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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Karlsruhe to Hamburg. The train trip from Karlsruhe to Hamburg is usually about 15 hours and 8 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest FlixTrain train can get you there in as little as 12 hours and 37 minutes.
| Distance | 321 mi (517 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 37m |
| Lowest price | €44.35 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Karlsruhe to Hamburg?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Karlsruhe to Hamburg. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 15h 9m | €71.80 |
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 Hamburg from Karlsruhe. The train usually departs from Train Station in Karlsruhe and arrives at Adenauerallee 78 in Hamburg after about 15 hours and 9 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Karlsruhe and Hamburg is approximately 321 miles, or 517 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 37 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 Karlsruhe to Hamburg tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. 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 Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Karlsruhe at 11:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00. 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 Karlsruhe 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 Hamburg to Karlsruhe.
City Information
Karlsruhe
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Karlsruhe is fondly referred to as the Fan-Shaped City. Even though it's at the northern edge of the Black Forest, Karlsruhe has some of the warmest weather in the country, so many visitors pick this city to experience a Mediterranean-inspired vacation in Germany. There are hundreds of fine museums, quirky galleries, and beautiful theatres in the area that are all worth checking out.
Karlsruhe is a hub for science and technology, but it has an artistic side, too. The ZKM is a unique art museum that displays contemporary video and audio installations in a former weapons factory. Hit up the Jakobus Theatre, Kammertheater Karlsruhe, or The Sandkorn Theatre for live music or theatrical performance.
Another can't-miss landmark is the Karlsruhe Palace, built in the 18th-century. Not only does the palace include stunning grounds and magnificent architecture, it also houses the Baden State Museum with exhibits about the region's history. Some of the best outdoor recreation sites are Badesee Epple, Rheinstrandbad Rappenwort, and Weingarten, offering blue waters for fishing, swimming, and sailing, respectively.
Karlsruhe is easy to reach from cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt on Deutsche Bahn trains. FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, and Cazmatrans provide bus service to the city as well. The Karlsruhe/Baden Airport is not too far away, so you can travel to this warm destination from nearly anywhere.
Hamburg
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Hamburg might be often overshadowed by Berlin or Munich, but it certainly is one of Germany’s best hidden gems. A vibrant harbor city with plenty of activities, Hamburg will keep you interested through days and nights. Among the city’s most famous attractions is the Elbphilharmonie, a stunning concert hall that could rival the famous Sydney Opera House. The concert hall also features a public viewing platform that offers a panoramic view of the city and the harbor, a great bonus for visitors who enjoy taking pictures. If you travel with kids, it is a great idea to take them to the Miniatur Wunderland, which many consider to be the largest model railway in the world. If you simply want to take a walk around and enjoy the vibe of the city, Planten und Blomen, nicknamed “the green lungs of the city”, will provide the reprieve you need.
Hamburg’s proximity to the sea allows it to offer the freshest and finest seafood dishes around. Fischereihafen Restaurant is a local favorite that has garnered plenty of attention. For the best beers around, Braugasthaus Altes Mädchen is a popular spot that is worth your attention.
The main bus station in the city is called ZOB Hamburg and it’s located at Adenauerallee 78 in the city center, serving FlixBus and Sindbad, among other carriers. Hamburg Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station in the city. For international air services, Hamburg Airport, the oldest in Germany, is the main airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Karlsruhe?
Main departure station: Train Station
There is one train station in Karlsruhe.
All train stations in Karlsruhe:
Train Station
Where is the train station in Hamburg?
Image credit: Kenta Mabuchi
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Adenauerallee 78
The bus station at Adenauerallee 78 is called the ZOB or simply Haupotbahnhof since it is just down the street from Hamburg's central train station. Adenauerallee 78 is located in the St. Georg neighborhood of Hamburg, with many hotels, hostels, museums, and restaurants in the vicinity. The station is a long glass building, with bus bays for boarding in the back. The indoor waiting lounge includes restrooms, a convenience store, and even a McDonald's. Many bus companies stop at the ZOB, including FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, and Sindbad.
Train stations in Hamburg:
Adenauerallee 78
Hamburg Airport
Hamburg Train Station
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