- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Cheapest price
€55
Average price
€171
Fastest journey
11 h 49 m
Average duration
11 h 55 m
Trains per day
40
Distance
956 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Cologne will cost around €171 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €55.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Cologne without transferring at least 3 times.
RJX 68 · ICE 618
R 4626 · RJX 68 · ICE 618
R 4614 · EC 142 · RJX 19916 · EC 114
R 4614 · EC 142 · RJX 19916 · EC 114
EC 142 · RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910
R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214
R 4614 · EC 142 · RJX 19916 · EC 114
EC 140+
RJX19976+
ICE 1214 · ICE 912
EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912
EC 142+
RJX19916+
EC 114+
ICE 910Trains from Budapest to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 12h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €52 but you can travel from only €50 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 11h 30m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average train duration 12h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price €52 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 11h 30m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Cologne trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 146+ NJ 448 | 2:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 15h22 | 6:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 68 · ICE 618 | On time 3:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 14h20 | 5:50 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 68+ ICE 618 | On time 3:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 14h20 | 5:50 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
E 846 · RJX 68 · ICE 618 | On time 3:35 PM Budapest-Deli | 14h15 | 5:50 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 148 · RJX 19972+ 79404+ ICE 1014 | 4:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 15h59 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
EC 148+ RJX19972 · RE5+ ICE 1014 | 4:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 15h59 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
EC 148+ RJX19972 · RE5+ ICE 1014 | 4:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 16h09 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 876 · EC 148 · RJX 19972+ 79404 | 4:35 PM Budapest-Deli | 15h54 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
IC 876 · EC 148 · RJX 19972+ 79404 | On time 4:35 PM Budapest-Deli | 17h31 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
RJ 270 · RJ 478 · 21808 · ICE 656 | 5:30 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 16h37 | 10:07 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
R 4548 · IC 1998 · REX 7603 · RJX 19938 | On time 9:10 PM Budapest-Deli | 17h19 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5 transfers | |
IC 1998 · REX 7603 · RJX 19938 · EC 212 | On time 9:25 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 17h04 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
IC 1878 · R 9318 · R 9468 · ER 62 | On time 9:35 PM Budapest-Deli | 16h54 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7 transfers | |
IC 1878 · R 9318 · R 9468 · ER 62 | On time 9:35 PM Budapest-Deli | 18h31 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 8 transfers | |
R 9318 · R 9468 · ER 62 · REX 7700 | On time 9:56 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 16h33 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6 transfers | |
R 4910 · R 9420+ REX 62+ EC 1218 | 3:10 AM Budapest-Deli | 13h29 | 4:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
R 4910 · R 9420+ REX 62+ EC 1218 | 3:10 AM Budapest-Deli | 13h19 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
EC 342+ RJX 262+ ICE 564 · ICE 216 | 5:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h33 | 6:03 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 342+ RJX 262+ ICE 516 | 5:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h35 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 342+ RJX 262+ ICE 564 · ICE 216 | 5:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h22 | 5:52 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
EC 140+ RJX19976+ ICE 116 · ICE 318 | On time 8:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 13h09 | 9:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 140+ RJX19976+ ICE 1214 · ICE 912 | On time 8:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 11h59 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
EC 140+ RJX19976+ ICE 1214 · ICE 912 | 8:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h09 | 8:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 140+ IC 642+ RJX 62+ ICE 512 | On time 8:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 13h35 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912 | On time 8:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 11h59 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 116 · ICE 318 | On time 8:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 13h09 | 9:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 | 8:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 13h32 | 10:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 6 transfers | |
R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 | On time 8:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 11h49 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 116 | On time 8:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 12h59 | 9:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJX 62+ ICE 512 | On time 9:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h35 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 62+ IC 644+ EC 114+ ICE 910 | On time 9:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 13h00 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 62+ IC 644+ EC 114+ ICE 782 | On time 9:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 14h18 | 11:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ICE 512 | On time 9:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h35 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 9:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 13h26 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 512 | On time 9:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 12h25 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 142+ IC 646+ RJX 64+ ICE 510 | On time 10:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 13h40 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 142+ RJX19916+ EC 114+ ICE 910 | On time 10:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h00 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 142 · RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 | On time 10:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h00 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
R 4614 · EC 142 · RJX 19916 · EC 114 | On time 10:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 13h08 | 11:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
R 4614 · EC 142 · RJX 19916 · EC 114 | On time 10:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 11h50 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJX 64+ ICE 510 | On time 11:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h40 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 64 · ICE 510 | On time 11:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h40 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 144+ RJX 187+ ICE 1212 · ICE 990 | 12:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 17h14 | 5:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest 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.

Most Budapest to Cologne trains use the Budapest Keleti to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Budapest and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Budapest Keleti is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest Keleti has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rosenstein Restaurant, Huszar Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest Keleti. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest Keleti. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest Keleti: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hungaria City Center, Baross City Hotel, Royal Park Boutique Hotel.
Budapest-Déli is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Déli has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Déli Terasz Söröző, Ibrahim török büfé, Vagon Etterem, Fornetti, Trio pizza, Turkish Döner KEBAB, Déli Mosoly, Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi, Club D One, Lokomotív Falatozó
ATMs are aTM machines are located on the ground floor inside the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35. Information desks are located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
Luggage storage is located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Déli: There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
Nearby hotels include Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Christina Residence Budapest, ibis Budapest Castle Hill.
Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Kelenföld has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need