Cologne to Leipzig train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Sat, 15 Aug
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leipzig

Showing times and prices for 15 Aug

Cheapest price

30€

Average price

63€

Fastest journey

4 h 19 m

Average duration

4 h 42 m

Trains per day

9

Distance

381 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Leipzig is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Leipzig will cost around 63€ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 30€.

Fast trains

Of the 9 trains that leave Cologne for Leipzig every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 381 km distance in an average of 4 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 19 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 13 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    12:07 PM6h42
    Cologne Hbf
    6:49 PMLeipzig Hbf
    30 1One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain+FlixBusFlixBus
    4:07 PM9h08
    Cologne Hbf
    1:15 AMLeipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe)
    37 1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    9:25 AM9h24
    Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    6:49 PMLeipzig Hbf
    37 1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    12:14 PM6h35
    Cologne Hbf
    6:49 PMLeipzig Hbf
    42 1One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 529 · ICE 2592
    8:45 AM4h24
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    1:09 PMLeipzig Hbf
    77 1One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Leipzig

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Leipzig among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 19€. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 19€, and a flight costs an average of 317€.

Distance: 381 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

74€

Average Price

32€

Average Price

Cheapest

616€

Average Price

6h 30m

Average total duration

6h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 11m

Average total duration

6h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 5m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Leipzig train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig trains for today, Friday, 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 1513 · ICE 2592
On time
8:29 AM Cologne Hbf
4h40
1:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 529 · ICE 2592
On time
8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h24
1:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 2590
On time
8:53 AM Cologne Hbf
6h16
3:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 121 · ICE 930 · ICE 508
Delayed
7:20 AM 9:18 AMCologne Hbf
4h46
2:04 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 621 · ICE 930 · ICE 508
On time
9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h19
2:04 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 838 · ICE 506
On time
9:53 AM Cologne Hbf
6h11
4:04 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1515 · ICE 2590
On time
10:29 AM Cologne Hbf
4h40
3:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 623 · ICE 2590
On time
10:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h24
3:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 2013 · ICE 2588
On time
10:53 AM Cologne Hbf
6h16
5:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 625 · ICE 1651
On time
11:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h46
4:31 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 625 · ICE 838 · ICE 506
On time
11:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h19
4:04 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1517 · ICE 2588
On time
12:29 PM Cologne Hbf
4h40
5:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 627 · ICE 2588
On time
12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h24
5:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2544 · ICE 596
On time
12:53 PM Cologne Hbf
6h16
7:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 123 · ICE 1653
On time
1:18 PM Cologne Hbf
5h13
6:31 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 123 · ICE 751 · ICE 1747
On time
1:18 PM Cologne Hbf
4h43
6:01 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 629 · ICE 1653
On time
1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h46
6:31 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 629 · ICE 751 · ICE 1747
On time
1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h16
6:01 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 229 · ICE 834 · ICE 502
On time
1:53 PM Cologne Hbf
6h11
8:04 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1519 · ICE 596
On time
2:29 PM Cologne Hbf
4h40
7:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 721 · ICE 596
On time
2:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h24
7:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2546 · ICE 2584
On time
2:53 PM Cologne Hbf
6h16
9:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 125 · ICE 1655
On time
3:18 PM Cologne Hbf
5h13
8:31 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 125 · ICE 834 · ICE 502
On time
3:18 PM Cologne Hbf
4h46
8:04 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 723 · ICE 1655
On time
3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h46
8:31 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 723 · ICE 834 · ICE 502
On time
3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h19
8:04 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 927 · ICE 832 · ICE 500
Delayed
2:05 PM 3:53 PMCologne Hbf
6h11
10:04 PM Leipzig Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1611 · ICE 2584
On time
4:29 PM Cologne Hbf
4h40
9:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 725 · ICE 2584
On time
4:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h24
9:09 PM Leipzig Hbf
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Leipzig by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sat
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug

Why should you book Cologne to Leipzig trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Leipzig.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Leipzig.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Leipzig.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Leipzig.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Leipzig.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Leipzig?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Leipzig is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Leipzig route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Leipzig per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Leipzig.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Leipzig

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Leipzig run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 18€ if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 381 km distance in 4h 19m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
381 km
Average train duration
6h 0m
Cheapest ticket price
18€
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
4h 19m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:58 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
49 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Leipzig trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Leipzig from 18€. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
18€
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 32m
Cheapest Price
23€
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 24m
Cheapest Price
70€
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Cologne to Leipzig train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Leipzig by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leipzig, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Leipzig can start from as little as 18€ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Leipzig is 74€; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cologne to Leipzig is 4h 19m to travel the 381 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cologne to Leipzig leaves at 12:01 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Leipzig leaves at 11:58 pm.
Yes, there are 1 direct trains a day from Cologne to Leipzig with FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne to Leipzig, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Leipzig. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Leipzig and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Leipzig from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 19m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Leipzig is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Leipzig including taking a train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Leipzig

Most Cologne to Leipzig trains use the Köln Hbf to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Leipzig Markt. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Leipzig train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Leipzig

Which Cologne station do trains to Leipzig leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Leipzig leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · 7€ · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · 5€ · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · 5€ · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · 3€ · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · 2€ · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · 4€ · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · 4€
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · 5€

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Leipzig

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsCologne to Leipzig train

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