4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Cheapest price
€86
Average price
€108
Fastest journey
1 h 52 m
Average duration
2 h 2 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe will cost around €108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €86.
Of the 9 trains that leave Cologne for Karlsruhe on Mon, Dec 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 15 the direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 2 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 52 m .
On Mon, Dec 15 the slowest trains will take 2 h 5 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 2348 · 15971IC 2040 · 15975ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5ICE 515 · ICE 279ICE 101ICE 915 · ICE 71ICE 515 · ICE 279ICE 101ICE 513 · ICE 277ICE 103
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Karlsruhe
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 37m. 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 €14, and a train costs an average of €15.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€64 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest |
3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Karlsruhe train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Karlsruhe trains for today, Sunday, December 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 | Delayed 9:04 AM 8:49 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 3h34 | 12:24 PM 12:24 PMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 279 | Delayed 9:22 AM 8:54 AMCologne Hbf | 2h05 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, December 15 | |||||
| ICE 511 · ICE 275 | On time 4:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h11 | 6:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2348 · 15971 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h51 | 9:44 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 101 | On time 5:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 513 · ICE 277 | Delayed 7:16 AM 6:54 AMCologne Hbf | 2h05 | 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2040 · 15975 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h51 | 11:44 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 103 | Delayed 8:04 AM 7:54 AMCologne Hbf | 2h05 | 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 8:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h52 | 10:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h34 | 12:23 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne 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.
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Karlsruhe?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Karlsruhe
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €15 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 2h 1m.
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €15 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Karlsruhe from €14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Karlsruhe Hbf, located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
Accessibility
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Karlsruhe and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Karlsruhe
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