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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Cologne and Kiel. The average train journey from Cologne to Kiel takes 9 hours and 31 minutes, but some FlixTrain train trips are as short as 8 hours and 46 minutes.
| Distance | 269 mi (433 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 46m |
| Lowest price | £18.79 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Cologne to Kiel?
The average price for a train ticket from Cologne to Kiel is £23.55, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 15 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay £18.95 more.
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Cologne to Kiel?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne 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 31m | £31.44 |
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 Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Kiel in Kiel after about 9 hours and 31 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cologne and Kiel is approximately 269 miles, or 433 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 46 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.
Trains departing from Cologne to Kiel tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 08:00. 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 Cologne 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 Cologne.
City Information
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a coach from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
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 harbour. 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 coaches 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 Cologne?
Main departure station: Cologne Central Station
There is one train station in Cologne.
All train stations in Cologne:
Cologne 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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Need a return trip from Kiel to Cologne?
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