- 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.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rüsselsheim to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $117 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 7h 4m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $117, while a train costs an average of $117.
Distance: 308 miles (496 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$117 Average price Cheapest | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 4m Average total duration Fastest 6h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 56m.
Tickets start at around $117 (€95) compared to roughly $25 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-91.82 (€-74.43). The journey takes 6h 34m versus 6h 7m 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.
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 Rüsselsheim to Kiel run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $116 (€94) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 08:05, the last at 15:01. The fastest train covers the 308 miles (496 km) distance in 5h 31m.
Distance 308 miles (496 km) |
Average train duration 6h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $116 (€94) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 5h 31m |
First train 8:05 AM |
Last train 3:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 Rüsselsheim 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 Rüsselsheim to Kiel trains use the Rüsselsheim to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Rüsselsheim and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Rüsselsheim 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: Shahi, Café in der Festung, Bootshaus, Shu
Wi-Fi is available at Rüsselsheim. ATMs are available at Rüsselsheim.
Ticket office support is available at Rüsselsheim. Information desks are available at Rüsselsheim.
Luggage storage is available at Rüsselsheim. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rüsselsheim: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rüsselsheim: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rüsselsheim.
Nearby hotels include Eichsfeld, Stadthotel Rüsselsheim, Hotel Europa.
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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