Cologne to Karlsruhe train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Fri 14 Aug
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe

Showing times and prices for 14 Aug

Cheapest price

£32

Average price

£53

Fastest journey

1 h 52 m

Average duration

2 h

Trains per day

14

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 £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.

Fast trains

Of the 14 trains that leave Cologne for Karlsruhe every day 3 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 but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 52 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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 2013 · ICE 371
    10:533h06
    Cologne Hbf
    13:59Karlsruhe Hbf
    £321One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2544 · ICE 373
    12:533h06
    Cologne Hbf
    15:59Karlsruhe Hbf
    £321One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 29 · ICE 919 · ICE 73
    11:533h30
    Cologne Hbf
    15:23Karlsruhe Hbf
    £361One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 919 · ICE 73
    13:301h53
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    15:23Karlsruhe Hbf
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 105
    10:542h05
    Cologne Hbf
    12:59Karlsruhe Hbf
    £481One-way
    0 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 £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

£56

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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 tomorrow, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 279
On time
8:53 Cologne Hbf
3h06
11:59 Karlsruhe
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 103
On time
8:54 Cologne Hbf
2h05
10:59 Karlsruhe
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 915 · ICE 71
On time
9:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz
1h52
11:23 Karlsruhe
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5
On time
9:53 Cologne Hbf
3h30
13:23 Karlsruhe
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · ICE 279
On time
9:54 Cologne Hbf
2h05
11:59 Karlsruhe
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 217 · 15975
On time
9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h46
12:44 Karlsruhe Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 2013 · ICE 371
On time
10:53 Cologne Hbf
3h06
13:59 Karlsruhe Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 10510:54 Cologne Hbf
2h05
12:59 Karlsruhe Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 225 · ECE 5
On time
11:18 Cologne Hbf
2h05
13:23 Karlsruhe Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 29 · ICE 919 · ICE 73
On time
11:53 Cologne Hbf
3h30
15:23 Karlsruhe Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 517 · ICE 371
On time
11:54 Cologne Hbf
2h05
13:59 Karlsruhe Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2544 · ICE 373
On time
12:53 Cologne Hbf
3h06
15:59 Karlsruhe Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 10712:54 Cologne Hbf
2h05
14:59 Karlsruhe Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 919 · ICE 73
On time
13:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz
1h53
15:23 Karlsruhe Hbf
1 change

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.

Fri
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug

Why should you book Cologne to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Karlsruhe.

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?

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.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
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
IconWi-Fi available
IconToilets are clean
IconTrain conductors are nice
IconSockets are available
Disadvantages
IconFood unfortunately got cold
IconTrain wobbles a bit
The journey was very pleasant and passed quickly. There was wifi and power sockets, the comfort of the seats was very good. The train was a bit noisy, but you were well catered for. The train attendants were very nice and always gave the information in time. The toilets are very hygienic but the train unfortunately not so, the journey was very punctual and you did not have to change trains. The price was very good. But in all I would recommend it.
Advantages
IconWifi available
IconSockets available
IconComfortable journey
IconToilet available
Disadvantages
IconThe train is a bit noisy
The journey was quite comfortable and cosy. You have wifi and power sockets available on site, the staff are quite friendly, you have a TV on site showing the next station. The train was pretty punctual and I didn't have to change trains. The price is pretty okay for me, it was pretty worth it. The only downside is that the train was a bit noisy.
Advantages
IconOn time
IconFriendly
Disadvantages
IconLack of connections
The train journey from Karlsruhe to Cologne was a pleasant and comfortable travel experience. The train was on time and well organised so that I could reach my destination without any problems. The seats on the train were comfortable and offered enough space to sit back and relax during the journey. The train staff were friendly and helpful and the service on board was satisfactory. However, a minor drawback is the limited train frequency on this route. It would be desirable if there were more connections to be more flexible in planning your journey. Nevertheless, I was able to plan my journey well and only had to spend minimal effort on booking tickets and changing trains.All in all, I can recommend the train journey from Karlsruhe to Cologne. It was a relaxed and enjoyable journey with a good combination of comfort, service and scenic enjoyment. Whether for a weekend getaway or a business trip, the train offers a reliable and comfortable transport option.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Karlsruhe

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.

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 £13
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
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 £13

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

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
1h 52m
Cheapest Price
£15
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 51m
Cheapest Price
£47
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
23 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
£108
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Karlsruhe

Things to do in Karlsruhe

Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.

  • Must visit

Badisches Landesmuseum

A major collection on Baden’s history, culture and global artefacts inside Karlsruhe Palace. A strong first stop for understanding the region and city.

  • Must visit

ZKM | Zentrum für Kunst und Medien

An interactive museum on media art and digital culture in a landmark industrial complex. Ideal for contemporary art, sound and technology exhibitions.

  • Recommended

Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe

A leading art museum with works from past centuries to modern pieces. The broad collection and central location make it an easy cultural highlight.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transport is reasonable. Cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, but not as low-cost as smaller regional towns.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but small tips are expected. Round up or add 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The train journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe covers a distance of 238 km and takes approximately 1h 52m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Karlsruhe is 238 km.
The first train from Cologne to Karlsruhe leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Cologne to Karlsruhe departs at 23:58.
Trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne and Karlsruhe. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
To get from Cologne to Karlsruhe, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Karlsruhe is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Karlsruhe Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Karlsruhe is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe offers scenic views of the Rhine Valley, featuring picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historic castles along the river, providing a visually appealing travel experience.
A day trip from Cologne to Karlsruhe is not feasible, as the journey takes 1h 52m and covers 238 km. Trains run 10 times per day.
Two to three days are generally sufficient to explore Karlsruhe, covering its key attractions such as the Karlsruhe Palace, ZKM Centre for Art and Media, and the Botanical Garden.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Karlsruhe.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and 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.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Karlsruhe

Which Cologne station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Karlsruhe 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 · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £4 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £4 · 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 · £4

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 Karlsruhe

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