- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculpture, and modern works; one of the city’s key cultural stops.
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$63
Fastest journey
5 h 54 m
Average duration
5 h 57 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
478 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel 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 Kiel will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Of the 20 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Kiel on Thu, Jul 09, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 5 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 54 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest trains will take 6 h 6 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.
S6 · IC 60470 · 11208
ICE 1272 · ICE 1080 · 11256
ICE 78 · 11262
ICE 78 · 11262
ICE 778
ICE 774
ICE 772
ICE 776
ICE 778
ECE 8 · 11270Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $126.
Distance: 297 miles (478 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$86 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $202 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 13m Average total duration 8h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Kiel:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel costing on average $86 (€71).
A bus is $145 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel costing on average $202 (€166).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 40m.
Bus takes on average 8h 43m.
The journey is about 19m faster (5h 40m by train vs 5h 59m by car) and roughly $18 (€15) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($86 (€71) vs $105 (€86)). 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, 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 Kiel trains for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S9 · ICE 770 | On time 12:15 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h25 | 6:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 770 | On time 12:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h54 | 6:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 610 · 11230 | 1:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 7h11 | 8:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S9 · ICE 6 · 11278 | 1:15 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h37 | 7:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29515 · ICE 1072 · ICE 788 · 11230 | 1:36 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h45 | 8:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 627 · ICE 1072 · ICE 788 · 11230 | On time 1:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h40 | 8:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 6 · 11278 | 1:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h06 | 7:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1072 · ICE 788 · 11230 | On time 2:02 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h19 | 8:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 108 · 11232 | On time 2:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 7h10 | 9:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 123 · ICE 578 · ICE 506 | On time 2:15 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h25 | 8:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 578 · ICE 506 | On time 2:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h54 | 8:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 518 · 11234 | On time 3:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 7h11 | 10:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S9 · ICE 72 · RJ 174 | 3:15 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h25 | 9:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 72 · RJ 174 | On time 3:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h54 | 9:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 106 · 11236 | On time 4:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 7h10 | 11:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 125 · ICE 576 · 11284 | On time 4:15 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h35 | 10:50 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 576 · 11284 | On time 4:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h04 | 10:50 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 516 · 11238 | On time 5:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 7h11 | 12:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29543 · ECE 4 · 11186 · 11286 | 5:22 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h36 | 11:58 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1070 · ICE 1914 · 11238 | On time 5:38 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h43 | 12:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1070 · ICE 784 · 11238 | On time 5:38 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h43 | 12:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 725 · ICE 1070 · ICE 784 · 11238 | On time 5:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h40 | 12:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 725 · ICE 1070 · ICE 1914 · 11238 | On time 5:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h40 | 12:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 4 · 11186 · 11286 | On time 5:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h12 | 11:58 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ECE 4 · 11238 | On time 5:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h35 | 12:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1070 · ICE 784 · 11238 | On time 6:02 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h19 | 12:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1070 · ICE 1914 · 11238 | On time 6:02 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h19 | 12:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 927 · ICE 574 · 11288 | 6:25 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h27 | 12:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 574 · 11288 | On time 6:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h06 | 12:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 514 · 11292 | On time 7:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 7h45 | 2:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 129 · ICE 572 · 11292 | On time 8:15 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h40 | 2:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 572 · 11292 | On time 8:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h09 | 2:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 920 · 11256 | On time 11:22 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h31 | 8:53 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1272 · ICE 1080 · 11256 | 11:35 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h18 | 8:53 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, July 9 | |||||
S6 · IC 60470 · 11208 | 12:47 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 8h34 | 9:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S9 · ICE 778 | On time 4:15 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h25 | 10:40 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 778 | On time 4:41 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h59 | 10:40 AM Kiel Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 78 · 11262 | On time 5:23 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h29 | 11:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 78 · 11262 | On time 5:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h06 | 11:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29501 · ICE 776 | On time 6:22 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h18 | 12:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 776 | On time 6:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h54 | 12:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 76 · 11266 | On time 7:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h06 | 1:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4295 · ICE 774 | On time 8:22 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h18 | 2:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 774 | On time 8:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h54 | 2:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 614 · 11222 | On time 9:10 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 7h11 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S9 · ECE 8 · 11270 | 9:15 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h37 | 3:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1074 · ICE 882 · 11222 | On time 9:38 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h43 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 529 · ICE 1074 · ICE 882 · 11222 | On time 9:41 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h40 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 8 · 11270 | On time 9:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h06 | 3:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1074 · ICE 882 · 11222 | On time 10:02 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h19 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 10:03 AM Frankfurt South station | 11h52 | 9:55 PM Kiel, ZOB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 772 | On time 10:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h54 | 4:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 74 · 11274 | On time 11:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h06 | 5:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Kiel run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 297 miles (478 km) distance in 4h 54m.
Distance 297 miles (478 km) |
Average train duration 5h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 54m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculpture, and modern works; one of the city’s key cultural stops.
Maritime museum covering Kiel’s naval and shipping history with model ships and harbor-related exhibitions in a former fish auction hall.
City museum in Kiel’s oldest preserved townhouse, presenting local history from early modern times to the present.
Kiel’s best-known waterfront promenade, ideal for walking along the fjord with ship views, events, and a lively local atmosphere.
Walking area near the canal locks where visitors gather to watch large ships pass through a defining feat of engineering.
Historic market square in the old center, framed by notable buildings and a natural starting point for exploring central Kiel.
Lightly smoked sprats traditionally linked with Kiel. They are one of the city’s best-known specialties and a classic North German seaside snack.
A traditional northern sailors’ dish made from corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with pickles, herring and fried egg. It is strongly associated with coastal Schleswig-Holstein cuisine.
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. This is a classic fish dish across northern Germany and common around Kiel.
Stylish restaurant at the Atlantic Hotel Kiel offering modern regional cuisine, fish dishes and a more upscale atmosphere.
Established seafood-focused restaurant on the Kiel waterfront, known for fresh fish, polished service and harbor views in a refined setting.
Well-known established steakhouse with reliable service, classic grill dishes and a central, casual atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels can rise in summer and during ferry travel peaks.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service, usually given directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf, Kiel -> Kiel City Center, Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel 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 Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Frankfurt am Main to Kiel trains use the Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Use this guide to compare Frankfurt am Main and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) 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: asiagourmet, Burger King, Ciao Bella, Coffee Fellows, Crepes de France Express, dean&david, Starbucks, Uddin's Sky Sportsbar, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Käfer's, McDonald's, Asia Snack Box
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport.
Frankfurt (Main) Süd is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) Süd 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: Merals Imbiss, Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg, Freigut, Holbein's
Wi-Fi is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. Information desks are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Nearby hotels include Hotel am Berg, Leonardo Royal Hotel Frankfurt, Hotel Ritter, Lindner Main Plaza.
Kiel 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: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK is 2 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK 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: Illy Espressobar, McDonald's, Gosch, Citti-Restaurant
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. ATMs are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Information desks are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Kiel Schulen am Langsee is 2 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kiel Schulen am Langsee has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee.
ATMs are available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee.
Available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee: Parking, WC.
Available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need