Kassel to Karlsruhe train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

Thu 17 Sept
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Kassel to Karlsruhe

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£29

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£55

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

2 h 35 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

2 h 52 m

Trains on 17 Sept

4

Distance

269 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Kassel to Karlsruhe will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £29.

Fast trains

On Thu 17 Sept, we found 4 trains from Kassel to Karlsruhe, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 269 km distance in an average of 2 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 4 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 Bahn
    9:133h04
    Kassel
    12:17Karlsruhe
    £291One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:133h04
    Kassel
    11:17Karlsruhe
    £441One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:482h35
    Kassel
    10:23Karlsruhe
    £541One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    19:132h46
    Kassel
    21:59Karlsruhe
    £931One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Kassel to Karlsruhe

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kassel to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £37.

Distance: 269 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£37

Average Price

£21

Average Price

Cheapest

£41

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 58m

Average total duration

4h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 13m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

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 Kassel to Karlsruhe is a coach with an average price of £21.

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

A coach is £16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kassel to Karlsruhe costing on average £37.

The fastest way to travel from Kassel to Karlsruhe is by train with an average journey time of 3h 4m.

Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 28m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Kassel and Karlsruhe including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 9m faster (3h 4m by train vs 3h 13m by car) and roughly £4 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£37 vs £41). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Kassel to Karlsruhe train times

The table below shows live departures for Kassel to Karlsruhe trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn7:48 Kassel
2h35
10:23 Karlsruhe0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn8:13 Kassel
3h04
11:17 Karlsruhe0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn9:13 Kassel
3h04
12:17 Karlsruhe0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn19:13 Kassel
2h46
21:59 Karlsruhe0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Kassel 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Kassel to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Kassel to Karlsruhe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Kassel 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) to find the best option for your trip from Kassel 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 Kassel 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 Kassel to Karlsruhe.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Kassel to Karlsruhe

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Kassel to Karlsruhe run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 269 km distance in 2h 35m.

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 £17
Distance
269 km
Average train duration
3h 4m
Cheapest ticket price
£25
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
2h 35m
First train
0:19
Last train
23:46
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
21 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 £17

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Kassel to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Kassel and Karlsruhe from £17. 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
2h 35m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£25
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£49
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 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: Kassel to Karlsruhe train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kassel 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 Kassel to Karlsruhe can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £37.
The train journey from Kassel to Karlsruhe covers a distance of 269 km and takes approximately 2h 35m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Kassel to Karlsruhe is 269 km.
The first train from Kassel to Karlsruhe leaves at 0:19.
The last train from Kassel to Karlsruhe departs at 23:46.
Trains from Kassel to Karlsruhe run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Kassel and Karlsruhe. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Kassel to Karlsruhe, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Kassel to Karlsruhe.
The train station in Kassel that goes to Karlsruhe is Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, and it arrives at Karlsruhe Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Kassel to Karlsruhe is by coach, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Kassel 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 Kassel to Karlsruhe offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes, including views of the scenic countryside in the Hesse and Baden-Württemberg regions, although it is not considered one of the most scenic routes in Germany.
A day trip from Kassel to Karlsruhe is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 35m. However, there are 7 train trips available per day. The distance between the two cities is 269 km.
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 Kassel to Karlsruhe.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Kassel and Karlsruhe

Most Kassel to Karlsruhe trains use the Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Kassel and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Kassel
Arrival train stations in Karlsruhe

Which Kassel station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?

Trains from Kassel to Karlsruhe leave from Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. The station is 4 km from Kassel city centre at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, Willy-Brandt-Platz 1, 34131 Kassel.
Kassel-WilhelmshöheKassel-Wilhelmshöhe, Willy-Brandt-Platz 1, 34131 KasselWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe from Kassel city centre

Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe is 3 km from Kassel city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb39, Re39, Re30, Rb38, Re50, Rb4 · 4m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Bus55, 52 · 10m · £2 · every ~5 min
52, 55 · 13m · every ~5 min
52 · 18m · every ~5 min
TramE, 4, 3, 1, 0 · 12m · every ~22 min
3, 1, 7, 4, 0, E · 14m · every ~27 min

Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe train station facilities and services

Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe 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: Matterhorn-Stübli, Biond Restaurant, Schwälmer Brotladen, Kleine Konoba

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. ATMs are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. Information desks are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include InterCityHotel, Schweizer Hof, Kurfürst Wilhelm I., Kurparkhotel.

Kassel HbfKassel Hbf, Rainer-Dierichs-Platz 1, 34117 KasselWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Kassel Hbf from Kassel city centre

TrainRb39, Re39, Re30, Rb38, Re50, Rb4 · 4m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Bus55, 52 · 10m · £2 · every ~5 min
52, 55 · 13m · every ~5 min
52 · 18m · every ~5 min
TramE, 4, 3, 1, 0 · 12m · every ~22 min
3, 1, 7, 4, 0, E · 14m · every ~27 min

Kassel Hbf train station facilities and services

Kassel 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: HermannS, Eckstein, Lohmann, Il Convento

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

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

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Kassel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel am Rathaus, Stadthotel, Arosa Hotel, Foto-Motel.

Most popular train connections from Kassel

More options for your journey from Kassel to Karlsruhe

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

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