- 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.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Darmstadt to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from CHF33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of CHF33, and a flight costs an average of CHF103.
Distance: 313 miles (505 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
CHF47 Average price Cheapest | CHF68 Average price | CHF117 Average price | CHF18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 44m Average total duration 8h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 18m Average total duration 14h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Darmstadt to Kiel:
A train is CHF21 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Darmstadt to Kiel costing on average CHF68.
A train is CHF70 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Darmstadt to Kiel costing on average CHF117.
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 14m.
Bus takes on average 14h 48m.
Tickets start at around CHF47 compared to roughly CHF18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF-29.02. The journey takes 8h 14m versus 6h 12m 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.
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 Darmstadt to Kiel run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at CHF33 but you can travel from only CHF28 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:05, the last at 22:25. The fastest train covers the 313 miles (505 km) distance in 6h 51m.
Distance 313 miles (505 km) |
Average train duration 8h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF33 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 51m |
First train 2:05 AM |
Last train 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Darmstadt 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 Darmstadt to Kiel trains use the Darmstadt Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Darmstadt and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Darmstadt Hbf is 1 km from Darmstadt city centre. Public transport options include:
Darmstadt 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: McDonald's, Casa Algarve, Ristorante Mare e Monti, Rößler Eck
Wi-Fi is available at Darmstadt Hbf. ATMs are available at Darmstadt Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Darmstadt Hbf. Information desks are available at Darmstadt Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Darmstadt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Darmstadt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Darmstadt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darmstadt Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Aspire Victory.
Darmstadt Süd is 1 km from Darmstadt city centre. Public transport options include:
Darmstadt Süd 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: Ristorante Pizzeria Europa, Zur Tanne, Shalimar, Eichbaum-Tresen
Wi-Fi is available at Darmstadt Süd. ATMs are available at Darmstadt Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Darmstadt Süd. Information desks are available at Darmstadt Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Darmstadt Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Darmstadt Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Darmstadt Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darmstadt Süd.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Regina, Hotel Donnersberg, Garda.
Darmstadt-Arheilgen is 4 km from Darmstadt city centre. Public transport options include:
Darmstadt-Arheilgen 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: Arheilgen Pizza und Kebab, Eisboutique DaCarlo, Zum Storchen, Zur Krone
Wi-Fi is available at Darmstadt-Arheilgen. ATMs are available at Darmstadt-Arheilgen.
Ticket office support is available at Darmstadt-Arheilgen. Information desks are available at Darmstadt-Arheilgen.
Luggage storage is available at Darmstadt-Arheilgen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Darmstadt-Arheilgen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Darmstadt-Arheilgen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darmstadt-Arheilgen.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Arheilger Hof, KM, Weißer Schwan Hotel - Restaurant.
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.
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