Aachen to Frankfurt am Main train

Positioned near the Dutch and Belgian borders in the west of Germany, Aachen is a true hidden gem. Once a Roman spa town, this historic city dates back to the 1st-century and later became a favorite residence of the Frankish king, Charlemagne. A royal experience surely awaits you as well on your visit to Aachen.

The most striking building in this city is undoubtedly Aachen Cathedral. This cathedral is the first place in Europe to receive the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in part because it is one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. The cathedral is also the final resting place of Charlemange, though the exact whereabouts of his remains are unknown.

After a day spent walking around the city, visit the Carolus Thermen, or thermal baths, to soak in the hot mineral spring waters once loved by the Romans. Choose between a range of indoor or outdoor pools, saunas, and spa treatments to enjoy what the Romans called "salus per aquam," or "health by water."

Because of its border location, Aachen is easy to reach from Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Frequent international and national trains run through the train stations, while the international airport is served by many major airlines. Bus lines including FlixBus and Sindbad provide affordable ground travel from many destinations. Some of the more popular routes to Aachen depart from Berlin, Amsterdam, and Brussels.

Frankfurt is Germany's financial hub, home to the European Central Bank. This riverside city offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions scattered between its financial institutions and shops.

Your first stop should be Old Town, along the river Main. Once the center of the city, the Old Town district is now the site of the Römer, or city hall, along a row of picturesque timber houses. Stop in Kleinmarkthalle, a bustling indoor market, to grab a sausage for a snack before wandering through some of Old Town's museums: Saalgasse, Dommuseum, and Museum für Moderne Kunst (Museum MMK) will get you started. Two of Frankfurt's most prominent churches, St. Bartholomew Cathedral and St. Nicholas Church, are also in the area.

Food is always delightful in Frankfurt. Several Michelin-star restaurants will entice you, including Restaurant Lafleur, Restaurant Gustav, Restaurant Villa Merton, and Carmelo Greco. If you prefer more affordable dining and lively nightlife, head to the Bahnhofsviertel neighborhood near the city's train station.

The train station in Bahnhofsviertel serves national and international rail lines for Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, FlixTrain, vlexx, and Railjet. You can also reach Frankfurt easily on bus carriers like FlixBus and Sindbad. Plus, flying in and out of Frankfurt is a breeze, as the airport is one of the largest in Germany and the main hub for the Lufthansa airline.