- 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.
Cheapest price on 15 Oct
£44
Average ticket price on 15 Oct
£79
Fastest journey on 15 Oct
2 h 58 m
Average journey duration on 15 Oct
2 h 59 m
Trains on 15 Oct
15
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 £79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
On Thu 15 Oct, we found 15 trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 58 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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.
TGV 9210+
ICE 6 · STR 3
ICE 108 · STR 3
ICE 200
ICE 200 · STR 3
ICE 370 · STR 3
ICE 372+
IC 794
ICE 278+
IC 772
ICE 200
TGV 9222+
EC 4
TGV 9218+
ICE 72Trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 5 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 33m.
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:48 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Karlsruhe trains for today, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 578+ ICE 2 | On time 17:34 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 20:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 578 · ICE 2 · S1 | 17:34 Zurich HB | 3h20 | 20:54 Karlsruhe Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Kaiserstraße) | 2 changes | |
IC 782+ ICE 100 | On time 17:58 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 20:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 782 · ICE 100 · S11 | 17:58 Zurich HB | 3h16 | 21:14 Karlsruhe Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Kaiserstraße) | 2 changes | |
IC 60470 | 18:32 Zurich HB | 5h42 | 0:14 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 272 | On time 18:58 Zurich HB | 2h58 | 21:56 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 272 · S11 | On time 18:58 Zurich HB | 3h16 | 22:14 Karlsruhe Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Kaiserstraße) | 1 change | |
IC 60402 | 19:05 Zurich HB | 6h15 | 1:20 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 60409 · STR 3 | On time 19:58 Zurich HB | 3h26 | 23:24 Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 1 change | |
IC 60409 | On time 19:58 Zurich HB | 3h06 | 23:04 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 200 | On time 7:58 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 10:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 200 · STR 3 | On time 7:58 Zurich HB | 3h15 | 11:13 Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 1 change | |
IC 794+ ICE 372 | On time 8:58 Zurich HB | 2h58 | 11:56 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 · STR 3 | 8:58 Zurich HB | 3h15 | 12:13 Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2 changes | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 6 | On time 9:34 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 12:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 6 · STR 3 | 9:34 Zurich HB | 3h19 | 12:53 Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2 changes | |
ICE 108 | On time 9:58 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 12:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 108 · STR 3 | On time 9:58 Zurich HB | 3h15 | 13:13 Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 1 change | |
ICE 370 | On time 10:58 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 13:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 370 · STR 3 | On time 10:58 Zurich HB | 3h15 | 14:13 Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 1 change | |
TGV 9218+ ICE 72 | 11:34 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 14:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 770+ ICE 106 | 11:58 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 14:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 772+ ICE 278 | 12:58 Zurich HB | 2h58 | 15:56 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
TGV 9222+ EC 4 | 13:34 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 16:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 104 | 13:58 Zurich HB | 2h59 | 16:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
A major collection on Baden’s history, culture and global artefacts inside Karlsruhe Palace. A strong first stop for understanding the region and city.
An interactive museum on media art and digital culture in a landmark industrial complex. Ideal for contemporary art, sound and technology exhibitions.
A leading art museum with works from past centuries to modern pieces. The broad collection and central location make it an easy cultural highlight.
The grand central square lined with historic buildings, the pyramid and fountains. It is the city’s main meeting point and a practical base for sightseeing.
This vast landscaped park behind the palace is ideal for walks, picnics and seasonal events. It offers one of Karlsruhe’s most relaxed urban green spaces.
A lively shopping street with cafés, shops and everyday city life. Walk here to experience modern Karlsruhe between the market square and Ettlinger Tor.
A Swabian-Baden pasta dish of filled noodle pockets, usually with minced meat and spinach. Common across south-west Germany and a staple in local inns.
Soft egg noodles from Swabia, often served with gravy, cheese or lentils. They are a beloved comfort food throughout Baden-Württemberg.
A thin Baden-style potato soup, often enriched with vegetables and stock. It is a traditional everyday dish in the region around Karlsruhe.
Refined modern dining in an elegant setting at Hotel Der Blaue Reiter, known for carefully plated tasting menus and polished service.
Stylish long-running restaurant in Durlach with seasonal menus and a polished take on regional and European cooking.
Traditional Baden brewery restaurant serving hearty regional dishes and house beer in a lively, wood-panelled setting near the city centre.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
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.

Most Zurich to Karlsruhe trains use the Zürich HB to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz. 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.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need