Duisburg to Karlsruhe train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

Sat, Sep 19
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Regionale
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Duisburg to Karlsruhe

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€53

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€66

Fastest journey on Sep 19

2 h 46 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

3 h 20 m

Trains on Sep 19

3

Distance

294 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Duisburg to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Duisburg to Karlsruhe will cost around €66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €53.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 trains from Duisburg to Karlsruhe, including 3 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 46 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 3 h 46 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:13 AM3h46
    Duisburg
    10:59 AMKarlsruhe
    531One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:13 AM2h46
    Duisburg
    8:59 AMKarlsruhe
    621One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:17 AM3h27
    Duisburg
    10:44 AMKarlsruhe
    831One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Duisburg to Karlsruhe

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Duisburg to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €37, while a train costs an average of €83.

Distance: 182 miles (294 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€83

Average price

€37

Average price

Cheapest

€54

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 37m

Average total duration

6h 7m

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Duisburg to Karlsruhe is a bus with an average price of €37.

This is compared to other travel options from Duisburg to Karlsruhe:

A bus is €45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Duisburg to Karlsruhe costing on average €83.

The fastest way to travel from Duisburg to Karlsruhe is by train with an average journey time of 3h 8m.

Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 7m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Duisburg and Karlsruhe including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Duisburg to Karlsruhe among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 50m sooner (3h 8m by train vs 3h 58m by car). Tickets start at around €83 compared to roughly €54 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 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.

Live departures

Duisburg to Karlsruhe train times

The table below shows live departures for Duisburg to Karlsruhe trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 · ICE 275
Delayed
12:22 AM 2:32 AMDuisburg Hbf
5h27
7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf
3 transfers
Saturday, September 19
Deutsche Bahn6:13 AM Duisburg
2h46
8:59 AM Karlsruhe0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn7:13 AM Duisburg
3h46
10:59 AM Karlsruhe0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn7:17 AM Duisburg
3h27
10:44 AM Karlsruhe0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Duisburg to Karlsruhe by train or bus

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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Duisburg to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Duisburg to Karlsruhe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Duisburg to Karlsruhe.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Duisburg to Karlsruhe.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Duisburg to Karlsruhe.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Duisburg to Karlsruhe.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Duisburg to Karlsruhe

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Duisburg to Karlsruhe run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €28 but you can travel from only €24 by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:28, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 2h 21m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €24
Distance
182 miles (294 km)
Average train duration
3h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
€28
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 21m
First train
12:28 AM
Last train
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €24

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Duisburg to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Duisburg and Karlsruhe from €24. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 21m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€28
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
10h 3m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
€63
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Karlsruhe

Things to do in Karlsruhe

Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.

  • Must visit

Badisches Landesmuseum

Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.

  • Must visit

ZKM | Center for Art and Media

Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.

  • Recommended

Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe

State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.

FAQs: Trains from Duisburg to Karlsruhe

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Duisburg 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Duisburg to Karlsruhe can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €28, while the average price is around €83.
The train from Duisburg to Karlsruhe takes 2h 21m and runs 10 per day.
The first train from Duisburg to Karlsruhe leaves at 12:28 AM.
The distance by train from Duisburg to Karlsruhe is 182 miles (294 km).
The last train from Duisburg to Karlsruhe leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Duisburg to Karlsruhe. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Duisburg to Karlsruhe.
The train station in Duisburg that goes to Karlsruhe is Duisburg Hbf, which connects to Karlsruhe Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Duisburg to Karlsruhe is by bus, with a cost of around €24.
The train journey from Duisburg to Karlsruhe offers pleasant views of the German countryside, including stretches of the Rhine River and charming towns, though it is not typically considered one of the most scenic routes in Germany.
A day trip from Duisburg to Karlsruhe is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 21m and covers 182 miles (294 km). However, there are 10 trains available per day for this route.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Karlsruhe's main attractions, including the Karlsruhe Palace, ZKM Center for Art and Media, and the Botanical Garden.
Yes, you can take the train from Duisburg to Karlsruhe.
Since both Duisburg and Karlsruhe are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Karlsruhe include Strasbourg, Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, Basel, Freiburg im Breisgau.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Duisburg to Karlsruhe among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Karlsruhe, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging in taxis can occur, so it's advisable to use official transportation services and verify fares beforehand. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Duisburg to Karlsruhe

Most Duisburg to Karlsruhe trains use the Duisburg Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Duisburg and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Duisburg
Arrival train stations in Karlsruhe

Which Duisburg station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?

Trains from Duisburg to Karlsruhe leave from Duisburg Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Duisburg city centre at Duisburg Hbf, Portsmouthplatz 1, 47051 Duisburg.
Duisburg HbfDuisburg Hbf, Portsmouthplatz 1, 47051 DuisburgWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Duisburg Hbf from Duisburg city centre

BusNe 11, Ne 6, Ne 5, Ne 2, Ne 1, 934 E, 920 E, 933, 928, 926, 923, 921, 920 · 6m · €2 · every ~29 min

Duisburg Hbf train station facilities and services

Duisburg 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 and drink

Food options include: Bellagio, Restaurant Mediteran, Café Dobbelstein, Da Roberto

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Duisburg Hbf. ATMs are available at Duisburg Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Duisburg Hbf. Information desks are available at Duisburg Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Duisburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Duisburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Duisburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Duisburg Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Ibis, Plaza, Mercure, Hotel Goldener Hahn.

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