- Must visit
Kunstsammlung Gera – Orangerie
Main art museum in a former princely orangery, best known for Otto Dix works and strong regional art exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$96
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
6 h 14 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Gera is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Gera will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cologne for Gera on Tue, Jul 28, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 28 the direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 6 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Tue, Jul 28 the slowest trains will take 6 h 38 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 Gera among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $408.
Distance: 223 miles (360 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$123 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $454 Average price | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration Fastest 5h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 16m Average total duration 5h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg 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 Gera:
A bus is $85 (€85) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Gera costing on average $123 (€123).
A bus is $417 (€417) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Gera costing on average $454 (€454).
Other travel options to Gera take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 16m.
Train takes on average 6h 8m.
Tickets start at around $123 (€123) compared to roughly $66 (€66) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-56.68 (€-56.68). The journey takes 6h 8m versus 4h 51m 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 Gera trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:53 AM Cologne | 6h38 | 1:31 PM Gera | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:29 AM Cologne | 5h25 | 12:54 PM Gera | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:17 AM Cologne | 6h38 | 2:55 PM Gera | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Gera run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€50) but you can travel from only $23 (€23) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 223 miles (360 km) distance in 5h 25m.
Distance 223 miles (360 km) |
Average train duration 6h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€50) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 25m |
First train 3:45 AM |
Last train 11:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Gera — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gera trip today.
Main art museum in a former princely orangery, best known for Otto Dix works and strong regional art exhibitions.
Birthplace of Otto Dix with exhibitions on his life and art; essential for understanding Gera’s most famous cultural figure.
Town museum in a historic merchant building, presenting Gera’s urban history, crafts, and changing daily life.
Large urban park created for the 2007 garden show, popular for walking, events, river scenery, and broad green spaces.
Gera’s central market square with historic buildings, civic architecture, and a lively base for exploring the old town.
Baroque-style garden area beside the orangery, offering formal landscaping and a calm historic setting in central Gera.
Thuringian bratwurst is a coarse pork sausage seasoned with marjoram and grilled over charcoal. It is one of Thuringia’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Gera.
Thuringian potato dumplings are made from raw and cooked potatoes, often served with roast meat and gravy. They are a classic Sunday and festive dish in the region.
Rostbrätel is marinated pork neck, usually grilled with onions. It is a beloved Thuringian beer-garden dish known for its hearty flavor and charcoal aroma.
Established restaurant in Gera known for refined German and regional cuisine in an elegant setting suited to a longer dinner.
Historic restaurant near the market area with classic German fare, seasonal dishes, and a cozy old-town atmosphere.
Traditional-style venue serving hearty German dishes and regional favorites in a relaxed atmosphere popular for casual meals.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major cities, while local transit and everyday costs stay reasonable for most visitors.
Round up small bills in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, tipping about 5-10% is common for good service, usually handed directly to the server.
Official public transport app
Gera Hbf -> Marktplatz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Gera 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 Gera, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Gera trains use the Köln Hbf to Gera Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Gera-Zwötzen. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Gera 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.
Gera Hbf 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: Thessalia, Literaturcafé Schuhschnabel, Oscar Grill & Restaurant, Giardino Italiano
Wi-Fi is available at Gera Hbf. ATMs are available at Gera Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gera Hbf. Information desks are available at Gera Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gera Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gera Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gera Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gera Hbf.
Gera-Zwötzen is 3 km from Gera city centre. Public transport options include:
Gera-Zwötzen 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: Zierde, Finca, Burger King, Grillstation1
Wi-Fi is available at Gera-Zwötzen. ATMs are available at Gera-Zwötzen.
Ticket office support is available at Gera-Zwötzen. Information desks are available at Gera-Zwötzen.
Luggage storage is available at Gera-Zwötzen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gera-Zwötzen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gera-Zwötzen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gera-Zwötzen.
Bahnhof Gera-Süd is 1 km from Gera city centre. Public transport options include:
Bahnhof Gera-Süd 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: Literaturcafé Schuhschnabel, Irodion, Domino's, Cafe Bachgasse
Wi-Fi is available at Bahnhof Gera-Süd. ATMs are available at Bahnhof Gera-Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Bahnhof Gera-Süd. Information desks are available at Bahnhof Gera-Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Bahnhof Gera-Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bahnhof Gera-Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bahnhof Gera-Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bahnhof Gera-Süd.
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