Cologne to Karlsruhe train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Tue, 29 Sept
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Sept

Cheapest price on 29 Sept

25₫

Average ticket price on 29 Sept

49₫

Fastest journey on 29 Sept

1 h 51 m

Average journey duration on 29 Sept

1 h 55 m

Trains on 29 Sept

20

Distance

238 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe will cost around 49₫ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 25₫.

Fast trains

On Tue, 29 Sept, we found 20 trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 1 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 4 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.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 279
    8:53 AM3h06
    Cologne Hbf
    11:59 AMKarlsruhe
    25 ₫1One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5
    9:53 AM3h30
    Cologne Hbf
    1:23 PMKarlsruhe
    30 ₫1One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 915 · ICE 71
    9:31 AM1h52
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    11:23 AMKarlsruhe
    35 ₫1One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 929 · ICE 1015 · ECE 9
    5:53 PM3h30
    Cologne Hbf
    9:23 PMKarlsruhe Hbf
    36 ₫1One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 515 · ICE 279
    9:54 AM2h05
    Cologne Hbf
    11:59 AMKarlsruhe
    40 ₫1One-way
    1 change

Live departures

Cologne to Karlsruhe train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Karlsruhe trains for today, Monday, 28 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 · ICE 275
On time
3:49 AM Cologne Hbf
4h10
7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 511 · ICE 275
On time
5:48 AM Cologne Hbf
2h11
7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 23 · ICE 711 · ICE 101
On time
5:53 AM Cologne Hbf
3h06
8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2348 · ICE 277
On time
6:53 AM Cologne Hbf
3h06
9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 101
On time
6:54 AM Cologne Hbf
2h05
8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 513 · ICE 277
On time
7:54 AM Cologne Hbf
2h05
9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 279
On time
8:53 AM Cologne Hbf
3h06
11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 103
On time
8:54 AM Cologne Hbf
2h05
10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 915 · ICE 71
On time
9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1h52
11:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5
On time
9:53 AM Cologne Hbf
3h30
1:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf		2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · ICE 279
On time
9:54 AM Cologne Hbf
2h05
11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 217 · 15975
On time
9:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h46
12:44 PM Karlsruhe		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 2013 · ICE 371
On time
10:53 AM Cologne Hbf
3h06
1:59 PM Karlsruhe		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 10510:54 AM Cologne Hbf
2h05
12:59 PM Karlsruhe0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 225 · ECE 5
On time
11:18 AM Cologne Hbf
2h05
1:23 PM Karlsruhe		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 29 · ICE 919 · ICE 73
On time
11:53 AM Cologne Hbf
3h30
3:23 PM Karlsruhe		2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 517 · ICE 371
On time
11:54 AM Cologne Hbf
2h05
1:59 PM Karlsruhe		1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2044 · ICE 373
On time
12:53 PM Cologne Hbf
3h06
3:59 PM Karlsruhe		1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2044 · ICE 373
On time
12:53 PM Cologne Hbf
3h06
3:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 10712:54 PM Cologne Hbf
2h05
2:59 PM Karlsruhe0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 107
On time
12:54 PM Cologne Hbf
2h05
2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 919 · ICE 73
On time
1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1h53
3:23 PM Karlsruhe		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 919 · ICE 73
On time
1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1h53
3:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 7
On time
1:53 PM Cologne Hbf
3h30
5:23 PM Karlsruhe		2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 7
On time
1:53 PM Cologne Hbf
3h30
5:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf		2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 519 · ICE 373
On time
1:54 PM Cologne Hbf
2h05
3:59 PM Karlsruhe		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 519 · ICE 373
On time
1:54 PM Cologne Hbf
2h05
3:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2046 · ICE 375
On time
2:53 PM Cologne Hbf
3h05
5:58 PM Karlsruhe		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1092:54 PM Cologne Hbf
2h05
4:59 PM Karlsruhe0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1011 · ICE 7
On time
3:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1h53
5:23 PM Karlsruhe		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 927 · ICE 1013 · ICE 75
On time
3:53 PM Cologne Hbf
3h30
7:23 PM Karlsruhe		2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 611 · ICE 375
On time
3:54 PM Cologne Hbf
2h04
5:58 PM Karlsruhe		1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Karlsruhe by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Tue
29 Sept
Wed
30 Sept
Thu
01 Oct
Fri
02 Oct
Sat
03 Oct
Sun
04 Oct
Mon
05 Oct

Why should you book Cologne to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain offer trains services from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Karlsruhe.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Karlsruhe.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Karlsruhe.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Karlsruhe

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 15₫ but you can travel from only 14₫ by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 1h 44m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 14₫
Distance
238 km
Average train duration
2h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
15₫
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
1h 44m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:58 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 14₫

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne and Karlsruhe from 14₫. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
15₫
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
10h 40m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
42₫
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

FAQs: Cologne to Karlsruhe train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Karlsruhe by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Karlsruhe can start from as little as 15₫ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Karlsruhe is 73₫; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cologne to Karlsruhe is 1h 44m to travel the 238 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cologne to Karlsruhe leaves at 12:01 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Karlsruhe leaves at 11:58 pm.
Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Cologne to Karlsruhe with Deutsche Bahn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne to Karlsruhe, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain for the best way to get you to Karlsruhe. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Karlsruhe and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A day trip to Karlsruhe from Cologne is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 44m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Karlsruhe including taking a train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Karlsruhe

Most Cologne to Karlsruhe trains use the Köln Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Karlsruhe

Which Cologne station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · 7₫ · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · 5₫ · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · 5₫ · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · 3₫ · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · 2₫ · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · 4₫ · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · 4₫
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · 5₫

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe

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

Cologne to Karlsruhe coach
HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyCologne to Karlsruhe train

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