- Must visit
ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Major contemporary art and media museum known for interactive digital exhibitions in a former industrial hall. One of Karlsruhe’s signature cultural venues.
Cheapest price
$70
Average price
$92
Fastest journey
12 h 56 m
Average duration
12 h 56 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
603 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Karlsruhe will cost around $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.
Of the 2 trains that leave Kiel for Karlsruhe 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 603 km distance in an average of 12 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 56 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 12 h 56 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 Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 42m. 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 $41, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 374 miles (603 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$86 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $129 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 12m Average total duration Fastest 6h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 30m Average total duration 13h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Karlsruhe:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Karlsruhe costing on average $86 (€70).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 0m.
The journey is about 46m faster (6h 42m by train vs 7h 28m by car) and roughly $44 (€36) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($86 (€70) vs $129 (€106)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Kiel to Karlsruhe trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:50 AM Kiel, ZOB | 10h37 | 7:27 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11269 · ICE 75 | On time 12:05 PM Kiel Hbf | 7h18 | 7:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 773 · ICE 693 · ICE 203 | On time 1:30 PM Kiel Hbf | 7h29 | 8:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 773 · IC 1948 | On time 1:30 PM Kiel Hbf | 7h05 | 8:35 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11273 · ECE 9 | On time 2:05 PM Kiel Hbf | 7h18 | 9:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 775 · 15997 | On time 3:30 PM Kiel Hbf | 7h19 | 10:49 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 22 | |||||
![]() | 12:30 AM Kiel | 12h56 | 1:26 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:30 AM Kiel | 12h56 | 2:26 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Karlsruhe run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 22:25. The fastest train covers the 374 miles (603 km) distance in 6h 43m.
Distance 374 miles (603 km) |
Average train duration 6h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 43m |
First train 12:11 AM |
Last train 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major contemporary art and media museum known for interactive digital exhibitions in a former industrial hall. One of Karlsruhe’s signature cultural venues.
State museum in Karlsruhe Palace with archaeology, decorative arts, and regional history collections. A key stop for understanding Baden’s past.
Important fine arts museum with European paintings from several centuries. A core destination for classical art lovers in the city.
Large palace park ideal for walking, relaxing, and classic views back toward Karlsruhe Palace. A favorite green space for locals and visitors.
Historic central square with the Karlsruhe Pyramid, shops, and civic buildings. One of the city’s main meeting points.
Hill area above Durlach known for panoramic views, sunset photos, and one of the most popular scenic spots around Karlsruhe.
Large Swabian pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, often served in broth or pan-fried. A beloved regional staple commonly found in Baden-Württemberg.
Soft egg noodles layered with melted cheese and topped with fried onions. This comforting southern German dish is popular across the region and widely eaten in Karlsruhe.
A thin, crisp tart from the Upper Rhine area, traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It is closely associated with nearby Alsace and Baden food culture.
Well-regarded modern fine dining restaurant offering creative tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Traditional Baden restaurant known for regional dishes, local wines, and a classic rustic atmosphere in central Karlsruhe.
Established venue in a historic industrial-style setting, popular for upscale regional and seasonal cuisine with a stylish atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany. Public transport and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more during fairs and peak periods.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are appreciated at cafés; not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf, Karlsruhe -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel 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 Kiel to Karlsruhe trains use the Kiel Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe West. Use this guide to compare Kiel and Karlsruhe 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 Schulen am Langsee is 2 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kiel Schulen am Langsee has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee.
ATMs are available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee.
Available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee: Parking, WC.
Available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Schulen am Langsee.
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.
Karlsruhe West is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe West 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: Beim Schupi, Rosenstüble 2.0, Saloniki, Rote Taube
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe West. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe West.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe West. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe West.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe West.
Nearby hotels include Beim Schupi.
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