The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Kiel
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
13 h 47 m
Average duration
13 h 54 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
603 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Kiel will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
Of the 3 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Kiel on Fri, May 08, 3 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 603 km distance in an average of 13 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 47 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 14 h 8 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.
1:23 PM13h47Karlsruhe3:10 AMKiel$621One-way0 transfers
12:23 PM13h47Karlsruhe2:10 AMKiel$781One-way0 transfers
12:02 PM14h08Karlsruhe2:10 AMKiel$801One-way0 transfers
1:23 PM13h47Karlsruhe3:10 AMKiel$621One-way0 transfers
12:23 PM13h47Karlsruhe2:10 AMKiel$781One-way0 transfers
12:02 PM14h08Karlsruhe2:10 AMKiel$801One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Karlsruhe to Kiel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 46m. 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 $43, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 374 miles (603 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$93 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 16m Average total duration Fastest 6h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 5m Average total duration 16h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg 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 Kiel:
A bus is $35 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Kiel costing on average $99 (€79).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 35m.
You'll arrive about 32m sooner (6h 46m by train vs 7h 18m by car). Tickets start at around $99 (€79) compared to roughly $35 (€28) 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 Kiel train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Kiel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:23 PM Karlsruhe | 13h47 | 2:10 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:23 PM Karlsruhe | 13h47 | 3:10 AM Kiel | 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 Kiel 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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Why should you book Karlsruhe to Kiel 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Karlsruhe 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Karlsruhe to Kiel.
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 Kiel.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Kiel
Trains from Karlsruhe to Kiel run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 374 miles (603 km) distance in 6h 15m.
Distance 374 miles (603 km) |
Average train duration 6h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€32) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 6h 15m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Karlsruhe to Kiel trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Kiel from $40 (€32). 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Karlsruhe to Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Karlsruhe to Kiel
- 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
- 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
- Beim Schupi
- Rosenstüble 2.0
- Saloniki
- Rote Taube
- Beim Schupi
- Monday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Tuesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Wednesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Thursday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Friday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Saturday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Sunday: 06:45 - 20:00
- MUM&DAD
- Lunatique
- McDonald's
- Campus Suite
- Hotel Wiking
- Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel
- Astor
- InterCityHotel Kiel
Most popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Kiel
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