- 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
$22
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
21 m
Average duration
34 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
26 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Pforzheim to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Pforzheim to Karlsruhe will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 4 trains that leave Pforzheim for Karlsruhe on Fri, Jun 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 26 km distance in an average of 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 45 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 Pforzheim to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $4, and a train costs an average of $9.
Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price | $4 Average price Cheapest | $6 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
55m Average total duration Fastest 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Pforzheim to Karlsruhe:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Pforzheim to Karlsruhe costing on average $33 (€27).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 26m.
You'll arrive about 9m sooner (25m by train vs 34m by car). Tickets start at around $33 (€27) compared to roughly $6 (€5) 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, Go-Ahead Baden-Württemberg GmbH, DB Regio Stuttgart, Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH.
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 Pforzheim to Karlsruhe trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:32 AM Pforzheim | 0h21 | 6:53 AM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:50 AM Pforzheim | 0h45 | 8:35 AM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:50 AM Pforzheim | 0h45 | 9:35 AM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:18 PM Pforzheim | 0h24 | 3:42 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 Pforzheim to Karlsruhe run on average 9 times per day, taking around 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€8) but you can travel from only $4 (€3) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 16 miles (26 km) distance in 21m.
Distance 16 miles (26 km) |
Average train duration 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€8) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 21m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 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 Pforzheim 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 Pforzheim to Karlsruhe trains use the Pforzheim Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang. Use this guide to compare Pforzheim and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Pforzheim Hbf is 1 km from Pforzheim city centre. Public transport options include:
Pforzheim 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: Gaststätte Fürst Blücher, Pizza Point, Ali Baba, Sawasdee - Thai-Imbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Pforzheim Hbf. ATMs are available at Pforzheim Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Pforzheim Hbf. Information desks are available at Pforzheim Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Pforzheim Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pforzheim Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Pforzheim Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pforzheim Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Pension Morlock, Hotel Ruf, Hotel am Theater, Hotel Montana.
Pforzheim Maihälden is 1 km from Pforzheim city centre. Public transport options include:
Pforzheim Maihälden has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Pforzheim Maihälden.
ATMs are available at Pforzheim Maihälden.
Available at Pforzheim Maihälden: Parking, WC.
Available at Pforzheim Maihälden: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pforzheim Maihälden.
Pforzheim, ZOB/Hbf has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pforzheim, ZOB/Hbf: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
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, Hbf Südausgang is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need