- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with paintings, sculptures, and changing exhibitions from the 19th century to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$57
Average price
$153
Fastest journey
5 h 54 m
Average duration
6 h 16 m
Trains per day
8
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 $153 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
Of the 8 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Kiel on Sun, May 24, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 6 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 54 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest trains will take 6 h 37 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+
FlixBus
ICE 614 · S3 · 56822
ICE 774
ICE 1074 · ICE 882 · S5 · 56822
ICE 1074 · ICE 882 · S5 · 56822
ICE 774
ECE 8 · S3 · 56770
ICE 1074 · ICE 882 · S5 · 56822
S9 · ICE 774
S9 · ECE 8 · S3 · 56770Omio 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 $128.
Distance: 297 miles (478 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$88 Average price | $58 Average price Cheapest | $206 Average price | $106 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 $88 (€71).
A bus is $147 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel costing on average $206 (€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 $19 (€15) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($88 (€71) vs $106 (€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, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1272 · ICE 1080 · S3 · 56808 | Delayed 10:04 PM 12:04 AMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 9h17 | 9:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 60470 · 56758 | Delayed 12:30 AM 2:14 AMFrankfurt South station | 7h39 | 9:53 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 572 · 11294 | Delayed 7:50 PM 8:44 PMFrankfurt West station | 7h31 | 4:15 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 920 · 56800 | On time 11:22 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h30 | 8:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 920 · 56800 | On time 11:40 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 9h12 | 8:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · 56800 | On time 11:42 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h10 | 8:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · 56800 | On time 11:56 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 8h56 | 8:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, May 24 | |||||
S9 · ICE 774 | On time 8:15 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h25 | 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 · S3 · 56822 | On time 9:10 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 7h11 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S9 · ECE 8 · S3 · 56770 | 9:15 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h37 | 3:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1074 · ICE 882 · S5 · 56822 | On time 9:38 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h43 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 8 · S3 · 56770 | On time 9:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h06 | 3:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1074 · ICE 882 · S5 · 56822 | On time 10:02 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h19 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 1:58 PM Frankfurt South station | 11h12 | 1:10 AM Kiel, ZOB | 1 transfer | |
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 paintings, sculptures, and changing exhibitions from the 19th century to contemporary art.
Kiel’s maritime museum in a historic fish auction hall, covering naval, port, and shipping history closely tied to the city.
University museum with notable zoological collections, including marine specimens, skeletons, and exhibits linked to Baltic Sea research.
Kiel’s signature waterfront promenade along the fjord, ideal for walks, harbor views, naval atmosphere, and major event watching.
Historic market square in the old center, anchored by St. Nikolai Church and surrounded by shops and city life.
Central square by the town hall and opera house, often used for events and a practical orientation point in central Kiel.
Lightly smoked sprats traditionally linked with Kiel. They are eaten whole on bread or as a snack and are one of the city’s best-known regional specialties.
A classic North German sailor’s dish of corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with herring, pickles and fried egg. It reflects Kiel’s maritime heritage.
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. A beloved northern coastal dish strongly associated with Schleswig-Holstein.
Refined dining venue in Kiel recognized for contemporary German cuisine, careful service and an elegant atmosphere suited to a special meal.
Stylish restaurant in Kiel with a more upscale feel, known for modern regional cuisine, seafood and well-presented seasonal menus.
Established waterfront restaurant at Kiellinie known for fish, northern German dishes and harbor views in a polished but relaxed setting.
Moderate by German standards. Daily costs are manageable, with mid-range dining and hotels priced below Munich or Hamburg.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis, or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf, Kiel -> Kiel Rathaus, 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.

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