- Must visit
Richard Wagner Museum
Museum in Wagner’s former home explores his life, works, and Bayreuth’s festival legacy. Essential for understanding the city’s musical identity.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$91
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$139
Fastest journey on Sep 17
6 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
6 h 45 m
Trains on Sep 17
3
Distance
346 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Bayreuth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bayreuth will cost around $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 3 trains from Cologne to Bayreuth, including 3 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 346 km distance in an average of 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 7 h 20 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bayreuth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 24m. 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 $42, while a train costs an average of $135.
Distance: 214 miles (346 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$135 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 24m Average total duration Fastest 4h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.9kg 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 Bayreuth:
A bus is $92 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bayreuth costing on average $135.
Other travel options to Bayreuth take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 41m.
Tickets start at around $135 compared to roughly $79 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-55.36. The journey takes 4h 54m versus 4h 49m 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 Bayreuth trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:42 AM Cologne | 7h20 | 3:02 PM Bayreuth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:18 AM Cologne | 6h44 | 4:02 PM Bayreuth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:53 PM Cologne | 6h10 | 7:03 PM Bayreuth | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Bayreuth run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 but you can travel from only $27 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 214 miles (346 km) distance in 4h 22m.
Distance 214 miles (346 km) |
Average train duration 4h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 4h 22m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Bayreuth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bayreuth trip today.
Museum in Wagner’s former home explores his life, works, and Bayreuth’s festival legacy. Essential for understanding the city’s musical identity.
UNESCO opera house museum with displays on court opera and stagecraft. Best paired with the historic auditorium visit.
Art museum focused on modern and contemporary works, especially printmaking and posters. A strong choice for visitors wanting culture beyond Wagner.
Extensive landscaped park with canals, grottoes, fountains, and pavilions. It is one of Bayreuth’s most beautiful walking areas.
Elegant pedestrian avenue lined with shops and historic facades. It connects major sights and is the main street for exploring central Bayreuth.
Central square framed by historic buildings, fountains, and cafés nearby. It is a practical base for orientation and people-watching.
Bratwurst from Franconia, often grilled and served with sauerkraut or potato salad. A staple of local beer gardens and taverns across Bayreuth.
Thinly sliced beef in a sharp vinegar marinade with onions and spices. A classic Franconian cold dish popular in traditional inns.
Pork shoulder slow-roasted until tender, usually served with dark beer gravy and potato dumplings. A defining Sunday meal in Franconia.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining in a refined setting, known for creative regional cuisine and polished service at the Waldhotel.
Traditional Franconian brewery tavern serving local beer, sausages, roasts, and hearty classics in a historic and lively atmosphere.
Well-known beer-focused venue beside Bayreuth's brewing complex, popular for Franconian dishes, craft beer, and a modern casual setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels rise in festival season, but dining and local transit are reasonable for most visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Bayreuth Hbf -> Marktplatz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bayreuth 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 Bayreuth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Bayreuth trains use the Köln Hbf to Bayreuth Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Bayreuth-St Georgen. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bayreuth 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/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 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.
Bayreuth 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: Ponte Central, Inges Café, Poseidon, Cô Chính
Wi-Fi is available at Bayreuth Hbf. ATMs are available at Bayreuth Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Bayreuth Hbf. Information desks are available at Bayreuth Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Bayreuth Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bayreuth Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bayreuth Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bayreuth Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Poseidon, Bayerischer Hof, B&B Hotel, Hotel Weihenstephan.
Bayreuth-St Georgen is 1 km from Bayreuth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bayreuth-St Georgen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bayreuth-St Georgen.
ATMs are available at Bayreuth-St Georgen.
Available at Bayreuth-St Georgen: Parking, WC.
Available at Bayreuth-St Georgen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bayreuth-St Georgen.
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