- Must visit
Kunsthalle Hamburg
Major fine arts museum with works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art; one of Germany’s most important museum collections.
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$95
Fastest journey
5 h 37 m
Average duration
5 h 37 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
521 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Hamburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Hamburg will cost around $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 19 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Hamburg on Sat, Jun 20, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 521 km distance in an average of 5 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 37 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 5 h 37 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.
IC 60470
IC 60402 · ICE 778
ICE 72
ICE 6
ICE 108 · ICE 578
ICE 74
ECE 8
ICE 76
ICE 6
ICE 72Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a train costs an average of $24.
Distance: 323 miles (521 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$94 Average price | $52 Average price Cheapest | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 40m Average total duration Fastest 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 53m Average total duration 8h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg 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 Karlsruhe to Hamburg:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Hamburg costing on average $94 (€77).
Other travel options to Hamburg take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 23m.
Tickets start at around $94 (€77) compared to roughly $34 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-60.17 (€-49.28). The journey takes 7h 10m versus 6h 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 Karlsruhe to Hamburg trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECE 8 | On time 8:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h37 | 2:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 | On time 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h33 | 3:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 · ICE 772 | On time 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h15 | 3:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · ICE 770 | On time 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h15 | 5:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 6 | On time 12:37 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h37 | 6:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 108 · ICE 578 | On time 12:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h15 | 7:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 108 | On time 12:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h33 | 7:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 2:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 7h58 | 10:21 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 72 | On time 2:37 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h37 | 8:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 106 · ICE 576 | On time 2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h15 | 9:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 106 | On time 2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h33 | 9:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 4 | On time 4:37 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h37 | 10:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 104 | On time 4:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h40 | 11:39 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 5320 · ICE 574 | On time 5:31 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h43 | 11:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 70 | On time 6:37 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h37 | 12:14 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 102 · ICE 572 | Delayed 6:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h13 | 1:04 AM 1:04 AMHamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 272 · ICE 920 | On time 9:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 9h09 | 7:08 AM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
S6 · ICE 618 | On time 2:13 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 8h19 | 10:32 AM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S6 · ICE 618 · ICE 78 | On time 2:13 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 8h01 | 10:14 AM Hamburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S2 · ICE 776 | On time 4:47 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 6h27 | 11:14 AM Hamburg 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 Karlsruhe to Hamburg run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 323 miles (521 km) distance in 4h 43m.
Distance 323 miles (521 km) |
Average train duration 7h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 43m |
First train 12:11 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Hamburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hamburg trip today.
Major fine arts museum with works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art; one of Germany’s most important museum collections.
Famous model railway and miniature world with extraordinary detail; one of Hamburg’s most popular attractions.
Leading museum of applied arts and design, known for decorative arts, fashion, photography, and global design collections.
Elegant waterfront promenade along the Inner Alster, ideal for first-time visitors, shopping, and classic city views.
Beloved waterside area for walking and views, especially around the Binnenalster and Außenalster promenades.
Modern waterfront district with striking architecture, promenades, and photogenic urban spaces popular on social media.
A classic North German fish sandwich, usually filled with herring, salmon, or shrimp in a crusty roll. It is one of Hamburg’s most iconic harbor snacks.
A traditional seafarer’s dish made from corned beef, potatoes, and beetroot, often served with herring and a fried egg. It is strongly associated with Hamburg and northern port cities.
Pan-fried fish fillets, traditionally made with leftover fish, served with mustard sauce and potatoes. It is a classic Hanseatic comfort dish.
A long-established seafood restaurant with a polished, classic atmosphere, known for high-quality fish and harbor hospitality.
A well-known casual local institution famous for large schnitzels and hearty late-night German fare in an unpretentious setting.
A historic traditional restaurant near St. Michael’s Church, known for Hamburg classics such as Labskaus, roast dishes, and regional specialties.
Hamburg is pricier than many German cities. Hotels and dining add up, but transit is reasonable.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service; round up taxis and leave small change in cafés.
Official public transport app
Hamburg Hbf, Hamburg -> Hamburg City Center, Hamburg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe to Hamburg 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 Hamburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Karlsruhe to Hamburg trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Hamburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg-Harburg. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Hamburg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach 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: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg 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: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Hamburg-Harburg is 13 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Harburg 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: Café Bom Dia, Hünkar, Yoko Sushi Harburg, Mathewes Grill
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Harburg. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Panorama, Hotel Harburger Hof, Hotel Jeta, Hotel Süderelbe.
Hamburg-Altona is 5 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Altona 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: Ethio, Trattoria Toscana, Marta, Pavillon
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Altona. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Altona. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Altona. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Nearby hotels include Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant, Hotel Hamburg Altona, Hotel Central, Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona.
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