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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Düsseldorf to Kiel. The train trip from Düsseldorf to Kiel is usually about 9 hours and 21 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest FlixTrain train can get you there in as little as 8 hours and 22 minutes.
| Distance | 256 mi (411 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 22m |
| Lowest price | $32.05 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Düsseldorf to Kiel
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Düsseldorf to Kiel?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Düsseldorf to Kiel. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 9h 21m | $51.64 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 2 daily trips to Kiel from Düsseldorf. The train usually departs from Düsseldorf Central Station in Düsseldorf and arrives at Kiel in Kiel after about 9 hours and 21 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Düsseldorf and Kiel is approximately 256 miles, or 411 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 22 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Düsseldorf to Kiel. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Düsseldorf at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Düsseldorf twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Kiel to Düsseldorf.
City Information
Düsseldorf
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Düsseldorf is located between Essen and Cologne in Germany and is known for its booming fashion industry. Arts, music, and culture thrive in this welcoming and multicultural destination.
Altstaft, the city's old town, fills its narrow streets with relaxed cafes and chic bars. If you're lucky enough to visit in the winter, Düsseldorf is home to one of Germany's best Christmas markets, hosted at Marktplatz.
To experience Düsseldorf's culture, you can opt to watch a performance in an opera or a theatre. Two of the top theaters are the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus and Roncalli’s Apollo Variete. Then, when the opera makes you feel sufficiently posh, you'll be ready to enter the pink, opulent palace of Schloss Benrath.
While nearly every corner in Düsseldorf is filled with shops to catch your eye, the most exclusive and luxury shops congregate on one street: Königsallee. However, if you prefer digging through thrift shops and poking into local boutiques, Lorettostrasse might be more your style.
Düsseldorf is home to one of the largest airports in the area, with flights to many international destinations. To view the German countryside from the ground, take a Deutsche Bahn train or a bus offered by several companies that run routes throughout Europe.
Kiel
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Kiel is a port city on the coast of the Baltic Sea, known for its role in WWII as the base of Germany's submarine fleet. Large ferries transport visitors from Scandinavia into the city. So, if you're ready to discover Kiel, start at its harbor. Right on the waterfront, the Kiellinie is a promenade that begins at Schlossgarten and ends at Hindenburgufer. It is filled with sailing clubs, cafes, restaurants, and even a small aquarium.
For more water-based attractions, check out the Kiel Canal, a manufactured canal that runs from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. In nearby Holtenau, you can watch ships pass through the locks and learn more in a small museum devoted to the canal.
If you want to experience Kiel's history, then the Schiffahrtsmuseum is a must-see. This maritime museum is appropriately located where Kiel's fish market used to be. Paintings, installations, and even ships showcase the city's legacy in the maritime industry.
There is definitely a lot to see, do, and experience in Kiel. To get to the city, you can ride Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, or FlixTrain. There are also a few buses serving the area, such as FlixBus and Sindbad. The nearest airport is about an hour south in Hamburg.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Düsseldorf?
Image credit: Jose A.
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Düsseldorf Central Station
Düsseldorf Central Station (Düsseldorf HBF) is the main transport hub for, you guessed it, Düsseldorf. The station operates both long-distance and intercity services by ICE and Deutsche Bahn, to destinations such as Paris, Zurich, Vienna, and Munich. The station has extensive facilities, including waiting areas, vending machines, restrooms, shops and cafes, and even a grocery store, bakery, and Starbucks. The station is less than a five-minute walk from the city center, which is home to many hotels and shops, and the main bus station is also directly in front of the train station for connections within the city.
All train stations in Düsseldorf:
Düsseldorf Central Station
Where is the train station in Kiel?
Image credit: Carsten Tolkmit
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Kiel
On Kaistraße in central Kiel, you can find Kiel Central Station (Kiel HBF), located next to the city's harbor and serves more than 25,000 passengers daily. Train services often begin here, heading to destinations including Hamburg, Lübeck, and Flensburg. It is a major hub for visitors to Sweden and Norway, as the ferry terminals to Oslo and Gothenburg are a short distance away. Long-distance ICE rail services also operate to Zurich, Stuttgart, and Munich. Within the station, there are eight platforms, plus amenities such as a food court, a bookshop, restaurants, and a bakery (plenty to get you stocked up on food and entertainment for your trip!). Just outside is the Berliner Hof hotel, as well as many shops and attractions in the city center.
Train stations in Kiel:
Kiel
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