- Recommended
Werdenfels Museum
Main local history museum showcasing Werdenfels traditions, painted furniture, costumes, and regional folk culture.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$111
Fastest journey
6 h 1 m
Average duration
6 h 42 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
487 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Garmisch-Partenkirchen will cost around $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cologne for Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Thu, Jul 30, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct trains cover the 487 km distance in an average of 6 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 1 m .
On Thu, Jul 30 the slowest trains will take 7 h 2 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Garmisch-Partenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $36.
Distance: 302 miles (487 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$97 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $138 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 7m Average total duration 8h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen:
A bus is $55 (€55) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Garmisch-Partenkirchen costing on average $97 (€97).
A bus is $96 (€96) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Garmisch-Partenkirchen costing on average $138 (€138).
Other travel options to Garmisch-Partenkirchen take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 55m.
Bus takes on average 8h 37m.
You'll arrive about 51m sooner (5h 55m by train vs 6h 46m by car). Tickets start at around $97 (€97) compared to roughly $93 (€93) 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.
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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen trains for today, Wednesday, July 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2040 · ICE 515 · 59451 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h02 | 3:55 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593 · 5423 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h01 | 2:55 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · 59451 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h01 | 3:55 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2013 · ICE 517 · 5431 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h02 | 5:55 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 105 · ICE 2585 · 5429 | On time 10:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h01 | 4:55 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 2 transfers |
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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€31) but you can travel from only $29 (€29) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 302 miles (487 km) distance in 6h 1m.
Distance 302 miles (487 km) |
Average train duration 5h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€31) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 6h 1m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Garmisch-Partenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Garmisch-Partenkirchen trip today.
Main local history museum showcasing Werdenfels traditions, painted furniture, costumes, and regional folk culture.
Museum in composer Richard Strauss’s former villa, presenting his life, work, and musical legacy in a personal setting.
Local heritage exhibition focused on farming, crafts, and alpine life in the mountain village of Wamberg.
Dramatic gorge walk with tunnels and waterfalls, one of Bavaria’s most iconic natural sights and a top local experience.
Germany’s highest mountain area with summit views, glacier scenery, and cable car access for unforgettable alpine panoramas.
Blue mountain lake beneath steep cliffs, prized for scenic walks, photography, and a quieter alternative to busier sights.
White veal sausages traditionally eaten before noon with sweet mustard and pretzels. A Bavarian classic closely tied to local beer hall culture.
Slow-roasted pork knuckle with crisp skin, often served with potato dumplings and gravy. A hearty Alpine-Bavarian specialty popular in local inns.
Pan-fried dumplings made from day-old bread, milk, and herbs. Common across Upper Bavaria and often served with mushroom sauce or roast dishes.
Refined dining destination focused on seasonal Alpine ingredients and elegant presentation. A strong choice for a higher-end meal in town.
Historic traditional restaurant serving Bavarian classics in a warm timbered setting. Known for regional dishes and an atmospheric beer hall feel.
Popular casual spot for Bavarian fare, grilled meats, and beer in a relaxed lodge-like setting. Well suited for a hearty post-hike meal.
Moderate for Bavaria: lodging rises in ski and summer peaks, but dining and local transit are manageable versus major Alpine resorts.
Service is included, but rounding up is standard. Tip restaurants about 5-10%, cafes by rounding up, and taxis by rounding to the next euro or about 5-10%.
Official public transport app
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Bahnhof -> Marienplatz, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Garmisch-Partenkirchen 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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Garmisch-Partenkirchen trains use the Köln Hbf to Garmisch-Partenkirchen station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Garmisch-Partenkirchen 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.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen 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: Subway, Hubertus, Sausalitos, Ritzmann's Zugspitzstube
Wi-Fi is available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. ATMs are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Ticket office support is available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Information desks are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Luggage storage is available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Biohotel Garmischer Hof, Die Werdenfelserei, Roter Hahn.
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