- 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.
We are not able to find a train between these two places.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rostock to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 30m. 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 $25, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 82 miles (133 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 27m 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 Rostock to Kiel:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rostock to Kiel costing on average $42 (€34).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 8m.
Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $36 (€30) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.11 (€-4.19). The journey takes 3h 8m versus 2h 27m 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 Rostock to Kiel trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1521 · 11208 | On time 6:02 AM Rostock Hbf | 3h19 | 9:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4304+ 21148 | 6:08 AM Rostock Hbf | 4h08 | 10:16 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 585 · 11210 | On time 7:04 AM Rostock Hbf | 3h17 | 10:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1915 · 11210 | On time 7:04 AM Rostock Hbf | 3h17 | 10:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4306+ 21112 | 8:08 AM Rostock Hbf | 4h08 | 12:16 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer |
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 Rostock to Kiel run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 21:43. The fastest train covers the 82 miles (133 km) distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 82 miles (133 km) |
Average train duration 3h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 9:43 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
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 Rostock 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 Rostock to Kiel trains use the Rostock Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Rostock and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Rostock Hbf is 1 km from Rostock city centre. Public transport options include:
Rostock 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: Layali Alsham, Heumond, Joho-Broiler, Cafe Kloster
Wi-Fi is available at Rostock Hbf. ATMs are available at Rostock Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Rostock Hbf. Information desks are available at Rostock Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Rostock Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rostock Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rostock Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rostock Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Stadthalle, Hotel Greifennest, Appartement-Hotel.
Rostock Holbeinplatz is 2 km from Rostock city centre. Public transport options include:
Rostock Holbeinplatz 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: Bäckerei u. Konditorei Nowak, Little Money, SushideLuxe, Lucullus-Dream
Wi-Fi is available at Rostock Holbeinplatz. ATMs are available at Rostock Holbeinplatz.
Ticket office support is available at Rostock Holbeinplatz. Information desks are available at Rostock Holbeinplatz.
Luggage storage is available at Rostock Holbeinplatz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rostock Holbeinplatz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rostock Holbeinplatz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rostock Holbeinplatz.
Rostock-Lichtenhagen is 8 km from Rostock city centre. Public transport options include:
Rostock-Lichtenhagen 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: Bella Italia, Schnell-Imbiss, Boulevard Imbiss, China Imbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen. ATMs are available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen.
Ticket office support is available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen. Information desks are available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen.
Luggage storage is available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen.
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.
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