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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Showing times and prices for 30 Jun
Cheapest price
31S$
Average price
99S$
Fastest journey
1 h 52 m
Average duration
2 h 2 m
Trains per day
13
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 99S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 31S$.
Fast trains
Of the 13 trains that leave Cologne for Karlsruhe every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 2 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 5 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.
ICE 827 · ICE 2733:21 AM3h31Cologne Hbf6:52 AMKarlsruhe Hbf31 S$1One-way1 change- ICE 511 · ICE 2755:48 AM2h11Cologne Hbf7:59 AMKarlsruhe Hbf31 S$1One-way1 change
- ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 · ICE 2753:49 AM4h10Cologne Hbf7:59 AMKarlsruhe Hbf47 S$1One-way3 changes
- ICE 16486:53 AM3h31Cologne Hbf10:24 AMKarlsruhe Hbf72 S$1One-way0 changes
- IC 2013 · S910:53 AM3h55Cologne Hbf2:48 PMKarlsruhe Hbf82 S$1One-way1 change
- ICE 915 · ICE 719:31 AM1h52Cologne Messe/Deutz11:23 AMKarlsruhe Hbf141 S$1One-way1 change
- ICE 913 · ICE 7117:30 AM2h03Cologne Messe/Deutz9:33 AMKarlsruhe Hbf141 S$1One-way1 change
- ICE 10510:54 AM2h05Cologne Hbf12:59 PMKarlsruhe Hbf126 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 515 · ICE 2799:54 AM2h05Cologne Hbf11:59 AMKarlsruhe Hbf126 S$1One-way1 change
- ICE 1038:54 AM2h05Cologne Hbf10:59 AMKarlsruhe Hbf126 S$1One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cologne to Karlsruhe
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 23S$. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 29m. 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 coach costs an average of 23S$, and a train costs an average of 26S$.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
98S$ Average Price | 35S$ Average Price Cheapest |
2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Karlsruhe train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Karlsruhe trains for today, Monday, 29 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:54 PM Cologne | 2h05 | 9:59 PM Karlsruhe | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday, 30 June | |||||
| ICE 827 · ICE 273 | Delayed 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h31 | 5:01 AM 5:01 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 511 · ICE 275 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h11 | 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 23 · ICE 913 · ICE 711 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h40 | 9:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 1648 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h31 | 10:24 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 913 · ICE 711 | On time 7:30 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h03 | 9:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 513 · ICE 277 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 103 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h52 | 11:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 27 · 4477 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 1:53 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 2013 · S9 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h55 | 2:48 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 105 | On time 10:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 12:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
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
30 Jun
30 Jun
Wed
01 Jul
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Why should you book Cologne to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) 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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Karlsruhe?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Karlsruhe is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Karlsruhe route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Karlsruhe per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
Trains
from 27S$Coaches
from 22S$Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Karlsruhe
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 26S$ but you can travel from only 23S$ by coach.
There are 3 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 52m.
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 23S$
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price 26S$ |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 52m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 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 23S$
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Karlsruhe from 23S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 52m
Cheapest Price
26S$
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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.
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.
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.
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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 51m
Cheapest Price
82S$
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
23 a day
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
189S$
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day
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.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Karlsruhe can start from as little as 26S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Karlsruhe is 98S$; 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 52m 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 3 direct trains a day from Cologne to Karlsruhe with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) 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 52m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Karlsruhe is August.
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
Cologne
Karlsruhe
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
Köln Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected]
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
The major train station for arrivals in Karlsruhe is Karlsruhe Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Karlsruhe Hbf for your journey to Karlsruhe from Cologne.
Karlsruhe Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
Hotel
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
Karlsruhe-Durlach
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
Hotel
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
Karlsruhe West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Beim Schupi
- Rosenstüble 2.0
- Saloniki
- Rote Taube
Hotel
- Beim Schupi
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Karlsruhe and Cologne
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