- Must visit
Uffizi Galleries
Florence’s premier art museum, famed for Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael. One of Italy’s essential museum visits and often requires advance booking in busy seasons.
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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 $60. 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 $60, and a flight costs an average of $22.
Distance: 534 miles (860 km)
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$340 Average price | $91 Average price Cheapest | $99 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 $91 (€74).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Florence:
A bus is $249 (€203) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Florence costing on average $340 (€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 $22 (€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 $22 (€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 di Firenze
Best known for Michelangelo’s David, this compact but world-famous museum also holds important Florentine paintings and sculpture. Timed entry is commonly advisable.
- Recommended
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Outstanding museum for original sculptures and treasures from Florence Cathedral, including works by Donatello, Ghiberti, and Michelangelo. A superb companion to the Duomo complex.
- Must visit
Piazza del Duomo
The monumental heart of Florence, surrounded by the cathedral, baptistery, and bell tower. Essential for first-time visitors and iconic city views.
- Must visit
Piazza della Signoria
Historic civic square lined with statues and anchored by Palazzo Vecchio. A lively open-air showcase of Florence’s political and artistic heritage.
- Must visit
Piazzale Michelangelo
The city’s most famous viewpoint, especially popular at sunset for sweeping panoramas over Florence. A social-media favorite and classic photo stop.
- Gluten-free
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
A Thick-Cut T-Bone Steak From Chianina Beef, Charcoal-Grilled Rare. It Is Florence’s Signature Dish And A Classic Of Tuscan Cooking.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Ribollita
A Hearty Tuscan Soup Of Bread, Cannellini Beans, Kale, And Vegetables, Traditionally Reboiled The Next Day For Deeper Flavor.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Pappa Al Pomodoro
A Rustic Tomato And Bread Soup With Garlic, Olive Oil, And Basil. It Is A Beloved Florentine Comfort Dish.
Ora D'Aria
A Refined Michelin-Starred Restaurant Offering Creative Tuscan Cuisine In An Elegant Contemporary Setting.
Trattoria Sostanza
An Old-Style Florentine Institution Known For Its Butter Chicken, Artichoke Omelette, And Traditional Tuscan Atmosphere.
Trattoria Mario
Historic, Bustling Trattoria Near Mercato Centrale, Famous For Florentine Classics Such As Bistecca Alla Fiorentina And Ribollita.
Euro
Generally moderate for Italy: museums and central hotels cost more, while casual food and coffee remain fairly affordable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for pizza, panini, or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-40 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.20-3 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or covered by a coperto. Tipping is not required, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes or 5-10% for excellent restaurant service is appreciated.
TABNET
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.70
- Day pass
- EUR 5.00
To the city center
Florence Santa Maria Novella -> Piazza del Duomo, Florence
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Single tickets on Autolinee Toscane are valid for 90 min and can be bought in the TABNET app or at authorized retailers.
- On board buses, contactless bank card payment is available on many vehicles, but not all, so buying before boarding is safer.
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 $22 (€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
Cologne
Florence
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.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- 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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