4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe
Cheapest price
£28
Average price
£77
Fastest journey
2 h 57 m
Average duration
2 h 57 m
Trains per day
32
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Karlsruhe will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
Of the 32 trains that leave Zurich for Karlsruhe every day 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 2 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 57 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 57 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.
IC 6047020:593h15Zurich HB0:14Karlsruhe Hbf£281One-way0 changes- IC 6040919:593h05Zurich HB23:04Karlsruhe Hbf£371One-way0 changes
- ICE 27218:592h57Zurich HB21:56Karlsruhe Hbf£401One-way0 changes
- IC 6040221:593h21Zurich HB1:20Karlsruhe Hbf£461One-way0 changes
- IR 1768 · IC 616 · ICE 7211:293h04Zurich HB14:33Karlsruhe Hbf£531One-way2 changes
- IC 794 · ICE 3728:592h57Zurich HB11:56Karlsruhe Hbf£771One-way1 change
IC 794+
ICE 3728:592h57Zurich HB11:56Karlsruhe Hbf£991One-way1 change- ICE 27218:592h57Zurich HB21:56Karlsruhe Hbf£401One-way0 changes
- IC 772+ICE 27812:592h57Zurich HB15:56Karlsruhe Hbf£991One-way1 change
- IC 772 · ICE 27812:592h57Zurich HB15:56Karlsruhe Hbf£681One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Zurich to Karlsruhe
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £35.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£62 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration 4h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Karlsruhe train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Karlsruhe trains for today, Thursday 16 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 770 · ICE 106 | On time 11:59 Zurich HB | 2h58 | 14:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 772 · ICE 278 | On time 12:59 Zurich HB | 2h57 | 15:56 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 772+ICE 278 | On time 12:59 Zurich HB | 2h57 | 15:56 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IR 2072 · ECE 4 | On time 13:10 Zurich HB | 3h23 | 16:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
 IR 2072+ EC 4 | 13:10 Zurich HB | 3h23 | 16:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IR 1772 · IC 620 · ECE 4 | On time 13:29 Zurich HB | 3h04 | 16:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IR 1772+IC 620+EC 4 | 13:29 Zurich HB | 3h04 | 16:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 104 | On time 13:59 Zurich HB | 2h58 | 16:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 104 | On time 13:59 Zurich HB | 2h58 | 16:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 17 July | |||||
| ICE 200 | On time 7:59 Zurich HB | 2h58 | 10:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 794 · ICE 372 | On time 8:59 Zurich HB | 2h57 | 11:56 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 794+ICE 372 | On time 8:59 Zurich HB | 2h57 | 11:56 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IR 2064 · ICE 6 | On time 9:10 Zurich HB | 3h23 | 12:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IR 2064+ICE 6 | On time 9:10 Zurich HB | 3h23 | 12:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
| IR 1764+IC 612+ICE 6 | On time 9:29 Zurich HB | 3h04 | 12:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IR 1764 · IC 612 · ICE 6 | On time 9:29 Zurich HB | 3h04 | 12:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 108 | On time 9:59 Zurich HB | 2h58 | 12:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 108 | On time 9:59 Zurich HB | 2h58 | 12:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich 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.
17 Jul
18 Jul
19 Jul
20 Jul
21 Jul
22 Jul
23 Jul
24 Jul
25 Jul
26 Jul
27 Jul
28 Jul
29 Jul
30 Jul
31 Jul
01 Aug
02 Aug
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04 Aug
05 Aug
06 Aug
Why should you book Zurich to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?
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 ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity or ÖBB | Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich to Karlsruhe.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Karlsruhe
Switzerland
Germany
Trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 2h 56m.
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:48 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity, ÖBB | Nightjet from Zurich to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity, ÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Zurich and Karlsruhe from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | Nightjet
Trenitalia EuroCity
FAQs: Zurich to Karlsruhe train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Zurich and Karlsruhe
Most Zurich to Karlsruhe trains use the Zürich HB to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Karlsruhe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Zurich station do trains to Karlsruhe leave from?
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB train station facilities and services
Zürich HB 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Getting to Zürich Stadelhofen from Zurich city centre
Zürich Stadelhofen train station facilities and services
Zürich Stadelhofen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Getting to Zürich Altstetten from Zurich city centre
Zürich Altstetten is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Altstetten train station facilities and services
Zürich Altstetten has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Markthalle, Restaurant LaSalle
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Altstetten. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Altstetten. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich Altstetten: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich Altstetten: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Altstetten: Elevators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Placid Hotel Zurich, Best Western Hotel Spirgarten, H+ Hotel Zürich.
Which Karlsruhe station do trains from Zurich arrive at?
Getting to Karlsruhe Hbf from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Hbf train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Getting to Karlsruhe-Durlach from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe-Durlach 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: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Getting to Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang.
Most popular train connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Karlsruhe
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Karlsruhe and Zurich
Most popular train connections to Karlsruhe
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