Heidelberg to Karlsruhe train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC)

Tue 08 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
DB Regio Stuttgart
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
DB Regio Stuttgart
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept

Cheapest price on 08 Sept

£20

Average ticket price on 08 Sept

£22

Fastest journey on 08 Sept

45 m

Average journey duration on 08 Sept

1 h 3 m

Trains on 08 Sept

3

Distance

50 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.

Fast trains

On Tue 08 Sept, we found 3 trains from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 50 km distance in an average of 1 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 45 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 37 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 BahnIC 2049 · ECE 151
    8:240h45
    Heidelberg Hbf
    9:09Karlsruhe Hbf
    £201One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnS3 · ICE 101
    8:130h46
    Heidelberg Hbf
    8:59Karlsruhe Hbf
    £221One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnS3
    8:131h37
    Heidelberg Hbf
    9:50Karlsruhe Hbf
    £241One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Heidelberg to Karlsruhe

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, while a train costs an average of £8.

Distance: 50 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£8

Average Price

£8

Average Price

Cheapest

£7

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 9m

Average total duration

39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

47m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe is a coach with an average price of £8.

This is compared to other travel options from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe:

A coach is £0.35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe costing on average £8.

The fastest way to travel from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe is by train with an average journey time of 37m.

Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:

Coach takes on average 39m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Heidelberg and Karlsruhe including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 10m sooner (37m by train vs 47m by car). Tickets start at around £8 compared to roughly £7 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Heidelberg to Karlsruhe train times

The table below shows live departures for Heidelberg to Karlsruhe trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnS3 · ICE 1018:13 Heidelberg Hbf
0h46
8:59 Karlsruhe Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS38:13 Heidelberg Hbf
1h37
9:50 Karlsruhe Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 2049 · ECE 151
On time
8:24 Heidelberg Hbf
0h45
9:09 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 Heidelberg to Karlsruhe by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept

Why should you book Heidelberg to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), DB Regio Stuttgart and more offer trains services from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Heidelberg 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 FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) or DB Regio Stuttgart to find the best option for your trip from Heidelberg 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe run on average 8 times per day, taking around 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 50 km distance in 27m.

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
50 km
Average train duration
37m
Cheapest ticket price
£3
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
27m
First train
0:06
Last train
23:44
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
1 day
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), DB Regio Stuttgart from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), DB Regio Stuttgart trains will get you between Heidelberg and Karlsruhe from £3. 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
36m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£7
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

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 FlixTrain Duration
27m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£3
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

Österreichische Bundesbahnen

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Österreichische Bundesbahnen Duration
28m
Cheapest Österreichische Bundesbahnen Price
£23
Österreichische Bundesbahnen frequency
1 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Duration
33m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Price
£14
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
22 a day

DB Regio Stuttgart

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average DB Regio Stuttgart Duration
55m
DB Regio Stuttgart frequency
5 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: Heidelberg to Karlsruhe train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg to Karlsruhe can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £8.
The train journey from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe covers a distance of 50 km and takes approximately 27m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe is 50 km.
The first train from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe leaves at 0:06.
The last train from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe departs at 23:44.
Trains from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Heidelberg and Karlsruhe. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
To get from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe.
The train station in Heidelberg that goes to Karlsruhe is Heidelberg Hbf, and it arrives at Karlsruhe Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe is by train, costing approximately £3.
Booking trains from Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg to Karlsruhe offers picturesque views of the Rhine Valley, featuring charming German countryside, rolling hills, and historic towns along the way, making it a scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe is feasible. The journey takes 27m and covers 50 km, with trains running 8 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 Heidelberg to Karlsruhe.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Heidelberg and Karlsruhe

Most Heidelberg to Karlsruhe trains use the Heidelberg Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Use this guide to compare Heidelberg and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Heidelberg
Arrival train stations in Karlsruhe

Which Heidelberg station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?

Trains from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe leave from Heidelberg Hbf. The station is 1 km from Heidelberg city centre at Heidelberg Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 5, 69115 Heidelberg.
Heidelberg HbfHeidelberg Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 5, 69115 HeidelbergWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Heidelberg Hbf from Heidelberg city centre

Heidelberg Hbf is 1 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:

BusRnv 35, Rnv 33, Rnv 20, RNV Moonliner 3 · 4m · £3 · every ~13 min
TramRnv 5, Rnv 23, Rnv 22, Rnv 21 · 4m · £2 · every ~20 min

Heidelberg Hbf train station facilities and services

Heidelberg 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: Heid´s Grill, McDonald's, Uuuhmami, Taj Mahal

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg Hbf. ATMs are available at Heidelberg Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Information desks are available at Heidelberg Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel, Qube Hotel, NH Heidelberg, Krokodil.

Heidelberg-Kirchheim/RohrbachHeidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach, Hardstraße 1, 69124 Heidelberg-KirchheimWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach from Heidelberg city centre

Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach is 3 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS3, Rb68, Re73, S2 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
BusRnv 33, RNV Moonliner 3 · 25m · £3 · every ~6 min
Rnv 33, RNV Moonliner 3 · 30m · £3 · every ~7 min
TramRnv 22, Rnv 5, Rnv 21, Rnv 23 · 19m · £3 · every ~25 min
Rnv 26 · 22m · £3 · every ~10 min

Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach train station facilities and services

Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach 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: Restaurant Dufke, Stettiner Klause, Hakim's Imbiss, KOLBEZ Cafe

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. ATMs are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. Information desks are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Rose.

Heidelberg-AltstadtHeidelberg-Altstadt, Am Karlstor 1, 69118 HeidelbergWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Heidelberg-Altstadt from Heidelberg city centre

Heidelberg-Altstadt is 2 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS7, S8, S2, S1 · 3m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
BusRnv 36, Rnv 20, RNV Moonliner 5 · 9m · £3 · every ~11 min
Rnv 20, Rnv 35 · 10m · £3 · every ~10 min
755, 754, 752, 735 · 12m · every ~3 min

Heidelberg-Altstadt train station facilities and services

Heidelberg-Altstadt 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: Persepolis, Zum Brückenaff, 'S' Kastanie, Choa

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. ATMs are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. Information desks are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Heidelberg-Altstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Heidelberg-Altstadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Parkhotel Atlantic, Hackteufel, Goldener Falke, Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg.

More options for your journey from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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