- Must visit
Badisches Landesmuseum
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
1 h 1 m
Average duration
1 h 1 m
Trains per day
40
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 $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 40 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Karlsruhe on Fri, Jul 17, 21 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 17 the direct trains cover the 125 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 Fri, Jul 17 the slowest trains will take 1 h 3 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.
FlixTrain
ICE 9568
TGV 9560
ICE 275
ICE 75
ICE 915 · ICE 71
ICE 1013 · ICE 75
ICE 1011 · ICE 7
ICE 919 · ICE 73
ICE 7Omio 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 |
|---|---|---|
$23 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $25 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 $23 (€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 ($23 (€19) vs $25 (€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, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60403 | Delayed 12:06 AM 2:06 AMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h54 | 2:00 AM 2:00 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60403 | Delayed 12:45 AM 2:45 AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h15 | 2:00 AM 2:00 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60408 | Delayed 1:41 AM 3:41 AMFrankfurt South station | 1h23 | 3:04 AM 3:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 273 | Delayed 3:50 AM 5:50 AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 4:59 AM 4:59 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 101 | Delayed 6:18 AM 7:51 AMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 7:12 AM 7:12 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2557 | On time 8:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 513 · ICE 2557 | Delayed 7:06 AM 8:51 AMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9556 · S9 | On time 8:53 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h55 | 10:48 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 16 · ICE 103 | On time 9:18 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h41 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 | Delayed 7:54 AM 9:51 AMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 71 | On time 10:20 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h03 | 11:23 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 279 | On time 10:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | Delayed 8:57 AM 10:51 AMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9590 | On time 11:01 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h05 | 12:06 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 595 · ICE 105 | On time 11:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 12:59 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 | |
ECE 5 | On time 12:20 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h03 | 1:23 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 371 | On time 12:50 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 1:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 517 · ICE 371 | Delayed 10:57 AM 12:51 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 1:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9552+ S9 | On time 12:53 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h55 | 2:48 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 597 · ICE 107 | On time 1:50 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 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 | 1h06 | 3:08 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 | 1h03 | 3:23 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 373 | On time 2:50 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 3:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 519 · ICE 373 | Delayed 12:57 PM 2:51 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 3:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 599 · ICE 109 | On time 3:50 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 4:59 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 7 | On time 4:20 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h03 | 5:23 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 375 | On time 4:50 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h08 | 5:58 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611 · ICE 375 | On time 4:51 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h07 | 5:58 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9560 | On time 4:55 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 6:04 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 691 · ICE 201 | On time 5:50 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 6:59 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 275 | On time 6:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 | On time 6:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9568 | On time 6:53 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h12 | 8:05 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 591 · ICE 101 | On time 7:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 101 | On time 7:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 151 | On time 8:02 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 9:09 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 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 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 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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