- 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
$45
Average price
$64
Fastest journey
4 h 39 m
Average duration
4 h 45 m
Trains per day
3
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 $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
Of the 3 trains that leave Aarhus for Kiel on Sat, Jun 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 204 km distance in an average of 4 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 39 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 56 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.






Omio 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 $23. 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 $23, and a flight costs an average of $226.
Distance: 126 miles (204 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$65 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $533 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 $501 (€411) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Aarhus to Kiel costing on average $533 (€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 $-2.75 (€-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 today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 456 · ECE 399 · 11185 · 11280 | 4:50 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h02 | 8:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 456 · ECE 399+ 11931 | 4:50 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h07 | 8:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICL 50058 · IC 5765+ 11833 · 11883 | 5:20 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h31 | 9:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 464 · ECE 1199+ 11935 | 6:50 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h07 | 10:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICL 50066 · IC 5767+ 11887 · 11837 | 7:20 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 4h31 | 11:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 7:12 AM Aarhus | 4h39 | 11:51 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:12 AM Aarhus | 4h39 | 12:51 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:56 AM Aarhus | 4h56 | 1:52 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 $23 (€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.
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 Hbf, Kiel -> Kiel Hbf, Kiel
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