How to travel from Hamburg to Kiel, Germany

The distance between Hamburg and Kiel is around 97km (60 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 56min.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Hamburg to Kiel by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out KielHamburg if you're planning a return trip.

1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Kiel Hbf.

  • Duration1h 10m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    €20($20)
💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Kiel interim central bus station.

  • Duration1h 30m
  • Departsevery 3 hours
  • Typical cost
    €9($9)
Operated byFlixBus+ 1 others
🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Kiel.

  • Duration56min
  • Distance97km (60 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Hamburg and Kiel

There are several options for getting from Hamburg to Kiel by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around €9 ($9) and will take around 1h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 56min, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €16 ($16).

The distance between Hamburg and Kiel is around 97km (60 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 86km (54 miles)

It takes around 1h 10m to get from Hamburg and Kiel by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 56min to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Hamburg to Kiel is to drive which takes around 56min and will set you back approx €16 ($16).

The cheapest way to travel between Hamburg and Kiel, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around €9 ($9) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Hamburg and Kiel. It typically takes around 1h 10m and departs hourly.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Hamburg and Kiel with no changeovers required. The train runs hourly and takes 1h 10m.

Deutsche Bahn Regional and Deutsche Bahn run train services between Hamburg and Kiel. Trains depart hourly and will take around 1h 10m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Hamburg and Kiel. It typically takes around 1h 30m and departs every 4 hours.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Hamburg and Kiel with no changeovers required. The bus runs every 4 hours and takes 1h 30m.

FlixBus run regular bus services between Hamburg and Kiel. Buses run every 4 hours and take around 1h 30m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Hamburg to Kiel. We recommend that you take the train to Kiel Hbf. instead which will take 1h 10m.

The closest major airport to Kiel is Luebeck-Blankensee Airport (LBC) (LBC) which is approximately 68km (42 miles) from Kiel. Hamburg Airport (HAM) (HAM) and Westerland - Sylt Airport (GWT) (GWT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Hamburg and Kiel. The distance is around 97km (60 miles) by road and it will take around 56min in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Hamburg to Kiel is to take the train which takes, on average, 1h 10m and will usually cost around €20 ($20).

How do I get from Hamburg to Kiel

Compare travel optionsbetween Hamburg and Kiel

Transport options from Hamburg to Kiel
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
1h 10m
€20($20)
hourly106km (66 miles)
Bus
1h 30m
€9($9)
every 3 hours98km (61 miles)
Drive
56min
€16($16)
on demand97km (60 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Hamburg and Kiel

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Kiel

The following major airports near Kiel offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Germany and internationally.

LBC
Luebeck-Blankensee Airport (LBC)
Domestic Airport
Distance
68km (42 miles) from Kiel
HAM
Hamburg Airport (HAM)
International Airport
Distance
77km (48 miles) from Kiel
GWT
Westerland - Sylt Airport (GWT)
Domestic Airport
Distance
133km (83 miles) from Kiel