and was at my hotel 20 minutes later—can’t beat that.”
“The flight was delayed and I had to wait an hour for my bag.”
“I didn’t realize the train sells out—missed the time I wanted.”

The consensus? Train = peace of mind.

What to Do When You Arrive in Paris

Your journey’s end is just the beginning. If you arrive at Gare de l’Est, you’re steps away from:

The 10th Arrondissement and Canal Saint-Martin
A short metro ride to Montmartre or Le Marais
Easy connections to other train lines if you’re heading onward

If this is your first stop in Paris, I recommend starting with something easy:

A coffee and croissant near the station
A quick stroll toward the Seine
A relaxed start to balance the pace of travel

A Few Practical Tips

Use a rail pass only if you’re doing multiple trips. Otherwise, direct ticket purchase is cheaper.
Bring a travel power bank. Outlets on trains can be inconsistent.
Avoid peak holiday weekends. Book early if traveling in summer.
If you fly, get familiar with RER B from CDG to Paris center.