Ethane was converted into aromatic hydrocarbons on H-ZSM-5 and Zn-ZSM-5 at 773 K in a flow reactor system using nitrogen and hydrogen as carrier gases. Residence time was varied by changing catalyst weights to obtain information about primary and secondary reaction steps. On H-ZSM-5 ethane conversion proceeds via formation of ethene and subsequent oligomerization. Oligomers undergo fast isomerization, cracking and cyclization leading to a broad spectrum of aromatics. Methane is a secondary product. Dehydrogenation reactions proceed irreversibly. Introduction of zinc species significantly enhances the aromatization activity of H-ZSM-5 on the one hand and causes a change of reaction mechanism on the other. Oligomerization of olefinic intermediates can take place at zinc sites. In nitrogen, aromatization of C-6 olefins is faster than isomerization and cracking of these oligomers. Dehydrogenation steps proceed reversibly. On using hydrogen as the carrier gas over Zn-ZSM-5, the conversion of ethane as well as the formation of aromatics decrease. Furthermore, aromatics richer in hydrogen (especially C-8 aromatics) are then formed preferentially.