- Must visit
GlockenStadtMuseum Apolda
Main local museum on Apolda’s bell founding, knitting, and town history, housed in a restored historic building.
Cheapest price
€99
Average price
€100
Fastest journey
4 h 16 m
Average duration
4 h 16 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
320 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Apolda is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Apolda will cost around €100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €99.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Apolda without transferring at least 2 times.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Apolda among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €37, and a flight costs an average of €458.
Distance: 198 miles (320 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€153 Average price | €458 Average price | €47 Average price Cheapest | €60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 19m Average total duration 5h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration Fastest 5h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 29m Average total duration 6h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Apolda:
A bus is €106 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Apolda costing on average €153.
A bus is €411 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Apolda costing on average €458.
Other travel options to Apolda take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 49m.
Bus takes on average 6h 59m.
Tickets start at around €153 compared to roughly €60 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-93.67. The journey takes 5h 49m versus 4h 31m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Apolda trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:45 PM Cologne | 4h16 | 8:01 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 4:45 PM Cologne | 4h16 | 9:01 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 5:45 PM Cologne | 4h43 | 10:28 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 6:45 PM Cologne | 4h52 | 11:37 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 8:34 PM Cologne | 8h54 | 5:28 AM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 9:28 PM Cologne | 9h32 | 7:00 AM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 10:18 PM Cologne | 8h42 | 7:00 AM Apolda | 3 transfers | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
![]() | 5:20 AM Cologne | 4h41 | 10:01 AM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 6:45 AM Cologne | 4h16 | 11:01 AM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 7:45 AM Cologne | 4h16 | 12:01 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 8:45 AM Cologne | 4h16 | 1:01 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 9:45 AM Cologne | 4h16 | 2:01 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 9:58 AM Cologne | 4h30 | 2:28 PM Apolda | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 10:45 AM Cologne | 4h16 | 3:01 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cologne | 4h16 | 4:01 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 12:45 PM Cologne | 4h16 | 5:01 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 1:45 PM Cologne | 4h43 | 6:28 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 2:45 PM Cologne | 4h16 | 7:01 PM Apolda | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 to Apolda run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €118 but you can travel from only €37 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:29, the last at 14:57. The fastest train covers the 198 miles (320 km) distance in 5h 44m.
Distance 198 miles (320 km) |
Average train duration 5h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price €118 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 5h 44m |
First train 12:29 AM |
Last train 2:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Apolda — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Apolda trip today.
Main local museum on Apolda’s bell founding, knitting, and town history, housed in a restored historic building.
Exhibition venue for changing contemporary art shows in a landmark industrial building known for architecture and culture.
Small permanent display focused on the town’s famous Dobermann heritage, of interest to breed and local history enthusiasts.
Large landscaped public park with ponds, walking paths, and event spaces, popular for relaxed strolls and seasonal flower displays.
Central market square framed by historic buildings, events, and everyday town life; the best starting point for exploring Apolda.
Historic promenade and green walking area offering a pleasant route near the center with mature trees and local charm.
Thuringian Rostbratwurst is a seasoned pork sausage grilled over charcoal. It is one of Thuringia’s best-known foods and a classic street and beer garden staple.
Thuringian potato dumplings are large potato balls served with roasts and gravy. They are a defining side dish of regional Sunday and festive meals.
Rinderroulade is beef rolled with bacon, onion, mustard, and pickles, then braised. It is a traditional hearty dish often served with dumplings and red cabbage.
Established Greek restaurant offering grilled meats, mixed platters, and a friendly casual setting popular with locals.
Casual Italian venue serving pizza, pasta, and simple classics. A dependable town-center option for relaxed dining.
Traditional German restaurant in Apolda known for hearty regional dishes in a relaxed, classic inn atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels, dining, and local transit are usually cheaper than in major cities, but costs are higher than in many smaller Eastern European towns.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, round up or add about 5-10%. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is common.
Official public transport app
Apolda station -> Apolda Markt, Apolda
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Apolda 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 Apolda, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Apolda trains use the Köln/Bonn Flughafen to Apolda station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Apolda train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
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.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Apolda 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 options include: Café Ella, Restaurant "Zum Schlachthof"
Wi-Fi is available at Apolda. ATMs are available at Apolda.
Ticket office support is available at Apolda. Information desks are available at Apolda.
Luggage storage is available at Apolda. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Apolda: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Apolda: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Apolda.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need