Trains to Karlsruhe Hbf

Karlsruhe train station

Karlsruhe, a city committed to technological advances, liberal attitudes and the celebration of culture, is a progressive hub close to Germany’s southwest border with France. Karlsruhe train station is located in the south of the city. Although it is architecturally modest, built in practical grey stone, it is one of the best-connected stations in Germany. Direct trains from Cologne and Munich take just 2h05mins and 3h05mins respectively, and travellers can even come all the way from Berlin in 5h28mins. As for visitors from other parts of Europe, a direct train from Paris only takes 2h33mins, and a direct journey from Zurich will last about 2h50mins. Around 133 regional trains and 130 long-distance trains leave the station each day from its 14 platforms. Many of the regional routes also pass through Karlsruhe West, the city’s smaller station. Visitors arriving at Karlsruhe train station can quickly reach the city centre and surrounding region via the various buses and trams found at the south side of the station.

Main attractions near Karlsruhe train station

Karlsruhe is a stunning city, characterised by beautiful gardens and a harmonious medley of architectural styles. Just a 10-minute stroll from the station, visitors will encounter the vast Zoologischer Stadtgarten, which boast over 800 trees, 130 varieties of roses, and 250 animal species. The park is designed in a way that gives it a natural aesthetic, recreating several landscapes, ranging from coastal to tundra, and even the Himalayan mountains. On the other side of the city, visitors mustn’t miss the iconic Karlsruhe Palace, which takes approximately 35 minutes to get to on foot from the station. Modelled on the Palace of Versailles in Paris, this palace-turned-museum sits at the heart of the city. Behind it, the Schlossgarten stretches for acres in its glorious beauty, featuring a fragrant botanical garden towards the west and an exotic pheasant garden on the eastern side.

The city centre is slightly closer to the station, and can be reached after a 25-minute walk or 10-minute tram ride. The spacious Marktplatz is home to several municipal buildings, such as the Rathaus am Marktplatz, Sozialgericht, and Evangelische Stadtkirche am Marktplatz, all built in a neoclassical style but with a twist – each is coloured in a pastel hue, making every structure look good enough to eat! Here, visitors will also see the intriguing Karlsruhe pyramid, a monument to the city’s founder, Margrave Karl-Wilhelm. Most of the city’s restaurants are concentrated in the centre, a little to the east of the Marktplatz but still around 25 minutes from the station. From tasty tapas to African dishes, and from French feasts to local German delicacies, there’s something for everyone!