- Must visit
Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel
Maritime museum in a former fish auction hall. Highlights Kiel's naval, shipping, and harbor history in an atmospheric waterfront setting.
Cheapest price
$76
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
5 h 27 m
Average duration
5 h 51 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
364 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leipzig to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leipzig to Kiel will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.
Of the 5 trains that leave Leipzig for Kiel on Thu, Aug 06, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 364 km distance in an average of 5 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 27 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 6 h 10 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 Leipzig to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 42m. 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 $31, and a flight costs an average of $224.
Distance: 226 miles (364 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$106 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $448 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 7m Average total duration 7h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Leipzig to Kiel:
A bus is $58 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leipzig to Kiel costing on average $106 (€86).
A bus is $399 (€325) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leipzig to Kiel costing on average $448 (€365).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 55m.
Bus takes on average 7h 37m.
Tickets start at around $106 (€86) compared to roughly $82 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-23.69 (€-19.29). The journey takes 5h 55m versus 5h 15m 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.
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 Leipzig to Kiel trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 2596 · S3 · 11268 | On time 9:16 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h36 | 2:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 2594 · S3 · 11272 | On time 11:16 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h36 | 4:52 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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 Leipzig to Kiel run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $39 (€31) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 226 miles (364 km) distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 226 miles (364 km) |
Average train duration 5h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€31) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 40m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
Maritime museum in a former fish auction hall. Highlights Kiel's naval, shipping, and harbor history in an atmospheric waterfront setting.
Open-air museum site near Kiel with historic rural buildings and cultural exhibitions. Worth visiting for regional architecture and traditions.
Art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, prints, and sculptures. A strong stop for classical and modern art near the fjord.
Kiel's central waterfront promenade. Ideal for harbor walks, ferry watching, events, and easy access to shops and maritime sights.
Canal-side viewing area in Holtenau for watching ships enter and leave the Kiel Canal. One of the city's best free maritime viewpoints.
Main pedestrian shopping street linking central Kiel highlights. A practical and lively place to explore the rebuilt city center.
Smoked eel from the Baltic region, traditionally served simply to highlight local fishing heritage and the salty coastal flavor of Schleswig-Holstein.
A hearty northern German stew of pears, beans, and bacon, loved in Schleswig-Holstein for its sweet-salty mix and late-summer harvest tradition.
Kale slow-cooked with sausage or pork, a classic winter dish across northern Germany and a staple of cold-season gatherings in Kiel.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining with modern regional cuisine, refined tasting menus, and polished service in a special-occasion setting.
Historic waterside restaurant known for northern German seafood and local classics in a traditional harbor atmosphere.
Established harbor restaurant focused on fish and maritime specialties, with panoramic fjord views and a polished but relaxed feel.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can rise in summer, but dining and local transit are usually reasonable for a port city.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf -> Kiel City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leipzig to Kiel 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 Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Leipzig to Kiel trains use the Leipzig Hauptbahnhof to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. Use this guide to compare Leipzig and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Zchocolat, Vapiano Leipzig
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof, a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Leipzig.
Leipzig Hbf, Ostseite has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Weinstock, Auerbachs Keller
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Hbf, Ostseite. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Hbf, Ostseite. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Hbf, Ostseite: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Hbf, Ostseite: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Hbf, Ostseite: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof, Leipzig Marriott Hotel, IntercityHotel Leipzig.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need