1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe
Showing times and prices for 16 Jan
Cheapest price
£18
Average price
£27
Fastest journey
1 h 1 m
Average duration
1 h 6 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
125 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
Fast trains
Of the 10 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Karlsruhe 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 125 km distance in an average of 1 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 8 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 9556 · S908:531h55
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf10:48Karlsruhe Hbf
£181One-way
1 change
ECE 15108:021h07
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf09:09Karlsruhe Hbf
£211One-way
0 changes
ICE 157309:421h37
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf11:19Karlsruhe Hbf
£211One-way
0 changes
ICE 27708:501h09
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf09:59Karlsruhe Hbf
£251One-way
0 changes
ICE 10309:511h08
Frankfurt Airport long-distance station10:59Karlsruhe Hbf
£271One-way
0 changes
ICE 915 · ICE 7110:221h01
Frankfurt Airport long-distance station11:23Karlsruhe Hbf
£331One-way
1 change
ECE 15108:021h07
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf09:09Karlsruhe Hbf
£211One-way
0 changes
ICE 10309:511h08
Frankfurt Airport long-distance station10:59Karlsruhe Hbf
£271One-way
0 changes
ICE 515 · ICE 27910:511h08
Frankfurt Airport long-distance station11:59Karlsruhe Hbf
£331One-way
1 change
ICE 513 · ICE 27708:511h08
Frankfurt Airport long-distance station09:59Karlsruhe Hbf
£331One-way
1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, and a train costs an average of £6.
Distance: 125 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£14 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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
Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe train times
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe trains for today, Thursday 15 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 09:53
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 515 · ICE 279 | Delayed 10:13 09:51Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 11:04 11:04Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 219 · 15975 | Delayed 10:23 10:00Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h44 | 11:44 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| Friday 16 January | |||||
| ECE 151 | On time 07:02 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 08:09 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 277 | On time 07:50 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 08:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 513 · ICE 277 | On time 07:51 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 08:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 9556 · S9 | On time 07:53 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h55 | 09:48 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 1573 | On time 08:42 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h37 | 10:19 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 593 · ICE 103 | On time 08:50 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 09:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 103 | On time 08:51 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 09:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 09:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 10:23 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 09:51 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h08 | 10:59 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 Frankfurt am Main 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
16 Jan
16 Jan
Sat
17 Jan
17 Jan
Sun
18 Jan
18 Jan
Mon
19 Jan
19 Jan
Tue
20 Jan
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan
22 Jan
Fri
23 Jan
23 Jan
Sat
24 Jan
24 Jan
Sun
25 Jan
25 Jan
Mon
26 Jan
26 Jan
Tue
27 Jan
27 Jan
Wed
28 Jan
28 Jan
Thu
29 Jan
29 Jan
Fri
30 Jan
30 Jan
Sat
31 Jan
31 Jan
Sun
01 Feb
01 Feb
Mon
02 Feb
02 Feb
Tue
03 Feb
03 Feb
Wed
04 Feb
04 Feb
Thu
05 Feb
05 Feb
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe?
The best time to book your train from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe.
Trains
from £15Coaches
from £6ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe
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
PlaceComfortableSocketsFast ridePriceDisadvantages
DelayFew/no alternativesNo wifiThe train was about 30 minutes late. There were no alternatives at this time of day. Which is a real pity. But if you travel with DB, you're used to delays. This was the RE4 from Karlsruhe to Frankfurt.
After the train arrived late, it went well. There were enough seats. There were power sockets at least at the 4-seater seats. But unfortunately no wifi.
The journey went smoothly and the journey time was reasonable.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe
GermanyGermany
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe run on average 15 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 125 km distance in 1h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Distance 125 km |
Average train duration 1h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 1h 3m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
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 £6
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, TGV, FlixTrain from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV, FlixTrain trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Karlsruhe from £6. 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 1m
Cheapest Price
£6
Deutsche Bahn frequency
17 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
TGV
About
TGV is a high-speed train company based in France. It operates a fleet of modern trains that can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. The TGV offers a variety of train types, including the TGV Duplex, TGV Lyria, TGV InOui, and TGV OuiGo. Each train type provides different amenities, such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. Ticket options include Standard, Flexi, and Prem’s. Onboard facilities feature a bar, restaurant, and luggage storage. Popular TGV routes include Paris to Lyon, Paris to Marseille, and Paris to Lille.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 8m
Cheapest Price
£16
TGV frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 suitcase included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions and ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with full meals and bar service, at-seat dining in first class
Seat reservation
Included in first class, optional fee in second class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
57m
Cheapest Price
£6
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
FAQs: Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £6, while the average price tends to be around £14.
The train journey from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe covers a distance of 125 km and takes approximately 1h 3m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe is 125 km.
The first train from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe departs at 23:57.
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe run approximately 15 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Frankfurt am Main and Karlsruhe. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, TGV, FlixTrain.
To get from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe.
The train station in Frankfurt am Main that goes to Karlsruhe is Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, and it arrives at Karlsruhe Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe is by coach, costing approximately £6.
Booking trains from Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Rhine Valley and quaint German towns, providing a pleasant and moderately scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe is feasible. The journey takes 1h 3m with a distance of 125 km. Trains run 15 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 Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Frankfurt am Main and Karlsruhe
Frankfurt am Main
Karlsruhe
The major train station for departures in Frankfurt am Main is Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf for your trip from Frankfurt am Main 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: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
Accessibility
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
Information Desk
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
Accessibility
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
Information Desk
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
10 km
Number of platforms
4Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
Dining
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €1
Hotel
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
Shower
- Cost €6
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
Public transport options for Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
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 Frankfurt am Main.
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
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 kmMore options for your journey from Frankfurt am Main to Karlsruhe
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Karlsruhe and Frankfurt am Main
Most popular train connections to Karlsruhe
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
