Leipzig lies about 110 km from Erfurt, reachable in 45 minutes by ICE high-speed train or roughly 1 hour 40 minutes by regional train covered under the Thüringen-Ticket, making it Thuringia's most distant common day trip. Though located in Saxony, Leipzig is a popular full-day excursion for its musical heritage, hosting Johann Sebastian Bach's tenure as cantor at St. Thomas Church, where he is buried, and the Gewandhaus Orchestra tradition. A one-day itinerary typically starts at St. Thomas Church and the adjacent Bach Museum, followed by a walk through the Leipzig old town to the Nikolaikirche, starting point of the 1989 Monday demonstrations that helped bring down the East German regime. Midday suits lunch in the historic Mädlerpassage arcade, home to the Auerbachs Keller restaurant referenced in Goethe's Faust, before an afternoon at the Leipzig Museum of Fine Arts or a walk through the Augustusplatz cultural district. Because of the longer travel time, an early ICE departure from Erfurt makes the most of the day, and the city is worthwhile year-round given its indoor museums and concert venues. Cafés around the Markt and Mädlerpassage serve Saxon specialties like Leipziger Allerlei for lunch before the return train.
| Distance | 110 km from Erfurt |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 45 minutes (ICE high-speed train) or about 1h 40min (RE regional train) |
| Getting there | Train |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Markt 1, 04109 Leipzig |
How to get there
- Method
- ICE train (fast)
- Journey
- Erfurt Hauptbahnhof → Leipzig Hauptbahnhof (45 min)
- Cost eur
- €25–45 depending on booking time / $29–52
- Method
- RE train (Thüringen-Ticket)
- Journey
- Erfurt Hauptbahnhof → Leipzig Hauptbahnhof (about 1h 40min)
- Cost eur
- Covered by Thüringen-Ticket (€35)
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Markt 1, 04109 Leipzig
51.3406, 12.3747 View on map
Highlights
- St. Thomas Church and Bach's burial site
- Bach Museum Leipzig
- Nikolaikirche, birthplace of the 1989 Monday demonstrations
- Historic Mädlerpassage arcade and Auerbachs Keller
- Leipzig Museum of Fine Arts
Tips for visiting
- Take the ICE high-speed train from Erfurt Hauptbahnhof to save nearly an hour each way compared to the regional train
- Book ICE tickets in advance for the lowest fares, as prices rise closer to departure
- Start with an early train to make the most of the longer round-trip travel time
- Visit St. Thomas Church early to hear the choir if a rehearsal or service coincides with the visit
- Reserve a table at Auerbachs Keller in advance if planning to dine there, as it is a popular tourist stop
When to visit
Year-round given the indoor museums and churches; take an early ICE departure to maximize time in the city.
Accessibility
Leipzig's old town and Mädlerpassage are mostly level and pedestrian-friendly, though some historic church interiors have stepped sections.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leipzig in Thuringia?
No, Leipzig is in the neighboring state of Saxony, but it is a popular day trip from Erfurt given the fast ICE rail connection.
Which train is faster to Leipzig?
The ICE high-speed train takes about 45 minutes, while the regional train covered by the Thüringen-Ticket takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes.
What is the Bach connection to Leipzig?
Johann Sebastian Bach served as cantor at St. Thomas Church for 27 years and is buried there; the adjacent Bach Museum covers his life and work.
Is a full day needed for Leipzig?
Given the travel time, a full day is recommended to make the most of the city's museums, churches, and old town.