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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Erfurt
Showing times and prices for Dec 08
Cheapest price
€81
Average price
€99
Fastest journey
3 h 31 m
Average duration
4 h 4 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
286 km
Cheap tickets
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 €99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €81.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Cologne for Erfurt on Mon, Dec 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 08 the direct trains cover the 286 km distance in an average of 4 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 31 m .
On Mon, Dec 08 the slowest trains will take 4 h 33 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.
ICE 27 · ICE 79809:53AM4h33
Cologne Hbf02:26PMErfurt Hbf
€811One-way
1 transfer
IC 215509:19AM5h23
Cologne Hbf02:42PMErfurt Hbf
€901One-way
0 transfers
ICE 815 · ICE 99207:58AM4h28
Cologne Hbf12:26PMErfurt Hbf
€901One-way
1 transfer
ICE 103 · ICE 99208:55AM3h31
Cologne Messe/Deutz12:26PMErfurt Hbf
€921One-way
1 transfer
ICE 11 · ICE 155909:30AM4h08
Cologne Hbf01:38PMErfurt Hbf
€1181One-way
1 transfer
ICE 103 · ICE 99208:55AM3h31
Cologne Messe/Deutz12:26PMErfurt Hbf
€921One-way
1 transfer
ICE 515 · ICE 155909:57AM3h41
Cologne Messe/Deutz01:38PMErfurt Hbf
€1201One-way
1 transfer
ICE 11 · ICE 155909:30AM4h08
Cologne Hbf01:38PMErfurt Hbf
€1181One-way
1 transfer
ICE 815 · ICE 99207:58AM4h28
Cologne Hbf12:26PMErfurt Hbf
€901One-way
1 transfer
ICE 27 · ICE 79809:53AM4h33
Cologne Hbf02:26PMErfurt Hbf
€811One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cologne to Erfurt
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Erfurt among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 12m. 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 €17, and a train costs an average of €28.
Distance: 177 miles (286 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€79 Average price | €31 Average price Cheapest |
4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Erfurt train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Erfurt trains for today, Sunday, December 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 2:08 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:20 AM Cologne | 5h06 | 7:26 AM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:53 AM Cologne | 5h15 | 11:08 AM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:56 AM Cologne | 5h12 | 11:08 AM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:19 AM Cologne | 5h23 | 12:42 PM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:19 PM Cologne | 5h08 | 6:27 PM Erfurt | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Erfurt by bus or train
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.
Mon
Dec 08
Dec 08
Tue
Dec 09
Dec 09
Wed
Dec 10
Dec 10
Thu
Dec 11
Dec 11
Fri
Dec 12
Dec 12
Sat
Dec 13
Dec 13
Sun
Dec 14
Dec 14
Why should you book Cologne to Erfurt trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,RB) as well as Österreichische Bundesbahnen and Intercity offer trains services from Cologne to Erfurt. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Erfurt.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,RB)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,RB), but also compare tickets for the likes of Österreichische Bundesbahnen and Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Erfurt.
- 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 (ICE,IC,RE,RB) with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Erfurt.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,RB) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,RB)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Österreichische Bundesbahnen and Intercity to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cologne to Erfurt.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Erfurt.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Erfurt
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
PriceStress-freeDisadvantages
DelayI travelled to Erfurt with my wife. We travelled there from Cologne for a city trip. Unfortunately, the train arrived significantly late, which is nothing new with Deutsche Bahn. In addition, the guests travelling with us were very loud and exhausting. However, the train itself made a clean and well-kept impression, whether it was the seating areas or the sanitary facilities. The wifi served its purpose, otherwise everything was great.
Advantages
WIFIDisadvantages
PriceI had to travel to Erfurt for work right at the beginning of the year. I was lucky and caught a fairly new train. It was very clean and the seats weren't dirty either. Another positive thing I noticed was that one of the conductors told a young man to take his feet off the seat. That doesn't happen very often. The price was a little higher this time, but still very good. The wifi on board worked well.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Erfurt
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Erfurt run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $22 (€17) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (286 km) distance in 3h 24m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $22 (€17)
Distance 177 miles (286 km) |
Average train duration 4h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 24m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $22 (€17)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Intercity from Cologne to Erfurt trainsDeutsche Bahn, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Erfurt from $22 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€28)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
Intercity
About
Intercity is a widely recognized brand for express train services that connect cities over longer distances, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term "Intercity" originated in the United Kingdom in 1966 with British Rail's electrification of the West Coast Main Line, becoming a brand for their main-line passenger routes. Today, Intercity services vary across Europe, with some countries like Switzerland offering modern, high-standard trains, while in others, they may be older compared to newer high-speed options. Many European countries use "InterCity" as an official brand name for regular, long-distance train services meeting specific speed and comfort criteria. For example, PKP Intercity is a major Polish rail operator connecting cities and tourist resorts within Poland and across Europe. Trenitalia's Intercity trains in Italy offer an affordable and widespread means of rail transport, connecting various cities and towns. These trains typically offer Standard and First Class services, with amenities like power sockets and sometimes catering.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
$105 (€85)
Intercity frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 46m
Österreichische Bundesbahnen frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to 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.
To fully explore Erfurt's historical sites, vibrant culture, and local cuisine, 2 to 3 days are recommended.
The distance by train from Cologne to Erfurt is 177 miles (286 km).
A day trip from Cologne to Erfurt is not feasible as the travel duration is 3h 24m. Trains run 10 times per day.
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Erfurt can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $35 (€28), while the average price is around $98 (€79).
The first train from Cologne to Erfurt leaves at 12:01 AM.
Yes, the train journey from Cologne to Erfurt is scenic, offering views of the picturesque Rhine Valley, rolling hills, and charming German countryside as you travel through the heart of Germany.
The last train from Cologne to Erfurt leaves at 11:57 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Erfurt is by bus, with a cost of around $22 (€17).
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Erfurt.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cologne to Erfurt. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Österreichische Bundesbahnen.
The train from Cologne to Erfurt takes 3h 24m and runs 10 per day.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Erfurt is Cologne Hbf, which connects to Erfurt Hbf.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Erfurt.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Erfurt
Cologne
Erfurt
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Erfurt.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
The major train station for arrivals in Erfurt is Erfurt Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Erfurt Hbf for your journey to Erfurt from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Saturday: 09:30 - 16:30
- Sunday: 09:30 - 16:30
Dining
- Istanbul Grill
- McDonald's
- Masala
- Planet Comics
Hotel
- Hotel Krämerbrücke
- Intercity Hotel
- Pension am Dom
- Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior
Erfurt Nord
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- McDonald's
- Bruzelkiste Tag & Nacht
- Pizzeria Vulcano
- Bagdad Döner
Hotel
- Hotel Lindeneck
- Pension Feldschlößchen
Erfurt Ost
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Bruzelkiste Tag & Nacht
- Gartenlokal An der Lache
More options for your journey from Cologne to Erfurt
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Erfurt and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Erfurt
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