- Must visit
Städel Museum
Major German art museum with masterpieces from Old Masters to modernism; a cornerstone stop on Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment.
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$89
Fastest journey
47 m
Average duration
49 m
Trains per day
54
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main will cost around $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 54 trains that leave Cologne for Frankfurt am Main on Sun, Aug 02, 45 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 02 the direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 47 m .
On Sun, Aug 02 the slowest trains will take 54 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 929
ICE 1611
ICE 27
ICE 613
ICE 515
ICE 1013
ICE 915
ICE 1011
ICE 919
ICE 629Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a flight costs an average of $537.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$52 Average price | $16 Average price Cheapest | $727 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 47m Average total duration 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration 3h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Frankfurt am Main:
A bus is $36 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main costing on average $52 (€42).
A bus is $712 (€579) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main costing on average $727 (€592).
Other travel options to Frankfurt am Main take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 17m.
Flight takes on average 3h 17m.
Tickets start at around $52 (€42) compared to roughly $33 (€27) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.52 (€-15.07). The journey takes 2h 17m versus 2h 9m 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 Frankfurt am Main trains for today, Saturday, August 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 617 | Delayed 7:58 PM 9:54 PMCologne Hbf | 0h55 | 10:49 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 617 · IC 2572 | Delayed 7:58 PM 9:54 PMCologne Hbf | 1h22 | 9:34 PM 9:34 PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 319 | Delayed 9:39 PM 10:38 PMCologne Hbf | 1h13 | 10:39 PM 10:39 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 319 | Delayed 9:39 PM 10:38 PMCologne Hbf | 1h29 | 10:53 PM 10:53 PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60403 | 11:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h24 | 2:17 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 619 | On time 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h59 | 12:53 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 619 | On time 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h12 | 1:06 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, August 2 | |||||
ICE 529 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 9:51 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 529 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 9:39 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 103 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 9:49 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 103 · ICE 992 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h23 | 10:17 AM Frankfurt South station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 119 | On time 8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h57 | 9:55 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 119 · ICE 992 | On time 8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h19 | 10:17 AM Frankfurt South station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 121 | On time 9:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h09 | 10:27 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 121 | On time 9:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 10:13 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 915 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h48 | 10:19 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 621 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 10:39 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 621 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 10:51 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 27 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h20 | 12:13 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 515 · S9 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h34 | 11:28 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 10:49 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 217 | On time 9:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h57 | 10:55 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 217 · S9 | On time 9:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h30 | 11:28 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1517 | On time 12:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h16 | 1:34 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 627 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 1:39 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 627 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 1:51 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 107 | On time 12:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 1:49 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 107 · ICE 796 | On time 12:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h23 | 2:17 PM Frankfurt South station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 123 | On time 1:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h09 | 2:27 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 123 | On time 1:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 2:13 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 919 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h49 | 2:19 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 629 | On time 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 2:39 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 629 | On time 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 2:51 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 229 | On time 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h20 | 4:13 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 519 · S9 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h34 | 3:28 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 2:49 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1519 | On time 2:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h16 | 3:34 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 721 | On time 2:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 3:51 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 721 | On time 2:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 3:39 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 109 | On time 2:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 3:49 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 125 | On time 3:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h09 | 4:27 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 125 | On time 3:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 4:13 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1011 | On time 3:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h49 | 4:19 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 723 | On time 3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 4:39 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 723 | On time 3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 4:51 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 927 | On time 3:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h19 | 6:12 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611 | On time 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 4:49 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611 · S9 | On time 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h34 | 5:28 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1611 | On time 4:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h16 | 5:34 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 725 | On time 4:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 5:51 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 725 | On time 4:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 5:39 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 201 | On time 4:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 5:49 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 201 · ICE 792 | On time 4:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h23 | 6:17 PM Frankfurt South station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 127 | On time 5:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 6:13 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 127 | On time 5:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h09 | 6:27 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1013 | On time 5:32 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h47 | 6:19 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 727 | On time 5:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 6:51 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 727 | On time 5:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 6:39 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 929 | On time 5:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h20 | 8:13 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 613 · S9 | On time 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h34 | 7:28 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 613 | On time 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 6:49 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Frankfurt am Main run on average 37 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
There are 31 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 49m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average train duration 2h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Trains per day 37 |
Direct trains 31 |
Fastest train 49m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Frankfurt am Main — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Frankfurt am Main trip today.
Major German art museum with masterpieces from Old Masters to modernism; a cornerstone stop on Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment.
Museum in Goethe’s birthplace presenting the writer’s life, era, and manuscripts; essential for literary and cultural history fans.
Large natural history museum with dinosaur skeletons, biodiversity displays, and strong geology exhibits; excellent for all ages.
Rebuilt old town quarter between Römer and cathedral, blending historic layouts with new architecture; ideal for strolling and photos.
Frankfurt’s riverside museum district and promenade, perfect for walking, major museums, and skyline views across the Main.
Large inner-city palm garden with themed greenhouses and landscaped grounds; a relaxing break from museums and shopping.
Green sauce made with seven fresh herbs, usually served with boiled eggs and potatoes. It is a Frankfurt classic with protected regional status.
Pork sausage lightly smoked and traditionally served hot with potato salad, sauerkraut, or bread. It is one of Frankfurt’s signature sausages.
Pressed and cured pork sausage, often sliced and served cold with bread, mustard, and pickles. It is a staple in Frankfurt cider taverns.
Two Michelin-starred dining with creative modern cuisine, extensive wine pairings, and a formal fine dining experience.
Refined restaurant in the old opera house area, known for modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant dining room.
Historic apple wine tavern in Sachsenhausen known for Apfelwein, green sauce, and classic Frankfurt dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey during trade fairs, but dining and public transport are reasonable for most tourists.
Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is common for cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Frankfurt am Main trains use the Köln Hbf to Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf station pair, with some services arriving at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Frankfurt am Main 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.
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Käfer's, McDonald's, Asia Snack Box
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport.
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) 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, Burger King, Ciao Bella, Coffee Fellows, Crepes de France Express, dean&david, Starbucks, Uddin's Sky Sportsbar, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.
Frankfurt (Main) Süd is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) Süd 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: Merals Imbiss, Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg, Freigut, Holbein's
Wi-Fi is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. Information desks are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Nearby hotels include Hotel am Berg, Leonardo Royal Hotel Frankfurt, Hotel Ritter, Lindner Main Plaza.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need