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Trip Summary
You can pick from 30 daily train trips between Kiel and Heidelberg. The average train journey from Kiel to Heidelberg takes 8 hours and 19 minutes, but some Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train trips are as short as 7 hours and 14 minutes.
| Distance | 346 mi (557 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 14m |
| Lowest price | £37.08 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Kiel to Heidelberg?
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company is the one and only train line which connects Kiel to Heidelberg. However, there are 30 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 30 | 8h 19m | £87.49 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Kiel to Heidelberg start from £37, and on average cost . Daily there are 30 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Heidelberg. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Kiel leaves from oppendorf and one other station. And in Heidelberg trains arrive at Heidelberg Orthopädie and one other train station.
From Kiel to Heidelberg train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 8 hours and 19 minutes. If you are looking to get to Heidelberg faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 7 hours and 14 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Kiel and Heidelberg is approximately 346 miles, or 557 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 19 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 14 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 Kiel to Heidelberg. 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 Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Kiel at 01:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 30 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Heidelberg to Kiel.
City Information
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.
Heidelberg
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the river Neckar in the southwest of Germany, the university town of Heidelberg is one of the country's most popular destinations. From impressive Baroque and Renaissance architecture to exciting museums, festive Christmas markets, and fantastic shopping, this town has something for everyone.
The first thing you'll see in Heidelberg is the Schloss Heidelberg or Heidelberg Palace. Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, this impressive castle was once the seat of Heidelberg's Prince-Electors. Although rebuilt following the Thirty Years War in the 1600s, this beautiful ruin is open to visitors with audio tours available daily. And as one of the most-Instagrammed castles in Germany, the palace is the perfect backdrop for your next envy-inspiring post. While in the castle, visit the Apotheken-Museum, which displays the history of pharmacies and medical science in Germany.
Heidelberg is also home to the famous hike, Philosopher's Way. Taking its name from the many university academics that used to hike this route for the solitude and views to inspire them, this route rambles up the southern side of the Heiligenberg. With exotic vegetation and a temperate climate during the summer months, it's easy to think that you've accidentally walked all the way to the Mediterranean.
Although Heidelberg does not have an airport, the Mannheim Airport is under 15km away, and it's easy to take a train from Mannheim to Heidelberg. Coach service provides transportation to Heidelberg from many domestic and international destinations. Many direct trains run to Heidelberg from across Germany and other European cities, too, so there is no shortage of travel options to get to this fabulous city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Kiel?
Main departure station: oppendorf
There are two stations in Kiel where you can board the train to Heidelberg.
All train stations in Kiel:
oppendorf
Kiel-Elmschenhagen
Where is the train station in Heidelberg?
Image credit: Billie Grace Ward
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Heidelberg Orthopädie
Heidelberg receives travelers from Kiel at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Heidelberg:
Heidelberg Orthopädie
Heidelberg-Schlierbach/Ziegelhausen
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Need a return trip from Heidelberg to Kiel?
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