- Must visit
Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel
Maritime museum in a former fish auction hall. Highlights Kiel's naval, shipping, and harbor history in an atmospheric waterfront setting.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$116
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$177
Fastest journey on Sep 20
6 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
6 h 36 m
Trains on Sep 20
17
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 $177 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $116.
It's difficult to get from Karlsruhe to Kiel without transferring at least once.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
S6 · ICE 618 · ICE 776
ICE 76 · 11216
ICE 2516 · 11642
ECE 4 · S1 · 11642
ICE 8 · 11268
ICE 204 · ICE 774
ICE 2508 · ICE 578
ICE 2520 · ICE 770
ICE 76 · 11216Omio 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 an average ticket price of $80 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 7h 15m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, while a train costs an average of $152.
Distance: 374 miles (603 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$152 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 15m Average total duration Fastest 6h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 7m Average total duration 12h 37m 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 |
![]() 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 Kiel:
A bus is $72 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Kiel costing on average $152.
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 37m.
You'll arrive about 33m sooner (6h 45m by train vs 7h 18m by car). Tickets start at around $152 compared to roughly $35 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 Kiel trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S6 · ICE 618 · ICE 1126 · 11260 | 2:13 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 8h42 | 10:55 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
S6 · ICE 618 · ICE 776 | On time 2:13 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 9h27 | 11:40 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 76 · 11216 | On time 6:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h44 | 1:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 204 · ICE 774 | On time 6:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h41 | 1:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 8 · 11268 | On time 8:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h15 | 2:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 202 · ICE 692 · ICE 992 · ICE 772 | On time 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h46 | 3:45 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 202 · ICE 772 | On time 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h46 | 3:45 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74 · 11224 | On time 10:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h44 | 5:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2520 · ICE 770 | On time 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h41 | 5:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 6 · 11228 | On time 12:37 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h44 | 7:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2508 · ICE 578 | On time 12:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h41 | 7:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 2:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 10h47 | 1:10 AM Kiel, ZOB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 72 · 11232 | On time 2:37 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h44 | 9:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 794 · ICE 1284 · 11644 | On time 2:40 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 7h54 | 10:34 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 2516 · 11642 | On time 2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 8h34 | 11:33 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2516 · ICE 576 · ICE 1284 · 11644 | On time 2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 7h35 | 10:34 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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 Kiel run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 22:25. The fastest train covers the 374 miles (603 km) distance in 6h 0m.
Distance 374 miles (603 km) |
Average train duration 6h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 0m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
Maritime museum in a former fish auction hall. Highlights Kiel's naval, shipping, and harbor history in an atmospheric waterfront setting.
Open-air museum site near Kiel with historic rural buildings and cultural exhibitions. Worth visiting for regional architecture and traditions.
Art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, prints, and sculptures. A strong stop for classical and modern art near the fjord.
Kiel's central waterfront promenade. Ideal for harbor walks, ferry watching, events, and easy access to shops and maritime sights.
Canal-side viewing area in Holtenau for watching ships enter and leave the Kiel Canal. One of the city's best free maritime viewpoints.
Main pedestrian shopping street linking central Kiel highlights. A practical and lively place to explore the rebuilt city center.
Smoked eel from the Baltic region, traditionally served simply to highlight local fishing heritage and the salty coastal flavor of Schleswig-Holstein.
A hearty northern German stew of pears, beans, and bacon, loved in Schleswig-Holstein for its sweet-salty mix and late-summer harvest tradition.
Kale slow-cooked with sausage or pork, a classic winter dish across northern Germany and a staple of cold-season gatherings in Kiel.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining with modern regional cuisine, refined tasting menus, and polished service in a special-occasion setting.
Historic waterside restaurant known for northern German seafood and local classics in a traditional harbor atmosphere.
Established harbor restaurant focused on fish and maritime specialties, with panoramic fjord views and a polished but relaxed feel.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can rise in summer, but dining and local transit are usually reasonable for a port city.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf -> Kiel City Center
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.

Most Karlsruhe to Kiel trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Kiel 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.
Kiel 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: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need