- Recommended
Staatsgalerie in der Neuen Residenz
Art and history collections in the New Residence, including galleries and lavish princely rooms on Cathedral Square.
Cheapest price on Sep 01
$104
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$123
Fastest journey on Sep 01
3 h 34 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
5 h 27 m
Trains on Sep 01
4
Distance
303 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Bamberg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bamberg will cost around $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.
On Tue, Sep 01, we found 4 trains from Cologne to Bamberg, including 4 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 01 the direct trains cover the 303 km distance in an average of 5 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 34 m .
On Tue, Sep 01 the slowest trains will take 7 h 57 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bamberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $39 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 18m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, while a train costs an average of $133.
Distance: 188 miles (303 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$133 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Bamberg:
A bus is $94 (€76) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bamberg costing on average $133 (€108).
Other travel options to Bamberg take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 42m.
You'll arrive about 22m sooner (3h 48m by train vs 4h 10m by car). Tickets start at around $133 (€108) compared to roughly $71 (€58) 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.
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 to Bamberg trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:53 AM Cologne | 4h39 | 11:32 AM Bamberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:58 AM Cologne | 3h34 | 11:32 AM Bamberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:53 AM Cologne | 5h39 | 3:32 PM Bamberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne to Bamberg run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:36, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 188 miles (303 km) distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 188 miles (303 km) |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 12:36 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Bamberg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bamberg trip today.
Art and history collections in the New Residence, including galleries and lavish princely rooms on Cathedral Square.
Museum inside the Alte Hofhaltung presenting Bamberg's cultural history from prehistory to the Baroque period.
Collection dedicated to writer E. T. A. Hoffmann, exploring his life, works, and Bamberg years in a compact house museum.
Bamberg's famous riverside of old fishermen's houses; one of the city's most photographed and atmospheric walks.
The cathedral district on the hill, packed with major monuments, courtyards, and classic views over Bamberg.
Scenic rose garden behind the New Residence with benches, flowers, and one of Bamberg's best panoramic viewpoints.
Smoked lager from Bamberg, traditionally kilned over beechwood. It is the city’s signature drink and tastes distinctly smoky yet balanced.
Onion stuffed with minced pork, bacon, and bread, then braised in beer sauce. A Franconian inn classic strongly associated with Bamberg.
Potato dumplings, often served with roast meats and gravy. They are a staple across Franconia and common on traditional Bamberg menus.
Well-known brewery inn serving smoked beer and classic regional fare. Rustic rooms and a strong local reputation.
Historic brewery tavern famed for Rauchbier and hearty Franconian dishes. Lively, traditional atmosphere in Bamberg’s old town.
Traditional Franconian restaurant by the river, known for polished regional cooking and a more refined old-town setting.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are below Munich, but tourist areas raise prices. Transit is reasonable, and many sights are walkable.
Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is normal.
Official public transport app
Bamberg Bahnhof -> ZOB Bamberg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bamberg 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 Bamberg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Bamberg trains use the Köln Hbf to Bamberg station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bamberg 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.
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.
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.
Bamberg has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Kachelofen, Brauerei Spezial
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bamberg. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bamberg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bamberg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bamberg: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bamberg: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Europa Bamberg, Best Western Hotel Bamberg, Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need