- 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
€58
Average price
€88
Fastest journey
8 h 13 m
Average duration
8 h 34 m
Trains per day
32
Distance
393 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gothenburg to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gothenburg to Kiel will cost around €88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €58.
It's difficult to get from Gothenburg to Kiel without transferring at least 2 times.
R 11159 · R 1165 · IC 70109 · IC 5753
R 1151 · IC 70103 · IC 5753+
11809
R 1103 · ECE 1199 · IC 5767+
11887
R 1087 · ECE 399 · IC 5765+
11833
487 SJ 3000+
ECE 1199+
11935+
1091 Öresundstågen
487 SJ 3000+
ECE 399 · 11185 · 11280
487 SJ 3000+
ECE 399+
11931+
1091 Öresundstågen
489 SJ 3000+
ECE 1199+
11935+
1107 Öresundstågen
R 1071 · ECE 397 · 11181 · 11276
1055 Öresundstågen+
ECE 395+
11923Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Gothenburg to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the ferry is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €36, and a flight costs an average of €99.
Distance: 244 miles (393 km)
| Train | Most popular Ferry | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
€100 Average price | €76 Average price | €73 Average price Cheapest | €220 Average price | €215 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 13m Average total duration 7h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 20m Average total duration 13h 20m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 13h 22m Average total duration 12h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Gothenburg to Kiel:
A bus is €3 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel costing on average €76.
A bus is €27 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gothenburg to Kiel costing on average €100.
A bus is €146 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gothenburg to Kiel costing on average €220.
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 43m.
Bus takes on average 12h 52m.
Ferry takes on average 13h 20m.
Tickets start at around €100 compared to roughly €215 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €115. The journey takes 7h 43m versus 6h 56m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Gothenburg to Kiel trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R 11159 · R 1165 · IC 50109 · IC 5753 | 8:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 12h56 | 9:51 AM Kiel Hbf | 5 transfers | |
R 20187 · 1747 · R 1189 · ECE 2611 | 10:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h57 | 9:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 5 transfers | |
R 20187 · 1747 · R 1189 · ECE 1191 | 10:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 11h02 | 9:57 AM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
R 20187 · 1747 · R 1189 · ECE 1191 | 10:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h57 | 9:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 5 transfers | |
R 20187 · 1747 · R 1189 · ECE 2611 | 10:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 11h02 | 9:57 AM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
1047 Öresundstågen+ ECE 395+ 11923 | 6:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h02 | 4:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1047 Öresundstågen+ ECE 397+ 11927 | 6:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 12h02 | 6:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1047 Öresundstågen+ ECE 399+ 11931 | 6:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 14h02 | 8:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1047 Öresundstågen+ ECE 399+ 11931 | 6:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 14h02 | 8:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1047 Öresundstågen+ ECE 395+ 11923 | 6:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h02 | 4:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1047 Öresundstågen+ ECE 397+ 11927 | 6:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 12h02 | 6:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1055 Öresundstågen+ ECE 395+ 11923 | 7:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 9h02 | 4:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1055 Öresundstågen+ ECE 399+ 11931 | 7:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 13h02 | 8:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1055 Öresundstågen+ ECE 397+ 11927 | 7:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 11h02 | 6:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1055 Öresundstågen+ ECE 395+ 11923 | 7:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 9h02 | 4:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1055 Öresundstågen+ ECE 397+ 11927 | 7:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 11h02 | 6:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1055 Öresundstågen+ ECE 399+ 11931 | 7:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 13h02 | 8:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
R 1063 · ICL 50051 · IC 5763+ 11879 | 8:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h56 | 7:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
R 1071 · ECE 397 · 11181 · 11276 | 9:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 8h57 | 6:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
R 1071 · ECE 397+ 11927 | 9:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 9h02 | 6:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
R 1079 · ICL 50059 · IC 5765+ 11883 | 10:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h56 | 9:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
R 1087 · ECE 399 · IC 5765+ 11883 | 11:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 9h56 | 9:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
487 SJ 3000+ ECE 399+ 1091 Öresundstågen+ 11931 | 12:39 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 8h18 | 8:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
487 SJ 3000+ 1091 Öresundstågen+ ECE 1199+ 11935 | 12:39 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h18 | 10:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
487 SJ 3000+ ECE 399 · 11185 · 11280 | 12:39 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 8h13 | 8:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
487 SJ 3000+ ECE 1199+ 11935+ 1091 Öresundstågen | 12:39 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h18 | 10:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
1095 Öresundstågen+ ECE 1199+ 11935 | 12:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h02 | 10:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1095 Öresundstågen+ ECE 1199+ 11935 | 12:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 10h02 | 10:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
R 1103 · ECE 1199 · IC 5767+ 11887 | 1:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 9h56 | 11:51 PM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
1103 Öresundstågen+ ECE 1199+ 11935 | 1:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 9h02 | 10:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1103 Öresundstågen+ ECE 1199+ 11935 | 1:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 9h02 | 10:57 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
489 SJ 3000+ ECE 1199+ 11935+ 1107 Öresundstågen | 2:39 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 8h18 | 10:57 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, flight, and ferry 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 Gothenburg to Kiel run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €100 but you can travel from only €36 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 19:54. The fastest train covers the 244 miles (393 km) distance in 9h 57m.
Distance 244 miles (393 km) |
Average train duration 7h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €100 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 9h 57m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 7:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg to Kiel trains use the Göteborg Centralstation to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Neumünster. Use this guide to compare Gothenburg and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Göteborg Centralstation has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Espresso House, Frankfurter Cabanossy & Grill, Franks gatukök, Fruit & Berry, Happy M Kitchen, Le Croissant, Lilla London, Metropolitan, Mr. Shou, & many more
The station WiFi is called "All Station Guests" and is free to use. ATMs are there are 6 ATM machines located in the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 10:15 - 18:30. Information desks are opposite the taxi station. .
Luggage storage is there are storage lockers at the station that are locked digitally and opened with a code.
Available at Göteborg Centralstation: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Göteborg Centralstation: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Göteborg Centralstation: All entrances to the station are accessible. Barrier-free toilets and handicapped parking spaces are available for a fee. Personalized special assistance can be requested.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Royal, Hotel Pigalle, ProfilHotels | Opera.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need