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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$29
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$124
Fastest journey on Sep 20
3 h 31 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
3 h 46 m
Trains on Sep 20
14
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 $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
It's difficult to get from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf without transferring at least once.
ICE 511 · ICE 15555:48 AM3h52Cologne Hbf9:40 AMErfurt Hbf$291One-way1 transfer- ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 9343:49 AM5h19Cologne Hbf9:08 AMErfurt Hbf$591One-way2 transfers
FlixTrain · FlixTrain12:14 PM7h31Cologne Hbf7:45 PMErfurt Hbf$601One-way1 transfer- ICE 23 · ICE 9325:53 AM5h15Cologne Hbf11:08 AMErfurt Hbf$701One-way1 transfer
- FlixTrain · FlixTrain8:14 AM7h31Cologne Hbf3:45 PMErfurt Hbf$761One-way1 transfer
- S6 · ICE 621 · ICE 9309:37 AM3h31Cologne Hbf1:08 PMErfurt Hbf$1641One-way2 transfers
- ICE 121 · ICE 9309:19 AM3h49Cologne Hbf1:08 PMErfurt Hbf$1591One-way1 transfer
- S6 · ICE 529 · ICE 6928:37 AM3h50Cologne Hbf12:27 PMErfurt Hbf$1641One-way2 transfers
- S6 · ICE 623 · ICE 69010:37 AM3h50Cologne Hbf2:27 PMErfurt Hbf$1641One-way2 transfers
- ICE 511 · ICE 15555:48 AM3h52Cologne Hbf9:40 AMErfurt Hbf$291One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 an average ticket price of $45 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, while a train costs an average of $121.
Distance: 177 miles (286 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$121 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 2m Average total duration 5h 32m 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 $76 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf costing on average $121.
Other travel options to Erfurt Hbf take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 32m.
Tickets start at around $121 compared to roughly $61 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-59.72. The journey takes 4h 28m 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, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 319 · 15546 · IC 60409 | On time 10:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h11 | 3:36 AM Erfurt Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 60403 · ICE 698 | On time 11:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h02 | 5:55 AM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
| ICE 511 · ICE 1555 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h52 | 9:40 AM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 23 · ICE 932 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h15 | 11:08 AM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 3:45 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 11 · ICE 692 | On time 8:19 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h08 | 12:27 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| S6 · ICE 529 · ICE 692 | On time 8:37 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h50 | 12:27 PM Erfurt Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 555 · ICE 787 · 3661 | On time 8:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h02 | 1:46 PM Erfurt Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 2040 · ICE 690 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h34 | 2:27 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 121 · ICE 930 | On time 9:19 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h49 | 1:08 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| S6 · ICE 621 · ICE 930 | On time 9:37 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h31 | 1:08 PM Erfurt Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 27 · ICE 838 | On time 9:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h13 | 3:08 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1515 · ICE 690 | On time 10:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 2:27 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| S6 · ICE 623 · ICE 690 | On time 10:37 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h50 | 2:27 PM Erfurt Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 7:45 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf by train or bus
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.
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Sep 26
Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs VIAS Rail GmbH?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for VIAS Rail GmbH, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain 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 VIAS Rail GmbH with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus 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 11 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 but you can travel from only $18 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 10:14. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (286 km) distance in 3h 9m.
Distance 177 miles (286 km) |
Average train duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 9m |
First train 5:48 AM |
Last train 10:14 AM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, VIAS Rail GmbH from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Erfurt Hbf from $18. 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.
FlixTrain
VIAS Rail GmbH
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
Most Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trains use the Köln Hbf to Erfurt Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Erfurt Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Erfurt Hbf from Erfurt city centre
Erfurt Hbf train station facilities and services
Erfurt 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: Istanbul Grill, McDonald's, Masala, Planet Comics
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Hbf. ATMs are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Hbf. Information desks are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include 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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