The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Cheapest price
£27
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
1 h 51 m
Average duration
1 h 52 m
Trains per day
36
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
Of the 36 trains that leave Cologne for Karlsruhe every day 8 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 1 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 51 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 53 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 1021 · ICE 67719:534h06Cologne Hbf23:59Karlsruhe Hbf£271One-way1 change
ICE 617 · ICE 67721:542h05Cologne Hbf23:59Karlsruhe Hbf£271One-way1 change
ICE 1640 · ICE 37918:533h06Cologne Hbf21:59Karlsruhe Hbf£311One-way1 change
ICE 1221 · 4295 · 44735:534h00Cologne Hbf9:53Karlsruhe Hbf£321One-way2 changes
IC 1948 · ICE 37716:533h06Cologne Hbf19:59Karlsruhe Hbf£361One-way1 change
ICE 1013 · ICE 7517:321h51Cologne Messe/Deutz19:23Karlsruhe Hbf£511One-way1 change
ICE 915 · ICE 719:311h52Cologne Messe/Deutz11:23Karlsruhe Hbf£641One-way1 change
ICE 919 · ICE 7313:301h53Cologne Messe/Deutz15:23Karlsruhe Hbf£641One-way1 change
ICE 1011 · ICE 715:301h53Cologne Messe/Deutz17:23Karlsruhe Hbf£641One-way1 change
ICE 1015 · ECE 919:301h53Cologne Messe/Deutz21:23Karlsruhe Hbf£441One-way1 change
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 £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 29m. 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 £13, and a train costs an average of £15.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m 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, Thursday 14 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 921 · 4251 · S5 · S9 | Delayed 2:29 3:49Cologne Hbf | 4h59 | 8:48 Karlsruhe Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 617 · ICE 677 | Delayed 20:11 21:54Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 22:06 22:06Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 319 · 15341 · S3 | On time 22:18 Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 2:29 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 60403 | Delayed 21:45 23:42Cologne Hbf | 4h18 | 4:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 15 May | |||||
ICE 619 · IC 60403 | 0:37 Cologne Hbf | 3h23 | 4:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 827 · ICE 273 | On time 3:21 Cologne Hbf | 3h38 | 6:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 2h11 | 7:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1221 · 4295 · 4473 | On time 5:53 Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 9:53 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1648 · ICE 277 | On time 6:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 9:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 101 | On time 6:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 8:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 | On time 7:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 9:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1940 · ICE 279 | On time 8:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 11:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 103 | On time 8:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 10:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 9:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h52 | 11:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 9:53 Cologne Hbf | 2h06 | 11:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 219 · 15975 | On time 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h46 | 12:44 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2013 · ICE 371 | On time 10:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 13:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 105 | On time 10:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 12:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1255 · ECE 5 | On time 11:18 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 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 12:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 15:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 107 | On time 12:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 14:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 919 · ICE 73 | On time 13:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h53 | 15:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 519 · ICE 373 | On time 13:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 15:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1946 · ICE 375 | On time 14:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h05 | 17:58 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 109 | On time 14:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 16:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1011 · ICE 7 | On time 15:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h53 | 17:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 611 · ICE 375 | On time 15:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h04 | 17:58 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1948 · ICE 377 | On time 16:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 19:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 201 | On time 16:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 18:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1013 · ICE 75 | On time 17:32 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h51 | 19:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 613 · ICE 377 | On time 17:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 19:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1640 · ICE 379 | 18:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 21:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 203 | On time 18:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 20:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1015 · ECE 9 | On time 19:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h53 | 21:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1021 · ICE 677 | On time 19:53 Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 23:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 615 · ICE 379 | On time 19:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 21:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 205 | On time 20:54 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 22:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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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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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
- 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 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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Karlsruhe?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Karlsruhe
Trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £13 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 1h 52m.
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 52m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Karlsruhe from £13. 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Karlsruhe
- 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.
- 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
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- 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
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- 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
- 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
- Beim Schupi
- Rosenstüble 2.0
- Saloniki
- Rote Taube
- Beim Schupi
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe
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