Family-Friendly Rail Trip Itinerary: Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Berlin, and Cologne (June 2025)

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany on June 11, 2025

8:00 AM

Arrival at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)

Welcome to Frankfurt! Upon arrival, you'll quickly navigate through the airport to kickstart your exciting German adventure.
Head towards the S-Bahn station located below the terminal.
0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Transport to Hotel

Take the S-Bahn (S8 or S9) from FRA to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, only about 15 minutes away.
Trains run every 15 minutes.
EUR 4.00, 15 minutes

9:30 AM

Hotel Check-in

Check in at the NH Collection Frankfurt City, a family-friendly base with a convenient location.
The hotel is just a few minutes walk from the main station.
EUR 150.00, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Kleinmarkthalle

Explore the vibrant Kleinmarkthalle to enjoy a variety of local foods for lunch.
A brief walk from your hotel, around 10 minutes.
EUR 30.00, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Römer and Frankfurt Cathedral

Take a quick tram or a 15-minute walk to visit the iconic Römer and the beautiful Frankfurt Cathedral.
Trams are frequent; just show your transit pass.
EUR 0, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Stroll Riverside

Walk along the River Main to soak in the skyline views and let your child enjoy the playground.
Head to the riverside, which is easily accessed from the Cathedral.
EUR 0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Apfelwein Wagner

Savor traditional German cuisine at Apfelwein Wagner, a kid-friendly environment.
Take a tram or a 15-minute walk.
EUR 50.00, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Heidelberg

Heidelberg, Germany on June 12, 2025

8:00 AM

Transport to Heidelberg

Board the regional train (RE) from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to Heidelberg, connecting easily and swiftly.
Ensure to validate your ticket before boarding.
EUR 20.00, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Arrival in Heidelberg

Arrive in Heidelberg and start your day with a fun visit to the unique Heidelberg Castle.
Catch the funicular railway from the station to the castle.
EUR 20.00, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Schnitzelhaus

Enjoy a hearty meal at Schnitzelhaus, famous for its local dishes that the whole family will love.
A short walk from the castle to the restaurant.
EUR 40.00, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Stroll through Old Town and Philosopher's Walk

Experience the charm of Heidelberg's Old Town and enjoy the scenic Philosopher's Walk.
Walk back to the Old Town from the restaurant.
EUR 0, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Transport back to Frankfurt

Catch the train back to Frankfurt, reflecting on the lovely sights of Heidelberg.
Make sure to board the right train at the station.
EUR 20.00, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Bistro M

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience at Bistro M with plenty of kid-friendly options.
Located near the hotel.
EUR 60.00, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Frankfurt to Berlin

Berlin, Germany on June 13, 2025

6:30 AM

Transport to Berlin

Catch the ICE train from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to Berlin Hauptbahnhof for a scenic trip.
Duration is about 4 hours, so settle in!
EUR 60.00, 4 hours

10:30 AM

Hotel Check-in

Upon arrival, check in at Ibis Styles Berlin Mitte, convenient for your family's travels.
The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the station.
EUR 150.00, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Café am Neuen See

Enjoy a lakeside lunch at this beautiful café nestled in Tiergarten.
Take a short tram ride or walk to reach it.
EUR 50.00, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Berlin Zoo

Delight your little one at the Berlin Zoo, where fun and discovery await.
The zoo is nearby, just a short tram ride away.
EUR 40.00, 2-3 hours

4:00 PM

Evening walk at Brandenburg Gate

Walk to the historic Brandenburg Gate and soak in the energy of Berlin.
Take a tram or walk along Unter den Linden.
EUR 0, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Nante E. E.

Enjoy a casual dining experience with a variety of options suitable for family preferences.
This is an easy reach from the Brandenburg Gate.
EUR 50.00, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Berlin to Cologne

Cologne, Germany on June 14, 2025

6:30 AM

Transport to Cologne

Catch the ICE train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Cologne Hauptbahnhof, cruising through the scenic countryside.
Reserve your seats in advance for this popular route.
EUR 60.00, 4 hours

10:30 AM

Hotel Check-in

Check in at Hotel Lyskirchen, a family-friendly spot near the city center.
It's just a short walk from the train station.
EUR 150.00, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Brauhaus Sion

Dine at this traditional Cologne brewery, enjoying hearty regional foods.
Located a short walk from your hotel.
EUR 40.00, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Gaze upon the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s a short walk from the lunch spot.
EUR 0, 1-2 hours

3:30 PM

Rhine River Promenade

Stroll along the Rhine River Promenade and let your child enjoy the outdoor spaces.
Just a few minutes from the cathedral.
EUR 0, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Päffgen

Indulge in traditional dishes at this renowned brewery, perfect for the entire family.
Close to the promenade.
EUR 50.00, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cologne to Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany on June 15, 2025

9:00 AM

Transport back to Frankfurt

Catch the ICE train from Cologne Hauptbahnhof to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, relaxing for your final day in the city.
Don't forget to keep your tickets handy.
EUR 25.00, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Hotel Check-in

Return to NH Collection Frankfurt City for a comfortable stay.
Just a short walk from the station.
EUR 150.00, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Dauth-Schneider

Savor Frankfurt's famous sausages at this well-loved eatery.
Located nearby, great for a quick meal.
EUR 30.00, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Palmengarten

Explore Palmengarten, Frankfurt’s beautiful botanical garden, perfect for children to play.
Take a tram or walk for about 15 minutes.
EUR 10.00, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Hotel

Return to your hotel for some rest and packing for departure.
Leisurely walk back to the hotel.
EUR 0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Frankfurter Botschaft

Enjoy a cozy dinner before your journey ends, indulging in local dishes with a friendly atmosphere.
A short walk from your hotel.
EUR 50.00, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Departure from Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany on June 16, 2025

8:00 AM

Last-Minute Shopping or Sightseeing

Take some time to either shop at Zeil or visit the Städel Museum if time allows before your flight.
The Zeil is easily accessible by tram.
EUR 0, 1-2 hours

10:00 AM

Transport to Frankfurt Airport

Head back to Frankfurt Airport using the S-Bahn (S8 or S9) from Hauptbahnhof for a smooth journey.
Leave with ample time to spare for airport security.
EUR 4.00, 15 minutes

11:00 AM

Check-in for Flight

Arrive at the airport, ready to conclude your memorable family adventure in Germany.
Follow airport signs to your airline's check-in counter.
0, 1 hour
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