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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
Showing times and prices for 18 Apr
Cheapest price
£38
Average price
£74
Fastest journey
1 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h 1 m
Trains per day
17
Distance
240 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
Fast trains
Of the 17 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Karlsruhe Hbf every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 240 km distance in an average of 2 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .
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.
ICE 1229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 713:184h05Cologne Hbf17:23Karlsruhe Hbf£381One-way2 changes- ICE 90310:592h29Cologne Hbf13:28Karlsruhe Hbf£481One-way0 changes
- 17422 · ICE 1011 · ICE 715:212h02Cologne Hbf17:23Karlsruhe Hbf£531One-way2 changes
- ICE 29 · ICE 919 · ICE 7311:184h05Cologne Hbf15:23Karlsruhe Hbf£581One-way2 changes
- IC 1940 · ICE 2798:143h45Cologne Hbf11:59Karlsruhe Hbf£581One-way1 change
- ICE 225 · ECE 511:281h55Cologne Hbf13:23Karlsruhe Hbf£1371One-way1 change
- 10909 · ICE 915 · ICE 719:222h01Cologne Hbf11:23Karlsruhe Hbf£781One-way2 changes
- 17422 · ICE 1011 · ICE 715:212h02Cologne Hbf17:23Karlsruhe Hbf£531One-way2 changes
- 17418 · ICE 919 · ICE 7313:212h02Cologne Hbf15:23Karlsruhe Hbf£781One-way2 changes
- ICE 519 · ICE 37313:542h05Cologne Hbf15:59Karlsruhe Hbf£741One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 240 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£41 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf trains for tomorrow, Friday 17 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 1940 · ICE 279 | On time 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 3h45 | 11:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 103 | On time 8:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 10:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10909 · ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 9:22 Cologne Hbf | 2h01 | 11:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 9:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 11:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 2013 · ICE 371 | On time 10:19 Cologne Hbf | 3h40 | 13:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 105 | On time 10:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 12:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 903 | On time 10:59 Cologne Hbf | 2h29 | 13:28 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 29 · ICE 919 · ICE 73 | On time 11:18 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 15:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 225 · ECE 5 | On time 11:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h55 | 13:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 517 · ICE 371 | On time 11:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 13:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 1644 · ICE 373 | On time 12:17 Cologne Hbf | 3h42 | 15:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 1229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 7 | On time 13:18 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 17:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| 17418 · ICE 919 · ICE 73 | On time 13:21 Cologne Hbf | 2h02 | 15:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 519 · ICE 373 | On time 13:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 15:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 5106 · IC 1946 · ICE 375 | On time 14:17 Cologne Hbf | 3h41 | 17:58 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 109 | On time 14:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 16:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 17422 · ICE 1011 · ICE 7 | On time 15:21 Cologne Hbf | 2h02 | 17:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf 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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Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) and more offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
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 Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
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 Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
ComfortableQuickCheapSocketsWIFIDisadvantages
Many guestsTravelling by train was very pleasant, the train is quite clean, the toilets were very clean, the seats are comfortable, there is wifi. There are power sockets on site, there are seats with tables and it is faster than by car and still the price is quite cheap. One disadvantage is that sometimes there are too many guests and then it is a bit noisy. I would definitely recommend travelling by train.
Advantages
Very fastCleanPunctual departureDisadvantages
Slight delay on arrivalA little expensiveDirect connection often already fully booked one day before journeyThe route from Cologne to Karlsruhe is one of the few high-speed lines still operated by Deutsche Bahn. This means that you can cover this distance in about 2 hours. There is also a direct connection several times a day, but unfortunately it is often fully booked the day before departure. Both trains of the connection were very clean and in Cologne we left on time, only the ICE, which we had to change to in Mannheim, was a little late, so that we arrived late in Karlsruhe. Overall, I think the price for the connection is also a bit expensive.
Advantages
direct trainDisadvantages
too fullWifi was available, but very slow.
Unfortunately, there was only one power socket for two seats.
The seats were fine, you could sleep in them without any problems.
Reservation of the seats was very easy and uncomplicated online, you choose the desired seat and get it.
Toilets were clean that day.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:21, the last at 22:54. The fastest train covers the 240 km distance in 2h 3m.
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 240 km |
Average train duration 2h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 3m |
First train 2:21 |
Last train 22:54 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Karlsruhe Hbf from £8. 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 3m
Cheapest Price
£8
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
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
£55
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH frequency
2 a day
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 42m
Cheapest Price
£69
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
5 a day
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 44m
Cheapest Price
£101
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £41.
The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf covers a distance of 240 km and takes approximately 2h 3m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf is 240 km.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf leaves at 2:21.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf departs at 22:54.
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne Hbf and Karlsruhe Hbf. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
To get from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf is by train, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Köln Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf offers scenic views, particularly as it travels along the picturesque Rhine Valley, where passengers can enjoy sights of vineyards, castles, and charming riverside towns.
A day trip from Köln Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 3m. However, trains run 7 times per day over a distance of 240 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Karlsruhe Hbf
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.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information 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.
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.
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
Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf
More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Karlsruhe Hbf and Cologne Hbf
Most popular train connections to Karlsruhe Hbf
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