- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculpture, and modern works; one of the city’s key cultural stops.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
4 h 24 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
276 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bielefeld to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bielefeld to Kiel will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Of the 2 trains that leave Bielefeld for Kiel on Sun, Jul 12, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct trains cover the 276 km distance in an average of 4 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest trains will take 4 h 28 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 Bielefeld to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 32m. 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 $31, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 171 miles (276 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration 4h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Bielefeld to Kiel:
A bus is $41 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bielefeld to Kiel costing on average $80 (€66).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 35m.
You'll arrive about 20m sooner (3h 32m by train vs 3h 52m by car). Tickets start at around $80 (€66) compared to roughly $63 (€52) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Bielefeld to Kiel trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:24 AM Bielefeld | 4h28 | 11:52 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:20 AM Bielefeld | 4h20 | 12:40 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Bielefeld to Kiel run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€31) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 23:20. The fastest train covers the 171 miles (276 km) distance in 3h 47m.
Distance 171 miles (276 km) |
Average train duration 3h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€31) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 47m |
First train 1:05 AM |
Last train 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 days |
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, sculpture, and modern works; one of the city’s key cultural stops.
Maritime museum covering Kiel’s naval and shipping history with model ships and harbor-related exhibitions in a former fish auction hall.
City museum in Kiel’s oldest preserved townhouse, presenting local history from early modern times to the present.
Kiel’s best-known waterfront promenade, ideal for walking along the fjord with ship views, events, and a lively local atmosphere.
Walking area near the canal locks where visitors gather to watch large ships pass through a defining feat of engineering.
Historic market square in the old center, framed by notable buildings and a natural starting point for exploring central Kiel.
Lightly smoked sprats traditionally linked with Kiel. They are one of the city’s best-known specialties and a classic North German seaside snack.
A traditional northern sailors’ dish made from corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with pickles, herring and fried egg. It is strongly associated with coastal Schleswig-Holstein cuisine.
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. This is a classic fish dish across northern Germany and common around Kiel.
Stylish restaurant at the Atlantic Hotel Kiel offering modern regional cuisine, fish dishes and a more upscale atmosphere.
Established seafood-focused restaurant on the Kiel waterfront, known for fresh fish, polished service and harbor views in a refined setting.
Well-known established steakhouse with reliable service, classic grill dishes and a central, casual atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels can rise in summer and during ferry travel peaks.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service, usually given directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf, Kiel -> Kiel City Center, Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bielefeld 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 Bielefeld to Kiel trains use the Bielefeld Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Use this guide to compare Bielefeld and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bielefeld 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: McDonald's, Mexims, Entrada, Lokma
Wi-Fi is available at Bielefeld Hbf. ATMs are available at Bielefeld Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Bielefeld Hbf. Information desks are available at Bielefeld Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Bielefeld Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bielefeld Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bielefeld Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bielefeld Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Wali, Altstadt Hotel Bielefeld, Hotel Stadt Bremen, Bielefelder Hof.
Bielefeld Ost is 2 km from Bielefeld city centre. Public transport options include:
Bielefeld Ost 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: Almani, Christos, Ravensberger Grillimbiss, Lana Thai
Wi-Fi is available at Bielefeld Ost. ATMs are available at Bielefeld Ost.
Ticket office support is available at Bielefeld Ost. Information desks are available at Bielefeld Ost.
Luggage storage is available at Bielefeld Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bielefeld Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bielefeld Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bielefeld Ost.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need