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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Mainz to Heidelberg. The train trip from Mainz to Heidelberg is usually about 3 hours and 4 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 45 mi (73 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 4m |
| Lowest price | $14.81 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Mainz to Heidelberg?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Mainz to Heidelberg. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 1 | 3h 5m | $16.88 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 1 daily trips to Heidelberg from Mainz. The train usually departs from Central Station in Mainz and arrives at Central Station in Heidelberg after about 3 hours and 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Mainz and Heidelberg is approximately 45 miles, or 73 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 4 minutes,
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Mainz to Heidelberg on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Mainz at 5:00am and arrives in Heidelberg around 3 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Heidelberg to Mainz.
City Information
Mainz
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Mainz is the state of Rhineland-Palatinate’s capital city and is located along the Rhine River, close to Frankfurt. The city is a cultural center and a transportation hub in the region, known for its delightful wine and historic buildings. The most iconic building in the city is the Mainz Cathedral, a grand Romanesque cathedral over 1,000 years old. The cathedral dominates the historic market square, surrounded by other charming buildings like the iconic half-timbered houses of the area.
Also off the historic market square, you'll find the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the history of printing and home to two of Johannes Gutenberg's Bibles. Mainz includes several other noteworthy museums to round out your visit: the Museum of Ancient Seafaring with a focus on Roman ships, Kunsthalle de Mayence, a museum of art, and Landesmuseum Mainz, which focuses on local history.
The Frankfurt Airport is the airport closest to Mainz, and it's easy to take a train to Frankfurt before catching a flight. Of course, trains also connect to other German cities like Stuttgart, Munich, and Hamburg. Mainz is also accessible via intercity bus routes that cover most of Europe.
Heidelberg
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the river Neckar in the southwest of Germany, the university town of Heidelberg is one of the country's most popular destinations. From impressive Baroque and Renaissance architecture to exciting museums, festive Christmas markets, and fantastic shopping, this town has something for everyone.
The first thing you'll see in Heidelberg is the Schloss Heidelberg or Heidelberg Palace. Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, this impressive castle was once the seat of Heidelberg's Prince-Electors. Although rebuilt following the Thirty Years War in the 1600s, this beautiful ruin is open to visitors with audio tours available daily. And as one of the most-Instagrammed castles in Germany, the palace is the perfect backdrop for your next envy-inspiring post. While in the castle, visit the Apotheken-Museum, which displays the history of pharmacies and medical science in Germany.
Heidelberg is also home to the famous hike, Philosopher's Way. Taking its name from the many university academics that used to hike this route for the solitude and views to inspire them, this route rambles up the southern side of the Heiligenberg. With exotic vegetation and a temperate climate during the summer months, it's easy to think that you've accidentally walked all the way to the Mediterranean.
Although Heidelberg does not have an airport, the Mannheim Airport is under 15km away, and it's easy to take a train from Mannheim to Heidelberg. Intercity bus service provides transportation to Heidelberg from many domestic and international destinations. Many direct trains run to Heidelberg from across Germany and other European cities, too, so there is no shortage of travel options to get to this fabulous city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Mainz?
Main departure station: Central Station
There is one train station in Mainz.
All train stations in Mainz:
Central Station
Where is the train station in Heidelberg?
Image credit: Felix Huth
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Central Station
Heidelberg has one train station.
Train stations in Heidelberg:
Central Station
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Need a return trip from Heidelberg to Mainz?
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