- Must visit
Wallraf-Richartz Museum
Major art museum with one of Europe’s best collections from medieval painting to modern masters, including notable Impressionist works.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Budapest to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
kr0.00
Average price
kr385
Fastest journey
12 h 42 m
Average duration
16 h 5 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
727 km
Cheap tickets
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.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Cologne without transferring at least once.
9:55 AM12h42Budapest10:37 PMKoeln Messe/deutz Gl.11-12Find prices1 transfer- 7:55 PM22h48Budapest6:43 PMKoeln Messe/deutz Gl.11-12Find prices1 transfer
7:58 AM12h45Budapest8:43 PMKoeln Messe/deutz Gl.11-12kr11541One-way1 transfer
- 9:55 AM12h42Budapest10:37 PMKoeln Messe/deutz Gl.11-12Find prices1 transfer
- 7:58 AM12h45Budapest8:43 PMKoeln Messe/deutz Gl.11-12kr11541One-way1 transfer
- 7:55 PM22h48Budapest6:43 PMKoeln Messe/deutz Gl.11-12Find prices1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Train from Budapest to Cologne
Hungary
Italy
Trains from Budapest to Cologne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 15h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr1154 but you can travel from only kr517 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 06:44. The fastest train covers the 451 miles (727 km) distance in 12h 9m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from kr517
Distance 451 miles (727 km) |
Average train duration 15h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price kr1154 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 12h 9m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 6:44 AM |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from kr517
Live departures
Budapest to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:55 PM Budapest | 22h48 | 6:43 PM Koeln Messe/deutz Gl.11-12 | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
| 7:58 AM Budapest | 12h45 | 8:43 PM Koeln Messe/deutz Gl.11-12 | 1 transfer | |
| 9:55 AM Budapest | 12h42 | 10:37 PM Koeln Messe/deutz Gl.11-12 | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Budapest to Cologne trains with Omio?
ÖBB | Railjet as well as RegioJet a.s. offer trains services from Budapest to Cologne.
Omio is the only official third party seller for ÖBB | Railjet tickets.
Why book with Omio vs ÖBB | Railjet?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for ÖBB | Railjet, but also compare tickets for the likes of RegioJet a.s. to find the best option for your trip from Budapest to Cologne.
- 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 ÖBB | Railjet with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Budapest to Cologne.
Train companies: ÖBB | Railjet, RegioJet a.s. from Budapest to Cologne trainsÖBB | Railjet, RegioJet a.s. trains will get you between Budapest and Cologne from kr517. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ÖBB | Railjet
About
ÖBB Railjet is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The Railjet trains are modern and spacious, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of Railjet trains: the Railjet Comfort, the Railjet Business, and the Railjet First Class. The Comfort class offers standard seating, while the Business class offers more spacious seating and complimentary drinks and snacks. The First Class offers the most luxurious experience, with extra-wide seats, complimentary meals, and access to a private lounge. The Railjet service operates on several popular routes, including Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station, and there are several types of tickets available, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. With its modern trains, comfortable seating, and convenient ticketing options, ÖBB Railjet is the perfect way to explore Austria.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 42m
ÖBB | Railjet frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (except on domestic routes), at-seat service in First Class, bistro service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional reservation for €3
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
RegioJet a.s.
About
RegioJet is a leading transport company in the Czech Republic, operating both buses and trains. For bus travel, ticket fare options include Low Cost, Standard, Fun & Relax, Relax, and Business. RegioJet also runs regional and long-distance train services, connecting cities across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. Regional services, known as RegioJet Express, offer frequent departures, while long-distance RegioJet Comfort trains provide a more luxurious experience with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Onboard amenities can include a café car, restaurant car, bar car, entertainment options, and power outlets. Popular routes include Prague to Brno, Prague to Ostrava, and Prague to Vienna, offering convenient connections within the Czech Republic and to neighboring countries.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 9m
Cheapest Price
kr1154
RegioJet a.s. frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one large piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals, snacks, and drinks. At-seat service in some classes
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require paid ticket and must be leashed
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Cologne
Things to do in Cologne
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Leading museum of modern and contemporary art, known for Picasso, Pop Art, and major postwar European collections.
- Recommended
Romano-Germanic Museum
Large archaeology museum presenting Cologne’s Roman past through mosaics, glass, inscriptions, and everyday artifacts.
- Must visit
Altstadt
Historic old town lanes with colorful houses, breweries, and churches; ideal for wandering between the Rhine and cathedral.
- Must visit
Rhine Promenade
Lively riverside promenade with classic skyline views, boat traffic, and easy walks connecting the old town and southern harbor.
- Recommended
Rheinauhafen
Modern harbor redevelopment known for the dramatic Kranhaus buildings, waterfront paths, and a polished urban atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
Canederli
Canederli are bread dumplings from the Alpine north, often served in broth or with butter. They reflect Tyrolean influence and are a classic local comfort dish.
- Gluten-free
Speck Alto Adige
Speck is lightly smoked, cured ham from South Tyrol. It is prized for its mountain-aging tradition and is commonly served with bread, cheese, or dumplings.
- Vegetarian
Schlutzkrapfen
Schlutzkrapfen are half-moon pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, usually dressed with butter and chives. They are a hallmark of the region’s Alpine cuisine.
Restaurant Zur Rose
Michelin-starred dining with creative tasting menus rooted in local ingredients. Elegant atmosphere for a high-end South Tyrolean meal.
Wirtshaus Vögele
Historic traditional restaurant known for South Tyrolean classics, wood-paneled rooms, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere in the old town.
Forsterbräu Central
Well-known local tavern serving canederli, schnitzel, and regional wine in a rustic setting popular with residents and visitors.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe; hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and public transport are generally manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
KVB App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.70
- Day pass
- €9.00
To the city center
Cologne Central Station, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Contactless card payment is available at many ticket machines and in the KVB App, but not reliably onboard every bus or tram.
- Validate paper tickets if required, and buy before boarding when possible to avoid fines.
FAQs: Trains from Budapest to Cologne
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.
Train ticket prices from Budapest to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at kr1154, while the average price is around kr1154.
The train from Budapest to Cologne takes 12h 9m and runs 2 per day.
The first train from Budapest to Cologne leaves at 12:20 AM.
The distance by train from Budapest to Cologne is 451 miles (727 km).
The last train from Budapest to Cologne leaves at 6:44 AM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Budapest to Cologne.
There is no direct train service currently available from Budapest to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Budapest to Cologne.
The train journey from Budapest to Cologne offers scenic views, especially through the picturesque landscapes of the Danube Bend and the rolling hills of Bavaria, providing travelers with a visually pleasing experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Budapest to Cologne.
Popular day trips by train from Cologne include Brescia, Bergamo, Milan, Verona, Palazzolo sull'Oglio.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, public transport, and around popular attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to avoid unlicensed taxis and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help. Staying alert and keeping valuables secure helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Budapest to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Budapest
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