- Must visit
Badisches Landesmuseum
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Cheapest price on Sep 21
€52
Average ticket price on Sep 21
€64
Fastest journey on Sep 21
2 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
3 h 4 m
Trains on Sep 21
4
Distance
269 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kassel to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kassel to Karlsruhe will cost around €64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €52.
On Mon, Sep 21, we found 4 trains from Kassel to Karlsruhe, including 4 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 21 the direct trains cover the 269 km distance in an average of 3 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
On Mon, Sep 21 the slowest trains will take 3 h 22 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 Kassel to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, while a train costs an average of €75.
Distance: 167 miles (269 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€75 Average price | €29 Average price Cheapest | €46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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 Kassel to Karlsruhe:
A bus is €45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kassel to Karlsruhe costing on average €75.
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 1m.
You'll arrive about 21m sooner (2h 52m by train vs 3h 13m by car). Tickets start at around €75 compared to roughly €46 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Kassel to Karlsruhe trains for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 797 · ICE 597 · ICE 2517 | On time 12:14 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h45 | 2:59 PM Karlsruhe | 2 transfers | |
ICE 797 · ICE 597 · ICE 2517 | On time 12:14 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h45 | 2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 73 | 12:48 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h35 | 3:23 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 73 | On time 12:48 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h35 | 3:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2533 | 1:13 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h46 | 3:59 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2533 | On time 1:13 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h46 | 3:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 579 · ICE 2519 | On time 1:48 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h11 | 4:59 PM Karlsruhe | 1 transfer | |
ICE 579 · ICE 2519 | On time 1:48 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h11 | 4:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 799 · ICE 599 · ICE 2519 | On time 2:13 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h46 | 4:59 PM Karlsruhe | 2 transfers | |
ICE 799 | On time 2:13 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h06 | 5:19 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 799 | On time 2:13 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h06 | 5:19 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 799 · ICE 599 · ICE 2519 | On time 2:13 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h46 | 4:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 7 | 2:48 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h35 | 5:23 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2535 | On time 3:13 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h45 | 5:58 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 771 · ICE 201 | On time 3:48 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h13 | 7:01 PM Karlsruhe | 1 transfer | |
ICE 993 · ICE 691 · ICE 201 | On time 4:13 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h48 | 7:01 PM Karlsruhe | 2 transfers | |
ICE 75 | 4:48 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h35 | 7:23 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2375 · ICE 773 · ICE 203 | On time 5:03 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h58 | 9:01 PM Karlsruhe | 2 transfers | |
ICE 377 | 5:13 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h46 | 7:59 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 773 · ICE 203 | On time 5:48 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h13 | 9:01 PM Karlsruhe | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Kassel to Karlsruhe run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 but you can travel from only €18 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 167 miles (269 km) distance in 2h 29m.
Distance 167 miles (269 km) |
Average train duration 2h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price €20 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 29m |
First train 12:19 AM |
Last train 11:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.
State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.
Grand central square lined with major buildings and the city pyramid, ideal for orientation and architecture.
Large landscaped park behind the palace with tree-lined paths, gardens, and space for relaxed walks.
Wooded hill and lookout area above Durlach, popular for walks, sunsets, and broad views of the Rhine plain.
A hearty Baden potato soup, often finished with cream and herbs. It is a regional comfort dish common across Baden homes and inns.
Thin pancakes sliced into strips and served in clear beef broth. Popular in Baden and Swabia, it is a classic starter in traditional restaurants.
Handmade egg noodles from nearby Swabian tradition, often served with cheese or lentils. Widely eaten in Karlsruhe and across Baden-Württemberg.
Michelin-starred fine dining with creative tasting menus and polished service. Best for a high-end meal showcasing modern German cuisine.
Traditional Baden restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional classics, seasonal menus, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Established brewery venue serving house beers and hearty German dishes. Lively, casual atmosphere popular for local food and social evenings.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kassel to Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Kassel to Karlsruhe trains use the Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Kassel and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe is 3 km from Kassel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe 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: Matterhorn-Stübli, Biond Restaurant, Schwälmer Brotladen, Kleine Konoba
Wi-Fi is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. ATMs are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.
Ticket office support is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. Information desks are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.
Luggage storage is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.
Nearby hotels include InterCityHotel, Schweizer Hof, Kurfürst Wilhelm I., Kurparkhotel.
Kassel 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: HermannS, Eckstein, Lohmann, Il Convento
Wi-Fi is available at Kassel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kassel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kassel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kassel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kassel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kassel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kassel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel am Rathaus, Stadthotel, Arosa Hotel, Foto-Motel.
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.
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