- 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
$42
Average price
$68
Fastest journey
4 h 2 m
Average duration
4 h 10 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
204 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Aarhus to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Aarhus to Kiel will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
It's difficult to get from Aarhus to Kiel without transferring at least 2 times.
ICL 50026 · IC 5757+
11817 · 11867
IC 424 · ECE 393+
11915
IC 424 · ECE 393 · 11169 · 11264
IC 432 · RJ 13465+
11919
IC 432 · RJ 13465 · 11173 · 11268
IC 432 · RJ 13465 · 11173 · 11268
IC 424 · ECE 393 · 11169 · 11264
IC 432 · RJ 13465+
11919
IC 424 · ECE 393+
11915
ICL 50026 · IC 5757+
11817 · 11867Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Aarhus 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 bus which can get you there in 3h 23m. 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 $228.
Distance: 126 miles (204 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$65 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $536 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 12m Average total duration 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 8m Average total duration 11h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Aarhus to Kiel:
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Aarhus to Kiel costing on average $65 (€53).
A bus is $504 (€411) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Aarhus to Kiel costing on average $536 (€437).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 42m.
Flight takes on average 11h 8m.
Tickets start at around $65 (€53) compared to roughly $62 (€51) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-2.76 (€-2.25). The journey takes 3h 42m versus 3h 5m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Aarhus to Kiel trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 424 · ECE 393+ 11915 | 8:50 AM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h07 | 12:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 424 · ECE 393 · 11169 · 11264 | 8:50 AM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h02 | 12:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICL 50026 · IC 5757+ 11867 · 11817 | 9:20 AM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h31 | 1:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 432 · RJ 13465 · 11173 · 11268 | 10:50 AM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h02 | 2:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 432 · RJ 13465+ 11919 | 10:50 AM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h07 | 2:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Aarhus to Kiel run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 20:15. The fastest train covers the 126 miles (204 km) distance in 4h 23m.
Distance 126 miles (204 km) |
Average train duration 3h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 23m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 8:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Hbf -> Kiel City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Aarhus to Kiel 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 Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Aarhus to Kiel trains use the Aarhus Hovedbanegård to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Use this guide to compare Aarhus and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Aarhus Hovedbanegård has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: McDonald's, Sunset Boulevard
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Ritz Aarhus City, Scandic Aarhus City, Comwell Aarhus.
Kiel 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 options include: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK is 2 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK 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 options include: Illy Espressobar, McDonald's, Gosch, Citti-Restaurant
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. ATMs are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Information desks are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Pier 16, Vapiano Kiel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include IntercityHotel Kiel, Atlantic Hotel Kiel, Hotel Berliner Hof.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need