Cologne to Kiel train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

Thu, Oct 29
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
metronom
erixx
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
metronom
erixx
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Kiel

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 29

Cheapest price on Oct 29

€51

Average ticket price on Oct 29

€88

Fastest journey on Oct 29

5 h 29 m

Average journey duration on Oct 29

5 h 45 m

Trains on Oct 29

6

Distance

434 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Kiel will cost around €88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €51.

Fast trains

On Thu, Oct 29, we found 6 trains from Cologne to Kiel, including 6 direct services.

On Thu, Oct 29 the direct trains cover the 434 km distance in an average of 5 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 29 m .

On Thu, Oct 29 the slowest trains will take 6 h 10 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.

  • FlixTrain
    2:01 PM10h19
    Cologne
    12:20 AMKiel
    €511One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    5:11 AM6h10
    Cologne
    11:21 AMKiel
    €621One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:11 AM5h29
    Cologne
    12:40 PMKiel
    €651One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    9:11 AM5h41
    Cologne
    2:52 PMKiel
    €851One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    11:08 AM5h44
    Cologne
    4:52 PMKiel
    €1231One-way
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Kiel

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Kiel run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 434 km distance in 4h 42m.

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
Distance
434 km
Average train duration
5h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
€18
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
4h 42m
First train
12:05 AM
Last train
11:27 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
14 days
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

Live departures

Cologne to Kiel train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kiel trains for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 618 · ICE 776
Delayed
5:24 AM 6:11 AMCologne Hbf
5h29
10:45 AM 10:45 AMKiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 553 · ICE 686 · 11214
On time
6:45 AM Cologne Hbf
5h36
12:21 PM Kiel Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 206 · 11264
On time
7:11 AM Cologne Hbf
5h41
12:52 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 2466 · 11264
On time
7:11 AM Cologne Hbf
5h41
12:52 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 616 · ICE 774
On time
8:11 AM Cologne Hbf
5h29
1:40 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 555 · ICE 684 · 11218
On time
8:44 AM Cologne Hbf
5h37
2:21 PM Kiel Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 204 · 11268
On time
9:15 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h37
2:52 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1122 · 11220
On time
10:07 AM Cologne Hbf
5h14
3:21 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 614 · ICE 772
On time
10:11 AM Cologne Hbf
5h29
3:40 PM Kiel Hbf
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cologne to Kiel trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as metronom or erixx offer trains services from Cologne to Kiel.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Kiel.

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 metronom or erixx to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Kiel.
  • 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 with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Kiel.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of metronom or erixx to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Kiel.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Kiel.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, metronom, erixx from Cologne to Kiel trainsDeutsche Bahn, metronom, erixx trains will get you between Cologne and Kiel from €18. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
4h 42m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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

metronom

About
Metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH is a German railway company that has been connecting Northern Germany since 2003. Based in Uelzen, it focuses exclusively on passenger transport, operating services from Hamburg to Bremen, Lüneburg, Uelzen, Hanover, and Göttingen. The company also runs services under the brand Enno from Wolfsburg to Hanover and Hildesheim. Metronom is partly state-owned, with its trains, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, being rented from the state transport company Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen mbH (LNVG). They are known for their yellow and blue double-decker trains, offering amenities like extra legroom and refreshments.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average metronom Duration
6h 31m
Cheapest metronom Price
€18
metronom frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one large piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

erixx

About
erixx is a private train company in Germany offering rail services in Bremen and Lower Saxony in northern Germany. Founded in 2011, erixx runs six regional lines including the Heidebahn from Hanover to Buchholz as well as offering service to Wittingen, Bad Harzburg, Soltau and Wolfenbuttel. The trains are modern, comfortable and alcohol-free in order to provide a pleasant journey. The most popular journeys include Hanover to Bad Harzburg with the RE10, Bad Harzburg/Goslar to Braunschweig with the RB42/43, Braunschweig to Uelzen with the RB47, and Lueneburg to Dannenberg on the RB32.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average erixx Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest erixx Price
€55
erixx frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for cancelled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not possible on regional trains
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require a ticket
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cologne and Kiel

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a train from Cologne to Kiel, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, metronom, erixx for the best way to get you to Kiel. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Kiel and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Kiel

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Kiel 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 Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Kiel can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Kiel is €92; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cologne to Kiel is 4h 42m to travel the 434 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cologne to Kiel leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Kiel leaves at 11:27 PM.
There are 5 trains a day from Cologne to Kiel which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, metronom, erixx. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Yes, you can take a night train from Cologne to Kiel with Deutsche Bahn. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.
A trip to Kiel from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 42m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Kiel including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Kiel

Most Cologne to Kiel trains use the Köln Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Kiel

Which Cologne station do trains to Kiel leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Kiel leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · €7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · €5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · €5 · every ~14 min

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.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · €3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · €2 · every ~52 min

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.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · €4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · €5

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.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Kiel

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone