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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Stuttgart to Kiel. Traveling by train from Stuttgart to Kiel usually takes 17 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest FlixTrain train can make the trip in 12 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 385 mi (620 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 32m |
| Lowest price | $31.83 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Stuttgart to Kiel?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Stuttgart to Kiel. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 17h 5m | $70.12 |
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 Stuttgart. The train usually departs from Stuttgart Central Station - FlixTrain in Stuttgart and arrives at Kiel in Kiel after about 17 hours and 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Stuttgart and Kiel is approximately 385 miles, or 620 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 17 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 32 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 Stuttgart to Kiel tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. 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 Stuttgart at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart.
City Information
Stuttgart
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Though less recognizable than other German cities like Munich or Berlin, Stuttgart is no less fascinating to visit. Plus, since it's less famous than other destinations, you might find more authentic culture and less touristy prices.
Your first stop should be Schlossplatz. This palace square is located right at the city center, in the shadow of the Baroque New Palace and the 10th-Century Old Palace. The square is a lively area, with events hosted year-round, most notably Stuttgart's Christmas market; check out our itinerary of 10 famous Christmas markets in Germany for more.
Got a car fan in your travel party? The famed Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates the beloved German vehicle, and the Porsche Museum showcases legendary racing cars.
The Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden will entice you with acres and acres of open spaces for everyone to enjoy, plus several thousands of different animal and plant species. It's on the grounds of another castle if you haven't seen enough German castles yet. Next, stop at the Markthalle to embrace your inner foodie and try a spread of international and local delicacies. The huge public market has over 33 stalls that offer all kinds of delicious goodies.
Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and Railjet trains make it easy to reach Stuttgart from cities like Strasbourg, Zurich, and Frankfurt. Bus options abound, too, with FlixBus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni and more providing routes in the area. Stuttgart Airport is only about 20 minutes outside of the city, so flying is definitely an option, too.
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 Stuttgart?
Main departure station: Stuttgart Central Station - FlixTrain
There is one train station in Stuttgart.
All train stations in Stuttgart:
Stuttgart Central Station - FlixTrain
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.
All train stations in Kiel:
Kiel
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