4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Cheapest price on Oct 28
€43
Average ticket price on Oct 28
€59
Fastest journey on Oct 28
2 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Oct 28
3 h 15 m
Trains on Oct 28
5
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 €59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €43.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Karlsruhe without transferring at least once.
IC 1940 · S3 · STR 18:53 AM4h00Cologne Hbf12:53 PMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€431One-way2 transfers- ICE 103 · STR 38:43 AM2h30Cologne Messe/Deutz11:13 AMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€531One-way1 transfer
- ICE 529 · ICE 279 · STR 38:54 AM3h19Cologne Messe/Deutz12:13 PMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€631One-way2 transfers
- ICE 915 · S2 · ICE 279 · STR 39:34 AM2h39Cologne Messe/Deutz12:13 PMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€651One-way3 transfers
- ICE 119 · 19012 · STR 18:58 AM3h45Cologne Messe/Deutz12:43 PMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€691One-way2 transfers
- ICE 103 · STR 38:43 AM2h30Cologne Messe/Deutz11:13 AMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€531One-way1 transfer
- ICE 915 · S2 · ICE 279 · STR 39:34 AM2h39Cologne Messe/Deutz12:13 PMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€651One-way3 transfers
- ICE 529 · ICE 279 · STR 38:54 AM3h19Cologne Messe/Deutz12:13 PMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€631One-way2 transfers
- ICE 119 · 19012 · STR 18:58 AM3h45Cologne Messe/Deutz12:43 PMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€691One-way2 transfers
- IC 1940 · S3 · STR 18:53 AM4h00Cologne Hbf12:53 PMEuropaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)€431One-way2 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Karlsruhe
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 1h 44m.
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price €7 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Live departures
Cologne to Karlsruhe train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Karlsruhe trains for today, Tuesday, October 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 109 · STR 3 | Delayed 2:05 PM 2:44 PMCologne Messe/Deutz | 2h39 | 5:23 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 1 transfer | |
| IC 1946 · S3 · STR 1 | On time 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 6:53 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 1011 · S3 · ICE 375 · STR 3 | Delayed 2:45 PM 3:31 PMCologne Messe/Deutz | 2h42 | 6:13 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 3 transfers | |
| Wednesday, October 28 | |||||
| ICE 103 · STR 3 | On time 8:43 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h30 | 11:13 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 1 transfer | |
| IC 1940 · S3 · STR 1 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 12:53 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 529 · ICE 279 · STR 3 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h19 | 12:13 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 119 · 19012 · STR 1 | On time 8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h45 | 12:43 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 915 · S2 · ICE 279 · STR 3 | On time 9:34 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h39 | 12:13 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cologne to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
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- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne and Karlsruhe from €7. 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.
FlixTrain
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cologne and Karlsruhe
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Most Cologne to Karlsruhe trains use the Köln Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
Köln 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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
Köln Messe/Deutz 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 and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Which Karlsruhe station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Karlsruhe Hbf from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) train station facilities and services
Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße).
Getting to Karlsruhe-Durlach from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
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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