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Trip Summary
There are usually 108 daily train trips available from Mainz to Kiel. Traveling by train from Mainz to Kiel usually takes 8 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train can make the trip in 7 hours and 11 minutes.
| Distance | 310 mi (498 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 11m |
| Lowest price | $28.20 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Mainz to Kiel?
There are 3 train lines with service from Mainz to Kiel. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 86 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity-Express | 2 | 8h 34m | $97.36 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 28 | 8h 41m | $115.57 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 86 | 8h 39m | $102.58 |
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.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Mainz to Kiel start from $28, and on average cost . Daily there are 86 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Kiel. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Mainz leaves from Mainz-Laubenheim and one other station. And in Kiel trains arrive at Kiel-Elmschenhagen and 2 other train stations.
From Mainz to Kiel train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 8 hours and 39 minutes. If you are looking to get to Kiel faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 7 hours and 11 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Mainz and Kiel is approximately 310 miles, or 498 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 11 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Mainz to Kiel on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Mainz at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 108 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 Kiel to Mainz.
City Information
Mainz
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Mainz is the state of Rhineland-Palatinate’s capital city and is located along the Rhine River, close to Frankfurt. The city is a cultural center and a transportation hub in the region, known for its delightful wine and historic buildings. The most iconic building in the city is the Mainz Cathedral, a grand Romanesque cathedral over 1,000 years old. The cathedral dominates the historic market square, surrounded by other charming buildings like the iconic half-timbered houses of the area.
Also off the historic market square, you'll find the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the history of printing and home to two of Johannes Gutenberg's Bibles. Mainz includes several other noteworthy museums to round out your visit: the Museum of Ancient Seafaring with a focus on Roman ships, Kunsthalle de Mayence, a museum of art, and Landesmuseum Mainz, which focuses on local history.
The Frankfurt Airport is the airport closest to Mainz, and it's easy to take a train to Frankfurt before catching a flight. Of course, trains also connect to other German cities like Stuttgart, Munich, and Hamburg. Mainz is also accessible via intercity bus routes that cover most of Europe.
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 Mainz?
Main departure station: Mainz-Laubenheim
There are two stations in Mainz where you can board the train to Kiel.
All train stations in Mainz:
Mainz-Laubenheim
Mainz-Marienborn
Where is the train station in Kiel?
Main arrival station: Kiel-Russee
There are more train stations and stops in Kiel than most cities. Most trains from Mainz will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Kiel:
All train stations in Kiel:
Kiel-Russee
oppendorf
Kiel-Elmschenhagen
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Need a return trip from Kiel to Mainz?
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