- Recommended
Angermuseum
Erfurt’s main fine arts museum, housed in a Baroque palace, with German painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and notable Expressionist works.
Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
3 h 41 m
Average duration
3 h 52 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
290 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Erfurt is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Erfurt will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
Of the 5 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Erfurt on Fri, Jun 19, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 290 km distance in an average of 3 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 41 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 5 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 Karlsruhe to Erfurt among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 42m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 180 miles (290 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$57 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration 4h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Karlsruhe to Erfurt:
A bus is $19 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Erfurt costing on average $57 (€47).
Other travel options to Erfurt take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 20m.
The journey is about 36m faster (3h 42m by train vs 4h 18m by car) and roughly $11 (€9) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($57 (€47) vs $69 (€56)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Erfurt trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:23 PM Karlsruhe | 4h28 | 4:51 PM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:23 PM Karlsruhe | 3h44 | 5:07 PM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Karlsruhe to Erfurt run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€22) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:22, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 180 miles (290 km) distance in 3h 28m.
Distance 180 miles (290 km) |
Average train duration 3h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€22) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 28m |
First train 1:22 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Erfurt — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Erfurt trip today.
Erfurt’s main fine arts museum, housed in a Baroque palace, with German painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and notable Expressionist works.
Memorial and museum at the former Topf & Söhne factory, documenting its role in the Holocaust with a serious, historically important exhibition.
Contemporary art gallery on Fischmarkt Square presenting rotating exhibitions in a historic Renaissance building.
Erfurt’s grand central square in front of the cathedral and Severikirche, lively during markets and one of the city’s signature public spaces.
Hilltop fortress area with panoramic views, walking paths, and open spaces that have become especially popular for city photos and sunsets.
The lanes around the bridge are among Erfurt’s most charming walking areas, with medieval streetscapes and artisan-focused old-town character.
Erfurt’s signature grilled sausage, traditionally seasoned with marjoram and often served in a bread roll with mustard. It is one of the best-known foods of Thuringia.
Large Thuringian potato dumplings, typically served with roasts and rich gravy. They are a classic Sunday and festive side dish across the region.
Beef roulade filled with mustard, onions, and bacon, usually served with red cabbage and Thuringian dumplings. A traditional hearty regional meal.
Well-known rustic tavern near the historic center serving hearty German and Thuringian dishes, with a cozy atmosphere and broad local appeal.
Upscale restaurant in a refined setting, recognized for modern German cuisine and polished service. A strong choice for a more elegant meal in Erfurt.
Established traditional restaurant in Erfurt’s old town known for Thuringian classics such as dumplings, roasts, and regional specialties in a historic setting.
Generally moderate by German standards. Budget eats are affordable, while hotels and central dining cost more in peak periods.
Service is usually included, but a tip is customary. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are appreciated at cafés; not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Erfurt Hbf, Erfurt -> Anger, Erfurt
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe to Erfurt 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 Erfurt, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Karlsruhe to Erfurt trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Erfurt Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Erfurt Nord. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Erfurt train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Erfurt 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: Istanbul Grill, McDonald's, Masala, Planet Comics
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Hbf. ATMs are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Hbf. Information desks are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Krämerbrücke, Intercity Hotel, Pension am Dom, Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior.
Erfurt Nord is 2 km from Erfurt city centre. Public transport options include:
Erfurt Nord 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: McDonald's, Bruzelkiste Tag & Nacht, Pizzeria Vulcano, Bagdad Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Nord. ATMs are available at Erfurt Nord.
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Nord. Information desks are available at Erfurt Nord.
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Erfurt Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Erfurt Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Nord.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lindeneck, Pension Feldschlößchen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need