- Must visit
ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Major contemporary art and media museum complex known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and strong international reputation.






Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
3h 12m
Average duration
4h 3m
Trains per day
6
Distance
288 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 178 miles (287 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$94 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Dortmund to Karlsruhe:
A bus is $63 (€52) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Karlsruhe costing on average $94 (€77).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 58m.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (3h 47m by train vs 3h 58m by car). Tickets start at around $94 (€77) compared to roughly $65 (€53) 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Dortmund to Karlsruhe trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 8:11 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h12 | 11:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 8:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h23 | 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26709 · ICE 371 | On time 8:39 AM Dortmund Hbf | 5h20 | 1:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 | Delayed 9:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h23 | 11:01 AM 11:01 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26711 · ICE 597 · ICE 107 | On time 9:39 AM Dortmund Hbf | 5h20 | 2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
26812 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 | Delayed 9:45 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h38 | 11:26 AM 11:26 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Dortmund to Karlsruhe run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 178 miles (287 km) distance in 3h 13m.
Distance 178 miles (287 km) |
Average train duration 3h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 12:19 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major contemporary art and media museum complex known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and strong international reputation.
State museum in Karlsruhe Palace with collections on archaeology, world cultures, and regional history in a landmark setting.
Important fine arts museum with works from old masters to modern art; a key stop for painting lovers when exhibitions are open.
Large park behind Karlsruhe Palace, ideal for strolling, picnics, and classic views along the city’s radial layout.
Central square with the Karlsruhe Pyramid, historic buildings, and a strong sense of the city’s planned urban identity.
Popular hill and viewpoint above Durlach with panoramic city views, especially attractive at sunset and in social media photos.
Swabian pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, often served in broth or pan-fried. A classic in Baden-Württemberg and widely enjoyed in Karlsruhe.
Soft egg noodles layered with melted cheese and topped with fried onions. A beloved southern German comfort dish commonly found in Karlsruhe taverns.
A thin, crisp tart from nearby Alsace and Baden, traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It is a regional staple around Karlsruhe.
Established traditional restaurant known for Baden and Alsatian specialties, regional wines, and a warm historic atmosphere in central Karlsruhe.
Well-known rustic venue serving hearty Baden and German dishes in a classic beer hall setting. Popular for traditional local meals and generous portions.
Established fine-dining restaurant with panoramic views, refined modern cuisine, and a special-occasion atmosphere above the city.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport and casual dining are manageable, while hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafés; not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf, Karlsruhe -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dortmund to Karlsruhe trains use the Dortmund Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe West. Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Dortmund 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: Subway, Caliente, Ong Bui Asia Fusion, Kleimann
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Hbf. ATMs are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Hbf. Information desks are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Cityhotel Dortmund, Esplanade, Drei Kronen, Hotel Unique Novum.
Dortmund Signal Iduna Park is 2 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund Signal Iduna 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: Strobels, Rosenterassen
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. ATMs are available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. Information desks are available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park.
Dortmund-Scharnhorst is 5 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund-Scharnhorst 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: S&E Café, S&E Imbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst. ATMs are available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst. Information desks are available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst.
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Karlsruhe West is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe West 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: Beim Schupi, Rosenstüble 2.0, Saloniki, Rote Taube
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe West. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe West.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe West. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe West.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe West.
Nearby hotels include Beim Schupi.
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach 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: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need