- 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
$77
Average price
$107
Fastest journey
4 h 58 m
Average duration
5 h 3 m
Trains per day
9
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 $107 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
It's difficult to get from Copenhagen to Kiel without transferring at least once.
ICL 50023 · IC 5755+
11863 · 11813
ICL 50039 · IC 5759+
11871 · 11821
ECE 395+
11923
ECE 393+
11915
ICL 50031 · IC 5757+
11867 · 11817
RJ 385 · 11173 · 11268
ECE 393 · 11169 · 11264
RJ 385+
11919
ECE 393+
11915
ECE 395 · 11177 · 11272Omio 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 $162.
Distance: 134 miles (216 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Ferry | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$81 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price | $305 Average price | $91 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 $9 (€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 $36 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Copenhagen to Kiel costing on average $81 (€67).
A bus is $260 (€213) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Copenhagen to Kiel costing on average $305 (€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 $81 (€67) compared to roughly $91 (€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, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECE 395 · 11177 · 11272 | On time 11:38 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h14 | 4:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ECE 395+ 11923 | On time 11:38 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h19 | 4:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICL 50047 · IC 5761+ 11825 · 11875 | 12:02 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h49 | 5:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 397 · 11181 · 11276 | On time 1:54 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 4h58 | 6:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ECE 397+ 11927 | On time 1:54 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h03 | 6:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICL 50055 · IC 5763+ 11879 · 11829 | 2:02 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h49 | 7:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 399 · 11185 · 11280 | On time 3:54 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 4h58 | 8:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ECE 399+ 11931 | On time 3:54 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h03 | 8:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, July 9 | |||||
ICL 50023 · IC 5755+ 11863 · 11813 | 6:02 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h49 | 11:51 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 393+ 11915 | On time 7:54 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h03 | 12:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ECE 393 · 11169 · 11264 | On time 7:54 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 4h58 | 12:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICL 50031 · IC 5757+ 11867 · 11817 | 8:02 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h49 | 1:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 385+ 11919 | On time 9:54 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h03 | 2:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 385 · 11173 · 11268 | On time 9:54 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 4h58 | 2:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICL 50039 · IC 5759+ 11871 · 11821 | 10:02 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 5h49 | 3:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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 $36 (€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 $36 (€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 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 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.

Most Copenhagen to Kiel trains use the København Hovedb. to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße. Use this guide to compare Copenhagen and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
København Hovedb. has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Frk. Barners Kælder, Tivoli Food Hall
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at København Hovedb.. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at København Hovedb.. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at København Hovedb.: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at København Hovedb.: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at København Hovedb.: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Astoria, Copenhagen Plaza Hotel, Hotel Ansgar.
Nordhavn St. is 3 km from Copenhagen city centre. Public transport options include:
Nordhavn St. has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Nordhavn St..
ATMs are available at Nordhavn St..
Available at Nordhavn St.: Parking, WC.
Available at Nordhavn St.: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nordhavn St..
Dybboelsbro st is 1 km from Copenhagen city centre. Public transport options include:
Dybboelsbro st has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Dybboelsbro st.
ATMs are available at Dybboelsbro st.
Available at Dybboelsbro st: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dybboelsbro st: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dybboelsbro st.
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, Hbf Kaistraße has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Pier 16, Vapiano Kiel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel, Hbf Kaistraße: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include IntercityHotel Kiel, Atlantic Hotel Kiel, Hotel Berliner Hof.
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.
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