- Must visit
Badisches Landesmuseum
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Cheapest price
$6
Average price
$7
Fastest journey
27 m
Average duration
29 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
50 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe will cost around $7 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $6.
Of the 3 trains that leave Heidelberg for Karlsruhe on Sat, Jul 25, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 25 the direct trains cover the 50 km distance in an average of 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 27 m .
On Sat, Jul 25 the slowest trains will take 33 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $4.
Distance: 31 miles (50 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$9 Average price | $9 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 7m Average total duration Fastest 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m Average total duration 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Heidelberg to Karlsruhe:
A bus is $0.16 (€0.16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe costing on average $9 (€9).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 41m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (37m by train vs 47m by car). Tickets start at around $9 (€9) compared to roughly $8 (€8) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Heidelberg to Karlsruhe trains for today, Friday, July 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 698 · IC 60403 | Delayed 12:02 AM 2:02 AMHeidelberg Hbf | 1h58 | 2:00 AM 2:00 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 60471 | Delayed 3:34 AM 5:34 AMHeidelberg Hbf | 0h28 | 4:02 AM 4:02 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 6:59 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h28 | 7:27 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Heidelberg to Karlsruhe run on average 7 times per day, taking around 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 (€4) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 31 miles (50 km) distance in 27m.
Distance 31 miles (50 km) |
Average train duration 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 (€4) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 27m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.
State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.
Grand central square lined with major buildings and the city pyramid, ideal for orientation and architecture.
Large landscaped park behind the palace with tree-lined paths, gardens, and space for relaxed walks.
Wooded hill and lookout area above Durlach, popular for walks, sunsets, and broad views of the Rhine plain.
A hearty Baden potato soup, often finished with cream and herbs. It is a regional comfort dish common across Baden homes and inns.
Thin pancakes sliced into strips and served in clear beef broth. Popular in Baden and Swabia, it is a classic starter in traditional restaurants.
Handmade egg noodles from nearby Swabian tradition, often served with cheese or lentils. Widely eaten in Karlsruhe and across Baden-Württemberg.
Michelin-starred fine dining with creative tasting menus and polished service. Best for a high-end meal showcasing modern German cuisine.
Traditional Baden restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional classics, seasonal menus, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Established brewery venue serving house beers and hearty German dishes. Lively, casual atmosphere popular for local food and social evenings.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.
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.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heidelberg 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.

Most Heidelberg to Karlsruhe trains use the Heidelberg Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Use this guide to compare Heidelberg and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Heidelberg Hbf is 1 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg 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: Heid´s Grill, McDonald's, Uuuhmami, Taj Mahal
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg Hbf. ATMs are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Information desks are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel, Qube Hotel, NH Heidelberg, Krokodil.
Heidelberg-Altstadt is 2 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg-Altstadt 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: Persepolis, Zum Brückenaff, 'S' Kastanie, Choa
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. ATMs are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. Information desks are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg-Altstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg-Altstadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Nearby hotels include Parkhotel Atlantic, Hackteufel, Goldener Falke, Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg.
Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach is 3 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach 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: Restaurant Dufke, Stettiner Klause, Hakim's Imbiss, KOLBEZ Cafe
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. ATMs are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. Information desks are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Rose.
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach 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: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Karlsruhe West is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe West 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: Beim Schupi, Rosenstüble 2.0, Saloniki, Rote Taube
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe West. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe West.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe West. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe West.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe West.
Nearby hotels include Beim Schupi.
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