- 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
$12
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
1 h 6 m
Average duration
1 h 7 m
Trains per day
37
Distance
125 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main 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 to Karlsruhe will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 37 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Karlsruhe on Mon, Jun 01, 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 125 km distance in an average of 1 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 6 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 1 h 8 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.
ICE 9568
ICE 791
FlixTrain
ICE 591 · S9
ICE 591 · S1 · 15969
ICE 71
ECE 5
ICE 73
ICE 105
ICE 107Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main 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 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $8, and a train costs an average of $10.
Distance: 77 miles (125 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration 1h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe costing on average $24 (€19).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 51m.
The journey is about 7m faster (1h 36m by train vs 1h 43m by car) and roughly $2 (€2) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($24 (€19) vs $26 (€21)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, TGV, FlixTrain, Süwex, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 617 · S3 | Delayed 9:45 PM 11:21 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h10 | 1:31 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
ICE 911 · ICE 9568 | On time 6:21 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h32 | 7:53 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9568 | On time 6:26 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h27 | 7:53 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 275 | On time 6:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h14 | 8:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 | On time 6:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h13 | 8:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4557 · ICE 101 | On time 7:20 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h39 | 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4473 | 7:38 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h15 | 9:53 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 791 | On time 7:43 AM Frankfurt South station | 1h36 | 9:19 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 591 · S9 | On time 7:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h58 | 9:48 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 591 · S1 · 15969 | On time 7:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h54 | 9:44 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 101 | On time 7:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 | On time 8:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h14 | 10:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 | On time 8:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h13 | 10:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4561 · ICE 103 | On time 9:20 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h44 | 11:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 | On time 9:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h13 | 11:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S8 · ICE 71 | On time 9:54 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 1h32 | 11:26 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 71 | On time 10:20 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 11:26 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 279 | On time 10:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h13 | 12:03 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 10:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h12 | 12:03 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9590 | On time 11:01 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h10 | 12:11 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
4565 · ICE 105 | On time 11:20 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h39 | 12:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 795 | On time 11:44 AM Frankfurt South station | 1h33 | 1:17 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 105 | On time 11:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 12:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 5 | On time 12:20 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 1:26 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 225 · S3 | On time 12:21 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h39 | 2:00 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 371 | On time 12:50 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h14 | 2:04 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 517 · ICE 371 | On time 12:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h13 | 2:04 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4569 · ICE 107 | On time 1:20 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h39 | 2:59 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 | |
TGV 9580 | On time 2:02 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h11 | 3:13 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 2:03 PM Frankfurt South station | 1h23 | 3:26 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 73 | On time 2:20 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 3:26 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 919 · S3 | On time 2:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h38 | 4:00 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 373 | On time 2:50 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h14 | 4:04 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 519 · ICE 373 | On time 2:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h13 | 4:04 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 · S3 | On time 4:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h38 | 6:00 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 611 · ICE 375 | On time 4:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h12 | 6:03 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 77 miles (125 km) distance in 1h 3m.
Distance 77 miles (125 km) |
Average train duration 1h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 (€8) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 1h 3m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 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 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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