- Must visit
Old Synagogue Museum
Museum in the former synagogue with the famous Erfurt Treasure. It offers rare insight into medieval Jewish life and heritage.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Erfurt is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Erfurt will cost around €45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €26.
On Sun, Nov 01, we found 4 trains from Cologne to Erfurt, including 4 direct services.
On Sun, Nov 01 the direct trains cover the 286 km distance in an average of 6 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 42 m .
On Sun, Nov 01 the slowest trains will take 7 h 31 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.

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Trains from Cologne to Erfurt run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (286 km) distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 177 miles (286 km) |
Average train duration 4h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Erfurt.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Erfurt trains for today, Saturday, October 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 921 · ICE 378 | Delayed 2:49 AM 3:49 AMCologne Hbf | 5h41 | 9:30 AM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, November 1 | |||||
![]() | 7:14 AM Cologne | 7h31 | 2:45 PM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:45 AM Cologne | 3h42 | 11:27 AM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:35 AM Cologne | 6h32 | 6:07 PM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:35 PM Cologne | 6h32 | 7:07 PM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Erfurt — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Erfurt trip today.
Museum in the former synagogue with the famous Erfurt Treasure. It offers rare insight into medieval Jewish life and heritage.
Major art museum in a former packing warehouse. It presents modern and contemporary exhibitions in one of Erfurt’s most celebrated cultural venues.
City museum tracing Erfurt’s history from medieval trade to modern times. A strong introduction to the city before exploring the old town.
Historic main square with Gothic town hall, colorful houses, and frequent events. It is one of the best places to feel Erfurt’s civic heart.
Historic old-town area of lanes, bridges, and merchant houses. Best explored without a plan, it captures Erfurt’s preserved medieval charm.
Elegant shopping boulevard and tram hub with historic facades. It is ideal for people-watching and understanding the city’s commercial center.
Thuringian grilled sausage, seasoned with marjoram and grilled over charcoal. It is Erfurt's signature street food and a protected regional specialty.
A rustic onion tart with a savory filling of onions, eggs, and cream, often enjoyed in autumn with new wine in Thuringia.
Small potato dumplings, often served with roast dishes and gravy. They are a classic Thuringian side and a staple of local home cooking.
Historic fine dining restaurant in the old town, known for refined Thuringian and German cuisine in an elegant, traditional setting.
Traditional inn near the cathedral, popular for Thuringian classics, local beer, and a warm tavern atmosphere.
Well-known brewery restaurant serving house beer and hearty regional dishes in a lively, historic brewpub setting.
Moderate for Germany: lodging, meals, and transit are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, but pricier than many smaller towns.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common. Tip cafes by rounding up and taxis by rounding up or about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
Erfurt Hbf -> Domplatz, Erfurt
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Erfurt.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Erfurt 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 Erfurt, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Erfurt trains use the Köln Hbf to Erfurt Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Erfurt-Bischleben. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Erfurt 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.
Erfurt 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: Istanbul Grill, McDonald's, Masala, Planet Comics
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Hbf. ATMs are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Hbf. Information desks are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Krämerbrücke, Intercity Hotel, Pension am Dom, Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior.
Erfurt-Bischleben is 5 km from Erfurt city centre. Public transport options include:
Erfurt-Bischleben 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: Zur Schuhleiste, Bachstelze
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. ATMs are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Information desks are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.
Check train stations information for Cologne and Erfurt, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need