- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$159
Fastest journey
9 h 49 m
Average duration
9 h 53 m
Trains per day
25
Distance
795 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bratislava to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bratislava to Cologne will cost around $159 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
It's difficult to get from Bratislava to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
REX 7736 · RJX 64 · ICE 524
REX 7796 · RJX 162 · ICE 118 · ICE 224
REX 7724 · RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 24
REX 7724 · RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 912
REX 6+
ICE 1220
REX 7728 · RJX 62 · ICE 592 · ICE 102
REX 7792 · RJX 262 · ICE 596 · ICE 106
REX 7736 · RJX 64 · ICE 590 · ICE 100
REX 6+
RJX 64+
ICE 590 · ICE 100
EC 160 · ICE 210 · ICE 916Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bratislava to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $51. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 10h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $51, and a train costs an average of $49.
Distance: 493 miles (795 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$154 Average price | $74 Average price Cheapest | $208 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 42m Average total duration Fastest 10h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 29m Average total duration 13h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bratislava to Cologne:
A bus is $80 (€65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bratislava to Cologne costing on average $154 (€125).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 59m.
Tickets start at around $154 (€125) compared to roughly $208 (€168) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $54 (€43). The journey takes 10h 12m versus 8h 46m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bratislava to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 160 · ICE 210 · ICE 916 | On time 6:32 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 9h57 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
EC 160 · ICE 210 · S7 · ICE 788 | On time 6:32 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 11h58 | 6:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
REX 7792 · RJX 262 · ICE 516 | On time 7:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h49 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
REX 7792 · RJX 262 · ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 7:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 9h49 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7792 · RJX 262 · ICE 516 · IC 1941 | On time 7:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 11h59 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7796 · RJX 162 · ICE 118 · ICE 224 | On time 8:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h27 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 2509 · ICE 1224 | On time 8:50 AM Bratislava hlavná stanica | 11h15 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
REX 2509 · ICE 1224 · ICE 1512 | On time 8:50 AM Bratislava hlavná stanica | 10h43 | 7:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
REX 7720 · RJX 60 · ICE 562 · ICE 1649 | On time 9:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 12h00 | 9:16 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7720 · RJX 60 · ICE 514 | On time 9:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h49 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
REX 7724 · RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 24 | On time 10:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 12h08 | 10:24 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7724 · RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 912 | On time 10:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h13 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
REX 7728 · RJX 62 · ICE 512 | On time 11:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h49 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
REX 7728 · RJX 62 · ICE 592 · ICE 102 | On time 11:16 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 9h49 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 6+ RJX 64 · ICE 590 · ICE 100 | On time 12:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h54 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7732 · RJX 166 · EC 114 · ICE 910 | On time 12:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h14 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 6+ RJX 64 · ICE 524 | Delayed 12:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 11h36 | 10:18 PM 10:18 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
REX 6+ ICE 1220 | 12:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 11h50 | 12:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
REX 6+ RJX 566+ EC 114+ ICE 910 | On time 12:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h14 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 6+ RJX 64 · ICE 510 | On time 12:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 11h54 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
REX 6+ RJX 64+ ICE 590 · ICE 100 | On time 1:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 9h54 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7736 · RJX 64 · ICE 524 | Delayed 1:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h36 | 10:18 PM 10:18 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
REX 6+ RJX 64+ ICE 524 | Delayed 1:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h23 | 10:18 PM 10:18 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
REX 7736 · RJX 64 · ICE 590 · ICE 100 | On time 1:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 9h54 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7736 · RJX 64 · ICE 510 | On time 1:16 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 10h54 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Bratislava to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 10h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 493 miles (795 km) distance in 9h 49m.
Distance 493 miles (795 km) |
Average train duration 10h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 9h 49m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
One of Germany’s important fine art museums, with medieval painting, Baroque masters, and strong 19th-century holdings in the city center.
Key archaeological museum for Cologne’s Roman heritage. The main building has been under redevelopment, but the collection remains a city highlight.
Popular riverside promenade and steps on the Deutz side, famous for one of the best panoramic views of Cologne Cathedral and the skyline.
Historic Old Town square lined with traditional façades and lively public space, ideal for soaking up Cologne’s central atmosphere.
Large central square in the Old Town, often used for events and a convenient base for exploring nearby historic streets and the riverfront.
Cologne’s iconic pale ale, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a classic brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is a Rhineland favorite.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye roll with Gouda cheese, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a traditional brauhaus snack served with Kölsch.
A respected fine-dining restaurant offering creative modern cuisine and tasting menus, representing Cologne’s upscale food scene.
Historic brewery tavern with its own Kölsch, appreciated for authentic Cologne food, old-world atmosphere, and communal wooden tables.
A long-established, casual local favorite especially known for large schnitzels and hearty Rhineland comfort food in a friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany: museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and dining in central areas cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary in restaurants. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bratislava to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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