- Must visit
Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel
Maritime museum in a former fish auction hall. Highlights Kiel's naval, shipping, and harbor history in an atmospheric waterfront setting.
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
5 h 40 m
Average duration
6 h
Buses per day
3
Distance
216 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Copenhagen to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Copenhagen to Kiel will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 3 buses that leave Copenhagen for Kiel on Thu, Jul 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct buses cover the 216 km distance in an average of 6 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 40 m .
On Thu, Jul 30 the slowest buses will take 6 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Copenhagen to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $161.
Distance: 134 miles (216 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Ferry | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $81 Average price | $54 Average price | $304 Average price | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 57m Average total duration 8h 57m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Copenhagen to Kiel:
A bus is $9 (€8) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Copenhagen to Kiel costing on average $54 (€45).
A bus is $36 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Copenhagen to Kiel costing on average $81 (€67).
A bus is $259 (€213) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Copenhagen to Kiel costing on average $304 (€251).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 48m.
Train takes on average 4h 58m.
Ferry takes on average 8h 57m.
Tickets start at around $45 (€37) compared to roughly $91 (€75) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $46 (€38). The journey takes 4h 48m versus 4h 22m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
The table below shows live departures for Copenhagen to Kiel buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:35 AM København, Busterminal Dybbølsbro | 6h40 | 3:15 PM Kiel, ZOB | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 4:40 PM København, Busterminal Dybbølsbro | 5h40 | 10:20 PM Kiel, ZOB | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:25 PM København, Busterminal Dybbølsbro | 5h40 | 4:05 AM Kiel, ZOB | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Copenhagen to Kiel run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) but you can travel from only $1 (€1) by ferry.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:20, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 134 miles (216 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 12:20 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
Maritime museum in a former fish auction hall. Highlights Kiel's naval, shipping, and harbor history in an atmospheric waterfront setting.
Open-air museum site near Kiel with historic rural buildings and cultural exhibitions. Worth visiting for regional architecture and traditions.
Art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, prints, and sculptures. A strong stop for classical and modern art near the fjord.
Kiel's central waterfront promenade. Ideal for harbor walks, ferry watching, events, and easy access to shops and maritime sights.
Canal-side viewing area in Holtenau for watching ships enter and leave the Kiel Canal. One of the city's best free maritime viewpoints.
Main pedestrian shopping street linking central Kiel highlights. A practical and lively place to explore the rebuilt city center.
Smoked eel from the Baltic region, traditionally served simply to highlight local fishing heritage and the salty coastal flavor of Schleswig-Holstein.
A hearty northern German stew of pears, beans, and bacon, loved in Schleswig-Holstein for its sweet-salty mix and late-summer harvest tradition.
Kale slow-cooked with sausage or pork, a classic winter dish across northern Germany and a staple of cold-season gatherings in Kiel.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining with modern regional cuisine, refined tasting menus, and polished service in a special-occasion setting.
Historic waterside restaurant known for northern German seafood and local classics in a traditional harbor atmosphere.
Established harbor restaurant focused on fish and maritime specialties, with panoramic fjord views and a polished but relaxed feel.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can rise in summer, but dining and local transit are usually reasonable for a port city.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Kiel ZOB -> Kiel Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Copenhagen to Kiel by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Copenhagen to Kiel buses use the København, Busterminal Dybbølsbro to Kiel, ZOB station pair. Use this guide to compare Copenhagen and Kiel bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
København, Busterminal Dybbølsbro is 1 km from Copenhagen city centre. Public transport options include:
København, Busterminal Dybbølsbro has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Dybbølsbro (in the station), Restaurant Flammen (0.5 km), Mad & Kaffe (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at København, Busterminal Dybbølsbro.
Available at København, Busterminal Dybbølsbro: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at København, Busterminal Dybbølsbro: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need