- 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
$114
Average price
$121
Fastest journey
7 h 30 m
Average duration
7 h 30 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
216 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Copenhagen to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Copenhagen to Kiel will cost around $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $114.
It's difficult to get from Copenhagen to Kiel without transferring at least 5 times.
IC 50867 · Bus GROEN · IC 5767 · Bus ROED
IC 50827 · Bus GROEN · IC 5757 · Bus ROED
IC 50859 · Bus GROEN · IC 5765 · Bus ROED
IC 50851 · Bus GROEN · IC 5763 · Bus ROED
IC 50843 · Bus GROEN · IC 5761 · Bus ROED
IC 50867 · Bus GROEN · IC 5767 · Bus ROED
IC 50827 · Bus GROEN · IC 5757 · Bus ROED
IC 50859 · Bus GROEN · IC 5765 · Bus ROED
IC 50851 · Bus GROEN · IC 5763 · Bus ROED
IC 50843 · Bus GROEN · IC 5761 · Bus ROEDOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Copenhagen to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 0m. 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 $24, and a flight costs an average of $164.
Distance: 134 miles (216 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Ferry | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price | $310 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 57m Average total duration 8h 57m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Copenhagen to Kiel:
A bus is $10 (€8) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Copenhagen to Kiel costing on average $55 (€45).
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Copenhagen to Kiel costing on average $83 (€67).
A bus is $264 (€213) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Copenhagen to Kiel costing on average $310 (€251).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 48m.
Train takes on average 4h 58m.
Ferry takes on average 8h 57m.
Tickets start at around $83 (€67) compared to roughly $93 (€75) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 4h 58m versus 4h 22m 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 Copenhagen to Kiel trains for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 70193 · Bus ROED · Bus BLAA · IC 5753 | 11:36 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 11h15 | 10:51 AM Kiel Hbf | 6 transfers | |
| Sunday, May 24 | |||||
IC 50827 · Bus GROEN · IC 5757 · Bus ROED | 7:21 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h30 | 2:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 50831 · Bus GROEN · IC 57835 · R 5045 | 8:21 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h36 | 3:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 6 transfers | |
IC 50835 · Bus GROEN · IC 5759 · Bus ROED | 9:21 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h30 | 4:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 50839 · Bus GROEN · IC 57843 · R 5057 | 10:21 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h36 | 5:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 6 transfers | |
IC 50843 · Bus GROEN · IC 5761 · Bus ROED | 11:21 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h30 | 6:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 50847 · Bus GROEN · IC 57851 · R 5069 | 12:21 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h36 | 7:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 6 transfers | |
IC 50851 · Bus GROEN · IC 5763 · Bus ROED | 1:21 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h30 | 8:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 50855 · Bus GROEN · IC 57859 · R 5077 | 2:21 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h36 | 9:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 6 transfers | |
IC 50859 · Bus GROEN · IC 5765 · Bus ROED | 3:21 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h30 | 10:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 50863 · Bus GROEN · IC 57867 · R 5085 | 4:21 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h36 | 11:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 6 transfers | |
IC 50867 · Bus GROEN · IC 5767 · Bus ROED | 5:21 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 7h30 | 12:51 AM Kiel Hbf | 5 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry 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 Copenhagen to Kiel run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $1 (€1) by ferry.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 134 miles (216 km) |
Average train duration 4h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 30m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 91 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 Copenhagen 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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