Mainz to Karlsruhe train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Fri 18 Sept
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Deutsche Bahn
Süwex
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Süwex
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Mainz to Karlsruhe

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£9

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£24

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

1 h 18 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

2 h 11 m

Trains on 18 Sept

3

Distance

109 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Mainz to Karlsruhe will cost around £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 trains from Mainz to Karlsruhe, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 109 km distance in an average of 2 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 18 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 2 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 BahnICE 991 · ICE 273
    5:411h18
    Mainz Hbf
    6:59Karlsruhe Hbf
    £91One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnBus S8E · ICE 699 · IC 60403
    0:583h02
    Bahnstrecke Mainz–Mannheim
    4:00Karlsruhe Hbf
    £271One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnS6
    4:562h12
    Mainz Hbf
    7:08Karlsruhe Hbf
    £361One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Mainz to Karlsruhe

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mainz to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 54m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £19.

Distance: 109 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£19

Average Price

£14

Average Price

Cheapest

£19

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 54m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 25m

Average total duration

1h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 28m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

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 Mainz to Karlsruhe is a coach with an average price of £14.

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

A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mainz to Karlsruhe costing on average £19.

The fastest way to travel from Mainz to Karlsruhe is by train with an average journey time of 1h 24m.

Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:

Coach takes on average 1h 55m.

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

You'll arrive about 4m sooner (1h 24m by train vs 1h 28m by car). Tickets start at around £19 compared to roughly £19 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 Süwex, 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

Mainz to Karlsruhe train times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn447712:13 Mainz Hbf
1h40
13:53 Karlsruhe0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 2013 · ICE 371
On time
12:42 Mainz Hbf
1h17
13:59 Karlsruhe
1 change
Deutsche BahnS612:52 Mainz Hbf
2h26
15:18 Karlsruhe0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn4495 · ICE 10713:13 Mainz Hbf
1h46
14:59 Karlsruhe1 change
Deutsche BahnS5 · ICE 73
On time
13:22 Mainz Hbf
2h01
15:23 Karlsruhe
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 29 · ICE 919 · ICE 73
On time
13:42 Mainz Hbf
1h41
15:23 Karlsruhe
2 changes
Friday 18 September
Deutsche BahnBus S8E · ICE 699 · IC 604030:58 Bahnstrecke Mainz–Mannheim
3h02
4:00 Karlsruhe Hbf2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Mainz 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
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Mainz to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Mainz to Karlsruhe

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Mainz to Karlsruhe run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 109 km distance in 1h 30m.

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 £9
Distance
109 km
Average train duration
1h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
£10
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
1h 30m
First train
0:08
Last train
23:53
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
35 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 £9

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Süwex, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Mainz to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, Süwex, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Mainz and Karlsruhe from £9. 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
1h 30m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£10
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

What's included in each class

Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Quiet zone
  • WC
2nd Class
  • Power plugs
  • WC

Süwex

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Süwex Duration
1h 38m
Cheapest Süwex Price
£24
Süwex frequency
14 a day

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
1h 16m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£49
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
8 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Duration
1h 37m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Price
£23
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
28 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: Mainz to Karlsruhe train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mainz 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 Mainz to Karlsruhe can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £10, while the average price tends to be around £19.
The train journey from Mainz to Karlsruhe covers a distance of 109 km and takes approximately 1h 30m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Mainz to Karlsruhe is 109 km.
The first train from Mainz to Karlsruhe leaves at 0:08.
The last train from Mainz to Karlsruhe departs at 23:53.
Trains from Mainz to Karlsruhe run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Mainz and Karlsruhe. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Süwex, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
To get from Mainz to Karlsruhe, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Mainz to Karlsruhe.
The train station in Mainz that goes to Karlsruhe is Mainz Hbf, and it arrives at Karlsruhe Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Mainz to Karlsruhe is by coach, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Mainz 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 Mainz to Karlsruhe offers picturesque views of the Rhine River, charming vineyards, and the rolling hills of the Rhineland-Palatinate region, making it quite a scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Mainz to Karlsruhe is feasible. The journey takes 1h 30m with a distance of 109 km. Trains run 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 Mainz to Karlsruhe.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Mainz and Karlsruhe

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

Departure train stations in Mainz
Arrival train stations in Karlsruhe

Which Mainz station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?

Trains from Mainz to Karlsruhe leave from Mainz Hbf. The station is 2 km from Mainz city centre at Mainz Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1, 55116 Mainz.
Mainz HbfMainz Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1, 55116 MainzWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Mainz Hbf from Mainz city centre

Mainz Hbf is 2 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus92, 76, 62 · 9m · every ~13 min
93, 76, 65, 64 · 12m · every ~6 min
Tram52, 50 · 12m · every ~11 min

Mainz Hbf train station facilities and services

Mainz 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: Mangal, Asia Wok, Bistrorante Midi, McDonald's

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

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

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Mainz Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Advena Europa Hotel, GuestHouse Mainz, Terminus, Hotel Moguntia.

More options for your journey from Mainz to Karlsruhe

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

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