Zurich to Karlsruhe train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)

Wed, Dec 10
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
Trenitalia EuroCity
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
Trenitalia EuroCity
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe

Showing times and prices for Dec 10

Cheapest price

$56

Average price

$107

Fastest journey

2 h 50 m

Average duration

2 h 54 m

Trains per day

10

Distance

183 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Zurich to Karlsruhe will cost around $107 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.

Fast trains

Of the 10 trains that leave Zurich for Karlsruhe on Wed, Dec 10, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Dec 10 the direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 50 m .

On Wed, Dec 10 the slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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.

Deutsche BahnEC 8
10:59AM3h11
Zurich HB
02:10PMKarlsruhe Hbf
$561One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 74
09:59AM2h50
Zurich HB
12:49PMKarlsruhe Hbf
$581One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 764 · ICE 370
08:59AM2h59
Zurich HB
11:58AMKarlsruhe Hbf
$581One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnEC 8 · ICE 278
10:59AM2h59
Zurich HB
01:58PMKarlsruhe Hbf
$581One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 76
07:59AM2h50
Zurich HB
10:49AMKarlsruhe Hbf
$851One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Zurich to Karlsruhe

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a train costs an average of €38.

Distance: 113 miles (183 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€63

Average price

€24

Average price

Cheapest

3h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 57m

Average total duration

4h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Zurich to Karlsruhe train times

The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Karlsruhe trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:47 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 76
On time
6:59 AM Zurich HB
2h50
9:49 AM Karlsruhe Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnIC 764 · ICE 370
On time
7:59 AM Zurich HB
2h59
10:58 AM Karlsruhe Hbf
1 transfer
obb_intercityIC 764+obb_intercity_expressICE 370
On time
7:59 AM Zurich HB
2h59
10:58 AM Karlsruhe Hbf
1 transfer
obb_intercity_expressICE 74
On time
8:59 AM Zurich HB
2h50
11:49 AM Karlsruhe Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 74
On time
8:59 AM Zurich HB
2h50
11:49 AM Karlsruhe Hbf
0 transfersDirect
obb_eurocityEC 8
On time
9:59 AM Zurich HB
3h11
1:10 PM Karlsruhe Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnEC 8
On time
9:59 AM Zurich HB
3h11
1:10 PM Karlsruhe Hbf
0 transfersDirect
obb_eurocityEC 8+obb_intercity_expressICE 278
On time
9:59 AM Zurich HB
2h59
12:58 PM Karlsruhe Hbf
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnEC 8 · ICE 278
On time
9:59 AM Zurich HB
2h59
12:58 PM Karlsruhe Hbf
1 transfer
obbIR 2264+obb_eurocityEC 8
On time
10:08 AM Zurich HB
3h02
1:10 PM Karlsruhe Hbf
1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Karlsruhe by train or bus

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.

Wed
Dec 10
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Why should you book Zurich to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE) as well as ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) and Trenitalia EuroCity offer trains services from Zurich to Karlsruhe. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich to Karlsruhe.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE), but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) and Trenitalia EuroCity to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Karlsruhe.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Karlsruhe.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) and Trenitalia EuroCity to help you choose the right option for your journey from Zurich to Karlsruhe.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Karlsruhe.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Zurich to Karlsruhe

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 2h 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $19 (€15)
Distance
113 miles (183 km)
Average train duration
2h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
$47 (€38)
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
2h 50m
First train
00:06
Last train
23:48
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $19 (€15)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity from Zurich to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity trains will get you between Zurich and Karlsruhe from $19 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€19)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

ÖBB | ICE

About
The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 1m
Cheapest Price
$136 (€110)
ÖBB | ICE frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and drinks, bistro service with snacks and beverages, at-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional reservation for €3
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

ÖBB | Euro City (EC)

About
The ÖBB Euro City is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, connecting major cities across the country. The Euro City trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioned coaches and plenty of legroom. There are two types of Euro City trains: the EC (Euro City) and the IC (InterCity). The EC trains are the fastest, with speeds of up to 200 km/h, while the IC trains are slightly slower, with speeds of up to 160 km/h. The ÖBB Euro City offers a variety of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a restaurant car. The most popular routes for the ÖBB Euro City include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Price
$68 (€55)
ÖBB | Euro City (EC) frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at carriage ends
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for additional fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require ticket (50% of 2nd class fare). Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone

Trenitalia EuroCity

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
$102 (€82)
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.

FAQs
The distance by train from Zurich to Karlsruhe is 113 miles (183 km).
A day trip from Zurich to Karlsruhe is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 50m. However, there are 14 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 113 miles (183 km).
The train journey from Zurich to Karlsruhe offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of northern Switzerland and the Black Forest region in Germany, providing passengers with views of rolling hills, charming villages, and lush forests.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Karlsruhe is Zurich HB, which connects to Karlsruhe Hbf.
The train from Zurich to Karlsruhe takes 2h 50m and runs 14 per day.
The last train from Zurich to Karlsruhe leaves at 11:48 PM.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Karlsruhe's main attractions, including the Karlsruhe Palace, ZKM Center for Art and Media, and the Botanical Garden.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Zurich to Karlsruhe.
Train ticket prices from Zurich to Karlsruhe can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $47 (€38), while the average price is around $78 (€63).
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Karlsruhe is by bus, with a cost of around $19 (€15).
The first train from Zurich to Karlsruhe leaves at 12:06 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Karlsruhe.
Yes, there is a direct train from Zurich to Karlsruhe. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Zurich to Karlsruhe

Zurich
Karlsruhe
The major train station for departures in Zurich is Zürich Stadelhofen. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Zürich Stadelhofen for your trip from Zurich to Karlsruhe.
Zürich StadelhofenWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
3
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Outback Lodge
  • Tibits
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Opera Zurich
  • Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
  • Hotel Seehof
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 1000 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
  • Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
Public transit options for Zürich Stadelhofen
  • Tram: Line 11, Line 15
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
Zürich HardbrückeWifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
8
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking available nearby with several parking options
Dining
Dining
  • Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar
  • Les Halles
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 1
Hotel
Hotel
  • 25hours Hotel Zürich West
  • Sheraton Zürich Hotel
  • Novotel Zurich City West
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 800 places, covered
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located on the main concourse
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-8 for S-Bahn and regional trains
Public transit options for Zürich Hardbrücke
  • Tram: Line 4, Line 8
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
ShowerShower
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
26
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Au Premier
  • Brasserie Federal
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
  • Hotel St. Gotthard
  • Central Plaza Hotel
Shower
Shower
  • Cost CHF 12
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 1,300 places, mostly covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
  • Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
  • Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
Public transit options for Zürich HB
  • Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24

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