- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with paintings, sculptures, and changing exhibitions from the 19th century to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$109
Fastest journey
5 h 29 m
Average duration
5 h 36 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
434 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Kiel will cost around $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Kiel on Mon, Jun 01, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 434 km distance in an average of 5 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 29 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 5 h 44 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 Cologne to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $161.
Distance: 269 miles (434 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$101 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $629 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 9m Average total duration 7h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Cologne to Kiel:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Kiel costing on average $101 (€81).
A bus is $580 (€467) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Kiel costing on average $629 (€507).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 45m.
Bus takes on average 7h 39m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (5h 45m by train vs 5h 48m by car). Tickets start at around $101 (€81) compared to roughly $94 (€76) 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.
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 Cologne to Kiel trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920 · 11246 | Delayed 12:09 AM 2:13 AMCologne Hbf | 6h40 | 8:53 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 618 · 11214 | Delayed 3:17 AM 6:11 AMCologne Hbf | 6h10 | 12:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 616 · 11218 | On time 8:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h05 | 2:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 545 · ICE 684 · 11220 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h56 | 3:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 204 · 11270 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h41 | 3:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 · ICE 772 | On time 10:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h29 | 4:44 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 547 · ICE 682 · 11224 | On time 10:24 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h57 | 5:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 202 · 11272 | Delayed 9:11 AM 11:03 AMCologne Hbf | 5h49 | 4:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 · 11226 | On time 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h10 | 6:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · 11276 | Delayed 11:11 AM 1:03 PMCologne Hbf | 5h49 | 6:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 610 · 11230 | Delayed 12:16 PM 2:11 PMCologne Hbf | 6h10 | 8:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 108 · 11280 | Delayed 1:11 PM 3:03 PMCologne Hbf | 5h49 | 8:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 518 · 11234 | On time 4:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h10 | 10:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h09 | 1:10 AM Kiel, ZOB | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h09 | 1:10 AM Kiel, ZOB | 1 transfer | |
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 Cologne to Kiel run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 269 miles (434 km) distance in 5h 29m.
Distance 269 miles (434 km) |
Average train duration 5h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 29m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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 paintings, sculptures, and changing exhibitions from the 19th century to contemporary art.
Kiel’s maritime museum in a historic fish auction hall, covering naval, port, and shipping history closely tied to the city.
University museum with notable zoological collections, including marine specimens, skeletons, and exhibits linked to Baltic Sea research.
Kiel’s signature waterfront promenade along the fjord, ideal for walks, harbor views, naval atmosphere, and major event watching.
Historic market square in the old center, anchored by St. Nikolai Church and surrounded by shops and city life.
Central square by the town hall and opera house, often used for events and a practical orientation point in central Kiel.
Lightly smoked sprats traditionally linked with Kiel. They are eaten whole on bread or as a snack and are one of the city’s best-known regional specialties.
A classic North German sailor’s dish of corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with herring, pickles and fried egg. It reflects Kiel’s maritime heritage.
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. A beloved northern coastal dish strongly associated with Schleswig-Holstein.
Refined dining venue in Kiel recognized for contemporary German cuisine, careful service and an elegant atmosphere suited to a special meal.
Stylish restaurant in Kiel with a more upscale feel, known for modern regional cuisine, seafood and well-presented seasonal menus.
Established waterfront restaurant at Kiellinie known for fish, northern German dishes and harbor views in a polished but relaxed setting.
Moderate by German standards. Daily costs are manageable, with mid-range dining and hotels priced below Munich or Hamburg.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis, or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf, Kiel -> Kiel Rathaus, Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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.

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