- Recommended
Kurpfälzisches Museum
Heidelberg’s main city museum, covering regional archaeology, art, and history from prehistory to the modern era.
Cheapest price
$115
Average price
$125
Fastest journey
5 h 54 m
Average duration
6 h 9 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
555 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Heidelberg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Heidelberg will cost around $125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $115.
Of the 6 trains that leave Kiel for Heidelberg on Tue, Jul 14, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 14 the direct trains cover the 555 km distance in an average of 6 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 54 m .
On Tue, Jul 14 the slowest trains will take 6 h 30 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.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Heidelberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. 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 $40, and a flight costs an average of $126.
Distance: 344 miles (555 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$77 Average price | $63 Average price Cheapest | $166 Average price | $120 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 54m Average total duration 7h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 53m Average total duration 11h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 3.3kg 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 Heidelberg:
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Heidelberg costing on average $77 (€63).
A bus is $102 (€84) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Heidelberg costing on average $166 (€136).
Other travel options to Heidelberg take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 24m.
Bus takes on average 11h 23m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Kiel to Heidelberg trains for today, Monday, July 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 4:10 AM Kiel, ZOB | 12h50 | 5:00 PM Heidelberg, Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:10 AM Kiel, ZOB | 10h47 | 2:57 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 577 · S2 | On time 8:16 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h07 | 2:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:50 AM Kiel, ZOB | 12h08 | 8:58 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11263 · ICE 73 · S2 | 9:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h18 | 3:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 579 · S2 | On time 10:16 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h07 | 4:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11267 · ICE 7 · S2 | 11:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h18 | 5:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 771 · S2 | On time 12:16 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h07 | 6:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11271 · ICE 75 · S2 | 1:05 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h18 | 7:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 773 · S2 | On time 2:16 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h07 | 8:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 773 · ICE 995 | On time 2:16 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h25 | 8:41 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Heidelberg run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€38) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 344 miles (555 km) distance in 6h 18m.
Distance 344 miles (555 km) |
Average train duration 7h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€38) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 6h 18m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Heidelberg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heidelberg trip today.
Heidelberg’s main city museum, covering regional archaeology, art, and history from prehistory to the modern era.
A well-known museum inside Heidelberg Castle with historic pharmacy interiors, medical tools, and apothecary collections.
Important cultural and documentation center on the history and persecution of German Sinti and Roma, with a permanent exhibition.
Heidelberg’s old town is the city’s main strolling area, packed with historic streets, views, shops, and classic architecture.
A famous hillside walking path with postcard views of the old town, castle, and river, especially popular at sunset.
The historic market square at the center of the old town, framed by the Church of the Holy Spirit and traditional facades.
A classic dish from the Palatinate near Heidelberg, made from pork, potatoes, and spices stuffed into a casing and sliced or fried. It is one of the region’s most famous specialties.
A traditional coarse pork sausage from the surrounding Palatinate region, commonly served with mustard, bread, or sauerkraut. It is a staple in local taverns and markets.
Liver dumplings served in broth or with sauerkraut and potatoes. This hearty dish is typical of southwestern German home cooking around Heidelberg.
A well-known traditional Heidelberg restaurant in the Old Town, famous for schnitzel, regional dishes, and a rustic historic atmosphere.
One of Heidelberg’s most historic student taverns, offering classic German fare, local wine, and a lively old-world setting.
An established upscale restaurant and hotel dining room known for refined regional cuisine and a polished setting in Heidelberg’s Old Town.
Moderate by German standards: dining and coffee are manageable, while hotels rise in peak tourist and university periods.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis; in restaurants, 5-10% is customary for good service, handed directly to staff.
Official public transport app
Heidelberg Hbf, Heidelberg -> Bismarckplatz, Heidelberg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel to Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Kiel to Heidelberg trains use the Kiel Hbf to Heidelberg Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Kiel and Heidelberg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Kiel-Elmschenhagen is 4 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kiel-Elmschenhagen 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 options include: Toros, Blitz Pizza Service, Ali Baba Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. ATMs are available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. Information desks are available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen.
Heidelberg Hbf is 1 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg 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: Heid´s Grill, McDonald's, Uuuhmami, Taj Mahal
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg Hbf. ATMs are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Information desks are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel, Qube Hotel, NH Heidelberg, Krokodil.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need