- Recommended
Schifffahrtsmuseum
An engaging maritime museum in a former fish auction hall, covering Kiel’s seafaring history, ship models and the city’s naval connections.
Cheapest price on 31 Aug
£37
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£77
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
5 h 29 m
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
5 h 37 m
Trains on 31 Aug
11
Distance
434 km
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Kiel will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.
To travel from Cologne to Kiel you need to make at least one change.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 106 · 11686
ICE 516 · S1 · 11688
ICE 612 · ICE 770
ICE 518 · RJ 174
ICE 612 · ICE 770
ICE 614 · 11270
ICE 616 · 11266
ICE 204 · 11268Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 40m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a flight costs an average of £289.
Distance: 434 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest | £289 Average Price |
6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 19m Average total duration 7h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kiel trains for today, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 106 · S1 · 11686 | Delayed 18:30 17:11Cologne Hbf | 6h14 | 23:25 Kiel Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 516 · S1 · 11688 | Delayed 18:11 18:11Cologne Hbf | 6h12 | 0:23 Kiel Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 104 · S3 · 11490 | Delayed 19:11 19:11Cologne Hbf | 6h53 | 2:04 Kiel Hbf | 2 changes | |
| Monday 31 August | |||||
ICE 616 · 11266 | On time 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 13:52 Kiel Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 204 · 11268 | On time 9:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 14:52 Kiel Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 614 · 11270 | On time 10:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 15:52 Kiel Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 202 · 11272 | On time 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 16:52 Kiel Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 11:35 Cologne Hbf | 10h20 | 21:55 Kiel, ZOB | 1 change | |
ICE 612 · ICE 770 | On time 12:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 17:43 Kiel Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 108 · 11280 | On time 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 20:52 Kiel Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 15:34 Cologne Hbf | 9h36 | 1:10 Kiel, ZOB | 1 change | |
ICE 518 · RJ 174 | On time 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h29 | 21:40 Kiel Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 106 · 11686 | On time 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 6h36 | 23:47 Kiel Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 516 · S1 · 11688 | On time 18:11 Cologne Hbf | 6h27 | 0:38 Kiel Hbf | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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.

Trains from Cologne to Kiel run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 434 km distance in 5h 29m.
Distance 434 km |
Average train duration 5h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 29m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 23:27 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
An engaging maritime museum in a former fish auction hall, covering Kiel’s seafaring history, ship models and the city’s naval connections.
An art museum near the fjord with European paintings, prints and changing exhibitions. The quiet setting makes it ideal for a cultural stop.
An open-air museum with historic farm buildings and rural heritage from Schleswig-Holstein. It rewards visitors seeking regional history beyond the centre.
Kiel’s best-known waterfront promenade, lined with harbour views, boats and open space. It is ideal for a relaxed walk by the fjord.
The old market square in the historic centre, framed by St. Nikolai and civic buildings. It is a practical starting point for exploring central Kiel.
A green canal-side park with viewpoints over the locks and passing ships. It combines maritime activity with an easy stroll outdoors.
Hearty northern stew of pears, beans and bacon, balancing sweet and savoury flavours. A classic late-summer dish in Schleswig-Holstein.
Pan-fried Baltic or North Sea herring, often served with potatoes. It reflects Kiel’s long maritime and fishing traditions.
Pickled herring in a creamy sauce with apple, onion and gherkin. A staple of northern German home cooking and tavern menus.
Established city-centre restaurant serving refined regional and seasonal dishes in an elegant but approachable atmosphere.
Popular harbour-side restaurant known for fresh fish, crab and maritime classics in a relaxed waterside setting.
Well-known traditional brewery venue pouring local beer with hearty German fare in a lively, rustic setting.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels can rise in summer, but dining and local transport are usually reasonable compared with larger tourist cities like Hamburg or Munich.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding about 5-10% is normal in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés for good service.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf -> Rathausplatz, 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.

Most Cologne to Kiel trains use the Köln Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. 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.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Kiel 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 options include: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK is 2 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK 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 options include: Illy Espressobar, McDonald's, Gosch, Citti-Restaurant
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. ATMs are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Information desks are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
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