- Must visit
Badisches Landesmuseum
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$12
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$33
Fastest journey on Sep 18
1 h 18 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
2 h 11 m
Trains on Sep 18
3
Distance
109 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mainz to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mainz to Karlsruhe will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 3 trains from Mainz to Karlsruhe, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 109 km distance in an average of 2 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 18 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 3 h 2 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.
ICE 991 · ICE 273
Bus S8E · ICE 699 · IC 60403
S6
ICE 991 · ICE 273
S6
Bus S8E · ICE 699 · IC 60403Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mainz to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 59m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, while a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 67 miles (109 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$38 Average price | $16 Average price Cheapest | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 59m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Mainz to Karlsruhe:
A bus is $22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mainz to Karlsruhe costing on average $38.
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 14m.
Tickets start at around $38 compared to roughly $26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.36. The journey takes 1h 29m versus 1h 28m 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 Mainz to Karlsruhe trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus S8E · ICE 699 · IC 60403 | 12:58 AM Bahnstrecke Mainz–Mannheim | 3h02 | 4:00 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S6 | 4:56 AM Mainz Hbf | 2h12 | 7:08 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 991 · ICE 273 | On time 5:41 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h18 | 6:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Mainz to Karlsruhe run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 but you can travel from only $8 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 67 miles (109 km) distance in 1h 1m.
Distance 67 miles (109 km) |
Average train duration 1h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 1m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.
State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.
Grand central square lined with major buildings and the city pyramid, ideal for orientation and architecture.
Large landscaped park behind the palace with tree-lined paths, gardens, and space for relaxed walks.
Wooded hill and lookout area above Durlach, popular for walks, sunsets, and broad views of the Rhine plain.
A hearty Baden potato soup, often finished with cream and herbs. It is a regional comfort dish common across Baden homes and inns.
Thin pancakes sliced into strips and served in clear beef broth. Popular in Baden and Swabia, it is a classic starter in traditional restaurants.
Handmade egg noodles from nearby Swabian tradition, often served with cheese or lentils. Widely eaten in Karlsruhe and across Baden-Württemberg.
Michelin-starred fine dining with creative tasting menus and polished service. Best for a high-end meal showcasing modern German cuisine.
Traditional Baden restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional classics, seasonal menus, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Established brewery venue serving house beers and hearty German dishes. Lively, casual atmosphere popular for local food and social evenings.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mainz 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 Mainz to Karlsruhe trains use the Mainz Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Mainz and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Mainz Hbf is 2 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz 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: Mangal, Asia Wok, Bistrorante Midi, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Hbf. ATMs are available at Mainz Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Hbf. Information desks are available at Mainz Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Advena Europa Hotel, GuestHouse Mainz, Terminus, Hotel Moguntia.
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.
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