Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe train with Deutsche Bahn (RE)

Tue, Aug 04
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe

Showing times and prices for Aug 04

Cheapest price

€43

Average price

€45

Fastest journey

3 h 17 m

Average duration

3 h 20 m

Trains per day

19

Distance

170 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe will cost around €45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €43.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe without transferring at least once.

  • DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)
    4:49 AM3h36
    Friedrichshafen
    8:25 AMKarlsruhe
    431One-way
    1 transfer
  • DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)
    6:03 AM3h26
    Friedrichshafen
    9:29 AMKarlsruhe
    431One-way
    1 transfer
  • DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)
    7:04 AM3h25
    Friedrichshafen
    10:29 AMKarlsruhe
    431One-way
    1 transfer
  • DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)
    8:06 AM3h24
    Friedrichshafen
    11:30 AMKarlsruhe
    431One-way
    1 transfer
  • DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)
    9:05 AM3h24
    Friedrichshafen
    12:29 PMKarlsruhe
    431One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €20, and a train costs an average of €28.

Distance: 105 miles (170 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€30

Average price

€29

Average price

Cheapest

€33

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 56m

Average total duration

7h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 9m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe is a bus with an average price of €29.

This is compared to other travel options from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe:

A bus is €1 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe costing on average €30.

The fastest way to travel from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe is by train with an average journey time of 3h 6m.

Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 26m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Friedrichshafen and Karlsruhe including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 3m faster (3h 6m by train vs 3h 9m by car) and roughly €2 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€30 vs €33). 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.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe train times

The table below shows live departures for Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn7:02 AM Friedrichshafen
4h47
11:49 AM Karlsruhe0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn8:05 AM Friedrichshafen
3h24
11:29 AM Karlsruhe0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe by train or bus

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.

Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10

Why should you book Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) offer trains services from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) to find the best option for your trip from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €28 but you can travel from only €20 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:38, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (170 km) distance in 3h 24m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €20
Distance
105 miles (170 km)
Average train duration
3h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
€28
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
3h 24m
First train
12:38 AM
Last train
11:12 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Sun
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €20

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) trains will get you between Friedrichshafen and Karlsruhe from €20. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
€28
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Price
€65
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
1 a day

DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Price
€43
DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) frequency
15 a day

Complete guide to Karlsruhe

Things to do in Karlsruhe

Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.

  • Must visit

Badisches Landesmuseum

Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.

  • Must visit

ZKM | Center for Art and Media

Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.

  • Recommended

Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe

State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Friedrichshafen 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €28, while the average price is around €30.
The train from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe takes 3h 24m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe is 105 miles (170 km).
The first train from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe leaves at 12:38 AM.
The last train from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe leaves at 11:12 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe.
The train station in Friedrichshafen that goes to Karlsruhe is Friedrichshafen Stadt, which connects to Karlsruhe Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe is by bus, with a cost of around €20.
Yes, the train journey from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe is scenic, offering views of Lake Constance, the rolling hills of the Swabian Alps, and picturesque landscapes of the Black Forest region.
A day trip from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe is not feasible as the travel duration is 3h 24m. However, there are 6 trips available per day by train. The distance is 105 miles (170 km).
Two to three days are ideal to explore Karlsruhe's main attractions, including the Karlsruhe Palace, ZKM Center for Art and Media, and the Botanical Garden.
Yes, you can take the train from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe.
Since both Friedrichshafen and Karlsruhe are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Karlsruhe include Strasbourg, Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, Basel, Freiburg im Breisgau.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Karlsruhe, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging in taxis can occur, so it's advisable to use official transportation services and verify fares beforehand. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe

Most Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe trains use the Friedrichshafen Stadt to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Use this guide to compare Friedrichshafen and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Friedrichshafen
Arrival train stations in Karlsruhe

Which Friedrichshafen station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?

Trains from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe leave from Friedrichshafen Stadt. The station is from Friedrichshafen city centre at Friedrichshafen Stadt, Stadtbahnhof 1, 88045 Friedrichshafen.
Friedrichshafen StadtFriedrichshafen Stadt, Stadtbahnhof 1, 88045 FriedrichshafenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Friedrichshafen Stadt from Friedrichshafen city centre

Bus7395 · 5m · €2

Friedrichshafen Stadt train station facilities and services

Friedrichshafen Stadt 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 and drink

Food options include: Kochlöffel, Ailinger Hof, Cafe Vinebar Al Porto, Felders

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. ATMs are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Information desks are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Stadthotel Kleiner Berg, Select Hotel Goldenes Rad Friedrichshafen, Schwanen, Villa Von Soden.

Friedrichshafen FlughafenFriedrichshafen Flughafen, Am Flugplatz 64, 88046 MeckenbeurenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Friedrichshafen Flughafen from Friedrichshafen city centre

Friedrichshafen Flughafen is 3 km from Friedrichshafen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb91 · 5m · €1 · every ~2 min
BusR45 · 9m · €3 · every ~2 min

Friedrichshafen Flughafen train station facilities and services

Friedrichshafen Flughafen 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 and drink

Food options include: Do-X, Imbiss auf Besucherterrasse, LSC Restaurant, Volare

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. ATMs are available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. Information desks are available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Friedrichshafen to Karlsruhe

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyTrain Times to KarlsruheFriedrichshafen to Karlsruhe train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone