- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculptures, and modern works; one of the city's key cultural institutions.
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
8 h 55 m
Average duration
10 h 33 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
478 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 4 buses that leave Frankfurt am Main for Kiel on Wed, Jun 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 478 km distance in an average of 10 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 55 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 12 h 55 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
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $128.
Distance: 297 miles (478 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price Cheapest | $88 Average price | $206 Average price | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 13m Average total duration 8h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Frankfurt am Main to Kiel:
A bus is $30 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel costing on average $88 (€71).
A bus is $147 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel costing on average $206 (€166).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 40m.
Bus takes on average 8h 43m.
Tickets start at around $58 (€47) compared to roughly $106 (€86) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $48 (€39). The journey takes 8h 43m versus 5h 59m 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 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 04:25AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:58AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 10h57 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:58PM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 14h12 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Kiel buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:58 AM Frankfurt South station | 10h57 | 8:55 PM Kiel, ZOB | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 12:30 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 9h25 | 9:55 PM Kiel, ZOB | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:00 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 8h55 | 9:55 PM Kiel, ZOB | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:30 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 12h55 | 8:25 AM Kiel, ZOB | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Frankfurt am Main to Kiel run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 297 miles (478 km) distance in 8h 55m.
Distance 297 miles (478 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 8h 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculptures, and modern works; one of the city's key cultural institutions.
Maritime museum on the fjord covering naval, shipping, and harbor history, with exhibits linked to Kiel's seafaring identity.
City museum in Kiel's oldest preserved townhouse, presenting local history, maritime life, and changing exhibitions.
The city's signature waterfront promenade along Kiel Fjord, ideal for walking, harbor views, and watching ships pass.
Historic market square in the center, surrounded by key city sights and a natural starting point for exploring old Kiel.
Beloved local park with lawns, paths, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, especially popular in good weather.
Lightly smoked small sprats traditionally associated with Kiel. They are a classic North German seaside snack and a local culinary symbol.
A hearty northern sailor’s dish of corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with pickled herring and egg. It is iconic across Schleswig-Holstein.
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. It is a staple fish dish in northern coastal cuisine.
Established waterfront restaurant known for fish, seafood and modern regional cooking, with a refined atmosphere by the harbor.
Well-known spot for northern German and seafood dishes with harbor views and an upscale yet relaxed setting.
Traditional cellar restaurant serving German classics in a historic atmosphere, suitable for trying hearty regional fare.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more in peak season.
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 cafes; hotel staff may get EUR 1-2.
Official public transport app
Kiel ZOB, Kiel -> Kiel Hauptbahnhof, Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need