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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
6 h 7 m
Trains per day
3
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 $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Erfurt Hbf on Mon, Jun 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 286 km distance in an average of 6 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 7 h 30 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.
8:17 AM5h25Cologne Hbf1:42 PMErfurt Hbf$491One-way0 transfers- 10:27 PM7h30Cologne Hbf5:57 AMErfurt Hbf$691One-way0 transfers
- 7:17 AM5h25Cologne Hbf12:42 PMErfurt Hbf$1461One-way0 transfers
- 8:17 AM5h25Cologne Hbf1:42 PMErfurt Hbf$491One-way0 transfers
- 7:17 AM5h25Cologne Hbf12:42 PMErfurt Hbf$1461One-way0 transfers
- 10:27 PM7h30Cologne Hbf5:57 AMErfurt Hbf$691One-way0 transfers
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 prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 177 miles (286 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 47m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration 4h 38m 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 $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf costing on average $80 (€65).
Other travel options to Erfurt Hbf take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 38m.
Tickets start at around $80 (€65) compared to roughly $61 (€50) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.75 (€-15.35). The journey takes 4h 17m 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, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 7:45 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 60403 · ICE 698 | Delayed 11:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 4:31 AM 4:31 AMErfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 619 · ICE 698 | Delayed 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h32 | 4:31 AM 4:31 AMErfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 22 | |||||
| 7:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h25 | 12:42 PM Erfurt Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h25 | 1:42 PM Erfurt Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
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 train and bus 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 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 10 times per day, taking around 4h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:19, the last at 22:27. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (286 km) distance in 4h 8m.
Distance 177 miles (286 km) |
Average train duration 4h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 8m |
First train 6:19 AM |
Last train 10:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 $16 (€13). 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
Most Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trains use the Köln Hbf to Erfurt Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Erfurt-Bischleben. 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 Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
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.
Getting to Erfurt-Bischleben from Erfurt city centre
Erfurt-Bischleben is 5 km from Erfurt city centre. Public transport options include:
Erfurt-Bischleben train station facilities and services
Erfurt-Bischleben 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 and drink
Food options include: Zur Schuhleiste, Bachstelze
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. ATMs are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Information desks are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.
Getting to Erfurt Ost from Erfurt city centre
Erfurt Ost is 4 km from Erfurt city centre. Public transport options include:
Erfurt Ost train station facilities and services
Erfurt Ost 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 and drink
Food options include: Bruzelkiste Tag & Nacht, Gartenlokal An der Lache
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Ost. ATMs are available at Erfurt Ost.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Ost. Information desks are available at Erfurt Ost.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Erfurt Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Erfurt Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Ost.
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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