The KIT application portal is more complicated for non-German users, especially if you're not used to the German education system. Due to popular demand this walkthrough will take you through the portal step by step: Application portal guide.
It also includes the different statuses of your application and enrolment procedure for KIT.
From recent experience, the first major hurdle is usually the visa. The process can take quite some time – and for some of you, much longer than expected. So please start your visa application as soon as you receive your admission letter!
NEW since 1st January 2025: You can now apply for short- and long-term stay visas online!
How It Works
if online applications are available for your country (the list is growing), the visa office will:
Important: For legal reasons, you still need to visit the consulate or embassy for:
Also: Be well prepared for your visa interview! Have at least basic knowledge of Germany, Karlsruhe, KIT, and your study programme. If you can’t answer simple questions, the visa officer may doubt your intention to study and could reject your application.
Thanks to the online preparation, your appointment will be shorter and more efficient – hopefully speeding up the process overall. Online visa applications are optional. You can still apply in person at your local diplomatic mission abroad.
Struggling with Overbooked Visa Offices?
Some of you may face delays due to heavily booked visa offices worldwide.
My offer: I can try to intervene with the visa office at your embassy if you allow me to forward your key details: Your waiting list reference number and your passport number - for data protection reasons, I need your written consent (e.g., by email) before doing this.
Please note: This service is only available for international students in the BGU department.
You need to show you can finance your studies with either please ask your German embassy which form of financial proof is required):
Many applicants wonder why they have to pay study fees for two semesters instead of one. Your KIT admission letter only requests payment for one semester, but consulates or embassies often require proof of funds for a full year - this is the Blocked Account for living expenses.
Unfortunately, we cannot influence their interpretation of the law – I’ve tried several times. You must follow their instructions, as they are the authority issuing your visa.
Update: In some cases, they accept if you add the €1,500 for the second semester to your blocked account.
If you do have to transfer the semester fees for both semesters then the second semester fee is reimbursed or carried over to the next semester.
It’s generally fine to enter Germany with a visa that names a different university than the one you plan to attend – as long as the visa is issued for study purposes.
For example: You apply to several universities, receive admission from RWTH Aachen, and apply for your visa based on that offer. Later, you get an admission from KIT, but your visa still mentions RWTH. This should not be a problem if both admissions are for study programmes.
Once your visa application leaves the embassy or consulate, a so-called 'Schweigefrist' applies: Normally, the visa will be issued after a prescribed period of three weeks and two days (= Schweigefrist / period of no objection), provided no objection has been raised by the visa office in Karlsruhe. Please note: this is the minimum processing time, so don't worry if it takes longer. Use this time to make sure everything else is ready for your arrival.
Important tips: Keep your contact details up to date. Some applicants missed calls when their visa was ready because they had changed their phone number or weren’t checking their phone.
If you want legal certainty on the details, the Federal Ministry of Justice provides an English version of the "Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act)".
For details on bringing your spouse, please switch to the dropdown menu at the top and select “Resident Students”
*based on the winter semester 2025-26
Each semester, non-EU students pay a study fee of €1,500 plus a semester fee of just over €200. The semester fee covers administration costs, services provided by the Studierendenwerk (such as dining halls and cafeterias, student housing, and counseling), and the student union, which represents students’ interests.
Altogether, this amounts to roughly €1,700 per semester.
For a typical Master’s program lasting four semesters, the total tuition and semester fees add up to about €6,800.
In addition, visa requirements state that you must open a Blocked Account with €11,904 (as of September 2024). This account allows a maximum monthly withdrawal of €992 and serves as proof of the minimum living cost for one year. Since most Master’s programs take two years, you should plan approximately €24,000 for living expenses. This amount will likely just cover your basic needs, so it’s wise to budget extra for travel, excursions, and unexpected costs.
Summed up, the total cost for a Master’s degree (four semesters) comes to around €31,000. A Bachelor’s degree (six semesters) would amount to about €46,000. It’s also a good idea to plan for an additional semester or two in case of normal delays.
Note: The semester fee may vary slightly each term, while the €1,500 tuition fee remains constant. For detailed information, visit this page at the International Students Office and see the section on “Financing Your Studies” further down this page.
|
Semester fees |
see above |
|
Rent (room in a shared apartment) |
€345 – €750 per month |
|
Food and groceries |
€200 – €300 per month |
|
Phone contract/ prepaid SIM card |
€10 – €30 per month |
|
Public transport |
max €40 (Deutschlandticket) |
|
Radio + TV licence fee * |
€18,36 per month |
|
If applicable, statutory health insurance |
around €125 per month |
|
Learning material |
€60 per month |
The estimated cost of living is somewhere between €900 and €1300 per month - close to the amount allowed out of the blocked account.
In Germany, everyone who registers their residence must pay the radio and TV license fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), managed by ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice. This rule applies to all residents, including international students.
|
Airport transfer (e.g. Frankfurt -> Karlsruhe by train) |
€22 - €42 |
|
Hostel / hotel (per night) |
min. €30 - €75 |
|
Deposit for a room/apartment (rental) |
approx. 1-2 months' rent |
|
Public transport (see: 'Travelling' further down) |
€5 - €13 per day |
|
Potential further costs such as |
approx. €80 |
Please note the maximum amount of cash that can be brought into Germany. If you exceed this limit, i.e. bring more cash, you must declare your amount to customs!
If your study programme at KIT requires a language certificate, you must provide proof when enrolling. It is also compulsory for your visa application if your admission letter does not confirm that your certificate has been approved.
If you need a certificate or your current result is below the required level, you’ll see a note on your application portal homepage. Do not leave the test until the last minute! If the admission regulations require TOEFL 90 points, then 88 is not enough. The same applies to IELTS: even one section below the required score will lead to rejection. There is no tolerance range.
Please also check if an MOI is accepted. This isn't the case for most study programmes!
Important Points
Experience shows: Don’t underestimate the timeline for the language certificate!
Why This Matters
Without enrolment, you you won’t be able to access the university’s campus management system, download lecture materials, or use campus services. You'll also need your enrolment to access student benefits such as student dorms, discounted public transport, or student prices in the dining hall.
If you fail to enrol, you may also face visa issues because you are in Germany on a student visa without the student status.
This step is free of charge. Once you start the enrolment process, your place at KIT is secured. You’ll also gain more flexibility: deadlines can be extended by a few weeks, which is helpful if you arrive a little later than planned.
Since early 2023, you can enrol even before receiving your visa. Once your enrolment is complete, you're free to arrive at any time during the semester.
The International Students Office provides an excellent checklist of everything you need to prepare. To access it, go to the KIT International Office website https://www.intl.kit.edu/english/index.php, then use the top menu:
Incoming Students → Degree-Seeking → Prior to Studies → Enrolment.
KIT's International Students Office also offers plenty of other useful advice online—hopefully you’ve already explored some of it (for example, the preparation page). They also host pre-arrival online meetings.These sessions provide all the key information in advance and give you the chance to ask questions. All sessions are held in English. Registration is not required; you can simply join via Zoom on the day.
For the upcoming winter semester 2025-2026 the three online sessions took place in August 2025. All details are available on their webpage "Start of Studies for Internationals"
Try to arrange accommodation before arriving in Karlsruhe. Hotels and short-term apartments are very expensive if you need somewhere to stay at short notice.
Apply early for housing through Studierendenwerk - they run the larger student dormitories in Karlsruhe.
And also make good use of their web pages to search for private housing offers, as the dorm rooms are full and have very long waiting lists. The private listings mainly feature local places within a reasonable distance around Karlsruhe and are updated daily. So keep your eyes on this list over several weeks and keep trying!
Here's a list with abbreviations used in housing ads that should help you understand them.
Remember, Karlsruhe has an excellent tram and bus network with good connections to surrounding areas. Commuting for twenty to fifty minutes is not unusual if you choose a cheaper room on the outskirts or in the catchment area of Karlsruhe. → See the section further down on Travelling and check the KVV map to get an idea of how far outside Karlsruhe you can look. Anywhere within the wider Karlsruhe district is connected to the city. Here's a map of the district of Karlsruhe for reference.
Also consider the possibilities of getting JugendBW-Deutschlandticket: this allows commuting from places such as Pforzheim, Baden-Baden, Rastatt, Bruchsal, Vaihingen(Enz), or anywhere along the local train lines (REx, IREx, MEXx) to Karlsruhe.
Other dorms in Karlsruhe:
Two other private portals are:
https://housinganywhere.com/de/ (was: studenten-wg.de)
If you find yourself without anywhere to stay at the very start of the semester, the AStA and Studierendenwerk offer what is called a 'Notunterkunft', an emergency shelter. This is essentially a large sports hall with camp beds, and you need to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Check their web page for full details. IMPORTANT: This is only offered at the very beginning of the semester and only for a couple of weeks !
If you 'only' have a temporary accommodation, you cannot register with the town (Bürgerbüro). Wait till you have a permanent place where the landlord/-lady can provide you with a Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung for registration. Once you move into that place you have two weeks to register.
TIP: If you have problems finding an appointment (you book appointments online - see the International Students office's 12-To-Dos-List) then try one of the many other Bürgerbüros around Karlsruhe. It doesn't have to be the closest one.
Beware of scams
You can recognise a scam in accommodation offers by:
Always verify the property and landlord (e.g. check the address on Google streetview), insist on a formal lease, and only pay through secure methods.
Mieterselbstauskunft
Some landlords may request a "Mieterselbstauskunft" - a tenant self-disclosure form where prospective tenants provide personal and financial details. It helps landlords choose between applicants, but its use is strictly regulated by German law and the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Here’s what you need to know: (source)
Landlords are not allowed to ask for a self-disclosure before a viewing.
Some questions are not allowed, such as:
Refusing to complete the form may reduce your chances of getting the apartment. If you lie on a permitted question, the landlord may cancel the lease. However, you cannot be forced to complete the form or provide financial documents. Make sure the landlord uses a professionally created template that complies with current laws - these are available online and are useful for comparing what you're asked to disclose.
In short: Every student enrolling at a German university must provide proof of health insurance from a German public provider. This confirmation is a required part of the enrollment process.
Technical description: "Based on the Student Health Insurance Notification Ordinance (SKV-MV), every applicant enrolling at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology must provide proof of health insurance or an exemption from compulsory insurance. Please note that before enrolling, you must decide on the type of health insurance (private or public/statutory)."
The legal side in short: your health insurance must be verified by a German public health insurer. If your current health insurance provides the same level of coverage as German statutory health insurance, a German public health insurer can issue a confirmation of exemption from compulsory health insurance on your behalf. This procedure is mandatory under the federal Student Health Insurance Notification Ordinance (SK-VMV).
The best explanation with all the up-to-date details is available on this linked page of our International Students Office.
Your steps:
If you already have German statutory health insurance:
If you still have to confirm your health insurance status with a public German health insurance provider:
If you're from an EU country or Switzerland:
Private Liability Insurance
Having liability insurance is really important while you're studying in Germany. You can either bring one from your home country - just make sure it's valid here - or take out a German policy. This type of insurance covers costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property. The amount of coverage you choose affects the price: the more it covers, the higher the yearly fee.
Students from European countries usually have insurance that’s already valid in Germany.
Household / Property Insurance
This type of insurance protects your belongings against damage caused by natural events like storms, fire, or explosions, as well as theft, burglary, or vandalism. You can also add bicycle theft protection for an extra fee. However, this insurance is probably only available for entire apartments—not for single rooms. The cost depends on the size and location of your flat. Many landlords will expect you to have this insurance, even if they don’t mention it directly. If you're under 26, you might be able to get a discounted student rate.
Accident Insurance
As a student enrolled at a German university, you're automatically covered by the state accident insurance for any accidents that happen during your studies. So in most cases, you don’t need to take out extra accident insurance.
In Germany, employers are required to insure their employees against work-related accidents. Whether you want additional private accident insurance for your free time is up to you—it’s a personal choice.
Getting to know how studying works at KIT will make your start much smoother - especially if you’re new to the German university system.
Each study program has a module handbook that explains:
Tip: Start with the first few pages—they give a great overview and help you understand the basics. If something’s unclear, you’ll know who to ask.
You can find the module handbooks on the central KIT website. The SLE unit provides a full list of all study programmes. Just select your program and open the drop-down menu for the module handbook. If your program is taught in English, there will be an English version available. These handbooks are updated every semester, usually around 2-4 weeks before lectures begin, so make sure you’re using the latest version.
Once you're enrolled, take some time explore the Campus Management System. Rummage through the menus, see what you can find.
ILIAS is KIT’s online learning platform. It’s where you’ll find:
You can already check ILIAS before lectures begin to see if any materials are available for your courses.
As mentioned earlier under What can you do in the mean time?, the International Students Office offers online sessions about
These are a great way to get oriented and ask questions.
The ZSB (Zentrale Studienberatung) offers online sessions on study preparation for new students. Check their website to see what’s available: https://www.sle.kit.edu/english/wirueberuns/zsb.php. You can also see which sessions are available in English.
You will soon notice that almost all locations on campus—especially Campus South (CS), the main campus in town—are identified by building numbers rather than street addresses. Sometimes even lecture halls are numbered or at least have a name. The easiest way to find your way around is to ask other students nearby.
All building numbers are listed on the campus plan, and once you find the building, you will usually see a map inside showing the different lecture halls and rooms. Three-digit room numbers typically indicate the floor first.
Example:
“CS10.81, R305” means:
"Engesser" as lecture hall:
The academic year is divided into two semesters:
Technically, semesters start on 1 April and 1 October, but the lecture periods are shorter to allow time for exams, study papers, and breaks. Lectures usually begin about two weeks into the semester, and each semester starts with an orientation phase for new students.
The International Students Office, student representatives, and other units organise Welcome Days or an O-Phase (Orientierungsphase—easy enough to understand!) with guidance on studying and what to start with. This is highly recommended, so we suggest arriving in the first weeks of April or October. That way, you won’t have to dive straight into lectures without understanding the system. You will need time to adapt to university life and life in Germany.
Which leads us to the question: what happens if I arrive late? And how late is too late?
There are several phases during the semester that involve different bureaucratic steps:
The semester officially starts on 1 April for the summer semester and 1 October for the winter semester. You are enrolled for the entire semester, regardless of when you arrive. You are officially a student during this time—this is important for health insurance, bus and tram tickets, and other student benefits.
If you arrive at the beginning of the semester, you can take part in the various orientation events organised by student councils, the AStA (student union), the Studierendenwerk, the KIT library, and the International Students Office during the first weeks before lectures begin. These events are very rarely compulsory, but the networking opportunities, practical tips, campus and city tours, and insider information you get there cannot be fully replicated online. This is an important start to your studies and will help you a lot.
If you arrive a little later, at the start of lectures, you will dive straight into lectures and seminars. You can connect with fellow students and learn a lot that way. However, you will need to handle essential formalities yourself. Most information is available on KIT’s online learning platform ILIAS, and if necessary, ask lecturers or their assistants whether and where you still need to register. Each subject or institute handles this differently, so be careful.
If you arrive in the middle of the lecture period, things become more difficult. Many lectures will already be well underway, and registration deadlines may have passed. If you know in advance that you will be delayed, check what online options are available or whether you can still register for MINT (STEM) or language courses at KIT to keep you engaged.
Arriving in the last weeks of lectures or later means you will have no choice but to start from the beginning next semester. Your enrolment secured your place in the study programme, so contact your programme coordinator to ensure you are included in onboarding for beginners in the following semester. Make sure to re-register for the next semester and keep your address updated in the campus management portal.
►Tip: At KIT, you have a great team in the International Office to support you. At the department level, our office and programme mentors are also available. Please contact these people for advice.
KIT offers special support for international students who find everyday life in Karlsruhe challenging. There is plenty of help available, and I strongly encourage you to reach out if things start to feel overwhelming.
One of the favourites is the new International Student Hub at Berliner Platz (Kaiserstrasse 14), building 01.90.If you need more personal advice—because you are stuck in your studies, facing financial difficulties, or dealing with an expiring residence permit—this is the place to go.
Another highlight is the well-known international buddy programme run by the International Students Office. The programme organises events such as the International Café, where you can meet other students from across KIT in a friendly atmosphere, learn about various aspects of student life and simply take your mind off work. They also host board game evenings and excursions to nearby sights and places around the Black Forest and Rhine valley area. All of this is highly recommended! For more information, check their website and log in to their programme on ILIAS to register for the events and receive regular updates.
And of course, you are always welcome to stop by our office, sit down and tell me what is bothering you and we will find a way to resolve it over a cup of tea.
In Germany, the police are often referred to as your “friend and helper".
Emergency numbers:
You are expected to carry a valid ID along with your visa at all times.
Why is this important? The police can check your identity at any time - even without a specific reason. You must be able to show valid identification. And although Europe has open borders (Schengen Area), always carry your travel documents when crossing borders between countries!
⚠️ Important: Border checks within Europe have become more common – even on trains or buses. If you don’t have your documents with you, you may face problems or be denied entry.
Of course it's always good to learn some Deutsch while you're here. All students KIT are entitled to one free language course per semester. Demand for German courses is high, but last-minute cancellations happen - so being on the waiting list is smart. If A1.1 is full and A1.2 looks more likely, use free apps or software to boost your knowledge. Use the libraries around Karlsruhe to your advantage:
Library cards cost only €12.50 per year for students and give access to all librariesFor a mere €12,50 per year for students you get access to all libraries.
The FORUM here at KIT has several lectures and seminars in English and French on life in Germany/Europe, intercultural communication, and more.
Example: It's all Greek to Me: How to Deal with Culture Shock (in Germany or other Places)
Find more on the Campus Plus page with your KIT credentials, or sign up as an external user: FORUM English and FORUM French
Karlsruhe offers free public Wi-Fi called KA-WLAN in many locations—including some trams.
Banks and offices usually open at 8:00 or 9:00 and close around 16:00 or 17:00.
Large supermarkets often open at 7:00, most discounters at 8:00. Closing times vary from 18:00 to 22:00, with big stores open until midnight.
Then there are Spätis (from spät = late)—open after 22:00, some even 24/7. They’re not the cheapest, but useful in emergencies. Search online for “Späti Karlsruhe”—there’s even a dedicated page.
You moved here without bringing your complete inventory with you? Here a few tips on where to stock up on a budget:
It meets strict German and EU standards and is regularly tested. There’s no need to buy bottled water, which is not only unnecessary but also environmentally questionable.
Karlsruhe also features around 44 public drinking fountains, nearly as many as Berlin! These fountains are safe to use and maintained regularly. Please note, however, that decorative fountains are typically marked with signs like "Kein Trinkwasser" (not drinking water) and should not be used for consumption.
Why windows? Well, German windows have a certain way of opening in two directions - and that may surprise you if you’re not used to them. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a window swinging on just one lower hinge. There are plenty of fun videos online showing how they work, but the easiest way is to simply ask your landlord or janitor to give you a quick demo when you move in. It’s a great conversation starter!
And then there’s “lüften” - a very German habit. It means opening windows briefly to let out humid air and prevent mould (especially behind cupboards). It’s considered essential here, so take a moment to read up on this practice!
When bringing electrical devices to Germany, it’s important to know which plugs and voltage standards are used to avoid damage or safety issues:
Germany uses plug types C and F, both with two round pins. Type F also includes grounding clips. The electricity supply is 230 volts at 50 hertz, which may differ from your home country.
Before using your device, check its voltage rating - usually printed on the label or power supply. If it says “110–240V”, it’s dual voltage and works in Germany with just a plug adapter. If it only says “110V”, you’ll need a voltage converter or transformer. Converters are for short-term use (like hair dryers), while transformers are better for continuous-use devices (like laptops).
Some adapters don’t support grounding and should only be used with double-insulated devices, marked with a symbol showing a square inside a square (concentric squares).
To stay safe and avoid problems, check your devices before travelling to see whether you need just an adapter or a converter, too.
The KIT International Office has a dedicated page on financial aid, including a list of foundations and organisations that offer grants in the form of individual scholarships. There are also ecclesiastical and party-affiliated foundations in Germany and the EU that provide scholarships. A search for “Stiftung” and “Stipendium” will help.
In addition, global organisations such as the World Bank, the UN and its subdivisions, and other international institutions offer funding opportunities.
Career start BW provides information on studying in the federal state Baden-Württemberg (hence the "BW") and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers a neat and extensive database with all scholarships related with Germany.
You will find HiWi (student assistant) positions in various institutes. KIT also has a Jobbörse (job market)—click on “Show only KIT jobs” above the search bar to see all working student offers. Most institutes also have a digital bulletin board where new positions are advertised.
A HiWi job can complement your studies or give you insight into new research fields at KIT. It might even lead to your thesis!
Important: Check your visa regulations regarding permitted working hours. Your visa may include wording such as:
Study at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in degree programme XY. Employment of up to 120 days or 240 half-days and part-time student employment permitted. Self-employment not permitted.
If you work outside these limits, you risk fines and possible revocation of your visa.
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Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates most trains in Germany, and tickets can be booked online. Be aware that early-booking discounts are often tied to a specific train. Karlsruhe's main train station offers fast connections to almost all major cities, usually with none or just one stop depending on the time of day.
DB train schedules are updated live online - the DB-app is very handy. When booking, you can also see if a train is expected to be full. Reserving a seat can be useful, though it costs extra.
Other regional train services operate locally and are often integrated into the DB online schedules and booking system.
You'll often see the abbreviation ÖPNV = "öffentlicher Personennahverkehr" which translates as "public transportation".
The Karlsruhe Transport Association KVV (Karlsruher Verkehrsverbund) manages local public transport, including trams and buses in Karlsruhe and the surrounding region. The network extends halfway to Heidelberg, south towards Freiburg, east to Heilbronn, and west to the French border and Rhineland-Palatinate. KVV offers frequent services, operating from around 5:00 a.m. to midnight. Here's a link to the network map for the trams and bus services to give you an idea of the coverage.
For students at Campus South, the most relevant stops are Kronenplatz and Durlacher Tor—both have underground (U) and overground platforms.
|
Name and Link
|
valid area
|
Notice period
|
(monthly) costs
|
Special features
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| basic student ticket | KVV | - | - |
Valid: the whole KVV area but only off-peak hours: Get your KVV certificate in the Campus Management Portal under Study Certificates. The digital certificate is also valid. |
| Studikarte (student card) | KVV | each semester | €229 per semester |
Valid: the whole KVV area. |
| Deutschlandticket | Germany | monthly | €58,00 |
Valid nationwide (!!) for all regular buses, subways, trams, and regional and commuter trains (2nd class). |
| D-Ticket JugendBW | Germany | monthly (*) | €39,42 |
Valid: see Deutschlandticket It is an annual subscription with a minimum contract period of 12 months. If you make use of the right to cancel monthly during this minimum term (as allowed under the general Deutschlandticket tariff rules), the regular Deutschlandticket price will apply retroactively for the entire usage period, and you will be billed for the difference. |
last updated: October 2025
Cycling is healthy, fun, and a great way to explore nature and the surrounding area. Karlsruhe has an extensive and constantly expanding network of cycle paths, and there are plenty of places to park your bike in the city’s bicycle-friendly centre.
Nextbike bicycles are available throughout Karlsruhe and are perfect for short trips. Booking is easy: scan the QR-code on the bike using the app, and you can return the bike anywhere within the designated area - check the website for more details. They also offer cargo bikes and some e-bikes. The app shows you the nearest available bikes and even allows you to book in advance.
Thanks to a special agreement with the student union, KIT students can use Nextbikes free for the first 30 minutes of every ride for only €2.50 per semester. Click the link for more details.
Pro tip: Combine Nextbike with public transport for flexible travel around Karlsruhe
Wearing a helmet is not mandatory for cyclists in Germany, but it is strongly recommended for your safety.
Please note: Karlsruhe’s long pedestrian zone is a no-bike zone, and this rule is strictly enforced. Officers issue on-the-spot fines for violations.
Traffic lights and road signs apply to cyclists as well. Check the road traffic regulations (StVO) for details - here's a link to a short version PDF in English published by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport.
Bike theft is common in many cities, so invest in a high-quality lock (around €50 is a good benchmark) and learn the correct way to secure your bike. Lock the frame and one wheel to a fixed object—just locking the front wheel is not enough. A good lock and proper technique will save you a lot of trouble.
Several firms have e-scooters scattered around Karlsruhe's inner city area. There are no-go zones and slow-go zones in the pedestrian zones. The apps will tell you more.
AStA, the student union, offers rental cars at good rates for students. There are also local and the usual global rental car services. Please be aware of the regulations for foreign driving licences and the German road code StVO (short version in English).
Treat yourself and get out and about while you are here and explore the area and Europe. Karlsruhe's at the north tip of the renowned Black Forest and within half an hour by tram you can be wandering up to small castles, waterfalls, lakes, and observation platforms overlooking the Rhine valley. Within an hour (by tram & bus) you could be on the highest point of the northern Black Forest (Hornisgrinde 1,164 m / 3,820 ft), in Heidelberg or enjoying French cuisine in Wissembourg.
By train you can be in
Stuttgart and Frankfurt within an hour,
Cologne in two hours,
Munich, Nuremberg, Luxembourg and Zurich (Switzerland) in under three hours,
Paris (France), Brussels (Belgium) and Hannover in around four hours,
Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden, Salzburg (Austria), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Lyon (France) in under six hours,
Milan (Italy) and Marseille (France) in under seven hours,
Vienna (Austria) and Prague (Czech Republic) in eight hours.
Warsaw (Poland) in twelve hours
The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.
– Anthony Bourdain
What I found appealing in life abroad was the inevitable sense of helplessness it would inspire. Equally exciting would be the work involved in overcoming that helplessness. There would be a goal involved, and I liked having goals.
– David Sedaris
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