is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets
Compare prices from over 270 rail and coach companies in Europe
Buy your tickets with us and easily find them on your phone
Safely pay with PayPal, Visa and all international payment cards
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Travel from Hannover Hbf to Kiel by train in 2 hours 24 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Hannover Hbf to Kiel by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Hannover Hbf to Kiel by train is 3 hours 9 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours 24 minutes. Around 31 trains per day travel the 135 miles (217 km) between these two destinations. Direct trains are usually available every day on the route to Kiel. During your journey, you'll either be travelling with ICE or DB, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Book train tickets from Hannover Hbf to Kiel in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Hannover Hbf to Kiel in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Hannover Hbf to Kiel by train
| First train | 00:05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:48 | |
| Departure station | Hannover Hbf | |
| Arrival station | Kiel | |
| Journey time | From 2h 24m | |
| Distance | 135 miles (217 km) | |
| Frequency | 31 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn and ICE (Intercity Express) trains from Hannover Hbf to Kiel
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
More information
The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
More information
ICE classes from Hannover Hbf to Kiel
Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE when travelling from Hannover Hbf to Kiel.
Second Class
If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Onboard services on ICE
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Hannover Hbf to Kiel.
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
Cheap train tickets from Hannover Hbf to Kiel
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Hannover Hbf to Kiel by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Hannover Hbf to Kiel? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Hannover Hbf to Kiel take?
The average journey time by train between Hannover Hbf and Kiel is 3 hours and 9 minutes, with around 31 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Hannover Hbf and Kiel by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Hannover Hbf to Kiel is 2 hours and 24 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Hannover Hbf to Kiel?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Hannover Hbf to Kiel without having to change trains. There are 5 direct trains from Hannover Hbf to Kiel each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Hannover Hbf to Kiel leave?
The first train from Hannover Hbf to Kiel leaves at 00:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Hannover Hbf to Kiel leave?
The last train from Hannover Hbf to Kiel leaves at 22:48. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Hannover Hbf and Kiel by train?
Trains travelling from Hannover Hbf to Kiel cover a distance of around 135 miles (217 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Kiel to Hannover Hbf.