- Must visit
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Iconic museum tracing Mercedes-Benz from the first automobile to racing legends. A world-class design and engineering experience.
Cheapest price
$58
Average price
$112
Fastest journey
2 h 11 m
Average duration
2 h 15 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
288 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart will cost around $112 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
Of the 13 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Stuttgart on Sun, Jul 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 288 km distance in an average of 2 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 11 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 2 h 17 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 · FlixTrain
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
IC 2040 · ICE 515
ICE 103 · ICE 2583
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
10909 · ICE 915
17418 · ICE 919
ICE 107 · ICE 597
ICE 519
ICE 515Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Stuttgart among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $186.
Distance: 178 miles (288 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $404 Average price | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Hbf to Stuttgart:
A bus is $52 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Stuttgart costing on average $83 (€68).
A bus is $374 (€307) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Hbf to Stuttgart costing on average $404 (€332).
Other travel options to Stuttgart take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 29m.
Bus takes on average 5h 7m.
You'll arrive about 40m sooner (2h 50m by train vs 3h 30m by car). Tickets start at around $83 (€68) compared to roughly $60 (€49) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Stuttgart trains for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h31 | 9:45 PM Stuttgart | 1 transfer | |
IC 2040 · ICE 515 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h18 | 12:11 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 | Delayed 8:02 AM 9:54 AMCologne Hbf | 2h17 | 12:11 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2013 · ICE 517 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h18 | 2:11 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 · ICE 595 | On time 10:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h17 | 1:11 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Trains from Cologne Hbf to Stuttgart run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:14, the last at 19:53. The fastest train covers the 178 miles (288 km) distance in 2h 11m.
Distance 178 miles (288 km) |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 6:14 AM |
Last train 7:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Stuttgart — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stuttgart trip today.
Iconic museum tracing Mercedes-Benz from the first automobile to racing legends. A world-class design and engineering experience.
Striking modern museum presenting Porsche sports cars, prototypes, and brand history. Essential for automotive and design enthusiasts.
State gallery with outstanding collections from old masters to modern art, plus a celebrated postmodern extension by James Stirling.
Stuttgart’s central square with fountains, lawns, and major landmarks. The city’s main gathering place and best starting point for visitors.
Large zoological and botanical garden with historic palace grounds, greenhouses, and landscaped walks. A favorite for families and nature lovers.
Long pedestrian shopping street linking the station and Schlossplatz, lively with historic facades, events, and everyday city life.
Breaded veal or pork cutlet served with Spätzle or potato salad. A Swabian staple found across Stuttgart taverns and family restaurants.
Soft egg noodles from Swabia, often served with gravy, cheese, or lentils. They are a defining comfort food of the Stuttgart region.
Swabian ravioli filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and bread, usually in broth or with onions. One of the region's most iconic dishes.
Michelin-starred dining with modern tasting menus and polished service. A strong choice for fine dining in Stuttgart.
Beloved traditional inn near the city center known for hearty Swabian plates, local wines, and a cozy, old-Stuttgart atmosphere.
Historic Stuttgart wine tavern serving classic Swabian dishes like Maultaschen and Spätzle in a traditional, wood-paneled setting.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is efficient and fairly affordable for visitors.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne Hbf to Stuttgart trains use the Köln Hbf to Stuttgart Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Stuttgart Hbf (tief). Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Stuttgart train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Stuttgart 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: backWERK, Ditsch, Kamps Backstube, Le Crobag, Dunkin' Donuts, min min, Starbucks, Yorma's
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Stuttgart Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart Hbf. Information desks are located on the south side of the station near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the north entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart Hbf: Escalators and elevators. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include ARCOTEL Camino Stuttgart, Mirage City Hotel Stuttgart Zentrum Hbf, Hotel Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte.
Stuttgart, Arnulf-Klett-Platz (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart, Arnulf-Klett-Platz (Hauptbahnhof).
Stuttgart Hbf (tief) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Amici, Block House Stuttgart
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart Hbf (tief). Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Stuttgart Hbf (tief). Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf (tief): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf (tief): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart Hbf (tief): Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin, Motel One Stuttgart-Hauptbahnhof, Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten.
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