The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Giessen
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
1 h 57 m
Average duration
2 h 11 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
177 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Giessen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Giessen will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 2 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Giessen on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 177 km distance in an average of 2 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 57 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 25 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.
7:41 AM2h25Karlsruhe10:06 AMGiessen$391One-way0 transfers
7:37 AM1h57Karlsruhe9:34 AMGiessen$461One-way0 transfers
7:37 AM1h57Karlsruhe9:34 AMGiessen$461One-way0 transfers
7:41 AM2h25Karlsruhe10:06 AMGiessen$391One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Karlsruhe to Giessen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Giessen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 109 miles (177 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Giessen:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Giessen costing on average $53 (€44).
Other travel options to Giessen take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 49m.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (2h 8m by train vs 2h 9m by car). Tickets start at around $53 (€44) compared to roughly $35 (€29) 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.
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 Giessen train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Giessen trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:37 AM Karlsruhe | 1h57 | 9:34 AM Giessen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:41 AM Karlsruhe | 2h25 | 10:06 AM Giessen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Giessen by bus or train
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.
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Why should you book Karlsruhe to Giessen trains with Omio?
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 TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Karlsruhe to Giessen.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Karlsruhe to Giessen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Karlsruhe to Giessen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Giessen
Trains from Karlsruhe to Giessen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 1h 57m.
Distance 109 miles (177 km) |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Karlsruhe to Giessen trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Giessen from $18 (€15). 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.
TGV
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
FAQs: Trains from Karlsruhe to Giessen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe to Giessen 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 Giessen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Karlsruhe to Giessen
Most Karlsruhe to Giessen trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Gießen station pair. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Giessen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Karlsruhe station do trains to Giessen leave from?
Getting to Karlsruhe Hbf from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Getting to Karlsruhe West from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe West is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe West train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe West 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: Beim Schupi, Rosenstüble 2.0, Saloniki, Rote Taube
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe West. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe West. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe West.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Beim Schupi.
Which Giessen station do trains from Karlsruhe arrive at?
Getting to Gießen from Giessen city centre
Gießen train station facilities and services
Gießen 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: Aydin Grill, Südwinde, Subway, Alt Giessen
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gießen. ATMs are available at Gießen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gießen. Information desks are available at Gießen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gießen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gießen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gießen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gießen.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Liebig-Hotel, Hotel Flamingo, Hotel Köhler, Hotel Adler.
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Giessen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

