- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$74
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$190
Fastest journey on Sep 15
11 h 47 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
11 h 53 m
Trains on Sep 15
41
Distance
956 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Budapest will cost around $190 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Budapest without transferring at least 3 times.
ICE 911 · EC 115 · RJX 186 · EC 147
ICE 911 · EC 115 · RJX 186 · EC 147
33609 · ICE 921 · ICE 571 · ICE 267
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+
RJX 67
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+
RJX19977+
EC 149
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631
ICE 913 · ICE 1215 · RJX 19977 · EC 149
ICE 911 · EC 115 · RJX 186 · EC 147
ICE 913 · ICE 1215 · RJX 19977 · EC 149
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+
RJX19977+
EC 149Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $95 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 40m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $95, while a flight costs an average of $491.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$183 Average price | $491 Average price | $95 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 15m Average total duration 11h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 17h 41m Average total duration 17h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Budapest:
A bus is $88 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Budapest costing on average $183 (€149).
A bus is $396 (€321) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Budapest costing on average $491 (€399).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 45m.
Bus takes on average 17h 11m.
Tickets start at around $183 (€149) compared to roughly $38 (€31) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-144.93 (€-117.62). The journey takes 11h 45m versus 11h 43m 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 Budapest trains for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2044 · ICE 519 · RJX 13483 · REX 7638 | Delayed 11:56 AM 12:53 PMCologne Hbf | 18h11 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 6 transfers | |
ICE 629+ R 4929 · R 9919+ REX 6 | 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 17h19 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
ICE 519 · RJX 13483 · REX 7638 · R 9919 | Delayed 12:30 PM 1:54 PMCologne Hbf | 17h10 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 5 transfers | |
ICE 519+ REX 6+ R 4929+ RE5 | Delayed 12:30 PM 1:54 PMCologne Hbf | 17h10 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 5 transfers | |
ICE 651+ EN 40457 | 2:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 17h45 | 8:29 AM Budapest-Nyugati | 1 transfer | |
ICE 921+ RE2+ ICE 511+ RJX 65 | 3:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 15h40 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 5 transfers | |
33609 · ICE 921 · ICE 571 · ICE 267 | 3:56 AM Cologne Hbf | 14h23 | 6:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 5 transfers | |
RB26+ ICE 921 · ICE 571 · ICE 267 | 3:56 AM Cologne Hbf | 15h33 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 6 transfers | |
ICE 911+ EC 115+ RJX 186+ EC 147 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h04 | 5:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 911 · EC 115 · RJX 186 · EC 147 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h04 | 5:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 911 · EC 115 · RJX 186 · EC 147 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h54 | 5:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
ICE 511 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 14h47 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 511+ RJX 65 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 6:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
ICE 511+ RJX 65+ EC 149+ IC 647 | 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h41 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 23 · ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 14h42 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1511 · ICE 117+ RJX19977+ EC 149 | 6:27 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h02 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 513+ RJX 67 · RJX19915+ IC 741 | Delayed 7:33 AM 6:53 AMCologne Hbf | 14h42 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
RE9+ ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | 7:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h13 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
RE9+ ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX19977 | 7:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h07 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | Delayed 5:31 AM 7:30 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 13h05 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX19977+ EC 149 | Delayed 5:31 AM 7:30 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 11h59 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215 · RJX 19977 · EC 149 | On time 7:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h58 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | On time 7:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 13h04 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX19977+ EC 149 | On time 7:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h58 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215 · RJX 19977 · EC 149 | On time 7:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h48 | 7:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
ICE 25 · ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h26 | 9:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
ICE 513 · RJX 67 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
ICE 513+ RJX 67 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
IC 2040 · ICE 515 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h26 | 10:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
ICE 515+ RJX 69+ EC 343+ IC 2040 | Delayed 9:33 AM 8:53 AMCologne Hbf | 14h42 | 11:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
ICE 103 · ICE 119+ RJX19915 | 8:56 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h39 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 119+ RJX19915 | On time 9:00 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h35 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 | On time 9:00 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h35 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631 | On time 9:00 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h19 | 9:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 2 transfers | |
RE9+ ICE 915 · ICE 119+ RJX19915 | 9:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h13 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631 | On time 9:32 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h47 | 9:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 3 transfers | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 | On time 9:32 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h03 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119+ RJX19915 | On time 9:32 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h03 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515+ RJX 69+ EC 341 | Delayed 7:58 AM 9:54 AMCologne Hbf | 12h41 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 27+ RB75+ ICE 211+ RJX 261 | 9:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 14h34 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565+ RJX 69 | 10:00 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h35 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565+ RJX 69 | 10:00 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 13h35 | 11:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 5 transfers | |
ICE 225 · ICE 211+ RJX 261+ IC 747 | 11:20 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h09 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 517+ RJX 261 | 11:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h35 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RE5+ ICE 629+ EC 1219+ Bus 9919 | 1:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 17h33 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 6 transfers | |
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 to Budapest run on average 11 times per day, taking around 11h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 9h 46m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average train duration 11h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 9h 46m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Leading contemporary art museum with strong Hungarian and international shows. Worth visiting for bold exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
National museum covering Hungarian history, archaeology, and statehood. A classic stop for understanding the country beyond Budapest’s landmarks.
UNESCO-listed castle quarter of cobbled streets, courtyards, and viewpoints. Best for atmosphere, heritage walks, and some of Budapest’s finest vistas.
Elegant Andrássy Avenue links the center with Heroes’ Square through palaces and shops. A grand boulevard ideal for walking and historic city views.
Large central park with boating lake, baths, museums, and promenades. A versatile area for families, relaxed walks, and major city attractions.
A rich paprika beef soup with potatoes and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a staple in homes and traditional inns.
Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of onion and paprika, usually served with nokedli. A classic example of deep Hungarian paprika flavor.
River fish soup, often carp-based, cooked with hot paprika. It is especially traditional along the Danube and at festive family meals.
Refined Hungarian dining in a historic building, with updated national classics and strong wine service in a formal atmosphere.
Michelin-starred fine dining with a modern tasting menu rooted in Hungarian ingredients. Stylish, intimate, and one of Budapest’s top tables.
Traditional Hungarian restaurant known for goulash, pörkölt, and live music. Warm, old-style atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Europe: stays and dining are cheaper than in Western capitals, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more. Transit is good value.
About 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis and leave small change or round up at cafes.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti Railway Station -> Deák Ferenc tér
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Budapest trains use the Köln Hbf to Budapest Keleti station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest-Déli. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Budapest 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.
Budapest Keleti is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest Keleti has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rosenstein Restaurant, Huszar Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest Keleti. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest Keleti. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest Keleti: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hungaria City Center, Baross City Hotel, Royal Park Boutique Hotel.
Budapest-Déli is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Déli has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Déli Terasz Söröző, Ibrahim török büfé, Vagon Etterem, Fornetti, Trio pizza, Turkish Döner KEBAB, Déli Mosoly, Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi, Club D One, Lokomotív Falatozó
ATMs are aTM machines are located on the ground floor inside the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35. Information desks are located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
Luggage storage is located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Déli: There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
Nearby hotels include Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Christina Residence Budapest, ibis Budapest Castle Hill.
Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Kelenföld has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need