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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Showing times and prices for 16 Nov
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
1 h 59 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
238 km
Cheap tickets
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $77.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Karlsruhe every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 59 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 4 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 10308:49AM2h10
Cologne Messe/Deutz10:59AMKarlsruhe Hbf
$771One-way
0 changes
ICE 515 · ICE 532709:47AM2h10
Cologne Messe/Deutz11:57AMKarlsruhe Hbf
$1201One-way
1 change
ICE 10510:47AM2h11
Cologne Messe/Deutz12:58PMKarlsruhe Hbf
$1201One-way
0 changes
RE 29457 · RE 28509 · ICE 27 · ICE 22509:05AM4h04
Cologne-Ehrenfeld01:09PMKarlsruhe Hbf
$1291One-way
4 changes
ICE 915 · ICE 7109:10AM1h59
Cologne Messe/Deutz11:09AMKarlsruhe Hbf
$1341One-way
1 change
ICE 915 · ICE 7109:10AM1h59
Cologne Messe/Deutz11:09AMKarlsruhe Hbf
$1341One-way
1 change
ICE 10308:49AM2h10
Cologne Messe/Deutz10:59AMKarlsruhe Hbf
$771One-way
0 changes
ICE 515 · ICE 532709:47AM2h10
Cologne Messe/Deutz11:57AMKarlsruhe Hbf
$1201One-way
1 change
ICE 10510:47AM2h11
Cologne Messe/Deutz12:58PMKarlsruhe Hbf
$1201One-way
0 changes
RE 29457 · RE 28509 · ICE 27 · ICE 22509:05AM4h04
Cologne-Ehrenfeld01:09PMKarlsruhe Hbf
$1291One-way
4 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 coach with prices starting from $18. 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 coach costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
$79 Average Price | $30 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, Saturday, 15 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 4:32 am
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 103 | Delayed 7:55 am 7:49 amCologne Messe/Deutz | 2h10 | 9:59 am Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| RE 10907 · RE 28509 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 | On time 8:07 am Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 4h02 | 12:09 pm Karlsruhe Hbf | 4 changes | |
| ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 8:10 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h59 | 10:09 am Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 5327 | Delayed 8:59 am 8:47 amCologne Messe/Deutz | 2h10 | 10:57 am Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 105 | On time 9:47 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h11 | 11:58 am Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Karlsruhe by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
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16 Nov
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Karlsruhe?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Karlsruhe is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Karlsruhe route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Karlsruhe per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
Trains
from $21Coaches
from $17Journey 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 $19 but you can travel from only $18 by coach.
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.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $18
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $18
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Karlsruhe 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 Duration
2h 1m
Cheapest Price
$19
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 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.
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.
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.
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
FAQs: Cologne to Karlsruhe train
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.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Karlsruhe can start from as little as $20 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Karlsruhe is $71; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cologne to Karlsruhe train travel time is 2 h 3 min for the 237 km long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Karlsruhe leaves at 5: 50am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Karlsruhe leaves at 10: 42pm.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cologne to Karlsruhe without having to change trains with Deutsche Bahn. There are 3 direct trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
Take the Cologne to Karlsruhe train with Deutsche Bahn. However, it's always good to check out all possible train providers for the route to Karlsruhe from Cologne as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Karlsruhe Hbf, located away from the city centre.
A trip to Karlsruhe from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 3 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Karlsruhe is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Karlsruhe including taking a train or coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Karlsruhe
Cologne
Karlsruhe
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
Köln Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln-Mülheim
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
Hotel
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Köln Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
Hotel
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
Köln-Chorweiler
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
10 kmDining
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
Hotel
- Haus Wester
Köln-Chorweiler Nord
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
11 kmDining
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln Airport-Businesspark
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
7 kmDining
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
Köln Hansaring
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
Hotel
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
Porz-Wahn
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
12 kmDining
- Brauhaus Eltzhof
- Cafe Wanda
- East Time
- Olymp
The major train station for arrivals in Karlsruhe is Karlsruhe Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Karlsruhe Hbf for your journey to Karlsruhe from Cologne.
Karlsruhe Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
Hotel
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
Karlsruhe-Durlach
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
Hotel
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang
Amenities at train station
Accessibilityinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmMost 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
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