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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$139
Fastest journey
3 h 37 m
Average duration
5 h 7 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
286 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf will cost around $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 6 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Erfurt Hbf on Fri, May 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct trains cover the 286 km distance in an average of 5 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 37 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 7 h 31 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.
FlixTrain · FlixTrain8:14 AM7h31Cologne Hbf3:45 PMErfurt Hbf$1181One-way1 transfer- FlixTrain · FlixTrain12:14 PM7h31Cologne Hbf7:45 PMErfurt Hbf$1181One-way1 transfer
IC 2155 · ICE 6909:17 AM5h10Cologne Hbf2:27 PMErfurt Hbf$1301One-way1 transfer- IC 21559:17 AM5h25Cologne Hbf2:42 PMErfurt Hbf$1301One-way0 transfers
- ICE 1253 · ICE 9309:18 AM3h50Cologne Hbf1:08 PMErfurt Hbf$1681One-way1 transfer
- 28510 · ICE 621 · ICE 9309:31 AM3h37Cologne Hbf1:08 PMErfurt Hbf$1731One-way2 transfers
- ICE 1253 · ICE 9309:18 AM3h50Cologne Hbf1:08 PMErfurt Hbf$1681One-way1 transfer
- IC 2155 · ICE 6909:17 AM5h10Cologne Hbf2:27 PMErfurt Hbf$1301One-way1 transfer
- IC 21559:17 AM5h25Cologne Hbf2:42 PMErfurt Hbf$1301One-way0 transfers
- FlixTrain · FlixTrain8:14 AM7h31Cologne Hbf3:45 PMErfurt Hbf$1181One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $29.
Distance: 177 miles (286 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 59m Average total duration Fastest 4h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf:
A bus is $44 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf costing on average $72 (€57).
Other travel options to Erfurt Hbf take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 39m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€57) compared to roughly $62 (€50) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-9.30 (€-7.43). The journey takes 4h 29m versus 4h 11m 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.
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trains for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 2155 · ICE 690 | On time 9:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h10 | 2:27 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2155 | On time 9:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h25 | 2:42 PM Erfurt Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1253 · ICE 930 | Delayed 7:19 AM 9:18 AMCologne Hbf | 3h50 | 1:08 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 28510 · ICE 621 · ICE 930 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h37 | 1:08 PM Erfurt Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 7:45 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 3:45 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trains with Omio?
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 Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:11, the last at 11:14. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (286 km) distance in 3h 45m.
Distance 177 miles (286 km) |
Average train duration 4h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 45m |
First train 7:11 AM |
Last train 11:14 AM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Erfurt Hbf from $18 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf 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 Erfurt Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Saturday: 09:30 - 16:30
- Sunday: 09:30 - 16:30
- Istanbul Grill
- McDonald's
- Masala
- Planet Comics
- Hotel Krämerbrücke
- Intercity Hotel
- Pension am Dom
- Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior
More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Erfurt Hbf and Cologne Hbf
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