- 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Schwäbisch Gmünd to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $190 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $190, while a flight costs an average of $540.
Distance: 381 miles (614 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$190 Average price Cheapest | $540 Average price | $30 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 48m Average total duration 8h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Schwäbisch Gmünd to Kiel:
A train is $350 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Schwäbisch Gmünd to Kiel costing on average $540.
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 18m.
Tickets start at around $190 compared to roughly $30 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-159.50. The journey takes 8h 18m versus 7h 58m 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 flight 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 Schwäbisch Gmünd to Kiel run on average 7 times per day, taking around 8h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $166 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 08:02, the last at 10:23. The fastest train covers the 381 miles (614 km) distance in 7h 33m.
Distance 381 miles (614 km) |
Average train duration 8h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $166 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 7h 33m |
First train 8:02 AM |
Last train 10:23 AM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Schwäbisch Gmünd 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 Schwäbisch Gmünd to Kiel trains use the Schwäbisch Gmünd station to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Schwäbisch Gmünd and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Schwäbisch Gmünd station 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: Passione e Gusto, Ristorante Da Goffredo, Barbarossakeller, Bambusstäbchen
Wi-Fi is available at Schwäbisch Gmünd station. ATMs are available at Schwäbisch Gmünd station.
Ticket office support is available at Schwäbisch Gmünd station. Information desks are available at Schwäbisch Gmünd station.
Luggage storage is available at Schwäbisch Gmünd station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Schwäbisch Gmünd station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Schwäbisch Gmünd station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Schwäbisch Gmünd station.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Einhorn, Villa Hirzel.
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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