The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe
Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$132
Fastest journey
2 h 57 m
Average duration
2 h 58 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Karlsruhe will cost around $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
Of the 10 trains that leave Zurich for Karlsruhe on Thu, Apr 02, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 2 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 57 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 2 h 58 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
TGV 9210+
ICE 69:34 AM2h59Zurich HB12:33 PMKarlsruhe Hbf$981One-way1 transfer
ICE 2007:59 AM2h59Zurich HB10:58 AMKarlsruhe Hbf$1091One-way0 transfers
ICE 1089:59 AM2h58Zurich HB12:57 PMKarlsruhe Hbf$1091One-way0 transfers
ICE 37010:59 AM2h58Zurich HB1:57 PMKarlsruhe Hbf$1091One-way0 transfers
IC 794 · ICE 3728:59 AM2h57Zurich HB11:56 AMKarlsruhe Hbf$1291One-way1 transfer
IC 794 · ICE 3728:59 AM2h57Zurich HB11:56 AMKarlsruhe Hbf$1291One-way1 transfer
IC 794+
ICE 3728:59 AM2h57Zurich HB11:56 AMKarlsruhe Hbf$1531One-way1 transfer
ICE 1089:59 AM2h58Zurich HB12:57 PMKarlsruhe Hbf$1091One-way0 transfers
ICE 37010:59 AM2h58Zurich HB1:57 PMKarlsruhe Hbf$1091One-way0 transfers
ICE 1089:59 AM2h58Zurich HB12:57 PMKarlsruhe Hbf$1531One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Zurich to Karlsruhe
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $45.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$81 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration 4h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Karlsruhe train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Karlsruhe trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 200 | On time 5:59 AM Zurich HB | 2h59 | 8:58 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 | On time 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 2h57 | 9:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 794+ ICE 372 | On time 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 2h57 | 9:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 6 | On time 7:34 AM Zurich HB | 2h59 | 10:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 6 | On time 7:34 AM Zurich HB | 2h59 | 10:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 108 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 2h58 | 10:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 108 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 2h58 | 10:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 370 | On time 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 2h58 | 11:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 370 | On time 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 2h58 | 11:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
TGV 9218+ ICE 72 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 2h59 | 12:33 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Karlsruhe by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Apr 02
Apr 03
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Apr 11
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 14
Apr 15
Why should you book Zurich to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity or ÖBB | Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Karlsruhe.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Karlsruhe.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Karlsruhe.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Karlsruhe
Trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) but you can travel from only $17 (€13) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 2h 50m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity, ÖBB | Nightjet from Zurich to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity, ÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Zurich and Karlsruhe from $17 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | Nightjet
Trenitalia EuroCity
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Karlsruhe by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Karlsruhe
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from the main road.
- Restaurant Markthalle
- Restaurant LaSalle
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators.
- CHF 1
- Placid Hotel Zurich
- Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
- H+ Hotel Zürich
- Located in the main hall
- 240 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S9, S12, S15
- Tram: Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
More options for your journey from Zurich to Karlsruhe
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