- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculpture, and modern works; one of the city’s key cultural stops.
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
2 h 32 m
Average duration
2 h 38 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
219 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hanover to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hanover to Kiel will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Of the 16 trains that leave Hanover for Kiel on Sun, Jul 12, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct trains cover the 219 km distance in an average of 2 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 32 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest trains will take 2 h 45 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 776
ICE 684 · 11218
ICE 684 · 11268
ICE 1686 · 11258
ICE 1536 · 11260
ICE 776
ICE 1914
ICE 1186 · 11260
ICE 76 · 11264
ICE 686 · 11214Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hanover to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 19m. 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 $16, and a flight costs an average of $224.
Distance: 136 miles (219 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $276 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 18m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Hanover to Kiel:
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hanover to Kiel costing on average $58 (€47).
A bus is $251 (€206) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hanover to Kiel costing on average $276 (€227).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 30m.
Flight takes on average 4h 18m.
Tickets start at around $58 (€47) compared to roughly $45 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.52 (€-10.30). The journey takes 3h 19m versus 2h 50m 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 Hanover to Kiel trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1686 · 11258 | On time 6:27 AM Hanover Hbf | 3h25 | 9:52 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1686 · 11208 | On time 6:27 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h54 | 9:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1536 · 11260 | On time 7:31 AM Hanover Hbf | 3h24 | 10:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1536 · 11210 | On time 7:31 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h50 | 10:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1186 · 11212 | On time 8:20 AM Hanover Hbf | 3h01 | 11:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1186 · 11260 | On time 8:20 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h35 | 10:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 776 | Delayed 9:08 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h32 | 10:00 AM 10:00 AMKiel Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 686 · 11214 | On time 9:36 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h45 | 12:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 686 · 11264 | On time 9:36 AM Hanover Hbf | 3h16 | 12:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 76 · 11264 | On time 10:08 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h44 | 12:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 76 · 11216 | On time 10:08 AM Hanover Hbf | 3h13 | 1:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 886 · 11266 | On time 10:36 AM Hanover Hbf | 3h16 | 1:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 886 · 11216 | On time 10:36 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h45 | 1:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1914 | Delayed 11:08 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h32 | 12:00 PM 12:00 PMKiel Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 684 · 11218 | On time 11:36 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h45 | 2:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 684 · 11268 | On time 11:36 AM Hanover Hbf | 3h16 | 2:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Hanover to Kiel run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 136 miles (219 km) distance in 2h 32m.
Distance 136 miles (219 km) |
Average train duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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 European paintings, sculpture, and modern works; one of the city’s key cultural stops.
Maritime museum covering Kiel’s naval and shipping history with model ships and harbor-related exhibitions in a former fish auction hall.
City museum in Kiel’s oldest preserved townhouse, presenting local history from early modern times to the present.
Kiel’s best-known waterfront promenade, ideal for walking along the fjord with ship views, events, and a lively local atmosphere.
Walking area near the canal locks where visitors gather to watch large ships pass through a defining feat of engineering.
Historic market square in the old center, framed by notable buildings and a natural starting point for exploring central Kiel.
Lightly smoked sprats traditionally linked with Kiel. They are one of the city’s best-known specialties and a classic North German seaside snack.
A traditional northern sailors’ dish made from corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with pickles, herring and fried egg. It is strongly associated with coastal Schleswig-Holstein cuisine.
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. This is a classic fish dish across northern Germany and common around Kiel.
Stylish restaurant at the Atlantic Hotel Kiel offering modern regional cuisine, fish dishes and a more upscale atmosphere.
Established seafood-focused restaurant on the Kiel waterfront, known for fresh fish, polished service and harbor views in a refined setting.
Well-known established steakhouse with reliable service, classic grill dishes and a central, casual atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels can rise in summer and during ferry travel peaks.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service, usually given directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf, Kiel -> Kiel City Center, Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hanover 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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