- Must visit
Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen
The city’s signature museum on airship history, design, and technology. Original artifacts and a partial Hindenburg reconstruction make it essential.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$89
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$103
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h 23 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
4 h 59 m
Trains on Sep 20
5
Distance
408 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Friedrichshafen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Friedrichshafen will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Friedrichshafen without transferring at least once.
ICE 2517 · ICE 597 · 4825
ICE 919 · 4223
IC 2044 · ICE 519 · 4811
ICE 229 · ICE 1011 · 4227
ICE 519 · 4811
ICE 919 · 4223
ICE 519 · 4811
ICE 2517 · ICE 597 · 4825
IC 2044 · ICE 519 · 4811
ICE 229 · ICE 1011 · 4227Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Friedrichshafen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $65 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 11m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, while a train costs an average of $127.
Distance: 253 miles (408 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$127 Average price | $65 Average price Cheapest | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 11m Average total duration Fastest 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 4m Average total duration 10h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Friedrichshafen:
A bus is $62 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Friedrichshafen costing on average $127 (€104).
Other travel options to Friedrichshafen take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 34m.
You'll arrive about 1h 23m sooner (4h 41m by train vs 6h 4m by car). Tickets start at around $127 (€104) compared to roughly $93 (€76) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Friedrichshafen trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:54 PM Cologne | 7h19 | 9:13 PM Friedrichshafen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Friedrichshafen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€29) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:21, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 253 miles (408 km) distance in 3h 59m.
Distance 253 miles (408 km) |
Average train duration 4h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€29) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 59m |
First train 3:21 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Friedrichshafen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Friedrichshafen trip today.
The city’s signature museum on airship history, design, and technology. Original artifacts and a partial Hindenburg reconstruction make it essential.
Major aviation museum at the airport with aircraft, simulators, and Dornier engineering history. Ideal for technology and transport enthusiasts.
Compact school museum showing classrooms, teaching tools, and daily education history from past centuries in the region.
Long lakeside promenade for walking, views of the Alps, harbor activity, and sunset. It is the city’s classic public space.
The main harbor area with ferries, excursion boats, and open lake views. A practical and scenic base for exploring the city.
Central square near the waterfront used for markets, events, and everyday city life. A good orientation point in the center.
Cheese-filled pasta pockets from Swabia, often topped with caramelized onions. A regional classic around Lake Constance and a staple in local inns.
Soft egg noodles, usually served with cheese and fried onions or with gravy. One of the most beloved traditional Swabian comfort foods.
Thin pancakes sliced into strips and served in clear beef broth. Common across Swabia and southern Germany as a traditional starter.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining in Hotel Maier, known for refined regional cuisine, polished service, and a calm upscale setting in Fischbach.
Historic brewery tavern serving hearty Swabian dishes and beer in a traditional atmosphere. A reliable choice for regional comfort food.
Popular traditional venue for Swabian classics, local beer, and generous portions in an informal setting suited to both locals and visitors.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels can rise in summer trade fair and lake season; dining is mid-priced, while local buses and regional trains are fairly reasonable.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafes.
Official public transport app
Friedrichshafen Stadt -> Friedrichshafen Stadtbahnhof, Friedrichshafen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Friedrichshafen 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 Friedrichshafen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Friedrichshafen trains use the Köln Hbf to Friedrichshafen Stadt station pair, with some services arriving at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Friedrichshafen 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.
Friedrichshafen Stadt 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: Kochlöffel, Ailinger Hof, Cafe Vinebar Al Porto, Felders
Wi-Fi is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. ATMs are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Ticket office support is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Information desks are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Luggage storage is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Nearby hotels include Stadthotel Kleiner Berg, Select Hotel Goldenes Rad Friedrichshafen, Schwanen, Villa Von Soden.
Friedrichshafen Flughafen is 3 km from Friedrichshafen city centre. Public transport options include:
Friedrichshafen 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: Do-X, Imbiss auf Besucherterrasse, LSC Restaurant, Volare
Wi-Fi is available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. ATMs are available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. Information desks are available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need