- Must visit
ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Major museum and research center for media art, digital culture, and interactive exhibitions in a vast former factory building.
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
34 m
Average duration
38 m
Trains per day
45
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 $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 45 trains that leave Heidelberg for Karlsruhe on Wed, Jun 10, 27 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 10 the direct trains cover the 50 km distance in an average of 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 34 m .
On Wed, Jun 10 the slowest trains will take 42 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 795
ICE 799
ICE 791
S3 · ICE 279
S3 · ICE 371
ICE 795
ICE 791
ICE 799
S3
4115 · ICE 101Omio 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 $11. 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 $11, and a train costs an average of $5.
Distance: 31 miles (50 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$11 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $10 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 $0.20 (€0.16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe costing on average $11 (€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 $11 (€9) compared to roughly $10 (€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, Tuesday, June 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 698 · IC 60403 | Delayed 12:19 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 | |
S3 | 8:18 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h42 | 9:00 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 791 | On time 8:43 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h36 | 9:19 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 | 8:48 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h48 | 9:36 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 · ICE 277 | On time 9:13 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 2:59 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h27 | 3:26 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 · ICE 201 | On time 6:13 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 6:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 6:18 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h42 | 7:00 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S2 · ICE 75 | On time 6:33 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h50 | 7:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 6:47 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h56 | 7:43 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 · ICE 377 | On time 7:13 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 7:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · 19028 | 7:18 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1h06 | 8:24 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S2 · IC 1948 | On time 7:33 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1h02 | 8:35 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 7:48 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h48 | 8:36 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 · ICE 203 | On time 8:13 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 8:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S2 · ECE 9 | On time 8:33 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h50 | 9:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 8:48 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h50 | 9:38 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S1 · ICE 379 | On time 9:13 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 9:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 9:24 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h48 | 10:12 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S2 · ICE 205 | On time 10:14 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h45 | 10:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 10:24 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h49 | 11:13 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
19629 · S32 | 10:33 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h59 | 11:32 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 11:25 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h52 | 12:17 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, June 10 | |||||
S3 | 5:58 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 6:44 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 · ICE 273 | Delayed 6:02 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h57 | 4:59 AM 4:59 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 6:31 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 7:17 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 | 6:47 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 7:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 | 7:07 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h43 | 7:50 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 · ICE 275 | On time 7:13 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 7:25 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h46 | 8:11 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 | 7:48 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h47 | 8:35 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
4115 · ICE 101 | On time 8:17 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0h42 | 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 $5 (€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 $5 (€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 museum and research center for media art, digital culture, and interactive exhibitions in a vast former factory building.
State museum inside Karlsruhe Palace with collections on archaeology, world cultures, and regional history.
Leading fine arts museum with works from the Middle Ages to modern periods; a key cultural institution in the city.
Large park behind the palace with lawns, wooded paths, canals, and relaxed walking routes popular with locals.
Central square framed by major civic buildings and the Karlsruhe Pyramid, a natural starting point for exploring the city.
Hilltop area in Durlach known for panoramic views, sunset photos, and a popular historic funicular approach.
Large Swabian stuffed pasta pockets filled with meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, widely enjoyed in Baden and Karlsruhe.
Soft egg noodles layered with melted cheese and fried onions, a comforting southern German classic common around Karlsruhe.
Thin crisp flatbread topped traditionally with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon; Alsatian and Baden cuisine strongly influence Karlsruhe.
Established fine-dining address in the Karlsruhe area, known for polished service and upscale modern cuisine.
Well-known hilltop restaurant with panoramic views, offering refined regional and German cuisine in an elegant setting.
Traditional Baden restaurant known for regional dishes, seasonal specials, and a cozy wine-tavern atmosphere in central Karlsruhe.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport and casual food are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafés but not required.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf, Karlsruhe -> 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.

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