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Trip Summary
You can pick from 7 daily train trips between Hamburg and Kiel. The average train journey from Hamburg to Kiel takes one hour and 19 minutes, but some DB Intercity-Express train trips are as short as 57 minutes.
| Distance | 54 mi (86 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 57m |
| Lowest price | €9.95 |
| Trains per day | 9 |
| Most frequent service | DB Intercity-Express |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Hamburg to Kiel
- DB Eurocity tickets: €10 one-way
- DB Intercity-Express tickets: €10 one-way
- Deutsche Bahn tickets: €18 one-way
Which train should you take from Hamburg to Kiel?
There are 3 train lines with service from Hamburg to Kiel. DB Intercity-Express is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Eurocity | 1 | 1h 5m | €9.95 |
| DB Intercity-Express | 2 | 1h 9m | €13.09 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 5 | 1h 36m | €21.51 |
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains from Hamburg to Kiel are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Hamburg at 09:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. 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 7 scheduled trains on most days. 9 of these are direct connections to Kiel. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Kiel to Hamburg.
City Information
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.
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 Hamburg?
Image credit: Jo.Fruechtnicht
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Hamburg Train Station
Although it could be mistaken for a church with its clock tower and arched, windowed facade, the Hamburg Train Station (or Hauptbahnhof) is a bustling hub for intercity trains throughout Germany and into other countries in Europe. Originally opened in 1906, the current station welcomes about 480,000 passengers every day. These passengers travel on Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain intercity trains, as well as S-Bahn (suburban railway) and U-Bahn (underground railway) trains that run throughout Hamburg. Inside the vast station, you'll find shops, cafes, and the Wandelhalle shopping center in the northern section of the complex.
All train stations in Hamburg:
Hamburg Train Station
Hamburg-Altona
Where is the train station in Kiel?
Main arrival station: Train Station
There are more train stations and stops in Kiel than most cities. Most trains from Hamburg will stop at one (or more) of the 4 following stations in Kiel:
Train stations in Kiel:
Train Station
Suchsdorf
Schulen Am Langsee
Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK
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Need a return trip from Kiel to Hamburg?
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