- Recommended
Kurpfälzisches Museum
Heidelberg’s main city museum with archaeology, paintings, decorative arts, and regional history in a historic palace on Hauptstraße.
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$27
Fastest journey
35 m
Average duration
40 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
50 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Heidelberg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Heidelberg will cost around $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 8 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Heidelberg on Sat, Jun 20, 5 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 50 km distance in an average of 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 35 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 46 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.
ICE 1670
ICE 376 · S3
ICE 202 · S3
S32 · S3
15968
ICE 1670
15968
15970
ICE 376 · S3
ICE 202 · S3Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Heidelberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a train costs an average of $5.
Distance: 31 miles (50 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$14 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 5m Average total duration Fastest 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 7m Average total duration 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Heidelberg:
A bus is $3 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Heidelberg costing on average $14 (€11).
Other travel options to Heidelberg take longer:
Bus takes on average 37m.
You'll arrive about 13m sooner (35m by train vs 48m by car). Tickets start at around $14 (€11) compared to roughly $11 (€9) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Heidelberg 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 376 · S3 | On time 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h45 | 8:44 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
15968 | 8:17 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h36 | 8:53 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 | 8:21 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h51 | 9:12 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 8 · S2 | On time 8:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h46 | 9:23 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 | 8:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h45 | 9:41 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 · S3 | On time 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h46 | 9:45 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
15970 | 9:13 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h36 | 9:49 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 | 9:17 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h55 | 10:12 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S32 · 19642 | 9:28 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h51 | 10:19 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S31 · S3 | 9:43 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h58 | 10:41 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 374 · S3 | On time 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h46 | 10:45 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
15972 | 10:12 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h39 | 10:51 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 10:26 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h30 | 10:56 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 74 · S2 | On time 10:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h46 | 11:23 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S32 · S3 | 10:43 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h58 | 11:41 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · S3 | On time 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h45 | 11:44 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 2:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0h36 | 2:59 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Heidelberg run on average 7 times per day, taking around 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 31 miles (50 km) distance in 29m.
Distance 31 miles (50 km) |
Average train duration 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 (€4) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 29m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Heidelberg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heidelberg trip today.
Heidelberg’s main city museum with archaeology, paintings, decorative arts, and regional history in a historic palace on Hauptstraße.
Specialized museum inside Heidelberg Castle presenting the history of pharmacy, medicine jars, laboratories, and historic remedies.
Modern anatomy museum with plastinated human specimens, focused on health, the body, and medical education.
Heidelberg’s old town is the city’s essential walking area, packed with historic streets, churches, shops, and classic views.
Famous hillside path with sweeping views over Heidelberg, the river, and the castle; especially popular for photos.
One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, ideal for strolling through the heart of the old town.
A regional Palatinate specialty near Heidelberg made from pork, potatoes and spices stuffed into a stomach casing, then sliced and pan-fried. It is one of the best-known traditional dishes of the area
Large Swabian stuffed pasta pockets often filled with minced meat, spinach, onions and herbs, commonly served in broth or fried. They are widely eaten in Baden-Württemberg, including Heidelberg
Soft egg noodles typical of southern Germany, often served as a side with gravies or prepared as Käsespätzle with cheese and fried onions. A staple comfort food in the region
Long-established fine dining restaurant in nearby Heidelberg-Handschuhsheim, respected for refined cuisine and formal service in an elegant historic setting
Historic, well-known Old Town restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes in a lively, rustic setting. Popular for schnitzel, sausages and traditional atmosphere
One of Heidelberg’s most famous traditional inns, known for classic German cooking, historic interiors and a long-standing student and visitor following
Moderate by German standards. Student spots are affordable, but central hotels and tourist-area dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up for cafés and taxis; in restaurants, 5-10% is customary for good service. Tip in cash or tell the server the total amount when paying.
Official public transport app
Heidelberg Hbf, Heidelberg -> Bismarckplatz, Heidelberg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe to Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Karlsruhe to Heidelberg trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Heidelberg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Heidelberg 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.
Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld 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: Adler, Denkfabrik, Cafeteria, Asia Imbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld.
Nearby hotels include Auerhahn.
Heidelberg Hbf is 1 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg 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: Heid´s Grill, McDonald's, Uuuhmami, Taj Mahal
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg Hbf. ATMs are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Information desks are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel, Qube Hotel, NH Heidelberg, Krokodil.
Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach is 3 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach 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: Restaurant Dufke, Stettiner Klause, Hakim's Imbiss, KOLBEZ Cafe
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. ATMs are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. Information desks are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Rose.
Heidelberg-Altstadt is 2 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg-Altstadt 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: Persepolis, Zum Brückenaff, 'S' Kastanie, Choa
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. ATMs are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. Information desks are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg-Altstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg-Altstadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Nearby hotels include Parkhotel Atlantic, Hackteufel, Goldener Falke, Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need