- Must visit
Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen
The city’s signature museum on airship history, design, and technology. Original artifacts and a partial Hindenburg reconstruction make it essential.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$33
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$52
Fastest journey on Sep 18
2 h 52 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 28 m
Trains on Sep 18
2
Distance
170 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Friedrichshafen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Friedrichshafen will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 2 trains from Karlsruhe to Friedrichshafen, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 170 km distance in an average of 3 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 4 h 3 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 Friedrichshafen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $39 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, while a train costs an average of $51.
Distance: 105 miles (170 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration 5h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Karlsruhe to Friedrichshafen:
A bus is $11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Friedrichshafen costing on average $51.
Other travel options to Friedrichshafen take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 3m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (2h 53m by train vs 3h 5m by car). Tickets start at around $51 compared to roughly $40 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.
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 Karlsruhe to Friedrichshafen trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:05 AM Karlsruhe | 2h48 | 10:53 AM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:29 AM Karlsruhe | 3h23 | 11:52 AM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:30 AM Karlsruhe | 3h22 | 12:52 PM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:30 AM Karlsruhe | 3h22 | 1:52 PM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:43 AM Karlsruhe | 3h33 | 3:16 PM Friedrichshafen | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 12:05 PM Karlsruhe | 2h47 | 2:52 PM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:30 PM Karlsruhe | 3h22 | 3:52 PM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:05 PM Karlsruhe | 2h47 | 4:52 PM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:30 PM Karlsruhe | 3h22 | 5:52 PM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:05 PM Karlsruhe | 2h47 | 6:52 PM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:00 AM Karlsruhe | 2h52 | 7:52 AM Friedrichshafen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:10 AM Karlsruhe | 4h03 | 10:13 AM Friedrichshafen | 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 Friedrichshafen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 but you can travel from only $26 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (170 km) distance in 2h 33m.
Distance 105 miles (170 km) |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 12:19 AM |
Last train 11:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Friedrichshafen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Friedrichshafen trip today.
The city’s signature museum on airship history, design, and technology. Original artifacts and a partial Hindenburg reconstruction make it essential.
Major aviation museum at the airport with aircraft, simulators, and Dornier engineering history. Ideal for technology and transport enthusiasts.
Compact school museum showing classrooms, teaching tools, and daily education history from past centuries in the region.
Long lakeside promenade for walking, views of the Alps, harbor activity, and sunset. It is the city’s classic public space.
The main harbor area with ferries, excursion boats, and open lake views. A practical and scenic base for exploring the city.
Central square near the waterfront used for markets, events, and everyday city life. A good orientation point in the center.
Cheese-filled pasta pockets from Swabia, often topped with caramelized onions. A regional classic around Lake Constance and a staple in local inns.
Soft egg noodles, usually served with cheese and fried onions or with gravy. One of the most beloved traditional Swabian comfort foods.
Thin pancakes sliced into strips and served in clear beef broth. Common across Swabia and southern Germany as a traditional starter.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining in Hotel Maier, known for refined regional cuisine, polished service, and a calm upscale setting in Fischbach.
Historic brewery tavern serving hearty Swabian dishes and beer in a traditional atmosphere. A reliable choice for regional comfort food.
Popular traditional venue for Swabian classics, local beer, and generous portions in an informal setting suited to both locals and visitors.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels can rise in summer trade fair and lake season; dining is mid-priced, while local buses and regional trains are fairly reasonable.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafes.
Official public transport app
Friedrichshafen Stadt -> Friedrichshafen Stadtbahnhof, Friedrichshafen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe to Friedrichshafen 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 Friedrichshafen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Karlsruhe to Friedrichshafen trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Friedrichshafen Stadt station pair. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Friedrichshafen 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.
Friedrichshafen Stadt 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: Kochlöffel, Ailinger Hof, Cafe Vinebar Al Porto, Felders
Wi-Fi is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. ATMs are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Ticket office support is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Information desks are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Luggage storage is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Nearby hotels include Stadthotel Kleiner Berg, Select Hotel Goldenes Rad Friedrichshafen, Schwanen, Villa Von Soden.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need