- Must visit
Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel
Maritime museum in a former fish auction hall. Highlights Kiel's naval, shipping, and harbor history in an atmospheric waterfront setting.
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$154
Fastest journey
5 h 19 m
Average duration
5 h 27 m
Trains per day
26
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 $154 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
Of the 26 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Kiel on Sun, Aug 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 5 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 19 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest trains will take 5 h 35 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 1272 · ICE 1080 · S3 · 11246
ICE 1272 · ICE 1080+
21106
S8 · IC 60470 · S3 · 11258
IC 60470 · S3 · 11258
ICE 78 · S1 · 11212
ICE 1186 · S1 · 11212
ICE 1074 · S1 · 11220
ICE 776
ICE 774 · S1 · 11218
ICE 76 · S1 · 11216Omio 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 $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. 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 $33, and a flight costs an average of $129.
Distance: 297 miles (478 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$85 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest | $196 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 7m Average total duration 5h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 56m Average total duration 8h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m 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 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel costing on average $85 (€69).
A bus is $140 (€113) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel costing on average $196 (€158).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 37m.
Bus takes on average 8h 26m.
The journey is about 22m faster (5h 37m by train vs 5h 59m by car) and roughly $23 (€19) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($85 (€69) vs $109 (€87)). 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, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60470 · S3 · 11258 | Delayed 12:14 AM 2:14 AMFrankfurt South station | 7h38 | 9:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S9 · ICE 576 · S1 · 11234 | 4:15 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h06 | 10:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 576 · S1 · 11234 | On time 4:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h35 | 10:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1070 · S1 · 11236 | On time 5:38 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 5h43 | 11:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 725 · ICE 1070 · S1 · 11236 | 5:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 5h40 | 11:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1070 · S1 · 11236 | On time 6:02 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h19 | 11:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S9 · ICE 574 · S1 · 11238 | 6:15 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h05 | 12:20 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 574 · S1 · 11238 | On time 6:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h34 | 12:20 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 514 · S3 · 11292 | On time 7:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 7h45 | 2:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 317 · ICE 70 · S3 · 11290 | On time 7:15 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h44 | 1:59 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 70 · S3 · 11290 | On time 7:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h13 | 1:59 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S9 · ICE 572 · S1 · 11292 | 8:15 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h40 | 2:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 572 · S1 · 11292 | On time 8:46 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h09 | 2:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 920 · S5 · 11246 | 11:25 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h27 | 8:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1272 · ICE 1080 · S3 · 11246 | 11:35 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h17 | 8:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1272 · ICE 1080+ 21106 | 11:35 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h41 | 9:16 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, August 23 | |||||
S8 · IC 60470 · S3 · 11258 | 1:30 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 8h22 | 9:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 778 · S1 · 11210 | 3:30 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h51 | 10:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 778+ 21110 | 3:30 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 7h46 | 11:16 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 778 · S1 · 11210 | On time 4:21 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h00 | 10:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 778+ 21110 | On time 4:21 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 6h55 | 11:16 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 78 · S1 · 11212 | On time 5:23 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 5h58 | 11:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 1186 · S1 · 11212 | 5:30 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 5h51 | 11:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1186 · S1 · 11212 | On time 6:02 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h19 | 11:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29501 · ICE 776 | On time 6:22 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 5h53 | 12:15 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 776 | On time 6:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h29 | 12:15 PM Kiel Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 616 · S3 · 11266 | On time 7:10 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h42 | 1:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S9 · ICE 76 · S1 · 11216 | 7:15 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h06 | 1:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 76 · S1 · 11216 | On time 7:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h35 | 1:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 204 · S3 · 11268 | On time 8:11 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h41 | 2:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S9 · ICE 774 · S1 · 11218 | 8:15 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h06 | 2:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 774 · S1 · 11218 | On time 8:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h35 | 2:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 2374+ 21120 | On time 8:51 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 7h25 | 4:16 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1074 · S1 · 11220 | On time 9:38 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 5h43 | 3:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 529 · ICE 1074 · S1 · 11220 | On time 9:41 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 5h40 | 3:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1074 · S1 · 11220 | On time 10:02 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h19 | 3:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 992 · ICE 772 · S1 · 11222 | On time 10:09 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h12 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 202 · S3 · 11272 | On time 10:11 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 6h41 | 4:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S9 · ICE 772 · S1 · 11222 | 10:15 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 6h06 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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 15 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 2 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 59m.
Distance 297 miles (478 km) |
Average train duration 5h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 59m |
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 Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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.
Maritime museum in a former fish auction hall. Highlights Kiel's naval, shipping, and harbor history in an atmospheric waterfront setting.
Open-air museum site near Kiel with historic rural buildings and cultural exhibitions. Worth visiting for regional architecture and traditions.
Art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, prints, and sculptures. A strong stop for classical and modern art near the fjord.
Kiel's central waterfront promenade. Ideal for harbor walks, ferry watching, events, and easy access to shops and maritime sights.
Canal-side viewing area in Holtenau for watching ships enter and leave the Kiel Canal. One of the city's best free maritime viewpoints.
Main pedestrian shopping street linking central Kiel highlights. A practical and lively place to explore the rebuilt city center.
Smoked eel from the Baltic region, traditionally served simply to highlight local fishing heritage and the salty coastal flavor of Schleswig-Holstein.
A hearty northern German stew of pears, beans, and bacon, loved in Schleswig-Holstein for its sweet-salty mix and late-summer harvest tradition.
Kale slow-cooked with sausage or pork, a classic winter dish across northern Germany and a staple of cold-season gatherings in Kiel.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining with modern regional cuisine, refined tasting menus, and polished service in a special-occasion setting.
Historic waterside restaurant known for northern German seafood and local classics in a traditional harbor atmosphere.
Established harbor restaurant focused on fish and maritime specialties, with panoramic fjord views and a polished but relaxed feel.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can rise in summer, but dining and local transit are usually reasonable for a port city.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf -> Kiel City Center
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.
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