- Must visit
Badisches Landesmuseum
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€27
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€34
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 15 m
Trains on Sep 19
15
Distance
73 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Esslingen am Neckar to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Esslingen am Neckar to Karlsruhe will cost around €34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €27.
It's difficult to get from Esslingen am Neckar to Karlsruhe without transferring at least once.
19126 · IC 2166
S1 · IC 2166
4204 · 19006
S1 · 4206 · 19008
S1 · 4206 · 19008
19122+
TGV 9576
4204 · 19006
4206 · 19008
S1+
TGV 9576
S1+
TGV 9576Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Esslingen am Neckar to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €9 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 1h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €9, while a train costs an average of €38.
Distance: 45 miles (73 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€38 Average price | €9 Average price Cheapest | €15 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 36m Average total duration 1h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 34m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Esslingen am Neckar to Karlsruhe:
A bus is €29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Esslingen am Neckar to Karlsruhe costing on average €38.
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 6m.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (1h 6m by train vs 1h 17m by car). Tickets start at around €38 compared to roughly €15 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.
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 Esslingen am Neckar to Karlsruhe trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S1 · 4204 · 19006 | 8:00 AM Oberesslingen | 1h25 | 9:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
4204 · 19006 | 8:13 AM Esslingen (Neckar) station | 1h12 | 9:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S1+ TGV 9576 | On time 8:30 AM Oberesslingen | 1h21 | 9:51 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S1+ TGV 9576 | On time 8:35 AM Esslingen-Mettingen | 1h16 | 9:51 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
19122+ TGV 9576 | On time 8:41 AM Esslingen (Neckar) station | 1h10 | 9:51 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S1 · 19008 | 8:45 AM Oberesslingen | 1h40 | 10:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S1 · 19008 | 8:50 AM Esslingen-Mettingen | 1h35 | 10:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S1 · 4206 · 19008 | 8:54 AM Esslingen-Mettingen | 1h31 | 10:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S1 · 4206 · 19008 | 9:00 AM Oberesslingen | 1h25 | 10:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
4206 · 19008 | 9:10 AM Esslingen (Neckar) station | 1h15 | 10:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S1 · ICE 612 · ICE 2513 | On time 9:15 AM Oberesslingen | 1h44 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S1 · ICE 612 · ICE 2513 | On time 9:20 AM Esslingen-Mettingen | 1h39 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
19310 · ICE 612 · ICE 2513 | On time 9:26 AM Esslingen (Neckar) station | 1h33 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S1 · IC 2166 | On time 9:35 AM Esslingen-Mettingen | 1h39 | 11:14 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
19126 · IC 2166 | On time 9:40 AM Esslingen (Neckar) station | 1h34 | 11:14 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Esslingen am Neckar to Karlsruhe run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €23 but you can travel from only €6 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:17, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 45 miles (73 km) distance in 53m.
Distance 45 miles (73 km) |
Average train duration 1h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price €23 |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 53m |
First train 12:17 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.
State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.
Grand central square lined with major buildings and the city pyramid, ideal for orientation and architecture.
Large landscaped park behind the palace with tree-lined paths, gardens, and space for relaxed walks.
Wooded hill and lookout area above Durlach, popular for walks, sunsets, and broad views of the Rhine plain.
A hearty Baden potato soup, often finished with cream and herbs. It is a regional comfort dish common across Baden homes and inns.
Thin pancakes sliced into strips and served in clear beef broth. Popular in Baden and Swabia, it is a classic starter in traditional restaurants.
Handmade egg noodles from nearby Swabian tradition, often served with cheese or lentils. Widely eaten in Karlsruhe and across Baden-Württemberg.
Michelin-starred fine dining with creative tasting menus and polished service. Best for a high-end meal showcasing modern German cuisine.
Traditional Baden restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional classics, seasonal menus, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Established brewery venue serving house beers and hearty German dishes. Lively, casual atmosphere popular for local food and social evenings.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.
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.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Esslingen am Neckar 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 Esslingen am Neckar to Karlsruhe trains use the Esslingen-Mettingen to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang. Use this guide to compare Esslingen am Neckar and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Esslingen-Mettingen is 2 km from Esslingen am Neckar city centre. Public transport options include:
Esslingen-Mettingen 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: Kaiserpalast, Cafe Mocca, La Conchiglia, Betriebsrestaurant
Wi-Fi is available at Esslingen-Mettingen. ATMs are available at Esslingen-Mettingen.
Ticket office support is available at Esslingen-Mettingen. Information desks are available at Esslingen-Mettingen.
Luggage storage is available at Esslingen-Mettingen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Esslingen-Mettingen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Esslingen-Mettingen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Esslingen-Mettingen.
Oberesslingen is 1 km from Esslingen am Neckar city centre. Public transport options include:
Oberesslingen 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: Zum Froschkönig, Iglu, Ziegelhof, Kohinoor
Wi-Fi is available at Oberesslingen. ATMs are available at Oberesslingen.
Ticket office support is available at Oberesslingen. Information desks are available at Oberesslingen.
Luggage storage is available at Oberesslingen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Oberesslingen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Oberesslingen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oberesslingen.
Esslingen (Neckar) 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: Weiler Hof, Posthörnle, Multi Pizza Service, Brauhaus Schwanen
Wi-Fi is available at Esslingen (Neckar). ATMs are available at Esslingen (Neckar).
Ticket office support is available at Esslingen (Neckar). Information desks are available at Esslingen (Neckar).
Luggage storage is available at Esslingen (Neckar). Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Esslingen (Neckar): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Esslingen (Neckar): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Esslingen (Neckar).
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, Hbf Südausgang is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang.
Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need