- Must visit
Uffizi Gallery
World-famous gallery with Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo. Essential for understanding Renaissance painting and one of Florence’s top visits.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Cologne to Florence
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Florence among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $18.
Distance: 534 miles (860 km)
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$277 Average price | $74 Average price Cheapest | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 54m Average total duration 17h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.6 - 5.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular airline |  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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Florence is a bus with an average price of $74 (€74).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Florence:
A bus is $203 (€203) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Florence costing on average $277 (€277).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Florence is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 18m.
Other travel options to Florence take longer:
Bus takes on average 17h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Florence including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Florence among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Florence by bus or flight
Compare 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Florence
Germany
Italy
Take a train from Cologne to Florence and enjoy the approximately 534 miles (860 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 22:00.
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
Flight from $18 (€18)
Distance 534 miles (860 km) |
Trains per day 2 |
First train 12:40 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
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
Flight from $18 (€18)
Complete guide to Florence
Things to do in Florence
Discover the best of Florence — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Florence trip today.
- Must visit
Galleria dell'Accademia
Houses Michelangelo’s David alongside major Renaissance sculptures. A must for first-time visitors interested in Florence’s artistic legacy.
- Recommended
Museo di San Marco
Monastic museum with Fra Angelico frescoes and tranquil cells. Ideal for experiencing spiritual art in one of Florence’s most atmospheric spaces.
- Must visit
Piazza della Signoria
Florence’s monumental main square, framed by civic buildings and sculpture. A must for first impressions, history, and lively urban atmosphere.
- Must visit
Piazza del Duomo
The cathedral square is Florence’s ceremonial heart, surrounded by the Duomo, Baptistery, and bell tower. Essential for architecture lovers.
- Must visit
Piazzale Michelangelo
Riverside viewpoint with one of Florence’s classic panoramas. Best at sunset for sweeping views over the Arno, domes, and historic center.
- Gluten-free
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
Thick Florentine T-bone steak from Chianina beef, grilled rare over coals. It is the city's signature celebratory dish and a classic of Tuscan cuisine.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Ribollita
A rustic Tuscan bread soup with black cabbage, cannellini beans, vegetables, and olive oil. A beloved frugal dish rooted in Florentine home cooking.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Pappa Al Pomodoro
A thick soup of bread, tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil, served warm or at room temperature. It celebrates simple Tuscan ingredients and stale bread.
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Three-Michelin-star fine dining by Enoteca Pinchiorri, known for refined Italian cuisine and an exceptional wine cellar. Elegant and formal.
I Trippai di San Frediano
Legendary casual stop for Lampredotto sandwiches and other tripe specialties. Simple, authentic street food experience in central Florence.
Trattoria da Burde
Historic steakhouse famed for Bistecca Alla Fiorentina and classic Tuscan dishes. Traditional, bustling atmosphere near Santa Croce.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy: hotels in the center are pricier, but dining and transit are reasonable versus Rome or Venice.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for pizza, panini, or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.20-2.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafés, 5-10% for great restaurant service, and round up taxi fares.
TABNET
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.70
- Day pass
- €5.50
To the city center
Firenze Santa Maria Novella -> Piazza del Duomo, Florence
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on Autolinee Toscane buses and trams; you can also buy tickets in the TABNET app.
- Validate paper tickets when boarding. Urban tickets in Florence are time-limited and allow transfers within validity.
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Florence
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Florence 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 Florence, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The first train from Cologne to Florence leaves at 12:40 AM.
The distance by train from Cologne to Florence is 534 miles (860 km).
The last train from Cologne to Florence leaves at 10:00 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Florence.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Florence is by flight, with a cost of around $18 (€18).
The train journey from Cologne to Florence offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the Rhine Valley with its vineyards and castles, and continues through the picturesque Swiss Alps, providing stunning natural landscapes.
In Florence, you can climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of the city's skyline, visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David, and take a cooking class to master traditional Tuscan dishes. Enjoy a wine tasting tour in the Chianti region and explore the vibrant San Lorenzo Market. Don't miss the iconic Florence Cathedral with its stunning dome, the Uffizi Gallery for masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo, and Ponte Vecchio for its historic charm. Visit Palazzo Vecchio, a medieval fortress-palace, and the elegant Boboli Gardens behind Pitti Palace.
To fully experience Florence, plan for at least 3 to 4 days to explore its rich history, art, and architecture, including must-sees like the Uffizi Gallery, Florence Cathedral, and Ponte Vecchio.
No, you cannot take the train from Cologne to Florence.
Since both Cologne and Florence are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Florence include Pisa, Bologna, Siena, Lucca, Livorno.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Florence among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Florence, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, popular landmarks, and markets. Common scams include fake charity collectors, overpriced taxi rides without meters, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to stay vigilant, keep personal belongings secure, and use official transportation services to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Florence
Most Cologne to Florence trains use the Köln Hbf to station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Florence train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Florence
Which Cologne station do trains to Florence leave from?
Trains from Cologne to Florence leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRb26 · 16m · $7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · $5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · $5 · every ~14 min
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 Köln
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRb26 · 12m · $3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · $2 · every ~52 min
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Florence
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Florence and Cologne
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