Ebbelwei-Express Frankfurt: The Apple Wine Tram Tour

There are many ways to get to know Frankfurt — but probably none as charming as the Ebbelwei-Express. The brightly painted historic tram trundles through the city on weekends and public holidays while apple wine is served on board. A city tour and Frankfurt drinking culture in one, at a surprisingly low price. Let me explain how the ride works, what it costs and what to watch out for.

What is the Ebbelwei-Express?

The Ebbelwei-Express (also “Apple Wine Express”) is a tourist tram line operated with historic, brightly painted carriages. The idea is as simple as it is good: you take a leisurely round trip through Frankfurt, see the city’s most important corners along the way — and drink a little bottle of apple wine with it. Music from the loudspeaker keeps the mood up; the atmosphere is sociable and informal.

For visitors it’s a wonderfully relaxed way to get a first impression of Frankfurt. For locals the tram has long been a classic, happily booked for birthdays and outings with friends.

The route

The round trip takes about one hour and runs through the city’s most important parts. The route passes through the old town by the Römerberg and the Paulskirche, continues to the main station and the trade-fair grounds, then crosses the Main into Sachsenhausen — the district of the apple-wine taverns — and travels back over the river to the zoo.

You can board at any of the roughly 23 stops. Important: the ticket is valid for one complete round trip. If you get off partway, it becomes invalid — so the ride is not intended as a hop-on-hop-off offer.

Timetable and prices (as of 2026)

• Operating days: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
• Duration: around one hour per round trip
• Adult price: €8.00
• Reduced: €3.50 (on presentation of appropriate proof)

The ticket price includes a drink of your choice — a small bottle of apple wine, apple juice or mineral water — plus a bag of pretzels. So for that price you get a city tour, a drink and a snack in one, which makes the Ebbelwei-Express one of the best-value experiences in the city.

One important practical note: you buy tickets from the conductor on board, and cash only. Card payment is not possible — so remember to bring cash.

Who is the ride worthwhile for?

• For first-time visitors: an affordable, entertaining overview of the city.
• For families: children get apple juice instead of apple wine — the ride is family-friendly.
• For groups: ideal for birthdays or an outing with friends.
• For the apple-wine-curious: a low-threshold way to try “Ebbelwoi”.

The ride is less suitable if you’re looking for a detailed, commentated city tour with historical explanations — here, sociability and atmosphere are the focus.

Tips for your ride

• Bring cash: tickets are only available for cash payment from the conductor.
• Don’t get off partway: the ticket is only valid for the complete round trip.
• Be there in good time: on fine weekends it can get busy — arrive at the stop a little early.
• Note the operating days: the tram only runs at weekends and on public holidays — check the current timetable in advance.
• Book for groups: the carriage can also be hired for private celebrations — information is available from the operator.
• Combine with Sachsenhausen: after the ride, a detour to a genuine apple-wine tavern is worthwhile.

Conclusion

The Ebbelwei-Express is one of the most likeable experiences Frankfurt has to offer: an hour rolling gently through the city, with apple wine and pretzels, for around eight euros. You see the Römerberg, the Paulskirche, the trade-fair grounds, Sachsenhausen and the zoo without walking a step — and get a taste of Frankfurt’s drinking culture along the way.

My advice: bring cash, check the timetable in advance, plan for the complete round trip and simply give yourself over to the sociable mood. Afterwards you’ll know not only what Frankfurt looks like, but what it tastes like.