- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Heidelberg to Kiel
Showing times and prices for Aug 23
Cheapest price
€149
Average price
€158
Fastest journey
6 h 35 m
Average duration
6 h 44 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
555 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Heidelberg to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Heidelberg to Kiel will cost around €158 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €149.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Heidelberg to Kiel without transferring at least 3 times.
ICE 1096 · ICE 1074 · S1 · 112208:46 AM6h35Heidelberg Hbf3:21 PMKiel Hbf€1491One-way3 transfers- S2 · ICE 74 · S1 · 1122410:33 AM6h48Heidelberg Hbf5:21 PMKiel Hbf€1631One-way3 transfers
- S2 · ICE 772 · S1 · 112229:33 AM6h48Heidelberg Hbf4:21 PMKiel Hbf€1631One-way3 transfers
- ICE 1096 · ICE 1074 · S1 · 112208:46 AM6h35Heidelberg Hbf3:21 PMKiel Hbf€1491One-way3 transfers
- S2 · ICE 74 · S1 · 1122410:33 AM6h48Heidelberg Hbf5:21 PMKiel Hbf€1631One-way3 transfers
- S2 · ICE 772 · S1 · 112229:33 AM6h48Heidelberg Hbf4:21 PMKiel Hbf€1631One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Heidelberg to Kiel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Heidelberg to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a flight costs an average of €108.
Distance: 344 miles (555 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€72 Average price | €48 Average price Cheapest | €154 Average price | €19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 40m Average total duration 10h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 3.3kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Heidelberg to Kiel is a bus with an average price of €48.
This is compared to other travel options from Heidelberg to Kiel:
A bus is €23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Heidelberg to Kiel costing on average €72.
A bus is €106 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Heidelberg to Kiel costing on average €154.
The fastest way to travel from Heidelberg to Kiel is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 6m.
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 9m.
Bus takes on average 10h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Heidelberg and Kiel including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Heidelberg to Kiel among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around €72 compared to roughly €19 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-52.36. The journey takes 7h 9m versus 6h 49m 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.
Live departures
Heidelberg to Kiel train times
The table below shows live departures for Heidelberg to Kiel trains for tomorrow, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 1096 · ICE 1074 · S1 · 11220 | On time 8:46 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 6h35 | 3:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| S2 · ICE 772 · S1 · 11222 | 9:33 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 6h48 | 4:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| S2 · ICE 74 · S1 · 11224 | 10:33 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 6h48 | 5:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Heidelberg to Kiel by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
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Aug 23
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Why should you book Heidelberg to Kiel trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Heidelberg to Kiel.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Heidelberg to Kiel.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Heidelberg to Kiel.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Heidelberg to Kiel.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Heidelberg to Kiel.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Heidelberg to Kiel
GermanyGermany
Trains from Heidelberg to Kiel run on average 10 times per day, taking around 7h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 22:43. The fastest train covers the 344 miles (555 km) distance in 7h 6m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 344 miles (555 km) |
Average train duration 7h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 7h 6m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 10:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Heidelberg to Kiel trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Heidelberg and Kiel from €19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 6m
Cheapest Price
€19
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 52m
Cheapest Price
€95
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Kiel
Things to do in Kiel
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
- Must visit
Open Air Museum Molfsee
Open-air museum site near Kiel with historic rural buildings and cultural exhibitions. Worth visiting for regional architecture and traditions.
- Recommended
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, prints, and sculptures. A strong stop for classical and modern art near the fjord.
- Must visit
Kiellinie
Kiel's central waterfront promenade. Ideal for harbor walks, ferry watching, events, and easy access to shops and maritime sights.
- Must visit
Holtenau Lock Viewing Platform
Canal-side viewing area in Holtenau for watching ships enter and leave the Kiel Canal. One of the city's best free maritime viewpoints.
- Recommended
Holstenstraße
Main pedestrian shopping street linking central Kiel highlights. A practical and lively place to explore the rebuilt city center.
- Gluten-free
Kieler Räucheraal
Smoked eel from the Baltic region, traditionally served simply to highlight local fishing heritage and the salty coastal flavor of Schleswig-Holstein.
- Gluten-free
Birnen, Bohnen und Speck
A hearty northern German stew of pears, beans, and bacon, loved in Schleswig-Holstein for its sweet-salty mix and late-summer harvest tradition.
- Gluten-free
Grünkohl mit Kohlwurst
Kale slow-cooked with sausage or pork, a classic winter dish across northern Germany and a staple of cold-season gatherings in Kiel.
Ahlmanns
Elegant Michelin-starred dining with modern regional cuisine, refined tasting menus, and polished service in a special-occasion setting.
Louf
Historic waterside restaurant known for northern German seafood and local classics in a traditional harbor atmosphere.
Restaurant Pier 16
Established harbor restaurant focused on fish and maritime specialties, with panoramic fjord views and a polished but relaxed feel.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels can rise in summer, but dining and local transit are usually reasonable for a port city.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-4.50 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
NAH.SH-App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.10
- Day pass
- €7.80
To the city center
Kiel Hbf -> Kiel City Center
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Use The NAH.SH-App for journey planning and mobile tickets across Kiel buses and regional transport.
- Buses in Kiel generally accept cash; contactless card payment availability can vary, so buying tickets in the app is the safest option.
FAQs: Trains from Heidelberg to Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heidelberg 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.
Train ticket prices from Heidelberg to Kiel can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €19, while the average price is around €72.
The train from Heidelberg to Kiel takes 7h 6m and runs 10 per day.
The first train from Heidelberg to Kiel leaves at 12:05 AM.
The distance by train from Heidelberg to Kiel is 344 miles (555 km).
The last train from Heidelberg to Kiel leaves at 10:43 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Heidelberg to Kiel. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Heidelberg to Kiel.
The train station in Heidelberg that goes to Kiel is Heidelberg Hbf, which connects to Kiel Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Heidelberg to Kiel is by train, with a cost of around €19.
The train journey from Heidelberg to Kiel offers a scenic experience, with views of picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and charming towns as it travels through the central and northern regions of Germany.
A day trip from Heidelberg to Kiel is not feasible as the journey takes 7h 6m. There are 8 trains available per day for this 344 miles (555 km) trip.
To fully explore Kiel's maritime history, museums, and nearby attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Heidelberg to Kiel.
Since both Heidelberg and Kiel are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Kiel include Hamburg, Rødekro, Neumünster, Padborg, Flensburg.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Heidelberg to Kiel among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Kiel, travelers should be mindful of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the harbor and public transport. Common scams include overcharging in taxis and unofficial currency exchange offers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and official exchange offices, and to keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Overall, Kiel is considered a safe city with typical urban precautions.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Heidelberg to Kiel
Most Heidelberg to Kiel trains use the Heidelberg Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Heidelberg and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Heidelberg
Arrival train stations in Kiel
Which Heidelberg station do trains to Kiel leave from?
Trains from Heidelberg to Kiel leave from Heidelberg Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Heidelberg city centre at Heidelberg Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 5, 69115 Heidelberg.
Heidelberg HbfHeidelberg Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 5, 69115 Heidelberg
City-centre transport
Getting to Heidelberg Hbf from Heidelberg city centre
Heidelberg Hbf is 1 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
BusRnv 35, Rnv 33, Rnv 20, RNV Moonliner 3 · 4m · €3 · every ~13 min
TramRnv 5, Rnv 23, Rnv 22, Rnv 21 · 4m · €2 · every ~20 min
Heidelberg Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Heid´s Grill, McDonald's, Uuuhmami, Taj Mahal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg Hbf. ATMs are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Information desks are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel, Qube Hotel, NH Heidelberg, Krokodil.
Heidelberg-Weststadt/SüdstadtHD-Weststadt/Südstadt, Rohrbacher Straße 96, 69115 Heidelberg
City-centre transport
Getting to Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt from Heidelberg city centre
Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt is 1 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
BusRnv 29, RNV Moonliner 1 · 3m · €3 · every ~6 min
TramRnv 23 · 7m · €2 · every ~10 min
Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt train station facilities and services
Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt 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 and drink
Food options include: McDonald's, Saffron, Thanaphon, Krokodil
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt. ATMs are available at Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt. Information desks are available at Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg-Weststadt/Südstadt.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Elite, Hotel Mille Stelle, Krokodil, Boardinghouse.
Which Kiel station do trains from Heidelberg arrive at?
Trains from Heidelberg to Kiel arrive at Kiel Hbf. Kiel Hbf is 0 miles (1 km) from Kiel city centre.
Kiel HbfKiel Hbf, Sophienblatt 25-27, 24114 Kiel
City-centre transport
Getting to Kiel Hbf from Kiel city centre
BusN22, N14, N12, N11, 91, 81, 71, X60, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 · 4m · every ~47 min
765, 744 · 6m · every ~2 min
Kiel Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
Most popular train connections from Heidelberg
More options for your journey from Heidelberg to Kiel
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Kiel and Heidelberg
Most popular train connections to Kiel
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