Kiel is on Germany's Baltic coast, north of Hamburg. Most cruise ships dock at Ostseekai, in the city center, within walking distance of Kiel's train station. The nearest big airport is Hamburg.
Every way from the airport to the ship
Tap any way for step-by-step directions.
| The way | From | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kielius airport bus | HAM | Not verified | Not verified |
| Train via Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to Kiel Hauptbahnhof | HAM | 25 min on the S1 to Hamburg Hbf, then the train to Kiel (time not verified) | Not verified, check bahn.com |
| Cruise line transfer | HAM | Varies | Set by your line |
Where Kiel lies
From Hamburg Airport (HAM)
Not verified on an official page; plan on well over an hour by road
Kielius airport bus
- Book on kielius-onlinebuchung.de (linked by Hamburg Airport).
- Ride to Kiel. Then walk or take a taxi to Ostseekai.
Hamburg Airport lists Kielius as its bus link to Kiel. We could not confirm times or prices.
Train via Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to Kiel Hauptbahnhof
- Take the S1 from the airport to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof.
- Take a regional or long-distance train to Kiel Hbf.
- The Port of Kiel says the train station is within walking distance of the Ostseekai terminals.
Two trains and some walking with bags.
Cruise line transfer
- Book with your line.
The simplest from Hamburg.
From the city or your hotel
Walk from Kiel Hauptbahnhof to Ostseekai
A taxi is easier with heavy bags.
Where to stay
Arrive a day or two early. A delayed flight on sailing day is the most common way travelers miss the ship.
Kiel city center near the Hauptbahnhof
Walk to Ostseekai on boarding day.
Hamburg
More to see; then a train or transfer to Kiel in the morning.
Sailing day
Terminals & docks
Ostseekai cruise terminals 27 and 28, in the city center, by the Kiellinie promenade. The port also has a newer large-ship 'cruise berth no. 1'. Check your documents for the berth. Ferries use Schwedenkai and Norwegenkai, not cruise ships.
Check-in
- Book parking online if you drive (Port of Kiel).
- Arrive in your assigned slot.
What trips people up
- Kiel has no airport with US flights. Hamburg is the usual gateway.
- The ship may say 'Hamburg/Kiel' in marketing. Check which port you sail from.
Do this
- A night in Hamburg first, then the train to Kiel, works well.
Leaving the ship: back to the airport
The same routes run in reverse. On the last morning everyone leaves at once, so lines for taxis and buses are at their longest. Book flights home for the afternoon or later, and arrange your ride in advance if you can.
| The way | To | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kielius airport bus | HAM | Not verified | Not verified |
| Train via Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to Kiel Hauptbahnhof | HAM | 25 min on the S1 to Hamburg Hbf, then the train to Kiel (time not verified) | Not verified, check bahn.com |
| Cruise line transfer | HAM | Varies | Set by your line |
Before you leave
- Kiel has no airport with US flights. Hamburg is the usual gateway.
Before or after your cruise
- Hamburg
- Lübeck old town (UNESCO)
- Kiel Week sailing festival in June
Sources & what we could not confirm · 3 sources · checked 2026-11
- Hamburg Airport to Kiel distance and time
- Kielius timetable and fares
- Train time Hamburg to Kiel
- US nonstop flights: not verified for this page; check airline sites