- Must visit
Städel Museum
One of Germany’s leading art museums, with major European works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art on the Museumsufer.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
5 h 44 m
Average duration
5 h 57 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
478 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Frankfurt am Main is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Frankfurt am Main will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Of the 10 trains that leave Kiel for Frankfurt am Main on Thu, Jun 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 5 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 44 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest trains will take 6 h 9 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.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 579
ICE 771
11213 · ICE 611
11265 · ICE 7
ICE 579
ICE 771
ICE 771 · 29528
ICE 579 · 29648
11265 · ICE 7Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Frankfurt am Main among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $114.
Distance: 297 miles (478 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$77 Average price | $52 Average price Cheapest | $178 Average price | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 16m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Kiel to Frankfurt am Main:
A bus is $26 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Frankfurt am Main costing on average $77 (€62).
A bus is $126 (€102) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Frankfurt am Main costing on average $178 (€144).
Other travel options to Frankfurt am Main take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 46m.
Bus takes on average 8h 12m.
You'll arrive about 35m sooner (5h 46m by train vs 6h 21m by car). Tickets start at around $77 (€62) compared to roughly $18 (€14) 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 Kiel to Frankfurt am Main trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11261 · ICE 73 · S9 | 8:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h39 | 2:44 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 2 transfers | |
11261 · ICE 73 | On time 8:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h09 | 2:14 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:50 AM Kiel, ZOB | 11h10 | 8:00 PM Frankfurt South station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 579 | On time 9:30 AM Kiel Hbf | 5h44 | 3:14 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 579 · 29648 | On time 9:30 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h05 | 3:35 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 1 transfer | |
11213 · ICE 611 | On time 9:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 7h12 | 4:49 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
11265 · ICE 7 | On time 10:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h09 | 4:14 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11265 · ICE 7 · 29542 | 10:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h30 | 4:35 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 2 transfers | |
ICE 771 · 29528 | On time 11:30 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h05 | 5:35 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 1 transfer | |
ICE 771 | On time 11:30 AM Kiel Hbf | 5h44 | 5:14 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Kiel to Frankfurt am Main run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 (€27) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 297 miles (478 km) distance in 4h 58m.
Distance 297 miles (478 km) |
Average train duration 5h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€27) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 58m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Frankfurt am Main — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Frankfurt am Main trip today.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, with major European works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art on the Museumsufer.
Major exhibition hall for temporary art shows, especially popular for high-profile international exhibitions in the old town area.
A favorite for families and science lovers, famous for dinosaur skeletons and extensive natural history collections.
Frankfurt’s historic central square, rebuilt with traditional character and surrounded by major sights, making it the city’s classic starting point.
The rebuilt old town quarter blends reconstructed timber houses, museums, shops, and lanes that have become highly popular with visitors.
A top skyline viewpoint that has become especially popular for sunset photos and sweeping views over the financial district.
A cold herb sauce made with seven fresh herbs, traditionally served with boiled eggs and potatoes. It is one of Frankfurt’s best-known regional specialties.
Frankfurt’s traditional tart apple wine, usually served in a ribbed glass. It is the city’s signature drink and central to local tavern culture.
A thin smoked pork sausage with protected regional status, typically served with mustard, bread, and potato salad. It is a classic Frankfurt snack.
One of Frankfurt’s best-known fine dining restaurants, offering refined modern cuisine in an elegant setting near the Palmengarten.
A long-established local tavern serving Hessian comfort food and apple wine. It is popular for an authentic neighborhood atmosphere and reliable regional dishes.
Frankfurt’s iconic indoor market hall with many established stalls for local sausages, cheeses, pastries, and casual regional bites in a lively setting.
Prices are high by German standards, especially hotels and dining in the centre, but transit and bakeries help keep daily costs manageable.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills, or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
Official public transport app
Frankfurt am Main Flughafen -> Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel to Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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