Hop on the Cider Train Tour and glide through Frankfurt’s historic neighborhoods like you’re flipping through a living German storybook. The air inside is rich with the warm scent of apple cider, while outside, century-old buildings dance with modern architecture—every stop feels like sipping a glass of nostalgic magic. Pause for a moment on board, and let this slow journey become your heart’s most cherished memory.




















Everything you need to know about Ebbelwei-Express
Near the Apple Cider Express route in Frankfurt, Hotel Alte Oper is a top choice, located just steps from Frankfurt Central Station with excellent transport links. This modern boutique hotel offers elegant rooms featuring views of the Rhine River and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy a daily breakfast buffet using regional ingredients, making it an ideal base for exploring the historic cider trails of Hesse.
Another standout option is Boutique Hotel Frankfurter Hof, renowned for its artistic interiors and on-site restaurant specializing in local Hessian cuisine. The hotel is situated within walking distance of the Apple Cider Express departure point, allowing guests to seamlessly join the scenic train journey through picturesque towns like Rödelheim and Wiesbaden.
Convenience: The express runs every Saturday and Sunday between Frankfurt and Mainz, stopping at traditional cider villages. HopeGoo accommodation along the route in advance ensures optimal access and enhances your experience of authentic Hessian apple wine culture.
To reach the Apple Cider Express starting station in Frankfurt—typically Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) or Frankfurt Süd—the easiest way is via U-Bahn (subway) or S-Bahn (regional rail). Use the RMV public transit app or purchase a digital ticket for seamless travel across all local lines.
The express departs daily at 9:00 AM from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, traveling approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to Mainz, with stops in historic towns such as Rödelheim and Wiesbaden. Passengers enjoy tastings of fresh local apple cider onboard and guided visits to traditional cider cellars.
Tip: The service operates only on weekends. Book tickets in advance via the official website, and stay nearby at a hotel close to the station to avoid missing the departure. Some carriages feature panoramic windows perfect for photography.
Advantage: Frankfurt is a major European transport hub. Whether arriving from Berlin, Munich, or Amsterdam by high-speed rail, you can reach the starting point quickly and comfortably.
Passengers on the Apple Cider Express enjoy several unique experiences. Onboard, they savor freshly prepared local apple cider sourced directly from Hessian orchards—crisp, slightly sweet, and served with homemade bread and cheese platters.
The train stops at historic towns like Rödelheim and Mainz, where visitors tour century-old cider production facilities. These tours include live demonstrations of harvesting, pressing, and fermentation processes. Many sites offer tasting sessions where guests can sample different vintages and regional varieties.
Additionally, the train features cultural commentary in both German and English, covering Hessian agricultural heritage and traditions such as the annual Cider Festival held each autumn. Some carriages host interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops, ideal for families.
Pro Tip: Bring a small bag to carry souvenirs and samples. The bilingual narration ensures international travelers fully engage with local culture.
Value Proposition: This isn’t just a train ride—it’s a full sensory immersion into Hessian rural life, combining gastronomy, history, and scenic landscapes.
See what other travelers say about Ebbelwei-Express

The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from the bus station, or you can hop on the tram that stops right outside the hotel entrance. It’s a real plus for travelers looking to get around without hassle. The cleanliness was generally good, though it does depend a bit on your roommates—luckily, our group was considerate and kept things tidy. The beds were fresh with clean linens, and the shared bathrooms were well-maintained throughout our stay. Overall, this is a solid choice for budget travelers who want comfort, convenience, and a great value. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Frankfurt.

Staying at B&B HOTEL Frankfurt-Niederrad was a fantastic experience overall. The room was clean, tidy, and surprisingly spacious for the price—perfect for a short trip or business stay. It's located just a short walk from a major shopping center, making it super convenient for exploring local stores and dining options. I appreciated the free parking, which is a big plus in Frankfurt. The kitchenette comes with all the essentials, so I could easily prepare simple meals during my stay. There’s no front desk, but check-in is done online ahead of time—simple and efficient. The nearby German restaurant served authentic, delicious food at great value. Everything about this hotel exceeded my expectations, and I’d definitely recommend it to fellow travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and excellent value.

We stayed at the hostel during the Museumsuferfest in Frankfurt for two nights. The breakfast and lunch were both excellent—no complaints at all. The beds are quite firm, which is typical for a youth hostel, so that’s expected. However, I’d strongly advise avoiding room 351 on the third floor. While it faces the back alley, it becomes extremely noisy on weekend evenings as a large crowd gathers right outside the building, creating a constant ruckus. It was nearly impossible to sleep. If you're planning to stay here, be very careful with your room selection. Despite this one issue, the location is great, the staff friendly, and overall value for money is solid. Just skip that specific room if you want a good night's rest.

Staying at B&B HOTEL Frankfurt-Hbf was an excellent choice for my trip to Frankfurt. The hotel is spotlessly clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—exactly what you want when you're on the move. Located just a 10-15 minute walk from the main train station, it’s incredibly convenient for travelers connecting between trains or exploring the city. I was able to reach major attractions, shopping areas, and downtown within half an hour, which made everything so much easier. The staff were friendly, the rooms were quiet, and the overall value for money was outstanding. If you're visiting Frankfurt and looking for a reliable, no-frills stay with great access to transport and the city center, this hotel is a top pick.

This budget-friendly hotel delivered far more value than expected. Located right next to the tram terminus, it’s incredibly convenient for getting around Frankfurt—just a short ride into the city center or to the Messe exhibition grounds. The room was clean and well-maintained despite some older furnishings; nothing felt worn out or unhygienic. I especially appreciated that breakfast was included in the rate—simple but satisfying with fresh bread, coffee, and fruit. It made starting the day stress-free. The only downside? I had an early departure and missed trying out nearby local spots. Still, for the price, this is one of the best value stays I’ve had in Frankfurt. Perfect for business travelers, conference attendees, or anyone looking for a no-frills, reliable base with excellent transit access.

Located just across the pedestrian crossing from the train station, this hostel is incredibly easy to reach—perfect for travelers arriving by public transit. The moment you walk in, a cute little cat greets you with warm charm. The staff are Korean but speak excellent English and are genuinely friendly and helpful. The dorm room features two bunk beds, plus a sofa and desk—plenty of space for relaxation. The kitchen is well-equipped with a microwave, kettle, and water purifier, making meal prep convenient. One minor note: the electricity cuts off earlier than expected, sometimes while we were still awake, but that’s part of the cozy, homey vibe that makes this place special. Overall, it's an outstanding hostel experience with a great balance of comfort, convenience, and character—definitely planning to stay here again!

I’ve been a Global Services member for years and have endured multiple flight delays this year due to crew issues or connections, so I’ve always tried to be patient while waiting for late connecting passengers. Today, our Lufthansa flight from Warsaw was delayed, and we were remotely gate-checked at FRA for our United connection to SFO. The passport control process in Frankfurt was even worse than usual—manual checks slowed everything down, leaving us arriving at the gate at least 15 minutes late. The app had already updated the flight delay by 15 minutes, so we expected to be allowed on board. We knew we were on our way. Was it tight? Yes—but that’s what I’ve come to expect when managing connections. Yet, staff refused boarding despite the aircraft still being there. How can you turn away passengers who are clearly on time for their connection? As a high-paying business class traveler and loyal Global Services member, I felt deeply disrespected. No Global Services support was available at FRA, and even after calling GS, they couldn’t reach UAL airport operations. Really? How do you run an airline without reliable communication channels? This incident on September 27th, Flight 59, capped off a long string of poor operations at FRA—not just for Lufthansa, but across all United flights. Boarding and deplaning via stairs is outdated and inconvenient. If real 21st-century passenger experience were prioritized, connecting flights would be managed with efficiency and care. Instead, we’re left stranded, told to find help from Lufthansa when United is responsible for the connection. It doesn’t make sense. I ended up booking a hotel myself, but many travelers were left without support. Where’s the accountability?

The stay was absolutely wonderful! Located just a short metro ride from the city center, this hotel offers unbeatable convenience with plenty of dining options nearby. The room was spotless, cozy, and the bed was incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep. I especially loved the self-check-in option, which made everything smooth and hassle-free, ideal for solo travelers or those on a tight schedule. Clean, quiet, and well-located—this place really delivers on comfort and value. Definitely coming back!

This hotel is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Located just steps away from the city center, I could easily walk to shops, restaurants, and cultural spots without needing to take a taxi or public transport. The room was spotlessly clean, with modern amenities and a cozy atmosphere. The staff went above and beyond to make my stay enjoyable—friendly, professional, and always ready to help. It’s rare to find such a great value in a central location, and I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend for travelers who want comfort, cleanliness, and a prime location all in one.

I was genuinely impressed with my stay at this hotel. The room was surprisingly spacious—more than I expected for the price—and despite a slightly narrow bed, there was plenty of room to move around comfortably. The building has a bit of age to it, but it’s well-maintained and clean throughout. What really stands out is the location: just steps from the subway station, making downtown Frankfurt easily accessible in under 15 minutes on foot. There's also a supermarket nearby, which is super convenient for snacks or essentials. For the price, this is an absolute steal—excellent value and hard to beat. Definitely a five-star experience and highly recommended.

Stayed at this hotel for a business trip, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The room was spotless, meticulously cleaned, and decorated with such warmth and care that it felt like home from the moment I walked in. The bed was incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep after a long day of meetings. Location-wise, it’s ideal: just a short walk or quick subway ride to the Messe Frankfurt exhibition center, making it a real convenience for travelers attending events. Staff were friendly, professional, and always ready to help. Every detail felt thoughtfully considered. If you’re visiting Frankfurt for work or even leisure, this is definitely a top choice. A truly memorable stay.

Staying at Hotel Apadana Frankfurt was a pleasant surprise. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short metro ride to the city center, and there are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby, making daily life easy. The room isn’t huge, but it’s well-designed with a comfortable bed that ensured a great night’s sleep. What really stood out was the incredible value for money—this price point offers such solid quality, which is rare these days. The staff were friendly and helpful from check-in onward, adding to the overall positive experience. I’d definitely stay here again on my next trip to Frankfurt.
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