- Must visit
ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Major contemporary art and media museum complex known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and strong international reputation.
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$45
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 40 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
272 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Düsseldorf to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Düsseldorf to Karlsruhe will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 7 buses that leave Düsseldorf for Karlsruhe on Sun, Jul 12, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct buses cover the 272 km distance in an average of 5 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest buses will take 5 h 45 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
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FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Düsseldorf to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 52m. 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 $21, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 169 miles (272 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 56m Average total duration 4h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Düsseldorf to Karlsruhe:
A bus is $58 (€48) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Düsseldorf to Karlsruhe costing on average $89 (€73).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 26m.
Tickets start at around $30 (€25) compared to roughly $62 (€51) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $31 (€26). The journey takes 4h 26m versus 3h 45m 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 03:45AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
The table below shows live departures for Düsseldorf to Karlsruhe buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 3:45 AM Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf | 5h40 | 9:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:15 AM Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf | 6h40 | 1:55 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:45 AM Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf | 6h25 | 4:10 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:25 PM Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf | 5h40 | 6:05 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:25 PM Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf | 5h45 | 8:10 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:25 PM Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf | 5h30 | 10:55 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 PM Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf | 5h45 | 3:00 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Düsseldorf to Karlsruhe run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 169 miles (272 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 169 miles (272 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major contemporary art and media museum complex known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and strong international reputation.
State museum in Karlsruhe Palace with collections on archaeology, world cultures, and regional history in a landmark setting.
Important fine arts museum with works from old masters to modern art; a key stop for painting lovers when exhibitions are open.
Large park behind Karlsruhe Palace, ideal for strolling, picnics, and classic views along the city’s radial layout.
Central square with the Karlsruhe Pyramid, historic buildings, and a strong sense of the city’s planned urban identity.
Popular hill and viewpoint above Durlach with panoramic city views, especially attractive at sunset and in social media photos.
Swabian pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, often served in broth or pan-fried. A classic in Baden-Württemberg and widely enjoyed in Karlsruhe.
Soft egg noodles layered with melted cheese and topped with fried onions. A beloved southern German comfort dish commonly found in Karlsruhe taverns.
A thin, crisp tart from nearby Alsace and Baden, traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It is a regional staple around Karlsruhe.
Established traditional restaurant known for Baden and Alsatian specialties, regional wines, and a warm historic atmosphere in central Karlsruhe.
Well-known rustic venue serving hearty Baden and German dishes in a classic beer hall setting. Popular for traditional local meals and generous portions.
Established fine-dining restaurant with panoramic views, refined modern cuisine, and a special-occasion atmosphere above the city.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport and casual dining are manageable, while hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafés; not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof -> Karlsruhe Marktplatz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Düsseldorf to Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Düsseldorf to Karlsruhe buses use the Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof. Use this guide to compare Düsseldorf and Karlsruhe bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf is 1 km from Düsseldorf city centre. Public transport options include:
Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), Brauerei Schumacher (0.5 km), Pizzeria Trattoria Romantica (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf.
Available at Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need