- 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 on Sep 08
$59
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$198
Fastest journey on Sep 08
8 h 6 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
8 h 6 m
Trains on Sep 08
11
Distance
773 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Kiel will cost around $198 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
It's difficult to get from Basel to Kiel without transferring at least once.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 72 · 11280
ICE 108 · ICE 578
ICE 200 · ICE 770
ICE 74 · 11272
ICE 74+
RE7
ICE 74 · 11272
ICE 72+
RE7
ICE 72 · 11280
ICE 6+
RE7Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $101 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 48m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $101, while a flight costs an average of $767.
Distance: 480 miles (773 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$218 Average price | $767 Average price | $101 Average price Cheapest | $258 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 56m Average total duration 8h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 15h 54m Average total duration 15h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Basel to Kiel:
A bus is $117 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Kiel costing on average $218.
A bus is $667 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Kiel costing on average $767.
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 26m.
Bus takes on average 15h 24m.
Tickets start at around $218 compared to roughly $258 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $41. The journey takes 8h 26m versus 8h 3m 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 Basel to Kiel trains for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:16 PM Basel | 11h05 | 7:21 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:44 AM Basel Bad Bhf | 13h11 | 9:55 PM Kiel, ZOB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74 · 11272 | On time 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 8h06 | 4:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74+ RE7 | On time 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 8h06 | 4:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · ICE 770 | On time 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 8h24 | 5:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · ICE 770 | On time 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 8h24 | 5:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 6 · 11276 | On time 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 8h06 | 6:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 6+ RE7 | On time 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 8h06 | 6:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 108 · ICE 578 | On time 11:16 AM Basel SBB | 8h24 | 7:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 108 · ICE 578 | On time 11:16 AM Basel SBB | 8h24 | 7:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 72 · 11280 | On time 12:46 PM Basel SBB | 8h06 | 8:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 72+ RE7 | On time 12:46 PM Basel SBB | 8h06 | 8:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Basel to Kiel run on average 9 times per day, taking around 8h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $83 but you can travel from only $49 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 480 miles (773 km) distance in 7h 35m.
Distance 480 miles (773 km) |
Average train duration 8h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $83 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 7h 35m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 Basel 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 Basel to Kiel trains use the Basel SBB to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Basel and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Bad Bhf 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 Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need