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Trip Summary
There are usually 10 daily train trips available from Munich to Karlsruhe. Traveling by train from Munich to Karlsruhe usually takes 3 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can make the trip in 3 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 157 mi (253 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 5m |
| Lowest price | $25.70 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Munich to Karlsruhe?
2 train services operate from Munich to Karlsruhe. Deutsche Bahn usually has more trains scheduled, with 10 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | 10 | 3h 47m | $64.27 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 2 | 3h 25m | $74.09 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Munich to Karlsruhe start from $74, and on average cost . Daily there are 2 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Karlsruhe. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Munich leaves from München Train Station . And in Karlsruhe trains arrive at Maxau and one other train station.
From Munich to Karlsruhe train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 3 hours and 25 minutes. If you are looking to get to Karlsruhe faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Munich and Karlsruhe is approximately 157 miles, or 253 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 5 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 from Munich to Karlsruhe are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Munich at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 10 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 Karlsruhe to Munich.
City Information
Munich
Boasting a quaint beauty that has withstood the test of time, Munich is a vibrant city where the old meets the new. One of the most noticeable events in the city is Oktoberfest. The festival is the largest beer festival in the world, and it is here that you can enjoy a huge variety of beers, as well as local specialties and themed entertainment. For those who want to learn more about the city’s architectural history, consider visiting the Church of Our Lady, which features two unique dome-topped towers, forming an eye-catching part of Munich’s skyline. If you simply wish to enjoy a stroll around town, the English Garden, with its signature Chinesischen Turm, will offer the reprieve you need.
Among the local favorites in the city are Spatenhaus and Haxnbauer, both of which serve authentic hearty Munich dishes. For a more affordable dinner, you could check out the beer gardens such as Seehaus Biergarten or Augustinerkeller.
München Hauptbahnhof, located at the center of Munich, is the principal train station in the city serving all Deutsche Bahn trains that pass through town. Munich’s Central Bus Station is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to catch a bus by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus or Sindbad. The main airport is the Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, which lies 19 miles northeast of the city center.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Munich?
Image credit: Unsplash
Main departure station: München Train Station
Munich's central station, München Train Station, welcomes more than 450,000 passengers every day. The station was first built in 1839 and has been rebuilt and renovated numerous times. As a result, the current station spans numerous buildings and wings, each with its own architectural style. You can find all the necessary amenities such as public restrooms and waiting lounges in the station, and there are even shops for last-minute souvenir shopping! Many Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain routes stop in Munich, heading to cities including Dresden, Berlin, and Cologne. The station is conveniently located just west of Munich's Old Town, with easy connections to the subway (U-Bahn) via the Hauptbanhof station in the same building.
All train stations in Munich:
München Train Station
Where is the train station in Karlsruhe?
Main arrival station: Grötzingen Krappmühlenweg
Karlsruhe receives travelers from Munich at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Karlsruhe:
Grötzingen Krappmühlenweg
Maxau
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