The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Bamberg
Cheapest price
$23
Average price
$92
Fastest journey
4 h 39 m
Average duration
5 h 19 m
Trains per day
6
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 $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
Of the 6 trains that leave Cologne for Bamberg on Thu, Jun 04, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 04 the direct trains cover the 303 km distance in an average of 5 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 39 m .
On Thu, Jun 04 the slowest trains will take 5 h 50 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.
11:02 PM7h24Cologne6:26 AMBamberg$231One-way0 transfers
6:42 AM5h50Cologne12:32 PMBamberg$901One-way0 transfers
4:42 AM5h50Cologne10:32 AMBamberg$951One-way0 transfers
9:53 AM5h39Cologne3:32 PMBamberg$971One-way0 transfers
7:53 AM4h39Cologne12:32 PMBamberg$971One-way0 transfers
8:53 AM4h39Cologne1:32 PMBamberg$1471One-way0 transfers
7:53 AM4h39Cologne12:32 PMBamberg$971One-way0 transfers
9:53 AM5h39Cologne3:32 PMBamberg$971One-way0 transfers
4:42 AM5h50Cologne10:32 AMBamberg$951One-way0 transfers
6:42 AM5h50Cologne12:32 PMBamberg$901One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Bamberg
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 prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 42m. 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 $20, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 188 miles (303 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$92 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m 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 $62 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bamberg costing on average $92 (€74).
Other travel options to Bamberg take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 6m.
You'll arrive about 28m sooner (3h 42m by train vs 4h 10m by car). Tickets start at around $92 (€74) compared to roughly $71 (€57) 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.
Live departures
Cologne to Bamberg train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bamberg trains for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 934 · ICE 703 | Delayed 1:49 AM 3:49 AMCologne Hbf | 6h27 | 8:48 AM 8:48 AMBamberg | 3 transfers | |
| Wednesday, June 3 | |||||
![]() | 4:42 AM Cologne | 5h50 | 10:32 AM Bamberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:42 AM Cologne | 5h50 | 12:32 PM Bamberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:53 AM Cologne | 4h39 | 12:32 PM Bamberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:53 AM Cologne | 4h39 | 1:32 PM Bamberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Bamberg 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 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Jun 07
Jun 08
Jun 09
Why should you book Cologne to Bamberg 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Bamberg.
- 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 to Bamberg.
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 to Bamberg.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Bamberg
Trains from Cologne to Bamberg run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) 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 31m.
Distance 188 miles (303 km) |
Average train duration 3h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 12:36 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Bamberg trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Bamberg from $20 (€16). 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Bamberg
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Ludwigstraße.
- Restaurant Kachelofen
- Brauerei Spezial
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Hotel Europa Bamberg
- Best Western Hotel Bamberg
- Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg
- Located in the main hall
- 330 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for regional and long-distance trains
- Bus: Several lines available
- Regional trains to nearby cities
More options for your journey from Cologne to Bamberg
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