Best Price Promise

Best Price Promise

If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*

Book Cheaper Tickets

Book Cheaper Tickets

Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.

Efficient Customer Service

Efficient Customer Service

24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries

Fast Change and Refund

Fast Change and Refund

Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.

  1. Home
  2. Germany Train Journey
  3. Cologne to Kiel Train

Cologne to Kiel train times

Look up thorough train timetables from Cologne to Kiel, where the fastest journey lasts 5h 11m. 16 trains are operating daily, with the first train departing at 09:11 and the last at 20:47. Check DB train schedules and prices to get real-time updates on any delays and cancellations, ensuring a hassle-free trip.

Sun

12 Oct

Mon

13 Oct

Tue

14 Oct

Wed

15 Oct

Thu

16 Oct

Fri

17 Oct

Sat

18 Oct

DepartsArrivesStatusDurationOperator

09:11

Cologne Central Station

14:34

Kiel Main Station
On time5h 23mDeutsche Bahn
Find tickets

10:11

Cologne Central Station

15:57

Kiel Main Station
On time5h 46mDeutsche Bahn
Find tickets

11:11

Cologne Central Station

16:34

Kiel Main Station
On time5h 23mDeutsche Bahn
Find tickets

12:11

Cologne Central Station

17:22

Kiel Main Station
On time5h 11mDeutsche Bahn
Find tickets

12:45

Cologne Central Station

18:34

Kiel Main Station
On time5h 49mDeutsche Bahn
Find tickets
View More Trains

Cologne to Kiel train journey information

Discover DB train schedules from Cologne to Kiel, featuring first and last departure times, stop, distance, journey time, train companies, and price options. Check train times and prices for a seamless journey.

First train
09:11
Last train
20:47
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
268 miles (432km)
Journey time
5h 11m
Price
From €117.43
Train operators
Deutsche Bahn

Cologne to Kiel train travel guide

Discover the advantages of choosing Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains for your trip from Cologne to Kiel. Experience an average journey time of 5h 30m and enjoy the comfort and affordability of ICE or regional train tickets.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

1. How long is the train ride from Cologne to Kiel?

The average travel time from Cologne to Kiel by train is 5h 30m. For those in search of the fastest route, the quickest journey takes 5h 11m. For detailed train information, accurate timings, and schedules, visit TrainPal and plan your trip smoothly.

2. Are there direct trains from Cologne to Kiel?

Yes, direct train services from Cologne to Kiel are available. With TrainPal, you can access detailed information on stops, times, departure and arrival stations, and train types, such as high-speed ICE and regional trains. To secure the best fares, consider ticket options like Sparpreis, Super Sparpreis, and Flexpreis.

3. What is the cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Kiel?

The cheapest ticket for a train journey from Cologne to Kiel starts at €117.43, with the average price being around €137.38*. Ticket prices fluctuate based on when you book, the type of train service, and any discounts that may be available. Hence, check the latest prices to secure the best discounts. Enjoy economical and flexible travel choices.

4. How often do trains run from Cologne to Kiel?

The route from Cologne to Kiel has a daily frequency of 16 trains, ensuring frequent service. This allows you to enjoy convenient and efficient departures throughout the day, giving you flexibility in your travel plans. Refer to the most recent schedules for the most precise and current information on train timings and availability.

Onboard services

Onboard services

1. Can I bring my bike on the Cologne to Kiel train?

Yes, you can carry your bike on the train from Cologne to Kiel. Remember to book your bike ticket and reserve a space in advance to ensure an effortless journey.

Key Points:

  • Train Types: Bikes are allowed on local transport (Interregio-Express, Regional-Express, Regionalbahn, and S-Bahn) as well as long-distance transport (Intercity, Eurocity, ICE 4, ICE 3 neo, and ICE T).
  • Advance Booking: Book your bike ticket, reserve a space, and avoid peak times.
  • Pricing:Long-distance bike tickets start at €7.50, while local transport bike day tickets range from €6 to €6.50.
  • Check Local Regulations:Specific regulations for bike transport vary by region.
  • Properly Park Bike:Place your bike in the designated area as required.
Travelling by train and bike is both green and convenient.

2. Is Wi-Fi available on the ICE train from Cologne to Kiel?

All ICE trains, some IC trains, and certain regional trains offer WiFi. First class on ICE and IC trains provide quieter spaces, comfortable seating, access to first-class lounges, digital newspapers and magazines, and seat reservations for passengers with flexible fares. Experience travel with ease and comfort!

 Good to know

Good to know

1. Can I buy last-minute train tickets from Cologne to Kiel

In Germany, you can buy last-minute train tickets from Cologne to Kiel online, at ticket machines, and at station counters. However, it is strongly advised to book your train tickets ahead of time for better availability and pricing. While it is not required, booking in advance, especially during busy travel periods, can ensure better seat availability and often lower prices. Plan ahead to secure your journey effortlessly and benefit from the advantages of early reservations.

2. What are the peak travel times for trains from Cologne to Kiel

In Germany, the peak times for train travel from Cologne to Kiel are generally during weekday rush hours, roughly from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Moreover, weekends, particularly Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, along with holidays and school vacations, often experience increased demand. Booking tickets ahead of time during these periods is recommended to ensure a seat and potentially get better prices.

3. How early should I arrive at the station for my train from Cologne to Kiel

For a stress-free travel experience, it is typically advised to arrive at the train station at least 20-30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you plenty of time to find your platform, navigate through any crowds, and address any last-minute concerns like finding your seat or getting snacks. If you are unfamiliar with the station or it is quite large, arriving even earlier is a good idea to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

4. Can I use a regional day pass for the Cologne to Kiel train?

Yes, regional day passes can be used on DB trains in Germany, but they are limited to regional trains within the specified region. Passes like the Bayern-Ticket or Niedersachsen-Ticket allow for unlimited travel on regional trains (such as RE, RB, and IRE) and some local public transportation, including buses, trams, and S-Bahn trains, for a day. However, they are not valid on long-distance trains such as ICE, IC, or EC. Always verify the specific terms and conditions of the regional day pass to ensure it covers your intended travel routes.

5. Can I use a Eurail pass on the Cologne to Kiel route?

Yes, a Eurail Pass can be used on DB trains in Germany. The pass is applicable on most DB services, such as InterCity Express (ICE), InterCity (IC), and EuroCity (EC) trains. However, for some high-speed or night trains, a seat reservation may be needed in advance, which might incur an additional fee. Verify the specific train requirements and arrange the necessary seat reservations to ensure a seamless travel experience.

6. Do I need a passport or visa to travel from Cologne to Kiel by train?

Domestic Travel Within Germany:
  • Passport: Travelling within Germany on DB trains doesn't require a passport. However, it's advisable to carry a valid ID, like a national ID card or driving licence, particularly if identification is required for your ticket.
  • Visa: Having legal residency in Germany allows you to travel on DB trains within the country without a visa.
International Travel:
  • Passport: For international journeys on DB trains, including trips to neighbouring countries, a valid passport or other acceptable travel documents are required.
  • Visa:
    • 1) Schengen Area: For travel to or from a Schengen Area country, separate visas for each Schengen Zone country are generally unnecessary if you have a valid Schengen visa or are from a visa-exempt nation.
    • 2) Non-Schengen Countries: Travel to or from a non-Schengen country might require a visa, depending on the specific entry requirements of that country.

Confirm the entry and travel criteria for your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Consulting the embassies or consulates will yield the most precise and up-to-date information.

Find cheap Cologne to Kiel ticket prices

Sparpreis tickets

󰾅
Saver Fare

Super Sparpreis tickets

󰾅
Super Saver Fare

Flexpreis tickets

󰾅
Flexible Fare
 Find cheap Cologne to Kiel ticket prices

Exchange and cancellation

Instant ticket cancellation

  • Bought your DB train ticket via TrainPal?Cancel it at no cost within 3 hours of purchase and up to the day before it becomes valid. Get a full refund hassle-free!
  • Exchange and cancellation

    How to buy cheap DB train tickets

    󰄶

    Use TrainPal

    TrainPal offers the cheapest train tickets, listing second and first-class prices. Our journey planner finds the best prices for you, and discount codes add extra savings.

    Super Saver from €17.99

    Super Saver fares start at €17.99 for second class and €23.99 for first class.

    Book early for ICE trains

    Secure lower prices by booking German long-distance train tickets (IC, ICE, EC) early; prices increase closer to travel.

    Regional Day Ticket

    Regional Day Ticket (Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket) starts at €46, offering unlimited rides on regional trains for one day.

    IC and ICE overnight trains

    Discover destinations in Germany and neighbouring countries on IC and ICE overnight trains with super saver fares from €17.99 and saver fares from €21.99.

    Group travel for 6+ people

    Group of six or more? DB offers super saver fares from €8.90, and European fares from €13.90 per person.

    󰄽

    * The lowest price is based on historical data to predict the cheapest fare over the next 7 days, but actual prices may vary.