- 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
$73
Average price
$123
Fastest journey
5 h 41 m
Average duration
5 h 41 m
Trains per day
10
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 $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Kiel without transferring at least once.
26801 · ICE 1028 · 11258
ICE 2214 · 11260
ICE 920 · 11206
ICE 618 · 11262
ICE 206 · 11264
ICE 616 · 11266
ICE 204 · 11268
ICE 202 · 11272
ICE 2214 · 11260
ICE 618 · 11262Omio 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 $29. 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 $29, and a flight costs an average of $158.
Distance: 269 miles (434 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$99 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $617 Average price | $93 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 $99 (€81).
A bus is $569 (€467) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Kiel costing on average $617 (€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 $99 (€81) compared to roughly $93 (€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, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 618 · 11262 | Delayed 4:11 AM 6:11 AMCologne Hbf | 5h41 | 11:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2518 · 11262 | Delayed 4:11 AM 6:11 AMCologne Hbf | 5h41 | 11:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, July 17 | |||||
26801 · ICE 1028 · 11258 | 3:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h03 | 9:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 2214 · 11260 | On time 5:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 10:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 206 · 11264 | On time 7:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 12:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2310 · 11216 | On time 7:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 1:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 616 · 11266 | On time 8:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 1:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 204 · 11268 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 2:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 202 · 11272 | On time 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 4:52 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 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.
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 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.

Most Cologne to Kiel trains use the Köln Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz 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: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen 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: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
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 Schulen am Langsee is 2 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kiel Schulen am Langsee has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee.
ATMs are available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee.
Available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee: Parking, WC.
Available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need