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

Thu 17 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
TGV
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
TGV
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Ulm to Karlsruhe

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£24

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£35

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

1 h 30 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

1 h 53 m

Trains on 17 Sept

5

Distance

136 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Ulm to Karlsruhe will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £24.

Fast trains

On Thu 17 Sept, we found 5 trains from Ulm to Karlsruhe, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 136 km distance in an average of 1 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 30 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 10 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 Bahn4206 · 19008
    8:152h10
    Ulm Hbf
    10:25Karlsruhe Hbf
    £241One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 612 · IC 2166
    8:472h06
    Ulm Hbf
    10:53Karlsruhe Hbf
    £311One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 690+TGVTGV 9574
    10:011h30
    Ulm Hbf
    11:31Karlsruhe Hbf
    £361One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1010 · 19010
    9:331h52
    Ulm Hbf
    11:25Karlsruhe Hbf
    £411One-way
    1 change
  • TGVTGV 9576
    8:041h47
    Ulm Hbf
    9:51Karlsruhe Hbf
    £451One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Ulm to Karlsruhe

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ulm to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £11 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 17m. 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 £11, while a train costs an average of £18.

Distance: 136 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£18

Average Price

£11

Average Price

Cheapest

£21

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 38m

Average total duration

2h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 0m

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

FlixBus

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 Ulm to Karlsruhe is a coach with an average price of £11.

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

A coach is £7 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ulm to Karlsruhe costing on average £18.

The fastest way to travel from Ulm to Karlsruhe is by train with an average journey time of 1h 47m.

Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 8m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ulm 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 13m faster (1h 47m by train vs 2h 0m by car) and roughly £3 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£18 vs £21). 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, TGV, 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

Ulm to Karlsruhe train times

The table below shows live departures for Ulm 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
TGVTGV 9576
On time
8:04 Ulm Hbf
1h47
9:51 Karlsruhe Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn4206 · 190088:15 Ulm Hbf
2h10
10:25 Karlsruhe Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 612 · IC 2166
On time
8:47 Ulm Hbf
2h06
10:53 Karlsruhe Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1010 · 19010
On time
9:33 Ulm Hbf
1h52
11:25 Karlsruhe Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 690+TGVTGV 9574
On time
10:01 Ulm Hbf
1h30
11:31 Karlsruhe Hbf
1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Ulm 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 Ulm to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) and more offer trains services from Ulm to Karlsruhe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ulm 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 TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Ulm 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 Ulm 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 Ulm to Karlsruhe.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Ulm to Karlsruhe

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Ulm to Karlsruhe run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:15. The fastest train covers the 136 km distance in 2h 6m.

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
136 km
Average train duration
1h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
£7
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 6m
First train
0:01
Last train
23:15
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
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, TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), Arverio Baden-Württemberg GmbH from Ulm to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), Arverio Baden-Württemberg GmbH trains will get you between Ulm and Karlsruhe from £7. 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 6m
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

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 TGV Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest TGV Price
£31
TGV frequency
1 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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£34
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day

DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) Price
£31
DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) frequency
2 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Duration
1h 52m
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
7 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
1h 56m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
£54
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

Arverio Baden-Württemberg GmbH

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Arverio Baden-Württemberg GmbH Duration
2h 39m
Arverio Baden-Württemberg GmbH frequency
3 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: Ulm to Karlsruhe train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ulm 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 Ulm to Karlsruhe can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £18.
The train journey from Ulm to Karlsruhe covers a distance of 136 km and takes approximately 2h 6m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Ulm to Karlsruhe is 136 km.
The first train from Ulm to Karlsruhe leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Ulm to Karlsruhe departs at 23:15.
Trains from Ulm to Karlsruhe run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Ulm and Karlsruhe. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Ulm to Karlsruhe, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Ulm to Karlsruhe.
The train station in Ulm that goes to Karlsruhe is Ulm Hbf, and it arrives at Karlsruhe Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Ulm to Karlsruhe is by train, costing approximately £7.
Booking trains from Ulm 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 Ulm to Karlsruhe offers scenic views of the Swabian Jura's rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque villages, providing a pleasant travel experience.
Yes, it is feasible to do a day trip from Ulm to Karlsruhe. The journey takes 2h 6m, covers 136 km, and there are 8 trains 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 Ulm to Karlsruhe.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Ulm and Karlsruhe

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

Departure train stations in Ulm
Arrival train stations in Karlsruhe

Which Ulm station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?

Trains from Ulm to Karlsruhe leave from Ulm Hbf. The station is 1 km from Ulm city centre at Ulm Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1, 89073 Ulm.
Ulm HbfUlm Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1, 89073 UlmWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Ulm Hbf from Ulm city centre

Bus46 · 9m · £3 · every ~1 min
Tram1 · 3m · £3 · every ~11 min

Ulm Hbf train station facilities and services

Ulm 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: Café Schmizz, Blauflesch, Wilder Mann, Gaststuben im Zunfthaus der Schiffleute

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

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

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ulm Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Bäumle, InterCityHotel Ulm, Lehrertal Garni.

More options for your journey from Ulm to Karlsruhe

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

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone