Travel from the Swiss capital to Frankfurt is easy aboard the InterCity or InterCity Express (ICE) train. Known as one of the most culturally diverse cities in Germany, Frankfurt is home to nearly 180 different nationalities. It should definitely be a stop on anyone's German travel itinerary. Follow these steps to make it one of yours.
Look at a map of the region for ideas on side trips and stops you'd like to make along the way. If you're simply traveling for pleasure, breaking this trip into segments and spending some time in cities along the way may be well worth your time. Since you'll be traveling through Basel regardless of the train you choose, why not hop off the train here and check out the Münster, one of the oldest surviving buildings in all of Europe?
Look at the pricing for the different classes of tickets available. While you may be accustomed to traveling in second-class seating, a first-class upgrade may be worth the added expense when you consider the time you'll be spending in the train--just under 4 hours at the least.
Log onto the English-language version of the Swiss Railways Web site or the Rail Europe site (click the links in Resources below) for information on available trains and timetables for the trip to Frankfurt. If you're booking the trip well in advance, the Rail Europe site will be your best bet. If you are already in Switzerland, the Swiss Railways site will work better for you.
Notice that there's a large difference between travel times during the day and late at night. The extra time at night comes from a long layover in Basel. Don't be fooled into thinking this is an overnight train with a comfortable couchette or cabin--it's not!
Book a ticket or rail pass on the Rail Europe site and have it mailed to your home in the United States before you depart for Europe. Otherwise, book through the Swiss Rail site and print the ticket up on your own printer. You can also visit the ticket office in the main Bern station if pressed for time and purchase your ticket there.
Call Rail Europe at 877-257-2887 to book train tickets from Bern to Frankfurt by phone.
