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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Stuttgart and Erfurt. The average train journey from Stuttgart to Erfurt takes 4 hours and 2 minutes, but some FlixTrain train trips are as short as 3 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 173 mi (279 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 52m |
| Lowest price | €10.11 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Stuttgart to Erfurt?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Stuttgart to Erfurt. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 4h 2m | €20.02 |
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 2 daily trips to Erfurt from Stuttgart. The train usually departs from Stuttgart Central Station - FlixTrain in Stuttgart and arrives at Erfurt Central Train Station in Erfurt after about 4 hours and 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Stuttgart and Erfurt is approximately 173 miles, or 279 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 52 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.
Trains departing from Stuttgart to Erfurt tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Stuttgart at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 07:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Stuttgart twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Erfurt with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Erfurt to Stuttgart.
City Information
Stuttgart
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Though less recognizable than other German cities like Munich or Berlin, Stuttgart is no less fascinating to visit. Plus, since it's less famous than other destinations, you might find more authentic culture and less touristy prices.
Your first stop should be Schlossplatz. This palace square is located right at the city center, in the shadow of the Baroque New Palace and the 10th-Century Old Palace. The square is a lively area, with events hosted year-round, most notably Stuttgart's Christmas market; check out our itinerary of 10 famous Christmas markets in Germany for more.
Got a car fan in your travel party? The famed Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates the beloved German vehicle, and the Porsche Museum showcases legendary racing cars.
The Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden will entice you with acres and acres of open spaces for everyone to enjoy, plus several thousands of different animal and plant species. It's on the grounds of another castle if you haven't seen enough German castles yet. Next, stop at the Markthalle to embrace your inner foodie and try a spread of international and local delicacies. The huge public market has over 33 stalls that offer all kinds of delicious goodies.
Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and Railjet trains make it easy to reach Stuttgart from cities like Strasbourg, Zurich, and Frankfurt. Bus options abound, too, with FlixBus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni and more providing routes in the area. Stuttgart Airport is only about 20 minutes outside of the city, so flying is definitely an option, too.
Erfurt
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Erfurt is the capital and largest city in the German state of Thuringia. Most of the city was built and designed in the Middle Ages, so prepare to be charmed by narrow pedestrian streets, quaint bridges, and gorgeous green spaces like the Egapark. As you stroll around the city center, keep your eyes peeled for as many as 25 churches of different architectural styles. A unique sight in Erfurt is the Krämerbrücke, or merchants' bridge, arguably the most popular attraction in the city. This 15th-century arched bridge has houses built on either side, in a design that was common in medieval Europe.
Fitting for a large city, Erfurt does not disappoint when it comes to dining options. The most popular local restaurants you should consider visiting are EAT Erfurt and Gasthaus Feuerkugel. Or simply stop at any of the many stalls offering Thüringer Bratwurst, a regional delicacy!
Although there is a small airport for Erfurt, the route options are very limited. Most air passengers will travel through the Frankfurt airport and connect to Erfurt via bus or train. Erfurt's train station is actually one of the central hubs of Germany's Deutsche Bahn rail system. Much of the train service to and from Erfurt is on high-speed trains, so journeys to Munich, Berlin, and Nuremberg take hardly any time. FlixBus connects Erfurt to many additional destinations via affordable bus trips.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Stuttgart?
Main departure station: Stuttgart Central Station - FlixTrain
There is one train station in Stuttgart.
All train stations in Stuttgart:
Stuttgart Central Station - FlixTrain
Where is the train station in Erfurt?
Main arrival station: Erfurt Central Train Station
Erfurt has one train station.
Train stations in Erfurt:
Erfurt Central Train Station
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Need a return trip from Erfurt to Stuttgart?
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