- Must visit
ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Major contemporary art and media museum known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and its influence on media art internationally.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
1 h 1 m
Average duration
1 h 1 m
Trains per day
25
Distance
117 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Karlsruhe will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 25 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main Airport for Karlsruhe on Wed, May 27, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 117 km distance in an average of 1 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 1 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 1 h 1 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.
S9 · ICE 677
ICE 205
ICE 615 · ICE 379
S9 · ICE 77
ICE 513 · ICE 277
ICE 915 · ICE 71
ICE 919 · ICE 73
ICE 1011 · ICE 7
ICE 1015 · ECE 9
ICE 1013 · ICE 75Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $8, and a train costs an average of $24.
Distance: 72 miles (117 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$46 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration 1h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Karlsruhe:
A bus is $35 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Karlsruhe costing on average $46 (€37).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 51m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (1h 15m by train vs 1h 20m by car). Tickets start at around $46 (€37) compared to roughly $26 (€21) 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, FlixTrain GmbH, Süwex, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
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 Frankfurt am Main Airport to Karlsruhe trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 615 · ICE 379 | Delayed 6:55 PM 8:51 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 8:02 PM 8:02 PMKarlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, May 27 | |||||
ICE 513 · ICE 277 | On time 8:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 | On time 9:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 10:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 11:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 10:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 219 · 15975 | On time 11:00 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h44 | 12:44 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 | On time 11:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 12:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 225 · ECE 5 | On time 12:21 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h02 | 1:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 517 · ICE 371 | On time 12:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 1:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 | On time 1:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 919 · ICE 73 | On time 2:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 3:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519 · ICE 373 | On time 2:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 3:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 | On time 3:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 4:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1011 · ICE 7 | On time 4:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 5:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 611 · ICE 375 | On time 4:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h07 | 5:58 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 201 | On time 5:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 6:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1013 · ICE 75 | On time 6:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 7:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 613 · ICE 377 | On time 6:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 7:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 203 | On time 7:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 8:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1015 · ECE 9 | On time 8:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 9:23 PM 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 Frankfurt am Main Airport to Karlsruhe run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:51, the last at 22:01. The fastest train covers the 72 miles (117 km) distance in 1h 1m.
Distance 72 miles (117 km) |
Average train duration 1h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 1m |
First train 6:51 AM |
Last train 10:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and its influence on media art internationally.
Regional history museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, featuring archaeology, decorative arts, and cultural history collections from Baden and beyond.
Important fine arts museum with works from the Middle Ages to modern periods, especially strong in German, Dutch, and French painting.
Large park stretching behind the palace, ideal for relaxed walks, seasonal photos, and classic views that define Karlsruhe's green character.
Historic main square with the pyramid, town hall, and church frontage, serving as the symbolic and urban center of Karlsruhe.
Hilltop viewpoint above Durlach with broad views over Karlsruhe and the Rhine plain, popular for sunsets, photos, and short scenic outings.
Swabian-style pasta pockets filled with meat, spinach, bread, and herbs, commonly served in broth or pan-fried. A beloved regional classic often found in Baden and Karlsruhe.
Soft egg noodles layered with cheese and topped with fried onions. This hearty southern German dish is popular across Baden-Württemberg and widely eaten in Karlsruhe.
Baden-style pot roast marinated in vinegar, wine, and spices, then braised until tender. It reflects the rich culinary traditions of the Baden region.
Traditional restaurant focused on Baden dishes and wines, appreciated for its classic interior and regional cooking.
Established hilltop restaurant with panoramic views, known for refined regional cuisine and a special-occasion atmosphere above Karlsruhe.
Well-known local brewery restaurant serving house beer and hearty Baden pub dishes in a lively, traditional setting.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport is reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service; hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf, Karlsruhe -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main Airport 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.

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