4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen
Cheapest price
$123
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
4 h 18 m
Average duration
4 h 31 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
292 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen will cost around $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $123.
Of the 2 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Gelsenkirchen on Fri, May 08, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct trains cover the 292 km distance in an average of 4 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 18 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 4 h 44 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.
7:00 AM4h44Karlsruhe11:44 AMGelsenkirchen$1231One-way0 transfers- 6:01 AM4h18Karlsruhe10:19 AMGelsenkirchen$1341One-way0 transfers
- 6:01 AM4h18Karlsruhe10:19 AMGelsenkirchen$1341One-way0 transfers
- 7:00 AM4h44Karlsruhe11:44 AMGelsenkirchen$1231One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen 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 train which can get you there in 3h 48m. 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 $30, and a train costs an average of $41.
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$104 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 19m Average total duration 8h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Gelsenkirchen:
A bus is $62 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $104 (€83).
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 49m.
You'll arrive about 37m sooner (3h 48m by train vs 4h 25m by car). Tickets start at around $104 (€83) compared to roughly $69 (€55) 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.
Live departures
Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen trains for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) | 6:59 AM Karlsruhe | 3h25 | 10:24 AM Gelsenkirchen | 1 transfer | |
| 8:59 AM Karlsruhe | 3h25 | 12:24 PM Gelsenkirchen | 1 transfer | |
| 10:59 AM Karlsruhe | 3h25 | 2:24 PM Gelsenkirchen | 1 transfer | |
| 12:59 PM Karlsruhe | 3h25 | 4:24 PM Gelsenkirchen | 1 transfer | |
| 2:59 PM Karlsruhe | 3h25 | 6:24 PM Gelsenkirchen | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen by train or bus
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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Why should you book Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $30 (€24) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:20, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 181 miles (292 km) distance in 3h 25m.
Distance 181 miles (292 km) |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 25m |
First train 1:20 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Gelsenkirchen from $30 (€24). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FAQs: Trains from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Beim Schupi
- Rosenstüble 2.0
- Saloniki
- Rote Taube
- Beim Schupi
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Subway
- Café Madrid
- Shere Punjab
- Café del Sol
- Hotel St. Petrus
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Dschingis Khan
- Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel
- Nikolaus Grill
- McDonald's
Most popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Gelsenkirchen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Gelsenkirchen and Karlsruhe
Most popular train connections to Gelsenkirchen
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