- Recommended
University Museum Heidelberg
Compact university museum presenting Heidelberg’s academic heritage, notable scholars, and historic collections in an important institutional setting.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$68
Fastest journey
12 h 32 m
Average duration
14 h 6 m
Trains per day
4
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 $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Of the 4 trains that leave Kiel for Heidelberg on Fri, Aug 28, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 28 the direct trains cover the 555 km distance in an average of 14 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 32 m .
On Fri, Aug 28 the slowest trains will take 16 h 29 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 Kiel to Heidelberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 57m. 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 $42, and a flight costs an average of $90.
Distance: 344 miles (555 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$126 Average price | $59 Average price Cheapest | $366 Average price | $124 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 54m Average total duration 6h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 24m Average total duration 10h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 57m Onboard + 2h 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 |
![]() 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 Heidelberg:
A bus is $66 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Heidelberg costing on average $126.
A bus is $306 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Heidelberg costing on average $366.
Other travel options to Heidelberg take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 24m.
Bus takes on average 10h 54m.
You'll arrive about 36m sooner (6h 24m by train vs 7h 0m by car). Tickets start at around $126 compared to roughly $124 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 Heidelberg trains for today, Thursday, August 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:05 AM Kiel | 6h18 | 1:23 PM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, August 28 | |||||
![]() | 1:30 AM Kiel | 16h29 | 5:59 PM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:25 AM Kiel | 12h32 | 2:57 PM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 5 times per day, taking around 6h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 344 miles (555 km) distance in 5h 40m.
Distance 344 miles (555 km) |
Average train duration 6h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 5h 40m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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.
Compact university museum presenting Heidelberg’s academic heritage, notable scholars, and historic collections in an important institutional setting.
Museum inside the castle displaying decorative arts, furnishings, and princely culture. It adds context to the ruins and enriches a castle visit.
Art museum known for modern and contemporary exhibitions, with a respected collection and strong temporary shows near the old town.
Heidelberg’s main pedestrian street through the old town, lined with historic buildings, shops, and landmarks. Ideal for a first exploration on foot.
Historic old town of lanes, squares, churches, and baroque facades. It is the essential area for sightseeing, walking, and classic Heidelberg views.
Celebrated hillside path across the river, famous for postcard views of the old town and castle. A classic Heidelberg walk in all seasons.
Sausage stuffed into a pig's stomach with potatoes and seasonings, then sliced and fried. A beloved Palatinate specialty widely eaten around Heidelberg.
Coarse liver sausage traditionally served on bread or with potatoes. It is a classic regional comfort food in Baden and the nearby Palatinate.
A hearty stew of pork, potatoes, and vegetables, often leek and carrots. It reflects everyday home cooking in southwestern Germany.
Elegant fine dining restaurant with refined modern cuisine and polished service near Heidelberg's historic center.
Historic student tavern known for classic regional dishes and old Heidelberg atmosphere in the Altstadt.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving house beers and hearty German fare in a lively, long-established setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and local transit are manageable for most tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or add 5-10% in restaurants. Round up for taxis and leave small change in cafes.
Official public transport app
Heidelberg Hbf -> 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