- Must visit
Badisches Landesmuseum
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Cheapest price
€20
Average price
€31
Fastest journey
1 h 17 m
Average duration
1 h 35 m
Trains per day
5
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 €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
Of the 5 trains that leave Mainz for Karlsruhe on Tue, Aug 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 109 km distance in an average of 1 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 17 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 1 h 46 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.
IC 2348
IC 2348 · ICE 277
ICE 25 · ICE 915 · ICE 71
4491 · ICE 103
4473
IC 2348 · ICE 277
IC 2348
4473
ICE 25 · ICE 915 · ICE 71
4491 · ICE 103Omio 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 prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, and a train costs an average of €14.
Distance: 67 miles (109 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€29 Average price | €12 Average price Cheapest | €21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 54m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration 2h 1m 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 €17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mainz to Karlsruhe costing on average €29.
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 1m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (1h 24m by train vs 1h 28m by car). Tickets start at around €29 compared to roughly €21 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, Süwex, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
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 Mainz to Karlsruhe trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:52 PM Mainz | 2h01 | 8:53 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
4473 | 8:13 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h40 | 9:53 AM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2348 · ICE 277 | On time 8:42 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h17 | 9:59 AM Karlsruhe | 1 transfer | |
IC 2348 | 8:42 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h30 | 10:12 AM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
4491 · ICE 103 | 9:13 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h46 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe | 1 transfer | |
ICE 25 · ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 9:42 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h41 | 11:23 AM Karlsruhe | 2 transfers | |
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 9 times per day, taking around 1h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €14 but you can travel from only €6 by bus.
There are 2 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 17m.
Distance 67 miles (109 km) |
Average train duration 1h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price €14 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 17m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 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, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe-Durlach. 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.
Mainz Römisches Theater is 1 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz Römisches Theater 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: McDonald's, Cafe Extrablatt, Hans im Glück, The Big Easy
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. ATMs are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Information desks are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Regency Mainz, Favorite Parkhotel, Ibis Hotel Mainz City, Hof Ehrenfels.
Mainz-Laubenheim is 3 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz-Laubenheim 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: Zum Laubenheimer Ried - Da Giovanni, Mainzer Hof, Pizza Roma, Bäckerei Werner
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz-Laubenheim. ATMs are available at Mainz-Laubenheim.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz-Laubenheim. Information desks are available at Mainz-Laubenheim.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz-Laubenheim. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz-Laubenheim: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz-Laubenheim: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz-Laubenheim.
Nearby hotels include Goldene Ente.
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-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach 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: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld 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: Adler, Denkfabrik, Cafeteria, Asia Imbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld.
Nearby hotels include Auerhahn.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need