The cheapest and fastest trains from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen
Cheapest price
$63
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
4 h 47 m
Average duration
4 h 53 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
372 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
Of the 2 trains that leave Kiel for Gelsenkirchen on Mon, Jun 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 372 km distance in an average of 4 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 47 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 4 h 58 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.
7:05 AM4h58Kiel12:03 PMGelsenkirchen$631One-way0 transfers
7:16 AM4h47Kiel12:03 PMGelsenkirchen$1041One-way0 transfers
7:16 AM4h47Kiel12:03 PMGelsenkirchen$1041One-way0 transfers
7:05 AM4h58Kiel12:03 PMGelsenkirchen$631One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Kiel to Gelsenkirchen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, and a flight costs an average of $113.
Distance: 231 miles (372 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $58 Average price Cheapest | $257 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 53m Average total duration 4h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Gelsenkirchen:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $82 (€67).
A bus is $199 (€163) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $257 (€211).
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 23m.
Bus takes on average 5h 25m.
You'll arrive about 38m sooner (4h 23m by train vs 5h 1m by car). Tickets start at around $82 (€67) compared to roughly $80 (€65) 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.
Live departures
Kiel to Gelsenkirchen train times
The table below shows live departures for Kiel to Gelsenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:05 AM Kiel | 4h58 | 12:03 PM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:16 AM Kiel | 4h47 | 12:03 PM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Kiel to Gelsenkirchen by train, bus, or flight
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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Why should you book Kiel to Gelsenkirchen 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 Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen
Trains from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) but you can travel from only $34 (€27) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 22:25. The fastest train covers the 231 miles (372 km) distance in 4h 47m.
Distance 231 miles (372 km) |
Average train duration 4h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€28) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 47m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Kiel and Gelsenkirchen from $34 (€27). 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 Regio (DB Regional)
FAQs: Trains from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen
Most Kiel to Gelsenkirchen trains use the Kiel Hbf to Gelsenkirchen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Use this guide to compare Kiel and Gelsenkirchen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Kiel station do trains to Gelsenkirchen leave from?
Getting to Kiel Hbf from Kiel city centre
Kiel Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
Which Gelsenkirchen station do trains from Kiel arrive at?
Getting to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen Hbf train station facilities and services
Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Getting to Wanne-Eickel Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf train station facilities and services
Wanne-Eickel Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Most popular train connections from Kiel
More options for your journey from Kiel to Gelsenkirchen
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