- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculptures, and modern works; one of the city's key cultural institutions.
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
6 h 11 m
Average duration
6 h 16 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
265 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Groningen to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Groningen to Kiel will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
It's difficult to get from Groningen to Kiel without transferring at least 3 times.
37811 · Bus 72005 · 4411 · ICE 618
Bus 72005 · 4411 · ICE 618 · 11214
37819 · Bus 72006 · 4415 · ICE 616
Bus 72006 · 4415 · ICE 616 · 11218
Bus 72007 · 4419 · ICE 614 · 11222
Bus 72007 · 4419 · ICE 614 · 11222
Bus 72005 · 4411 · ICE 618 · 11214
Bus 72006 · 4415 · ICE 616 · 11218
37811 · Bus 72005 · 4411 · ICE 618
37819 · Bus 72006 · 4415 · ICE 616Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Groningen to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $34. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, and a train costs an average of $25.
Distance: 164 miles (265 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 6h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Groningen to Kiel:
A bus is $26 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Groningen to Kiel costing on average $79 (€65).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 10m.
Tickets start at around $79 (€65) compared to roughly $87 (€72) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8 (€7). The journey takes 4h 40m versus 4h 11m 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 Groningen to Kiel trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
37811 · Bus 72005 · 4411 · ICE 618 | 5:57 AM Groningen Europapark | 6h24 | 12:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
Bus 72005 · 4411 · ICE 618 · 11214 | On time 6:10 AM Groningen | 6h11 | 12:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
37819 · Bus 72006 · 4415 · ICE 616 | 7:57 AM Groningen Europapark | 6h24 | 2:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
Bus 72006 · 4415 · ICE 616 · 11218 | On time 8:10 AM Groningen | 6h11 | 2:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
37827 · Bus 72007 · 4419 · ICE 614 | 9:57 AM Groningen Europapark | 6h24 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
Bus 72007 · 4419 · ICE 614 · 11222 | On time 10:10 AM Groningen | 6h11 | 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 and train 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 Groningen to Kiel run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 20:18. The fastest train covers the 164 miles (265 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 164 miles (265 km) |
Average train duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 30m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 8:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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, sculptures, and modern works; one of the city's key cultural institutions.
Maritime museum on the fjord covering naval, shipping, and harbor history, with exhibits linked to Kiel's seafaring identity.
City museum in Kiel's oldest preserved townhouse, presenting local history, maritime life, and changing exhibitions.
The city's signature waterfront promenade along Kiel Fjord, ideal for walking, harbor views, and watching ships pass.
Historic market square in the center, surrounded by key city sights and a natural starting point for exploring old Kiel.
Beloved local park with lawns, paths, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, especially popular in good weather.
Lightly smoked small sprats traditionally associated with Kiel. They are a classic North German seaside snack and a local culinary symbol.
A hearty northern sailor’s dish of corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with pickled herring and egg. It is iconic across Schleswig-Holstein.
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. It is a staple fish dish in northern coastal cuisine.
Established waterfront restaurant known for fish, seafood and modern regional cooking, with a refined atmosphere by the harbor.
Well-known spot for northern German and seafood dishes with harbor views and an upscale yet relaxed setting.
Traditional cellar restaurant serving German classics in a historic atmosphere, suitable for trying hearty regional fare.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafes; hotel staff may get EUR 1-2.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf, Kiel -> Kiel Hbf, Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Groningen 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 Groningen to Kiel trains use the Groningen, Hoofdstation to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Kiel Schulen am Langsee. Use this guide to compare Groningen and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Groningen, Hoofdstation has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Groningen, Hoofdstation.
ATMs are available at Groningen, Hoofdstation.
Available at Groningen, Hoofdstation: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen, Hoofdstation: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen, Hoofdstation.
Groningen Noord is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:
Groningen Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Groningen Noord.
Available at Groningen Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen Noord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Noord: Ramps.
Groningen Europapark is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:
Groningen Europapark has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Groningen Europapark.
ATMs are available at Groningen Europapark.
Available at Groningen Europapark: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen Europapark: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Europapark.
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 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