FRANKFURT AM MAIN to KIEL train from £16 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 11 Oct

Cheapest price on 11 Oct

£16

Average ticket price on 11 Oct

£78

Fastest journey on 11 Oct

4 h 53 m

Average journey duration on 11 Oct

4 h 54 m

Trains on 11 Oct

Distance

478 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel 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 Kiel will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.

Fast trains

On Sun 11 Oct, we found 36 trains from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel, including 6 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 4 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 53 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 54 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 778
4:414h59
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
9:40Kiel Hbf
£161One-way
0 changes
S9 · ICE 778
4:155h25
Frankfurt am Main Flughafen
9:40Kiel Hbf
£251One-way
1 change
S8 · IC 60470 · 11208
1:307h51
Frankfurt am Main Flughafen
9:21Kiel Hbf
£251One-way
2 changes
IC 60470 · 11208
2:147h07
Frankfurt South station
9:21Kiel Hbf
£251One-way
1 change
ICE 776
6:464h54
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
11:40Kiel Hbf
£361One-way
0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel

Germany

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 478 km distance in 4h 42m.

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

478 km

Average train duration

5h 46m

Cheapest ticket price

£16

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

4h 42m

First train

0:04

Last train

23:57

Cheapest Month

Jul

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Sat

Least Busy Day

Tue

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Live departures

Frankfurt am Main to Kiel train times

The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Kiel trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
ICE 992 · ICE 772	Delayed 10:09 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	5h31	13:42 13:42Kiel Hbf	1 change
S9 · ICE 772	Delayed 10:15 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	5h25	13:42 13:42Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 992 · ICE 772	Delayed 8:22 10:20Frankfurt South station	5h20	13:42 13:42Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 772	Delayed 8:48 10:46Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h54	13:42 13:42Kiel Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 13 · ICE 74 · 11272	Delayed 9:21 11:15Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	5h37	16:52 Kiel Hbf	2 changes
ICE 74 · 11272	On time 11:46 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	5h06	16:52 Kiel Hbf	1 change
S9 · ICE 770	On time 12:15 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	5h25	17:40 Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 200 · 11276	On time 12:18 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	6h34	18:52 Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 770	On time 12:46 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h54	17:40 Kiel Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 15 · ICE 6 · 11276	On time 13:15 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	5h37	18:52 Kiel Hbf	2 changes
FlixTrain+FlixBus	13:58 Frankfurt South station	11h12	1:10 Kiel, ZOB	1 change
Sunday 11 October
S8 · IC 60470 · 11208	1:30 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	7h51	9:21 Kiel Hbf	2 changes
S9 · ICE 778	On time 4:15 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	5h25	9:40 Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 778	On time 4:41 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h59	9:40 Kiel Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 521 · ICE 1186 · 11260	On time 5:38 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	5h17	10:55 Kiel Hbf	2 changes
ICE 1186 · 11260	On time 6:02 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h53	10:55 Kiel Hbf	1 change
29501 · ICE 776	On time 6:22 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	5h18	11:40 Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 776	On time 6:46 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h54	11:40 Kiel Hbf	0 changesdirect
29503 · ICE 76 · 11264	7:22 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	5h30	12:52 Kiel Hbf	2 changes
ICE 76 · 11264	On time 7:46 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	5h06	12:52 Kiel Hbf	1 change
S9 · ICE 774	On time 8:15 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	5h25	13:40 Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 204 · 11268	On time 8:18 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	6h34	14:52 Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 774	On time 8:46 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h54	13:40 Kiel Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 11 · ICE 8 · 11268	On time 9:15 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	5h37	14:52 Kiel Hbf	2 changes
ICE 1074 · 11220	On time 9:38 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	5h43	15:21 Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 529 · ICE 1074 · 11220	On time 9:44 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	5h37	15:21 Kiel Hbf	2 changes
ICE 8 · 11268	On time 9:46 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	5h06	14:52 Kiel Hbf	1 change
ICE 1074 · 11220	On time 10:02 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	5h19	15:21 Kiel Hbf	1 change
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Frankfurt am Main to Kiel trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as erixx, Hessische Landesbahn, EuroCity and more offer trains services from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel.

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 erixx, Hessische Landesbahn or EuroCity to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel.
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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Raileurope?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel

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

Good service

Disadvantages

Train failure

Unfortunately, the train broke down shortly after I started, so I had to change trains at a small station and the entire route had to be re-planned. However, the staff at the station helped me very well. As I arrived at my destination over an hour late, I also received a small refund.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, erixx, EuroCity, Hessische Landesbahn from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel trainsDeutsche Bahn, erixx, EuroCity, Hessische Landesbahn trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Kiel from £16. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration

4h 42m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

£16

Deutsche Bahn frequency

36 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

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

EuroCity

About

EuroCity (EC) is an international train category and brand for inter-city trains that cross international borders within Europe. These trains are a collaboration between various European rail companies, including Deutsche Bahn (Germany), Trenitalia (Italy), SBB (Switzerland), and ÖBB (Austria). EuroCity trains connect major cities across Europe, offering both first and second-class coaches. They are known for meeting specific criteria for comfort, speed, cleanliness, and onboard food service, including air-conditioned cars and dining facilities. EuroCity services aim to provide convenient and comfortable cross-border travel, with stops typically lasting no more than 5 to 15 minutes.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average EuroCity Duration

6h 8m

Cheapest EuroCity Price

£133

EuroCity frequency

2 a day

Luggage included

2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund provided for canceled services

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Restaurant car or bistro service available on most routes

Seat reservation

Seat reservations recommended, available for additional fee

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

Quiet zone

Hessische Landesbahn

About

Hessische Landesbahn (HLB) is a regional transport company owned by the German state of Hesse, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. It provides extensive bus and rail passenger transport services within Hesse and extends its operations into neighboring states like Bavaria, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Thuringia. HLB operates as a holding company with subsidiaries managing rail services (HLB Hessenbahn GmbH), bus services (HLB Hessenbus GmbH), and infrastructure/vehicle resources (HLB Basis AG). Their diverse fleet includes modern train types such as Stadler FLIRT, Alstom LINT, and Coradia Continental trains. Tickets from Deutsche Bahn are also valid on HLB trains.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Hessische Landesbahn Duration

6h 19m

Cheapest Hessische Landesbahn Price

£131

Hessische Landesbahn frequency

1 a day

Luggage included

One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage free of charge

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund for canceled services

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Snack and beverage service available on some routes

Seat reservation

Seat reservations available for an additional fee

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require a ticket and must be leashed

Quiet zone

erixx

About

erixx is a private train company in Germany offering rail services in Bremen and Lower Saxony in northern Germany. Founded in 2011, erixx runs six regional lines including the Heidebahn from Hanover to Buchholz as well as offering service to Wittingen, Bad Harzburg, Soltau and Wolfenbuttel. The trains are modern, comfortable and alcohol-free in order to provide a pleasant journey. The most popular journeys include Hanover to Bad Harzburg with the RE10, Bad Harzburg/Goslar to Braunschweig with the RB42/43, Braunschweig to Uelzen with the RB47, and Lueneburg to Dannenberg on the RB32.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average erixx Duration

5h 35m

Cheapest erixx Price

£31

erixx frequency

2 a day

Luggage included

One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund provided for cancelled services

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Seat reservation

Seat reservations not possible on regional trains

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require a ticket

Quiet zone

Complete guide to Kiel

Things to do in Kiel

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

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.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Kunsthalle zu Kiel

An art museum near the fjord with European paintings, prints and changing exhibitions. The quiet setting makes it ideal for a cultural stop.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Freilichtmuseum Molfsee

An open-air museum with historic farm buildings and rural heritage from Schleswig-Holstein. It rewards visitors seeking regional history beyond the centre.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

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.

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 at upscale restaurants.
Coffee: €3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Best day trips from Kiel by train

The most popular day trips by train from Kiel are Hamburg, Lübeck, Neumünster, Flensburg and Rendsburg. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Kiel on Omio.

Day trip from Kiel to Hamburg by train

Why visit Hamburg for the day?

Hamburg is Germany's great port city, known for its harbour, canals and maritime character. Historic warehouse districts sit alongside modern architecture, while music, nightlife and waterside neighbourhoods give the city an energetic but grounded feel.

How to get from Kiel to Hamburg by train?

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:13, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 83 km distance in 1h 4m.

Find tickets to Hamburg

Day trip from Kiel to Lübeck by train

Why visit Lübeck for the day?

Lübeck is known for its Hanseatic past, brick Gothic churches and marzipan tradition. Its UNESCO-listed old town, set between waterways, feels historic, compact and quietly maritime.

How to get from Kiel to Lübeck by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:09, the last at 17:09. The fastest train covers the 62 km distance in 1h 9m.

Find tickets to Lübeck

Day trip from Kiel to Neumünster by train

Why visit Neumünster for the day?

Neumünster is a practical city in Schleswig-Holstein known for its textile past and modern outlet shopping. Parks, galleries, and Vicelinkirche give it a grounded northern German character beyond its commercial side.

How to get from Kiel to Neumünster by train?

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:13, the last at 22:36. The fastest train covers the 29 km distance in 16m.

Find tickets to Neumünster

Day trip from Kiel to Flensburg by train

Why visit Flensburg for the day?

Flensburg is a northern German port on the Flensburg Fjord, known for its maritime history, rum trade and Danish links. The harbour and old town give it a seafaring character, with a relaxed borderland feel.

How to get from Kiel to Flensburg by train?

The earliest train runs at 08:25, the last at 20:15. The fastest train covers the 68 km distance in 1h 9m.

Find tickets to Flensburg

Day trip from Kiel to Rendsburg by train

Why visit Rendsburg for the day?

Rendsburg is a canal town in Schleswig-Holstein best known for the Kiel Canal and the Rendsburg High Bridge. Its compact centre and maritime past give it a calm, practical character shaped by shipping and engineering.

How to get from Kiel to Rendsburg by train?

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:32, the last at 19:57. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 31m.

Find tickets to Rendsburg

FAQs: Frankfurt am Main to Kiel train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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.

The cost of a train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £98.

The train journey from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel covers a distance of 478 km and takes approximately 4h 42m. Trains run 13 per day.

The train distance from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel is 478 km.

The first train from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel leaves at 0:04.

The last train from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel departs at 23:57.

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel run approximately 13 times per day.

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel.

There is no night train service from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel.

The train station in Frankfurt am Main that goes to Kiel is Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, and it arrives at Kiel Hbf.

Booking trains from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel 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 Kiel offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Rhine River, rolling hills, and picturesque towns, especially in the early stages of the trip. As the train heads north, the landscape becomes flatter, with agricultural fields and small villages, providing a pleasant but not overwhelmingly dramatic backdrop.

Yes, you can take the train from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Frankfurt am Main and Kiel

Most Frankfurt am Main to Kiel trains use the Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Use this guide to compare Frankfurt am Main and Kiel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Frankfurt am Main

Arrival train stations in Kiel

Which Frankfurt am Main station do trains to Kiel leave from?

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Kiel leave from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. The station is 2 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre at Im Hauptbahnhof, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Frankfurt (Main) HbfIm Hauptbahnhof, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf from Frankfurt am Main city centre

Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS9, S8, S6, S5, S4, S3, S2, S1 · 5m · £0.89 · every ~51 min

BusN5, N12, N4 · 5m · every ~1 min

Tram18, 14, 12, 11 · 6m · £3 · every ~38 min

SubwayU5, U4 · 4m · £3 · every ~39 min

Frankfurt (Main) Hbf train station facilities and services

Frankfurt (Main) 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, Burger King, Ciao Bella, Coffee Fellows, Crepes de France Express, dean&david, Starbucks, Uddin's Sky Sportsbar, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, & many more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.

More about Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Frankfurt Flughafen FernbfFrankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof, 60549 Frankfurt am Main, Germany+49 69 2651055 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf from Frankfurt am Main city centre

Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainIce · 11m · £2

Trn · 12m · £3

S8, S9 · 19m · £3 · every ~5 min

BusS8e · 28m · £5

X61, 61 · 41m · every ~13 min

61, X61 · 42m · every ~13 min

Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf train station facilities and services

Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.