Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

Sat, Sep 19
+ Add return
erixx
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
erixx
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

$57

Average ticket price on Sep 19

$96

Fastest journey on Sep 19

5 h 7 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

5 h 21 m

Trains on Sep 19

30

Distance

432 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf without transferring at least once.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 2349 · 82848 · 11252+metronom81602
    9:11 PM9h44
    Cologne Hbf
    6:55 AMKiel Hbf
    $571One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 518 · RJ 174
    4:11 PM5h29
    Cologne Hbf
    9:40 PMKiel Hbf
    $611One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 2508 · ICE 506
    3:11 PM5h29
    Cologne Hbf
    8:40 PMKiel Hbf
    $611One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2347 · ICE 1541 · 11244+metronom82856
    11:14 PM8h38
    Cologne Hbf
    7:52 AMKiel Hbf
    $621One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1541 · 11244+metronom82856
    11:01 PM8h51
    Cologne Hbf
    7:52 AMKiel Hbf
    $621One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $66 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $66, while a flight costs an average of $773.

Distance: 268 miles (432 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$84

Average price

$66

Average price

Cheapest

$773

Average price

$98

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 48m

Average total duration

5h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 47m

Average total duration

9h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 21m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 21m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 50m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf is a bus with an average price of $66 (€54).

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf:

A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf costing on average $84 (€69).

A bus is $707 (€578) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf costing on average $773 (€632).

The fastest way to travel from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 21m.

Other travel options to Kiel Hbf take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 18m.

Bus takes on average 9h 17m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne Hbf and Kiel Hbf including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $84 (€69) compared to roughly $98 (€80) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $14 (€11). The journey takes 5h 18m versus 4h 50m 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.

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 920 · 11206
Delayed
12:15 AM 2:15 AMCologne Hbf
6h06
8:21 AM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 514 · 11290
Delayed
6:28 PM 8:11 PMCologne Hbf
5h48
1:59 AM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 657+metronom81646+Deutsche Bahn112948:45 PM Cologne Hbf
7h07
3:52 AM Kiel Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2349 · 82848+metronom81600+Deutsche Bahn11296
Delayed
7:18 PM 9:11 PMCologne Hbf
7h41
4:52 AM Kiel Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1541+metronom82856+Deutsche Bahn11244
On time
11:01 PM Cologne Hbf
8h51
7:52 AM Kiel Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2347 · ICE 1541+metronom82856+Deutsche Bahn11244
On time
11:14 PM Cologne Hbf
8h38
7:52 AM Kiel Hbf
3 transfers
Saturday, September 19
Deutsche BahnICE 1028 · ICE 778
On time
3:55 AM Cologne Hbf
5h50
9:45 AM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 2214 · 112605:14 AM Cologne Hbf
5h41
10:55 AM Kiel Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 618 · ICE 7766:11 AM Cologne Hbf
5h29
11:40 AM Kiel Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 553 · ICE 686 · 11214
On time
6:45 AM Cologne Hbf
5h36
12:21 PM Kiel Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 206 · 11264
On time
7:11 AM Cologne Hbf
5h41
12:52 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 2310 · 11216
On time
7:40 AM Cologne Hbf
5h41
1:21 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 616 · ICE 774
On time
8:11 AM Cologne Hbf
5h29
1:40 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1036 · 11218
On time
8:45 AM Cologne Hbf
5h36
2:21 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 204 · 11268
On time
9:11 AM Cologne Hbf
5h41
2:52 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1022 · 11220
On time
10:14 AM Cologne Hbf
5h07
3:21 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 557 · ICE 682 · 11222
On time
10:44 AM Cologne Hbf
5h37
4:21 PM Kiel Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 202 · 11272
On time
11:11 AM Cologne Hbf
5h41
4:52 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1020 · 11224
On time
12:09 PM Cologne Hbf
5h12
5:21 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 612 · ICE 770
On time
12:11 PM Cologne Hbf
5h29
5:40 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1032 · 11226
On time
12:45 PM Cologne Hbf
5h36
6:21 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 2520 · 11276
On time
1:11 PM Cologne Hbf
5h41
6:52 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 610 · ICE 5782:11 PM Cologne Hbf
5h29
7:40 PM Kiel Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 651 · ICE 588 · 11230
On time
2:44 PM Cologne Hbf
5h37
8:21 PM Kiel Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 2508 · ICE 506
Delayed
3:11 PM Cologne Hbf
5h29
6:51 PM 6:51 PMKiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 518 · RJ 174
On time
4:11 PM Cologne Hbf
5h29
9:40 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 653 · ICE 586 · 11234
On time
4:44 PM Cologne Hbf
5h50
10:34 PM Kiel Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 2516 · 11284
On time
5:11 PM Cologne Hbf
5h39
10:50 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 516 · 11286
On time
6:11 PM Cologne Hbf
5h47
11:58 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 655 · ICE 584 · 112386:44 PM Cologne Hbf
5h50
12:34 AM Kiel Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 2514 · 11288
On time
7:11 PM Cologne Hbf
5h48
12:59 AM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 514 · 11290
On time
8:11 PM Cologne Hbf
5h48
1:59 AM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf trains with Omio?

erixx as well as Deutsche Bahn offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf.
Omio is the only official third party seller for erixx tickets.

Why book with Omio vs erixx?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for erixx, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf.
  • 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 erixx with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf.

Why book with Omio over Raileurope?

  • Official reseller: erixx tickets can only be bought on Omio or erixx's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for erixx tickets. Raileurope do not sell erixx tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 21:49. The fastest train covers the 268 miles (432 km) distance in 4h 42m.

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
Distance
268 miles (432 km)
Average train duration
5h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$19 (€16)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
4h 42m
First train
12:09 AM
Last train
9:49 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
21 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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, erixx from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, erixx trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Kiel Hbf from $19 (€16). 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
4h 42m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
$19 (€16)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

erixx

About
erixx is a private train company in Germany offering rail services in Bremen and Lower Saxony in northern Germany. Founded in 2011, erixx runs six regional lines including the Heidebahn from Hanover to Buchholz as well as offering service to Wittingen, Bad Harzburg, Soltau and Wolfenbuttel. The trains are modern, comfortable and alcohol-free in order to provide a pleasant journey. The most popular journeys include Hanover to Bad Harzburg with the RE10, Bad Harzburg/Goslar to Braunschweig with the RB42/43, Braunschweig to Uelzen with the RB47, and Lueneburg to Dannenberg on the RB32.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average erixx Duration
7h 35m
Cheapest erixx Price
$355 (€291)
erixx frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for cancelled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not possible on regional trains
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require a ticket
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $19 (€16), while the average price is around $84 (€69).
The train from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf takes 4h 42m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf leaves at 12:09 AM.
The distance by train from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf is 268 miles (432 km).
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf leaves at 9:49 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf is by train, with a cost of around $19 (€16).
The train journey from Köln Hbf to Kiel Hbf offers varied scenery, including views of the picturesque Rhine River, rolling hills, and charming towns, providing a pleasant travel experience.
A day trip from Köln Hbf to Kiel Hbf is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 42m. There are 8 trains available per day covering the distance of 268 miles (432 km).
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf.
Since both Cologne Hbf and Kiel Hbf are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Kiel Hbf include Hamburg, Uelzen, Stade, Sønderborg, Burg.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf

Most Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf trains use the Köln Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Kiel Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Kiel
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · $9 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · $6 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · $6 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln 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 and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Kiel Hbf and Cologne Hbf

HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyCologne Hbf to Kiel Hbf train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone