- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with paintings, sculptures, and changing exhibitions from the 19th century to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$97
Average price
$275
Fastest journey
12 h 8 m
Average duration
12 h 44 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
806 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Kiel will cost around $275 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
It's difficult to get from Vienna to Kiel without transferring at least 2 times.
EC 206 · EC 280+
RJ 176+
ICE 506
RJ 252 · RJ 386 · 11288
RJX 766 · ICE 116 · S5 · ICE 784
ICE 1224 · ICE 786 · 11234
RJX 262 · ICE 506
ICE 1224 · ICE 786 · 11234
RJX 60 · ICE 586 · 11236
RJX 262 · ICE 588 · 11232
RJX 262+
ICE 588+
RE70
RJX 60+
ICE 586+
RE70Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $56. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $56, and a flight costs an average of $83.
Distance: 500 miles (806 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$125 Average price | $197 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 39m Average total duration 12h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 21h 19m Average total duration 20h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.4 - 4.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Vienna to Kiel:
A bus is $45 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Kiel costing on average $125 (€100).
A bus is $117 (€94) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vienna to Kiel costing on average $197 (€158).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 9m.
Bus takes on average 20h 49m.
Tickets start at around $125 (€100) compared to roughly $87 (€70) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-37.93 (€-30.53). The journey takes 12h 9m versus 10h 33m 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 Vienna to Kiel trains for tomorrow, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 754+ RJX 262+ ICE 506 | On time 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 13h38 | 9:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 754+ RJX 262+ ICE 588+ RE70 | 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 13h19 | 9:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 206 · EC 280+ RJ 176+ ICE 506 | On time 8:10 AM Vienna Hbf | 13h30 | 9:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 262 · ICE 588 · 11232 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 12h53 | 9:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 262+ ICE 588+ RE70 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 12h53 | 9:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 262+ ICE 506 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 13h12 | 9:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 262 · ICE 506 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 13h12 | 9:40 PM Kiel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 752+ RJX 60+ ICE 586+ RE70 | 10:02 AM Vienna Airport | 13h19 | 11:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1224 · ICE 786 · 11234 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 12h08 | 10:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 60 · ICE 586 · 11236 | On time 10:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 12h53 | 11:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 60+ ICE 586+ RE70 | On time 10:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 12h53 | 11:21 PM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 640+ RJ 252 · RJ 386+ RE7 | 10:34 AM Vienna Airport | 14h24 | 12:58 AM Kiel Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 640+ ICE 116+ DB S5+ ICE 784 | 10:34 AM Vienna Airport | 13h52 | 12:26 AM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJ 252 · RJ 386 · 11288 | 11:10 AM Vienna Hbf | 13h48 | 12:58 AM Kiel Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 766 · ICE 116 · S5 · ICE 784 | 11:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 12h58 | 12:26 AM Kiel Hbf | 4 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Vienna to Kiel run on average 15 times per day, taking around 12h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $59 (€47) but you can travel from only $56 (€45) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 500 miles (806 km) distance in 11h 8m.
Distance 500 miles (806 km) |
Average train duration 12h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 (€47) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 11h 8m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
Major art museum of Kiel University with paintings, sculptures, and changing exhibitions from the 19th century to contemporary art.
Kiel’s maritime museum in a historic fish auction hall, covering naval, port, and shipping history closely tied to the city.
University museum with notable zoological collections, including marine specimens, skeletons, and exhibits linked to Baltic Sea research.
Kiel’s signature waterfront promenade along the fjord, ideal for walks, harbor views, naval atmosphere, and major event watching.
Historic market square in the old center, anchored by St. Nikolai Church and surrounded by shops and city life.
Central square by the town hall and opera house, often used for events and a practical orientation point in central Kiel.
Lightly smoked sprats traditionally linked with Kiel. They are eaten whole on bread or as a snack and are one of the city’s best-known regional specialties.
A classic North German sailor’s dish of corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with herring, pickles and fried egg. It reflects Kiel’s maritime heritage.
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. A beloved northern coastal dish strongly associated with Schleswig-Holstein.
Refined dining venue in Kiel recognized for contemporary German cuisine, careful service and an elegant atmosphere suited to a special meal.
Stylish restaurant in Kiel with a more upscale feel, known for modern regional cuisine, seafood and well-presented seasonal menus.
Established waterfront restaurant at Kiellinie known for fish, northern German dishes and harbor views in a polished but relaxed setting.
Moderate by German standards. Daily costs are manageable, with mid-range dining and hotels priced below Munich or Hamburg.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis, or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf, Kiel -> Kiel Rathaus, Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vienna 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.

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